The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is one of only three World Heritage sites found in Malta. Located in Paola, it consists of a subterranean network of interconnected chambers and passageways that date back to the period 4000 to 2500BC.
The memory of its existence faded with time only to be discovered towards the beginning of the 20th century.
However, by the time the discovery was reported to the authorities, the site had al-ready been exposed to typical urbanisation related problems such as seepage of water from water supplies, sewers and irrigation of gardens surrounding the site.
The subsequent extensive use of the site as a touristic attraction continued to exacerbate its precarious conservation status. Consequently, the Hypogeum has been subjected to numerous conservation studies aimed at preserving the site for future generations.
One of the latest initiatives was an intensive multidisciplinary study carried out by integrating multiple investigative approaches.
The effort was led by Pierre-Sandre Farrugia, currently a member of staff within the Department of Geosciences, together with Denis Cutajar and Alfred Micallef, who is also currently a member of staff within the same department. The study was carried out in collaboration with Heritage Malta.
The research included the development of a 3D computer model of the Hypogeum, capable of predicting how the air flows within the site.
The model can be used to investigate how external factors, such as the presence of people or the change in the ventilation system, can affect parameters that are linked to the deterioration of the site without the need of in situ experiments. Thus, the effect of any planned intervention can be studied prior to implementation.
Pierre-Sandre Farrugia will tomorrow be giving a talk focusing on the recent project that was carried out by the University of Malta in collaboration with Heritage Malta.
Environmental data collected from the site was integrated into the model and simulations were carried out, resulting in the recognition of airflow features within the site.
The talk, entitled ‘A new age in the conservation of cultural heritage sites: Computer modelling of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum environment’ is being carried out in English at Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Visitor Centre, Qrendi tomorrow at 6pm. Seating on a first-come-first-served basis. Free admission.