Utilizing urban water body to enhance the city image : an examination of utilizing water bodies as a transport sytem to enhance the image of the Colombo city

Abstract

"There is a quality about water, which calls to the most deep rooted, and atavistic art of our nature. In the deep canyons of our cities water along with fire, trees and the almost hidden sky above are the elements, which can still tie us to our primitive past. Of all these water and fire evoke the most direct responses. Fire in the city is dangerous, negative and evil, while water is positive and life giving - the element from which we all have come. The wildness and exuberance of water stirs us with qualities of non-conformity and vigor" Lawrence Halprin, Cities, 1963 Venice the mystical city of water "There are a great number of wonderful lanes, canals, squares and narrow streets scattered all over with no clear pattern. Tiny archways connect ancient buildings and sidewalks; windows sparkle with flashes of water; and flowers spill down from charming balconies over the tops of passing boats. The atmosphere is magical – inexplicably festive. In Venice you will not hear any noisy traffic, just the soft sound of lapping water against the sides of marble buildings from the passing vaporetti. A Venezia the song of romance is everywhere in the air. Welcome to the first paradise made for pedestrians!"