Blue therapeutic spaces on islands: Coastal landscapes and their impact on the health and wellbeing of people in Malta

Abstract

This paper emphasises that the coastal environment is important for the health and wellbeing of inhabitants living in deprived neighbourhoods in the small island state of Malta. Using qualitative research, it explores how the respondents experience their interaction with the coast and the sea in diverse ways and how this impacts on their health and wellbeing. Making use of qualitative in-depth interviews it analyses the symbolic connections that the respondents have with the sea, the potential that the natural, coastal environment has in enhancing physical activity and mental wellbeing, feelings of embodiment, social interaction and the aspect of temporality. Yet, some nostalgic memories also referred to the aspect of loss and the importance of protection of the natural coastline. This paper acknowledges the deep emotions and strong loving connections that Maltese inhabitants have with the coastal environment and how valuable these spaces are for their health and wellbeing. The fluid, dynamic landforms at sea are greatly important for the health and wellbeing of these individuals and are highly valued therapeutic landscapes within a densely built up environmental island context.

Urban design and therapeutic landscapes. Evolving theme.

“…Therapeutic value of water [42]. Presence of water (rivers, lakes and fountains) [37] Coastal environment [52].…”

“…[22], [23], [29]- [32], [35]- [37], [39], [40], [42], [44], [48]- [52] Place to rest in the sun and in the shade A clearing with lots of sunshine, a place open to the south [48]- [50] Place to rest in silence and solitude Secluded garden. The pleasure garden, sense of enclosure.…”

A Qualitative Study on Emotions Experienced at the Coast and Their Influence on Well-Being

“…Blue spaces, and thereby coastal environments, have been investigated as therapeutic landscapes Bell et al, 2015;Finlay et al, 2015;Foley and Kistemann, 2015;Satariano, 2019). These studies explored three key dimensions of therapeutic landscapes experienced at the coast, namely the physical dimension, the social dimension, and the symbolic dimension (Gesler, 2003).…”

“…The social dimension refers to the opportunities for planned or spontaneous social interactions at the coast, as well as a collective experience of nature that enables a sense of community and social identity (Finlay et al, 2015). In addition, the coast is considered to be of intergenerational value as it has been shown to be beneficial for all age groups, containing an atmosphere of play and relaxation (Ashbullby et al, 2013;Satariano, 2019). The symbolic dimension of therapeutic landscapes relates to the historical, cultural, and individual perceptions of the coast and its effects on well-being.…”

Architecture Without Expectation: Designing a third place for mental wellbeing in the community

“…The concept has developed into a large field of scholarship and is now considered one of the core principles of health geography (Gesler, 2009). Much of this research has focused on the positive health effects associated with green spaces (grass, fields, parks) (Bell, Westley, et al, 2018;Burls, 2007;Finlay et al, 2015) and blue spaces (water, streams, oceans) (Foley, 2015;Foley & Kistemann, 2015;Satariano, 2019), but is broadening in scope to include different "palettes of place" (Bell, Foley, et al, 2018), such as urban environments and streetscapes (Kang & Kim, 2019;Saitelbach, 2016).…”