Valletta, 28th September – "I want to live close to the sea, with plenty of space and greenery close by." This was one of the many voices heard at the Malta Sociological Association’s (MSA) interactive stand, held in collaboration with the University of Malta during Science in the City, where children participated in designing their ideal village by the sea in Malta.
Participants, mostly children, were invited to construct their ideal coastal community using building models on a table stand. The flexible setup included models representing key community structures like houses, places of worship, health centres, schools, residential areas, shops, supermarkets, hotels, and more. The activity allowed participants to express their vision of what an ideal living space in Malta would look like.
Some of the comments shared by the children during the activity included:
- “We don’t need another supermarket.”
- “I would encourage people to use bicycles as a method of transport.”
- “In front of the sea, floors should be recessed so more people can enjoy the Seaview.”
Facilitated by sociologists from the MSA, the activity
was a platform for exploring the ideas behind the children’s decisions, while emphasising the importance of conducting a social impact assessment at the early stages of any project. Such assessments ensure that new developments foster a sense of belonging and meet the needs of the communities that will use them.
The simple yet thought-provoking exercise sparked meaningful conversations not only among children but also with their grown-up family members. The activity successfully guided participants through the urban planning process, encouraging them to reflect on the social impact of their decisions.
Participants delved into the importance of building diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities, aligning with the festival’s theme of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.).
The Malta Sociological Association’s initiative demonstrated how even in its simplest form, engaging citizens, especially younger generations, in planning processes can foster better-designed spaces that promote well-being, environmental sustainability, and a sense of community.
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