The Piazza in Mosta has been subject to an ongoing planning process due to it's problems related to traffic congestion, parking and an overall clash between a diverse mix of uses. Adding to this, the Piazza has been suffering to a great loss of identity and has deviated alot from how it originally started. It is undeniable that Mosta has become a node which bypasses movement across the island.
The aim of the project is to rethink the area around the Church in terms of it's contribution as part of a dynamic whole dictated by a transport system, anthropology of the urban space, historical context and more. The proposal focuses on providing a strategy which will reorder Mosta from outside and providing a space which will regain it's identity from it's core.
SITE LOCATION
SITE ANALYSIS
VISUALS
Potential view from the extended piazza across the road which links the whole space together.
The Piazza is characterised by the active commercial activity which gives it life and identity. Thus, the aim of the design is to mantain and sustain this characteristic. By providing a space infront of each shop, the aim is to give the opportunity to owners to expand their businesses outside which will attract more customers. In the case they decline the offer, the space can transform into a seating area by opening the bench designed specifically for this case.
The proposed design of the parking area, located at the back of the Church, does not simply focus on providing sufficient parking spaces but also to give the residents a space which still embodies the characteristics of a garden. The area is surrounded by trees which provide shelter and is located at street level, detaching it from the surrounding elevated recreational area.
A major point that dictated the design of the space is the firework exhibition which is held annually during local feast . Thus, it was ensured that sufficient space will be provided for the activity to take place, keeping in mind the security measures that it entails. Furthermore, any furniture that is introduced in the space, is designed to be 'adjusted' and clear the space entirely.
REPRESENTATION OF THE PIAZZA IN IT'S CURRENT STATE
REPRESENTATION OF THE PIAZZA IN THE PROPOSED STATE
