The Role of culturally - special artifacts in Sri Lanka landscape design

Abstract

Landscape Architecture is the imaginative blend of art and science in the design of environments for people. As the world population is increasing and new problems are created that involves human living space, Architects, Landscape Architects have the task of transforming their needs into built form. In this regard, landscape Architecture provides a sense of place and support of all types of human activity. Landscape Architecture in particular, helps the man-made fit in harmony with the environment while promoting health and well-being, enriching lives aesthetically and spiritually, providing economic opportunities, and creating a legacy that reflects and symbolizes culture and traditions. One of the most powerful elements in making a built landscape a meaningful space was the artifact. By definition, an artifact is "any object made by human beings, especially with a view to subsequent use" The particular use of artifacts had changed over the years, but the significance of an artifact has not lost ground. Landscape architecture has a long history and its gradual evolution might have influenced artifacts in a greater scale. In a similar way the trends in art were influential too. The first and foremost step in studying this use of artifacts should be to identify the Changers and its causes. Throughout history the landscape architecture of Sri Lanka changed and developed through many stages, with different socio-economic influence. The landscapes enhanced by such artifacts can be seen in historical sanctuaries, monasteries, parks and many other places round the country. In addition, artifacts, used in the historic periods of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Yapahuwa, Kurunegalla and Kotte, can be recognized with its usages, the ways of using these artifacts in landscapes can be also recognized according to those specific periods.