Past, Present, Piazza: Imagining Better Public Spaces in Malta

Public spaces are at the heart of everyday life, and in Malta they hold a special place in our shared history. Past, Present, Piazza is a hands-on activity that invites people to reflect on how these spaces, such as Triton Square, have changed over time. It gives participants the chance to decide whether to keep, improve, or change these spaces while considering the needs of different members of the community. It offers a playful yet thoughtful way to explore how past planning decisions shape the way we live today and how we can imagine more inclusive futures.

This activity will take place on Saturday 27 September from 6pm. It is organised by The Malta Sociological Association in collaboration with the Department of Sociology within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Malta. You can experience it during Science in the City, Malta’s science and arts festival.

What is this activity about?
The goal is to encourage people to think critically and creatively about how Malta’s public spaces have evolved and how they can serve everyone more effectively in the present.

Why use Keep, Improve, Change?
These three choices make it easier for participants to explore possibilities for evolving a space without starting from zero. The framework invites care, creativity, and constructive critique by allowing people to express what works, what could be better, and what might need a complete transformation.

Who can take part?
The activity is open to everyone. Children, teenagers, adults, and older people are all encouraged to share their experiences of public spaces and to imagine how they would reshape them if given the chance.

What makes this activity sociological?
It encourages reflection on how different social groups use and value space in unique ways. By doing so, it raises important questions about justice, accessibility, and collective memory. It highlights how space is not just physical but deeply social, shaped by the interactions and needs of the people who inhabit it.

An example: Triton Square
One of the spaces explored through this activity is Triton Square. Once a chaotic bus terminal, it has been redesigned into a pedestrian-friendly plaza that now serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Today, it even provides the setting for Science in the City, showing how thoughtful redesign can create spaces that support cultural and social life.

Past, Present, Piazza offers a way for communities to connect with their shared environment while imagining how to build a better future together.

Find out more about Science in the City:

Eventbrite profile: www.eventbrite.com.

Facebook: Science in the City, Malta 

TikTok: @scienceinthecitymalta

LinkedIn: Science in the City Malta

Youtube: scienceinthecitymalta

Instagram: scicitymalta

Website: scienceinthecity 

The Role of Community-Based Organisations

 On Tuesday, 2 September 2025, the second meeting of the MSA Sociology Club was convened, focusing on the theme of community-based organisations and their crucial role in society. The session proved to be both engaging and insightful, drawing on the experiences and perspectives of representatives from various organisations within the locality of Ħal Qormi.

Central to the discussion were the notions of “Sense of Place” and “Sense of Belonging,” concepts that underscore how community-based organisations contribute to the social fabric by fostering identity, cohesion, and local pride. Participants also reflected on the transversal skills that such organisations nurture, including leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving, all of which are invaluable for both personal and community development.

The importance of voluntary work was strongly emphasised, with speakers highlighting its transformative power in strengthening social ties and supporting collective wellbeing. At the same time, the conversation shed light on the challenges and difficulties faced by these organisations, from resource limitations to sustaining active participation in an increasingly demanding environment.

This session not only deepened understanding of the role of community-based organisations but also reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and shared learning.

The Sociology Club extends its gratitude to all participants and looks forward to building on these conversations in future meetings. Stay tuned for our next event.

 

                                       

The MSA's Contribution to the Public Consultation on the Update to Malta's Marine Strategy

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation on the update to Malta’s marine strategy, pursuant to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC (MSFD). The MSA strongly recommends incorporating social impact assessments to evaluate and monitor the relationship between the marine environment and social life, including the social impact on fisheries, coastal communities, tourism, and leisure activities, among others.

The International Association for Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”. An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

MSA's Position to the Public Consultation on the Holistic Planning Reform

 The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation on the holistic planning reform. The MSA appeals for the incorporation of social impact assessments in the reform. The International Association for Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”. An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not
be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

MSA's Contribution to the Public Consultation for Malta Vision 2050

 The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) notes the public consultation on the Malta Vision 2050. The MSA strongly recommends the mainstreaming and adoption of social impact assessments as part of the Vision 2050. The International Association for Impact Assessment defines SIA as being “the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions”. An SIA is an interdisciplinary process, and should employ various methods, both quantitative and qualitative. Social impact assessments should not be one-off exercises, but ongoing processes which engage with various stakeholders and which report back so as to ensure effective policy processes.

Malta Sociological Association Becomes Full Member of the European Sociological Association

The Malta Sociological Association (MSA) is pleased to announce that it has been formally accepted as a full member of the European Sociological Association (ESA). This development marks a significant milestone in the Association’s ongoing efforts to promote sociological scholarship, collaboration, and dialogue at both the national and international levels.

Membership in the ESA will enable the MSA to strengthen its engagement with a wide network of sociologists across Europe, fostering opportunities for research partnerships, knowledge exchange, and participation in key sociological debates. It will also allow the Association to contribute more actively to the advancement of sociology as a discipline within the European context.

The MSA views this achievement as an important step in its mission to support the sociological community in Malta, encourage critical inquiry, and facilitate cross-border academic collaboration. The Association looks forward to working closely with the ESA and its members in the years ahead.

For more information about the Malta Sociological Association and its initiatives, please visit our website.

MSA Sociology Club Hosts Second Event on the Role of Community-Based Organisations

The MSA Sociology Club is pleased to announce its second event, titled "The Role of Community-Based Organisations", which will take place on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, at 7:00 PM at Każin Pinto San Sebastjan, Ħal Qormi.

This event will focus on the important role that community-based organisations play in fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening social connections within localities. Through their initiatives, such organisations contribute significantly to building cohesive, resilient, and supportive communities.

The discussion will feature guest speakers from local community organisations, who will share their experiences, challenges, and achievements in the field. Their insights will provide a deeper understanding of the social impact such groups have and how they can be further supported and empowered.

Following the discussion, attendees are invited to remain for an informal networking session at the bar. This will offer participants an opportunity to continue the conversation in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Attendance is free of charge , but please register to secure your place.
Registration link: https://forms.gle/eSufn5Zb6wKsauHE9

The MSA Sociology Club welcomes all members of the public to participate in this event, whether they are actively involved in community work or simply interested in learning more ab
out the subject.