Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1173510
03.10.19 14 TOWNSCAPES GOOD, traditional craftsmen have been handed their skills through generations, from their fathers and grandfathers and in some cases through skills acquired from North African carpenters. In most cases, the manufacture of a good quality balcony will take long hours of hard work ensuring that all the parts are of good quality in terms of aes- thetics and functionality. e use of traditional materials, apart from being one of the main require- ments, also ensures the survival of such a noble craft. Timber has been used for centuries and we still have surviving examples that are testament to the enduring qual- ities of natural materials. e incorrect notion that timber does not last is simply a recent and conven- ient excuse that removes the need for top quality traditional craftsmanship. is situation is compounded by retir- ing carpenters that cannot pass on their skills since their children are not inter- ested in carpentry. ere is also a lack of availability of a skilled workforce that is adequately trained in traditional methods. It is a sad situation knowing that un- less serious, focused and holistic action is taken, so much can be lost. And when talking in terms of cultural heritage, once it is gone, it is gone for- ever. is article is specifically concerned with the traditional closed timber bal- cony. is frequently occurring element within the traditional Maltese urban and built landscape has fascinated most while alienated others because of the contempt it created through familiarity and repetition. However, no one can dispute that it significantly contributes towards a lo- cal sense of identity through its aes- thetic distinctiveness, that it is an im- portant element within the traditional streetscape, that it illustrates a strong association to past customs and cul- tural practices, and it is an important landmark in portraying the traditional craftsmanship that is steeped in histo- ry. According to internationally estab- lished principles of conservation, de- sign and proportions, material, finish and craftsmanship are the five elements that one should take into consideration when undertaking maintenance or res- toration works. e design of the lower part of the traditional closed timber balcony illus- trates the period in which it was built, and thus such a design is to be retained. is is the easiest part. Ensuring the use of traditional materials and crafts- manship is more difficult. e Planning Authority is fast ap- proaching another important milestone in cultural heritage management. In 2021, it will be 25 years since the launch of its first grant scheme. is scheme was a ground-breaking exercise since for the first time the au- thority acknowledged the importance of makings funds available to safeguard our common heritage. Almost 25 years, millions of euros and hundreds of beneficiaries later, the basic objectives of the grant schemes seem to have been attained. e fact that the funds made availa- ble for the last couple of grant schemes were completely taken up within a few hours, is testament to the need of such grants schemes since they provide im- portant financial help. What about the quality of the work? is is where the authority needs to fo- cus its resources on. Saving the traditional closed timber balcony