Institutional-Repository, University of Moratuwa
Welcome to the University of Moratuwa Digital Repository, which houses postgraduate theses and dissertations, research articles presented at conferences by faculties and departments, university-published journal articles and research publications authored by academic staff. This online repository stores, preserves and distributes the University's scholarly work. This service allows University members to share their research with a larger audience.
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Recent Submissions
item: Thesis-Abstract
Impact of tuck loops for color depth of 100% cotton single jersey fabric variations
(2025) Jayalath, JMD; Wijayapala, UGS
In this research work the influence of dye absorbency against structural variations of 100% cotton knitted fabrics were investigated as these materials are widely used for T- shirt manufacturing. Since the achieving of required color depth in these materials is critical, the dyeing behavior against structural variations was investigated.
For this experiment, eight different knitted fabric samples were produced with different tuck loop densities using same machine settings and same yarn. Next these samples were pretreated and dyed under same conditions for all three primary colors red, blue and yellow for both light and dark shades. Then these samples were tested for L, a, b color values and DE color change using spectrophotometer. For the DE color change, the single jersey sample (with 0% tuck loops) was used as the standard.
The findings revealed that fabric structural variations significantly influence dye absorbency and perceived color, as measured by L, a, b, and ΔE values. Up to a tuck loop density of 33%, increased compactness enhance light scattering than reflection while dye absorption remain same, resulting in deeper shades (lower L values), more saturated hues (higher a and b values), and greater overall color difference (ΔE). Beyond this point, further compactness reduced dye penetration due to limited pore spaces and increased surface reflection, leading to lighter color appearance. These trends were consistent across all three reactive dye shades studied. The study concludes that an optimal fabric compactness exists approximately 33% tuck loop density for achieving maximum color strength and visual depth
item: Conference-Full-text
Proceedings of the International e- Conference on 'Cities, People and Places'- ICCPP-2025 (Pre-Text)
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Wijesundara , J; Dissanayake, C
Proceedings of the International e- Conference on 'Cities, People and Places'- ICCPP-2025
December 11th – 12th, 2025, Colombo, Sri Lanka
item: Conference-Full-text
Context-sensitive urban development initiatives: an investigation on mobility and accessibility on main street urban stretch, Ambalangoda and its impact on public life
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Dharmasena, H; Wickramasinghe, S; Kulasinghe, D; Wjesundara, J
Ambalangoda, a coastal township in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, is known for its cultural heritage of mask-making and puppetry but faces uncoordinated urban growth that has fragmented its spatial fabric. The historic main street, once a vibrant social and commercial corridor, now struggles with congestion, poor pedestrian infrastructure, and declining urban quality. This research investigates the socio-cultural and spatial evolution of the Ambalangoda Main Street, examining its potential as a catalyst for context-sensitive urban transformation.
The study explores how mobility patterns and accessibility infrastructure shape collective urban experience while balancing heritage preservation with inclusive growth. Methods included spatial mapping, behavioural observations, stakeholder interviews, and historical analysis. Mobility assessments and pedestrian movement studies were supported by photographic documentation and GIS-based mapping, while community engagement sessions captured the aspirations of residents and traders.
Findings highlight critical challenges in traffic management, fragmented connectivity, and underutilized cultural assets. The paper proposes urban design strategies to enhance mobility, prioritize pedestrians, improve streetscapes, and integrate cultural nodes within the mobility network. These interventions aim to revitalize public life, foster sustainable tourism, and strengthen socioeconomic resilience by placing the community at the centre of future development.
item: Conference-Full-text
Public perception on hostile landscape architecture in urban residual spaces under flyovers in Western Province, Sri Lanka
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Kugarajasingham, P; Denipitiya, D
Residual spaces are unintended byproducts of infrastructure-led urban development, often found beneath flyovers or along transportation corridors. They highlight fragmented city planning and a lack of inclusive spatial strategies. These areas are informal and unsafe neighbourhoods where marginalized groups often live in neglect and poor management. As a result, these spaces reflect urban inequalities by highlighting the problems of spatial exclusion and access to shared urban resources in an unequal manner. To address such challenges, many global cities have adopted hostile architectural urban design strategies aimed at deterring unwanted behaviour through physical barriers or discomfort. This study aimed to explore the relevance and appropriateness of such strategies in the Sri Lankan context by evaluating public perceptions of residual spaces beneath three flyovers: Kelaniya, Nugegoda, and Dehiwala. Using mixed methods, the study examined the role of design elements like form, texture, colour, accessibility, functions, and visual weight on how people feel and belong in the place. It employed site-based observations and questionnaire surveys, including a pre-test/post-test analysis to record any perceptual changes with regard to an altered spatial design. Findings suggested that the absence of thoughtful landscape interventions contributed to increased misuse of the public space and social disengagement. Based on public perception data, it is anticipated that the necessity of the strategic hostile landscape interventions at residual spaces is increasing, not to exclude but to frame their controlled usage. In this study, it is suggested that the design of neighbourhood character of residual spaces should be capable of controlling behaviour and also the accessibility of the population by integrating landscape architecture.
item: Conference-Full-text
The Impact of pedestrian experience on the legibility of the city-a case study of Kurunegala
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Wimalarathna, I; Perera, D
Many Sri Lankan cities are expanding rapidly, yet their spatial structures often fail to support intuitive navigation and user-friendly walkability. In Kurunegala, despite its rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks, the disconnection between built form and pedestrian movement has led to fragmented urban experiences. The core problem lies in the lack of visual and spatial legibility that enables people to easily read, interpret, and move through the city. Urban legibility is an important factor in determining how pedestrians make sense of and navigate through urban environments. Drawing upon Kevin Lynch’s writing on imageability of cities and Leon Krier’s theories on city planning, this study identifies critical elements that facilitate urban legibility: that is, street patterns, districts, edges, and landmarks, and their synergistic effect on navigating and orienting within the urban space. Based on Lynch's theories of mental mapping, this research emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent urban features, both natural and cultural, that shape the imageability of Kurunegala. This study investigates how pedestrian experiences shape the legibility of Kurunegala city by analyzing the interplay between urban design elements, spatial organization, and wayfinding behavior. Using Kevin Lynch’s imageability framework, five elements — paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks — were analyzed. Data collection involved 40 cognitive map sketches, interviews, field observations, and photographic documentation along key pedestrian routes. Data analysis included thematic coding, sketch interpretation, and mapping to compare perceived and actual spatial features.Findings revealed that major landmarks such as Athugala and Kurunegala Lake are underutilized in wayfinding. Instead, people rely on commercial signage and junction forms. The study highlights the importance of improving landmark visibility and incorporating clearer directional cues using inherent natural and cultural features at decision points for an enriched legibility of a city.