The second part of the Understanding Interior Space course of the M.Arch. Master of Architecture 2023–24 was dedicated extensively to research. The main objective of this segment was for the students to gain a deeper understanding of the complex urban, architectural, historical, and social fabric of the Ħal Far Tent Village (HTV), enabling them to shape a holistic and collective vision of the open centre before stepping into the subsequent design segment of the course.

The students were split into six different teams and assigned a specific theme to explore further. Each team worked independently whilst embracing a collaborative spirit, ultimately presenting their findings as a unified and shared guidance document for the redevelopment of HTV.

1. The DRAWINGS group focused on the site itself, mapping and understanding the existing urban layout of HTV producing drawings and diagrams of the prefabricated housing units within their context.

2. ANALYSIS AND PHSIOGNOMY studied the site in its wider context, exploring the conditions that led to the creation and evolution of HTV.

3. STORIES AND EXPERIENCES looked to piece together accounts and experiences of migrants at HTV and used AI technology to extract stories reported in the press with a more balanced perspective.

4. BACKSTORY AND TESTIMONIALS traced the journey of migrants landing in Europe, discovering the various traumatic and difficult routes that refugees take through stories reported online and in the media.

5. DESIGN STANDARDS researched and identified the internationally recognised standards recommended by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in relation to the design of temporary housing for migrants.

6. PROJECT BRIEF reimagined the traditional Maltese village framework and aimed to adapt it to an urban framework for asylum seekers within HTV.

All images shared were prepared by the following students from the Faculty for the Built Environment at the University of Malta: Davida Dimech, Isaiah Riolo, Craig Matthew Sullivan, Marie Claire Vella, Craig Bonello, Francesca Cremona, Julia Frendo, Jully Torres, Matteo Grima, Rachel Grech Flores, Andrea Azzopardi, Andrew Catania, Isabella Marmorato, Celine Psaila, Jasmine Pulis, Elenia Borg, Angelika Nowok, Ryan Debono, Federica Formosa, Isaac Briffa, Millison Zarb, Renoy George, Sean Valentino¸ Daniel Sammut, Rebekah Grixti, Mattea Platania, Karl Farrugia, Maurizio Schembri