Abstract:
Low income communities in Colombo represent life styles that are established
through interdependency and strong social ties. Inadequate resources, land and
services are some reasons for interdependence and strong social bonds act as
mechanism for facing day to day challenges. Threshold spaces are observed
within these settlements where social activity, exchange and interaction take
place. They play an important role as spaces where social ties are reinforced.
Hence the existence and function of such spaces are critical in sustaining these
communities.
However during resettlement such socio spatial relationships and the threshold
spaces are ignored and the opportunity for social ties is lost. Hence this paper
aims to identify and acknowledge the threshold spaces existing in low income
settlements. Further the architectural elements that shape such spaces are
explored and understood for shaping future settlements.
Data is collected in three selected cases in the Kotahena area. A variety of
threshold spaces were observed in these cases. The spatial formations and
architectural elements in threshold spaces were explored using maps, sketches
and photographic studies. The social activity and interactions were explored
using systematic observations, activity maps and interviews. Ten residents were
interviewed from each case.
This research will be beneficial to identify how different qualities such as,
separation, connection, communication, differentiation, transition, interruption,
continuity, boundary and crossing in threshold spaces have been gained without
interfering with social relationships and by composing architectural elements in
various ways to the satisfaction of the commune.
