A Methodology for the Quality Assessment of the Theatre 77 A METHODOLOGY FOR THE QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF THE THEATRE RUBEN PAUL BORG University of Malta Theatre as performance space has to satisfy important requirements to address the needs of users. It has a central role in society, linking different user groups in promoting culture as a popular experience. As a space, theatre presents significant challenges due to factors such as the variety in type and size, the ways the spaces are used, and the user groups. The assessment of cultural space is of major significance in the context of Valletta Capital of Culture, linking in to the key principle of a legacy in the longer term. The Capital of Culture presents an ideal opportunity to examine theatres across Malta and Gozo as focal cultural spaces. This research presents a first initiative in Malta toward a structured method for the assessment of theatre as a cultural space with a view to defining its needs and those of its users. The objective is to develop a new integrated quality assessment method, which addresses different attributes of the theatre as a space used for cultural activities, in a structured manner with the aim of recording a comprehensive profile of the space. The appraisal allows for the development of rehabilitation strategies, where the methodology serves as a useful tool for the prioritisation of interventions. The first assessment was conducted on eight theatres in Valletta and the Grand Harbour Region, and Victoria Gozo. It includes five public theatres, two community theatres and one which belongs to the University of Malta. This quality assessment addresses pressing technical issues, social and cultural aspects, management and financial constraints but also the wider needs of the space, all of which contribute to its quality. The methodology provides the framework for a tool which can evolve and adapt to the wider context of all theatres in the Maltese Islands, with the aim of establishing a framework for continued assessment to define priorities for refurbishment and upgrading of cultural spaces. Keywords: Theatre, Cultural space, Quality Assessment, Building Performance, Property Appraisal, Refurbishment, Retrofit. Introduction Theatre is a key cultural space with a central role in society, linking different user groups in promoting culture as a popular experience. Theatres are dynamic spaces which present significant challenges due to factors such as the variety in type and size, the ways the spaces are used, and the user groups. Theatre as a performance space has to satisfy important requirements to address the needs of users which include artists, technical experts, and audiences. The Cultural Participation Survey 2011 for Malta reports that the share of those not attending a dance performance in the 12 months preceding the survey was 87.3% (Baldacchino infra.), while those who did not attend theatre or live music performances accounted for lower fractions, at 69.5 and 68.7% respectively, but still significant (NSO 2012). One encounters significant challenges in the interpretation of public engagement with the performing arts in Malta. This is a result of various factors including the complexities and peculiarities of cultural space in the Maltese Islands and significant gaps in information on performance space and on building quality and performance. Valletta as European Capital of Culture presents an ideal opportunity to examine theatres across Malta and Gozo as focal cultural spaces. The aim of the 78 Ruben Paul Borg research is to investigate shortcomings and assets in theatre as a cultural space in Malta through the development of a comprehensive assessment methodology, intended for a detailed expert-appraisal of the quality of the spaces. The methodology aims at defining gaps and merits in the space and relates to the various user groups’ experiences. The assessment method draws on attributes which need to be identified and defined. The attributes act as indicators which individually and collectively define the theatre as a space with its unique and distinctive characteristics. Furthermore, the attributes support the framework for the analysis of the spaces in relation to scale, taking into account individual spaces and specific areas within the theatre; backstage, stage, house, front of house, external space; and the theatre as one whole. This assessment focuses primarily on a variety of theatres in Valletta, the Grand Harbour Region and Victoria in Gozo to test the applicability of a tool, intended to be refined to cover the wide variety of all theatres in the Maltese Islands at a second stage. The assessment of the spaces is based on pre-defined attributes allowing for a comparative assessment of the theatre and its spaces through an unbiased technique. The analysis shall lead to an assessment of the current state of theatres in order to identify key refurbishment requirements through a strategic approach. This shall allow for a multi-criteria assessment and for the evaluation of the relative significance of interventions. In this regard the research presents a quality assessment methodology for theatres taking into consideration the dynamic and varied nature of the spaces, whilst addressing refurbishment strategies within an intervention framework. This promotes a more accessible cultural space in the Maltese Islands. Cultural Space and Valletta Capital of Culture The theatre as a space of, and for, culture constitutes a multifaceted system, hosted within a complex structure which has to cater for varying needs. Moreover, different theatre typologies present challenges in addressing the needs and possibilities for improvement. Various structures are considered as monuments of cultural importance and yet have to function and address the needs of contemporary performers and artists and meet the expectations of today’s audience. The assessment of cultural space is of major significance in the context of Valletta Capital of Culture, linking in to the key principle of legacy in the longer term. The assessment of the quality of the space provides for a longer-term strategy for improving the theatre building as a cultural space by addressing user needs and in establishing intervention and rehabilitation strategies. Cultural space needs to be effective for its users, while preserving cultural heritage through the building structure and fabric itself, particularly in the case of those buildings of cultural significance. Addressing and improving the quality of the space aspires also to strengthening culture in the community at large by providing adequate spaces which reflect expectations and needs of their users at different levels, ranging from safety to accessibility and comfort. Quality Assessment of the Theatre Buildings for the performing arts present significant complexities in architectural design, even more than other spaces. The space, including the geometry of the auditorium and performance area, the extent of services and technical requirements and user and public expectations, result in complex building types (Appleton 2008). For every building type there are many variables including for example the limitations of the space, budget and client requirements, leading to A Methodology for the Quality Assessment of the Theatre 79 various building types. Buildings for the performing arts are designed and developed in particular periods within the context of evolving art forms and with respect to technological advancements (Appleton 2008). This, results in the large variety of building types we see today. At the same time many users (performers, technical experts, managers etc.) with different experiences are involved in the use of the space; satisfying the views and requirements of all is challenging. Various assessment methods exist for the assessment of buildings and spaces, depending on the scope and purpose of the assessment. These include building performance evaluation and user needs assessments, sustainability assessment tools, energy performance, vulnerability and resilience, appraisal tools to assess condition of building stock and quality of the space (Nevalainen & Borg 2010, 2012b; Di Giulio R. et al. 2010, 2012). Assessment tools need to respect the changing requirements in different climates and regions resulting in different attributes and their relative importance. Existing methods developed for other regions and contexts need to be assessed for relevance and suitability. Building regulations and recommended policy design guidelines with respect to different criteria vary for different countries and regions. Building performance evaluation and user needs assessments, including post-occupancy evaluation of buildings allows for an assessment of a wide variety of criteria relating to the use of the building. Post-occupancy evaluation refers to questionnaires and interviews with users of the building, quality assessments and building inspections. These instruments may comprise a variety of factors including technical, functional and environmental comfort with a focus on behavioural factors of users and the degree of user satisfaction. The building performance evaluation supports and promotes evidence-based design in architecture. The evaluation relates to the building design, construction and maintenance. This leads to recommendations regarding funding, maintenance and remedial works, resulting in improved safety, quality of the building, environmental comfort and technological innovations and improvements (BRE 2016). The objective