Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/643092
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2016 39 Environment JORG SICOT WILD scenario. Imagine find- ing a suitable plot of land in the heart of Swieqi, and building on that a perfect replica of Castille. Somehow wrong, actually fully unacceptable and equally inap- propriate. Unfortunately in past years, much the same scenario has taken place in most villages and towns in Malta: a uniform streetscape with harmonious buildings was suddenly inter- rupted by a "new" addition which bears no relationship to the rest of the existing urban context. A harmonious old streetscape scarred by a new block of flats. What is the difference to the first scenario pictured? None really, just reversed imagery. Of late, there is hope for course correction in the long term. With the publication of MEPA's Development Control Design Policy, Guidance and Standards 2015, a brave move in the right direction to establish a positive Urban Design development has been made. Where once plan- ners and authorities would look only at a proposed development as though it were standing alone in a streetscape, we now have a refreshing approach where plan- ners need to prove that their pro- posal will add aesthetic value to the streetscape. The onus is on them to prove that their proposal compliments the existing urban surroundings. And the authority would need to be convinced that the proposal does not disturb the context in which it is to be built. The core message of the DC2015 is to foster and promote good design in the built environ- ment, which up until now had of- ten been lacking in the planning process. Even the most innova- tive and exciting piece of design can only be successful in its sur- rounding context into which it is planned. With that in mind, the aims of the new Development Control Design Policy, Guidance and Standards 2015 are a quantum leap forward, at ensuring that fu- ture developments do not disrupt existing streets and suburbs, but increase their attractive charac- ter. Good design becomes the benchmark of all developments. The policy also promotes the creation of spaces which are not built up. Green areas, parks and outdoor areas are equally as im- portant in architecture, as are well designed and attractive internal spaces. Granted, with restricted plot sizes, this will certainly prove a challenge at planning stage. But the call to create such spaces dur- ing the planning stage is to be applauded. Our own experienc- es, underlined by various stud- ies, have shown that an outdoor space for recreational purposes is very important for a balanced lifestyle. And logically it follows that spaces which are not to be built up, are planned into devel- opments as well. To recieve am- ple vegetation, to allow the user to enjoy these little green lungs. Whilst it can be argued that much of the terminology within this new policy is a little vague, thereby opening the door to in- tepretations which the authors had not intended yet cannot be disproven, those same vague definitions also allow planners to remain creative and innovative. New technologies and materials are changing the way we build constantly, and such changes should also remain acceptable in the new policy. New sustainable forms of generating electricity and warm water are the obvious examples. Having this policy set paramaters about where to place these technologies and screening them off from direct view, there- by ensuring that skylines are not marred, allows future develop- ments to create a pleasing sym- biosis with existing urban fabrics. Jorg Sicot is a committee mem- ber at Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar The branched asphodel is a common wild plant that grows in – and sometimes dominates – various habitats, including garrigue, steppe, abandoned fields and country roadsides. It can eke a living from even the poorest soil but as long as there is open unshaded space, the asphodel is a happy bunny. The plant stands out aesthetically but also literally as it can grow to 1.5m or more. It grows from a base of long, narrow, grey-green leaves and the flowers open in tapering clusters (spikes, in botanyspeak) around a few tall, branching stalks. The flowers are white with a brown stripe on each of their six petals. Like most plants in our part of the world, the asphodel (M. berwieq) flowers in spring, after which it seeds and withers away, leaves and all. Well not quite all, because this is one of those plants that spend part of the year underground, as a tuber. Then the rainy season comes (that is, unless it forgets, as it did this year) and they sprout again, to wow us again. GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 397: HTTP://WWW.FOEMALTA.ORG/LINKS/R2N Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate Text and photo Victor Falzon 494. BRANCHED ASPHODEL A brave move in the right direction to establish a positive Urban Design development has been made Good urban design – a fresh approach