FARU - 2018

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/14716

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 52

item: Conference-Full-text
Product usability of utensils used in nasya karma of Sri Lankan indigenous medicine; with special reference to the Gokarna yantra
(2018) Mohotti, U; Ranasinghe, D; Samarawickrama, S
The practice of Sri Lankan Indigenous Medicine is highly acknowledged for its many special benefits with respect to Allopathic (Western) medicine. It is a system of medicine that has one main target; to cure an illness not just temporarily, but from its root itself. Each treatment process has its own unique procedure to follow- from the material (herb) used to its method of preparation to its consumption. But since the knowledge of Sri Lankan indigenous medicine was mainly handed down from generation to generation while jealously guarded from other practitioners, with the decline of certain ancestries, their secret ingredients have sometimes failed to be passed on. One such component lacking information is the usage of containers and utensils. The design of medicinal containers and utensils is an area which needs a special focus, since it deals with many aspects with regard to the human. While the main focus of producers of medical equipment would be the material usage, chemical reactions and enhancement of the medical value, a very important area that is seldom discussed is the product experience and psychology of the user. While the indigenous medical practitioners of Sri Lanka do not appear to have paid conscious attention to the usability of a product, they have been able to last through centuries and also attract a large group of patients, irrespective of the utensils used. This is commonly seen in Panchakarma treatments, especially Nasya Karma (Nasal Instillation). This research aimed to understand the thinking and rational behind the designing and choosing of the utensils in Sri Lankan Nasya Karma and analyze the product psychology and usability aspects in them. The Gokarna Yatra used in Nasya Karma is using both physical and psychological data collected through both quantitative and qualitative methods. The ancient Gokarna Yantra displayed at National Museums in Sri Lanka and those hereditarily used by current practitioners were analyzed during the study. These objects were analyzed in terms of their physical factors under the Form and Aesthetics. The human factors of the products were analyzed under the Attribution of Meaning and Emotional Responses.
item: Conference-Full-text
Perception of contractors on usage of alternative dispute resolution methods in construction industry of sri lanka
(2018) Dissanayake, DMAB; Abeynayake, MDTE; Pandithawatta, TPWSI; Samarawickrama, S
Construction industry is a complex and high-risk industry where large variety of parties with different skills are involved. Due to this multi-party involvement and their diversified interests, construction projects experience disputes. With the constant upsurge of complexities in construction industry, the industry would have to experience disputes among the parties for a foreseeable future. As disputes are unavoidable it is necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of it by using a proper method of resolution. Therefore, selecting the best method for resolving the dispute, influence in obtaining best solution. As the study aims to identify perceptions of contractors towards Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods and to identify significance of factors considering in selecting ADR method by contractors’, literature review was carried out to identify the factors influence in selecting ADR methods. Those collected data from the literature review was validated by a preliminary survey which had been carried out among experts in the area of dispute resolution. Then detailed questionnaire survey was conducted by using results of the preliminary analysis to evaluate the perception of contractors on ADR methods and to evaluate significance of factors which affect the selection of most suitable ADR methods. Research results revealed that negotiation is the frequently used method in dispute resolution in Sri Lankan construction industry and the most popular ADR methods from the contractor’s perception are negotiation and adjudication. Further, findings proved that considerable number of contractors have a high awareness on the legislation provisions relating to negotiation and its settlement and participant’s satisfaction rates are significantly high rather than other available ADR methods.
item: Conference-Full-text
Competencies of quantity surveyors in a developing economy
(2018) Vidana Gamage, S; Dissanayake, Y; Disaratne, V; Samarawickrama, S
As a prominent construction professional in the construction industry, quantity surveyor shall be sharp with required competencies to overcome the challenges within a developing economy context. Therefore the study is directed to identify the gap between the current level of competencies and the required level of competencies of quantity surveyors in a developing economy and providing recommendations to bridge the gap. This research was driven into a mixed approach which includes desk review, expert surveys, questionnaire survey and expert interviews as data collection methods in order to accomplish the research aim. Initially a desk review was conducted to identify the competencies of quantity surveyors. Then an expert survey was carried out to build up a list of competencies in given context. After a questionnaire survey was conducted to seek the current level of competencies and then expert interviews were conducted to check the required level of competencies and the collected data were analysed with descriptive statistics to determine the gap. Mean, Standard deviation and Mode were used as analyzing tools to calculate the gap between. Further, recommendations were derived through expert interviews to bridge the identified gap by adapting the content analysis method. Continuous professional development programmes for quantity surveyors and periodical changes to the curriculum of quantity surveying academic courses were the common recommendations given. Within them, it is essential to contain development appraisals, financial management during construction, coordinating cash flows, resolving disputes and BIM management competencies as those are lacking in the given context.
item: Conference-Full-text
Non-verbal communicative aspects of verandah in “walauwa” under uva province: a case study
(2018) Mendis, MS; Jayasignhe., S; Samarawickrama, S
Vernacular architectural built environments are bio climatically comfortable, effective spaces as means of achieving comfort. “Pila” is a sustainably designed built environment with a goal of long term sensitive humanization of vernacular Architecture. Together it mergers natural environmental conditions such as natural light, heat and ventilation is a significant manner. This multidisciplinary sustainable built environment; “Pila”, was introduced in the novel mode with the colonization known as “Verandah”. Caste system declared during Kandyan period, society composed with groups of people comprising diverse social levels. Under this norms, upper class or elites’ constructed a dwelling type “Walauwa”.Verandah is the preliminary element that these diverse social structure met. The fixed and semi fixed elements acts as an immediate transitional communicating non-verbally and logically. Uva province faced two Kandyan wars. Three case studies prevailed in Uva belongs to Last colonized British period creates an opportunity to interpret and compare the Verandah periodically. Detailing, materials, proportions and the user behavior was studied in depth on semi fixed elements of the Verandah and analyzed. The study will analytically conclude, how the semi-fixed elements, in depth towards furniture in Verandah non-verbally communicates the prevailed social structure with respect to Uva province.
item: Conference-Full-text
Sinhala traditional music of Sri Lanka for stress relief: an interaction design intervention
(2018) Wadinambi Arachchi, S; Samarawickrama, S; Samarawickrama, S
Stress is one of the utmost heard words in today's world. Developing unnecessary stress over a prolonged time could become chronic. With this fast pace, the time has become a decisive factor in each one’s life. Thus, people spare less time engaging in relaxation activities. They seek out for alternative ways such as using mobile apps which adopt different modes of relaxation. When focusing into the local context, Sinhala traditional music of Sri Lanka was one of the most used modes of relaxation for the people in the past. Now it is rarely practiced. In the pilot study revealed that Sri Lankan traditional modes of relaxation are not present among the developed mobile apps and HCI based interactions for stress relief. Therefore, this study was aimed to fill the gap between existing HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) based stress relief modes and the application of Sri Lankan Traditional Knowledge which is fast fading. Investigating the possibilities of adapting Sinhala Traditional Music of Sri Lanka into HCI application was the primary aim of this study. Objectives of the research were acquired by following a mixed method approach. To select the subjects for the study convenience sampling method was used. In phase one of the experimental studies, it revealed that relaxation response towards Sinhala traditional music was high compared to other proven relaxation music modes. The possibilities of using emotional Inputs that could be fed into an Interactive system design was observed in the in-depth experimental study. This attempt, forecasted potential areas to be researched further. Also, further study should be done to validate whether these findings can be generalized which was not concerned in this study. Moreover, this study could be extended to develop an affective and emotional interaction design that could facilitate young adults of Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Comparative analysis about the indoor thermal environment of a room with and without transitional space or threshold in traditional row houses adjacent to a narrow alley “Rupchan Lane” in old Dhaka, Bangladesh
(2018) Tasmia, F; Majumder, B; RAHMAN, A; Samarawickrama, S
Attaining appropriate thermal comfort conditions for users in built forms, located in a warm and humid sub-tropical climate is a complex phenomenon. Especially, when it is resided at a congested place like old Dhaka Bangladesh, the provision of giving cross ventilation and building with proper orientation is quite challenging. This paper aims to investigate about the indoor thermal environment of a room with and without transitional space or threshold in traditional row houses adjacent to a narrow alley of old Dhaka through field measurements. Transitional spaces are the part of buildings which are used for semi-outdoor household activities, social gathering and it is also proved to provide an indoor thermal effect. The field study has been conducted by collecting thermal data (Temperature, Humidity and Airflow) respectively, among the outdoor narrow alley, transitional space and adjacent indoor. This east west elongated alley has an average width of 2.13 meter (varies from 1.5 to 2.6 meter) holding row houses on both sides. Among different aspects of thermal environment the study of this paper is based on the analysis of temperature of corresponding cases. Other aspects and their variables were considered as constant (especially material) for accuracy and avoidance of confusion. This study focuses on the outcome that can ultimately contribute to the built form configuration of row houses with transitional spaces and in its relation to the adjacent outdoor space while achieving thermal comfort for the people inhabiting. This study will disclose scope for analysis on the thermal quality and performances of the socially interactive spaces like courtyard, veranda or transitional spaces.
item: Conference-Full-text
Sustainable applications behind geographically indigenous product cultures : a study of village communities in central high valley, Sri Lanka.
(2018) Perera., WD; Ranasinghe., WMND; Samarawickrama, S
While going through the existing creative knowledge applications of the present day world, it is a fact that all of them are not applicable to all the contexts that one might come across. Hence there is a need of finding new paradigms in order to develop sustainable knowledge in a way that it would adopt to address any of the creative needs that would arise in different contexts. There are plenty of fossilized knowledge that can be found in the deeper layers of the community, mainly in the indigenous communities which could be extracted to address the present day issues. This research attempts to explore how these geographically indigenous communities respond to their day today needs and sustainable potentials of their product culture. It will analyse the means of knowledge maintenance and transmission, with a particular focus on the day today products as well as at alternative strategies implemented by them. The study was undertaken in selected four geographically indigenous villages in Central high valley, Sri Lanka; Udugaldebokka, Galamuduna, Narangamuwa and Rambukkoluwa. This research used qualitative and quantitative methods to gather factual data through dialogic interviews and video recordings of the same discussion and local literature sources. The whole research process was carried out through hand on experience and observations done on real time product applications within the community. It was guided by the principles of community-based participatory research and was theoretically grounded by the methods of visual ethnography. Followed by an analysis on product application methodologies. Thus based on its findings, research will conclude that geographically indigenous communities of the region are great knowledge holders and serves as an important resource to decode their knowledge to present sustainable design applications by the means of connecting sources and needs, plotting resources, ethical frameworks, exploring alternatives, sharing abilities and framing intentions..
item: Conference-Full-text
Implementation of RIBA plan of work (2013) at pre- contract phase to minimize conflicts of construction projects in Sri Lanka
(2018) Withanage, K; De Silva, N; Samarawickrama, S
The construction industry holds a wide range of closely incorporated organizations and a diverse range of professionals. Therefore conflicts are obvious in construction projects due to the involvement of multidisciplinary with multiple objectives. RIBA plan of work is well- established construction work plan for project planning and management. This research aims to implement RIBA plan of work (2013) at pre contract phase from the perspective of conflicts avoidance in Sri Lankan construction projects. A questionnaire based survey was performed among construction professionals who involved in pre contract phase of construction projects to identify the most important pre contract RIBA tasks for conflict avoidance, to identify fairly practicing pre contract RIBA tasks in Sri Lanka and finally to identify possible enablers to promote RIBA plan of work (2013) in Sri Lankan construction industry. Out of twenty pre contract RIBA tasks, eighteen tasks were identified as the most important tasks for conflict avoidance. Further, out of those important eighteen tasks, only seven tasks were identified as fairly practicing tasks in Sri Lankan construction industry. Finally fourteen possible enablers were proposed to implement not practicing tasks and through that to promote RIBA plan of work (2013) as conflict avoidance tool.
item: Conference-Full-text
Green bim for existing buildings
(2018) Rathnasiri, P; Jayasena, S; Samarawickrama, S
There was a flourishing interest and cognizance on green building constructions in past few decades due to considerable negative impacts for the environment from traditional construction processes. In light of this, number of modern technologies have been invented to enhance the performances of sustainable and green strategies. Green Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of such modern advanced technologies where BIM integrates to sustainable strategies to improve building performances. Though, the technological capabilities of Green BIM are evident, use of Green BIM has been limited only for design and construction phases of buildings. Professionals in construction industry are still struggling in implementing Green BIM for existing buildings, due to the difficulties of collecting information during operation and maintenance phases that are required for the use of Green BIM. As different Green BIM tool needs different data requirements, building owners and facility managers are reluctant in using Green BIM for existing buildings. Hence, the data requirements have been a considerable issue that should be addressed. Further, the way of utilizing Green BIM for existing buildings is also questionable to achieve sustainability. Besides, the actual barriers and hurdles of Green BIM for existing buildings are vague and different studies have highlighted subjective opinions from different views and insights. Hence, this study aimed to review the existing knowledge on aforementioned area and to identify the gaps in prevailing studies for the implementation of Green BIM in existing buildings. Findings of literature review revealed different data requirements for various Green BIM tools, techniques and how it can be used for sustainable strategies. The findings further highlighted the existing gaps where more studies need to be done in the same area.
item: Conference-Full-text
From horizontal to vertical: habitus transformation in resettlement of underserved communities to high rise buildings
(2018) De Silva, R; Botejue, P; Samarawickrama, S
Housing… amongst the many discussions of architecture and sociology, there isn’t a topic more timely and relevant. A main concern in the discussion, the urban poor living in long established underserved settlements, grow and spread by the day. To provide better living conditions and claim valuable real estate, many governments including Sri Lanka commonly adopt resettling the people to high-rise social housing. The success of this solution however is still debated upon. The process of resettlement involves changing the environment of the people from horizontally spread neighborhoods to the vertical towers. Social implications of the process could be observed in many precedents, yet the understanding about the transformation is limited. The study intends to critically look in to the social life of resettlers and see how the transformation happens. The broad concept of social life is narrowed down and analyzed through the concept of “habitus” and related theories. Mihidusenpura social housing in city of Colombo was selected as the case study to explore the transformation over 10 years. The study explores how each aspect is affected with time, what needs to be preserved and in conclusion how habitus can be manipulated using architecture and proper planning to create successful social housing.
item: Conference-Full-text
Impact of outdoor learning landscape on psychomotor skill of primary school children cases from Colombo, Sri lanka
(2018) Perera, BTS; Hettiarachchi, A A; Samarawickrama, S
Integration of landscape design elements in school environments to develop learning and skills of children is a research area of increasing interest. Development of psychomotor skills is established as vital in the overall growth of a child’s brain, leading to a well-balanced adulthood. In view of this, the current study looks in to the impacts of incorporating landscape elements in outdoor learning spaces on psychomotor development of primary school students in the local context. The investigation adapted a mixed method consisting both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Critical case-study approach was used to select the schools where incorporation of landscaping elements in outdoor teaching-learning environments is critically low. Data was collected from grade 3 students of three primary boy’s schools (n=10 per each school, age: 7-10) located in Colombo. Layout maps, behavioral maps and a photographic survey were used to study the factors of outdoor learning spaces while a set of pre-determined activities of movement assessment battery for children (Movement ABC assessment) was adopted to assess the level of psychomotor skills namely speed, precision, co-ordination, strength, endurance, agility and grace. The research findings affirmed that the presence of landscape elements in outdoor learning environments have significant impacts on the psychomotor skill development of primary school students. Higher the landscape elements established within school premises (Case 1-100%, Case 2- 75%, Case 3- 38%), scores higher in psychomotor scaling (Case 1- 69%, Case 2- 55%, Case 3- 51% respectively). This research recommends to incorporate the concept of learning landscape in order to accelerate the development of psychomotor skills among school children. The study suggests re-thinking of the approaches in designing contemporary landscapes associated with learning spaces in order to uplift the quality of outdoor learning to make well balanced scholars through the education system of Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
Identification of functionality and usability aspects of traditional paathraya’ in sri lanka
(2018) Thilakarathna, KCM; Ranasinghe, WMND; Samarawickrama, S
Functionality and usability can be identified as main key factors under the field of Product design. Traditional products have survived for many years in the history of a particular region or culture. In the perspective of product design, traditional products have gone through stages of designing and tested continuously with actual context. Therefore, those traditional products can be identified as well-designed products even though there is no any particular person to identify as a designer for them. Sri Lankan culture is believed to be more connected with the nature and sustainable concept according to social scientists, historians, archaeologists and folklore explorers. `Paathraya` is a traditional identical product that used by Buddhist monks not only in Sri Lanka but in other countries also. Therefore, it has a psychological platform combined with its physical characters. Paathraya is known as alms bowl in English, Patra in Sanskrit, Patta in Pali and Hatsu or Hachi in Japanese. As Product Designer, researching about traditional Paatraya of Sri Lanka gives exposure to the design principles and elements, material identification, product functionality and usability. The Research is carried out as an ethnographic research. Empirical Data is gathered by observing Museum collections and Paathra, which are currently used, interviewing archaeologists, Buddhist monks, artisans, potters, designers, scientists, sociologists by experimentation and analysing chronological development of Paathraya. Secondary data are collected through books and journals to enhance the functions, interpretation and design theories. Research will be based on lay Paathraya to explore the importance of material ,design and its usability. Research Findings are behaviour of the product in tradition and in practise, character, norms and the message it conveys. It was found that Paathraya provides knowledge to define functionality and usability with its physical and psychological character.
item: Conference-Full-text
The Effectiveness of street characteristics for creating a city image; a study of Galle road, Colombo
(2018) Perera, DDS; Coorey, S; Samarawickrama, S
The "Image" of the Asian city is associated with its street character, forms and patterns and it is distinctively different from its Western counterpart. The "Streets" play a dominant role in the formation of a city’s unique identity. With the changes taking place in the urban development the street characteristics are undergoing significant changes having impact on the city image and its uniqueness. This study explores the importance of street character for enhancing the city image. Segments of streets along Galle Road, Colombo are investigated to observe the street characteristics and street users’ perceptions on city image. Doorstep and street corner interviews were conducted among a random sample group. Findings revealed the most significant street characteristics such as width of the road, facade identity, visual exposure, functionality, boundary characteristics, physical form, activities, scale, visibility, height, unique shape, variation of setbacks, the sound, smell and greenery as important for enhancing and preserving the city Image
item: Conference-Full-text
Experimental investigation on the optimal lifting height of a self-compacting in-situ cast mud-concrete load-bearing wall segment
(2018) Arooz, FR; Perera, KLTH; Chandra, MS; Halwatura, RU; Samarawickrama, S
Initial objective of this research is investigating the optimum lifting height of a wall segment of self-compacting in-situ cast Mud-Concrete load bearing walls. It is a novel walling technique which has been developed through series of research process in Sri Lanka. Thus, identifying the possible construction height of a Mud- Concrete wall without reducing the strength is very important when introducing a novel material to industry and popularizing the technique among public. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 400 construction workers to identify the comfortable pouring height of an in-situ cast wall segment prior to design the formwork and it was found as 1200mm height. Using the results, 1200mm x 1200mm (height x width) and 150 mm thick of Mud-Concrete wall was casted and drilled after 28 days to test the compressive strength of cored samples along four different heights of the wall. According to the results obtained, increasing the height of the Mud-Concrete wall does not reduce the compressive strength of the wall. Therefore, study concludes that, there is no height restriction in construction of a Mud-Concrete wall. However, 1200mm of comfortable lifting height is consider as the optimum lifting height of a wall segment and used the results in modular formwork fabrication.
item: Conference-Full-text
Form development of clay module for optimize evaporative cooling with wind flow
(2018) Liyanarathne, BLSW; Ranasinghe, WMND; Halwatura, RU; Samarawickrama, S
Evaporative cooling is one of most important passive cooling systems which is used since ancient times. As a passive cooling system direct evaporative cooling is the basic method. There are most of evidences in use of wetted clay material in evaporative cooling method. Mashrabya and wetted clay conduits used in wind towers are the proofs on this passive cooling system. Clay exhibit excellent properties on evaporative cooling as a porous material. Porous ceramics exhibit properties such as high permeability, low bulk density, high surface area, and low thermal conductivity. There are more possibilities on enhancing the evaporative cooling. The research focused on the form development which multiplying the cooling efficiency. Provide a large surface area to air touching, access to easy air flowing and making a speed for air flow are the archived aims which are multiplying the cooling effect in the research. Various forms have tested in the research with the smoke flows as air flow and identified best form. And the form has developed with the literature which is about clay form development. Close ended form of clay has identified as more efficient on the evaporative cooling. This basic form has a possibility to develop as a sustainable product design for people. The formed product changes the situation of Natural wind or created wind flow as a chilled air by the evaporative cooling in zero energy. In a warming world, heating energy demands should reduce while cooling energy demands rise. Further investigations of the form development respond for this circumstance as a design solution.
item: Conference-Full-text
Urban water body development for recreational purposes in sri lanka: a comparative study of public perception and willingness to pay
(2018) Ratnayake, R; wickramaarachchji, N; wattege, P; Samarawickrama, S
This study explores public perception and their willingness to pay for open water area recreational development in two distinct locations: Diyatha Uyana, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte and Beach Park, Matara in Sri Lanka. A total number of 600 questionnaire surveys were carried out with users and non-users of the recreational areas in two locations. The monetary value of urban waterfront development was estimated by the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) using payment card approach. Enjoying peace and relaxation, taking children to play and breath clean air was mentioned as the most important aspects of open water body in Diyatha Uyana area. In Beach Park, the most important activities were chatting or gather with friends and enjoy the natural landscape. More frequent visits occur to enjoy peace and relaxation, breath clean air and enjoy the natural landscape. In both cases, almost all the participants were agreed upon conserving open water body areas in urban settings. Willingness To Pay (WTP) was significantly associated with job and gender in Diyatha Uyana. It yielded a monthly average payment of Rs. Rs.476.93 per month for another five years. In Beach Park, participant’s education level, have a child, housing type and time lived in the area were significantly associated with the WTP values. The monthly average WTP was Rs.211.53 per month for another five years. There were 81 zero bids in Diyatha Uyana while the same for Beach Park was 20. The limited budget was the main reason for not willing to pay in Diyatha Uyana. This program was not important to people in Beach Park and it was the reason for not willing to pay. In Sri Lanka, current urban development practice mainly promotes water body development in the Colombo Metropolitan area. The findings of this study argue that water body based planning initiatives are also useful for regional centres and such investments can be justified. Further, this paper is significant as there was no comparative CVM study had been carried on water body development in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
Implementing building energy efficiency retrofits (beer) in hotel buildings: a case study of shallow retrofit
(2018) Fasna, MFF; Gunatilake, S; Samarawickrama, S
Currently, there is a decisive need around the world to retrofit existing buildings to have higher energy performance. Compared to the significant potential for energy conservation in existing buildings, still the level of implementation of Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits (BEER) is comparatively low. The absence of a clearly defined process for ensuring the delivery of BEER; lack of proactive guidance for project teams to ensure that they make the right decisions to achieve the desired Energy Efficiency (EE) outcomes; and execution of BEER projects in ad hoc basis have been identified as some of the key reasons limiting EE improvements over the long term. Hence, this paper is aimed at developing an initial level decision-making process by incorporating the key decisions to be made and key activities to be performed, during each stage of the BEER decision-making process. The study is limited in its focus to existing hotel buildings, due to their level of energy consumption and potential for conservation. Using a case study, the study derived a total of twelve key decisions to be made and twenty-eight key activities to be performed throughout the decision-making process, based upon which an initial level decision-making process is developed. It is hoped that the findings of this study could facilitate the practitioners in the hotel sector to properly undertake and execute BEER projects.
item: Conference-Full-text
Late colonial period merchant houses at Birulia: a study on architectural features
(2018) Enam Rabbi, A; Islam, T; Samarawickrama, S
Bangladesh is rich in its unique culture and heritage, latent in its architecture and settlements. Facing challenges and struggles to be a global capital, the 400-year-old city - Dhaka seeks its historical identity amongst a diverse range of political reigns and socio-cultural influences. Birulia, being a century-old settlement at the brink of Dhaka is historically important as a witness to the uprising of the middle-class elite (Merchants) of the late 18th Century. Biruila was a vivacious business center, important river port as well as a sacred place for Hindu religion during the regime of Vawal king. At the end of the nineteenth century, local elite Hindu merchants started building houses and temples along a brick-paved road. The form and spatial arrangements of these remaining buildings bear distinct architectural styles of British Colonial Period with a fusion of Mughal Architecture adapted for the local climate and traditional house forms. Due to the lack of proper documentation, conservation plans, and maintenance, unplanned modification, natural weathering and encroachment by the local people; the majority of the heritage buildings are now losing distinct architectural features. The tangible heritage of this settlement is almost unrecorded and needs to be revived as evidence of urbanization and prosperity of this region by taking strategic conservation policy. Before any conservation endeavor, all elements and architectural features need to be documented properly. The paper will discuss mainly the architectural features (spatial form, zoning) and elements used at the façade of the remaining significant buildings. Based on the documentation, this paper will analyze to find the links between the traditional zamindar house forms and the Birulia buildings at the late colonial era.
item: Conference-Full-text
Appraising the influence of landscape design on traffic generated air pollution of urban parks
(2018) Rajapaksha, I; Ekanayake, M; Samarawickrama, S
Urban parks are predominant constituents of an urban design which contributes to enhance the quality of life of city dwellers. Location of an urban park is an important design decision and the Public Outdoor Recreational Space (PORS) standard of Sri Lanka prioritizes the criterion of easy accessibility of park users. As the air pollution levels exaggerates in localities closer to major traffic routes it’s vital to appraise the concentration of airborne pollutant levels in roadside parks. This study experimentally investigated roadside park of Independence Square (ISP) and the Water’s edge (WEP). Onsite field investigation was performed on a typical weekday and weekend of each park. Traffic induced air pollution levels are interpreted with the ultrafine particle number (PNC) concentration levels amalgamated with the outdoor microclimatic thermal parameters. Results explicitly confirm air pollution levels inside the parks are lower than the roadside. Mean PNC of the core of ISP is 93.4% lesser than the corresponding road. Mean PNC of the core of WEP is 83% lesser than the roadside. Reduction of pollution inside the park is inversely related to Crown volume coverage of trees. Impact of pollution levels on distance from the road closely follows the roadside pollution levels and the distance of high pollution zone is different in both parks. Thus the findings of this study informs far reaching landscape design implications in composition and layouts to promote less polluted roadside urban parks in developing cities of tropics. Roadside Parks.
item: Conference-Full-text
Urban alleyways as a functional landscape element and its effect on live able city : a study with reference to Kandy city
(2018) Gunarathne, CPA; Chandrasekara, DP; Samarawickrama, S
A good city is a fascinating manmade creation which stimulates the physical and psychological satisfaction of its dwellers. Positive public realm is the core of liveable city. Urban alleyways are one such significant, micro contextual public territory generally located at the core of the city. They are multifunctional and act as linking paths, gathering spaces and commercial spaces. Urban alleyways could also generate negative consequences due to dis-functioning and lost spaces. The heritage city of Kandy in Sri Lanka was selected for the investigation of functionality and liveability of the alleyways. According to the literature survey, “Figure-ground theory” explains the relationship between built fabric and spaces in-between. The study adopted the “Linkage theory” to evaluate the circulation space and spatial connections. Integration, connectivity and intelligibility of alleyways were measured as spatial configuration through Space syntax maps. “Place theory” addresses behavioural patterns of people within public spaces in accordance with the physical and psychological attributes. Psychological satisfaction of people is evaluated concerning the fulfilment of physical attributes. Direct field observation and interviews with city dwellers are done for accurate data. Activity maps are used to evaluate detailed description about the relationship among the location, physical environment and behavioural patterns of people. The study shows that the behavioural patterns of people in urban alleyways are consequence connected to two paradigms; the impact of spatial configuration and effects of physical & psychological dimensions. Hence, the equilibrium of both paradigms influences the performance of alleyways, the study concluded that positive spatial configuration in equilibrium with affirmative physical & psychological attributes of alleyways, deeply effect the satisfaction of people and the liveability of city.

Browse

Recent Submissions