Reassessing the practices of green urbanism in order to generate a sustainable urban renewal in wellawatte town

Abstract

Under the broad umbrella of‘Sustainable Development’, many have discussed and in some instances implemented many means in which human behaviour is changed in order to reduce their impact on the environment, promote economic development as well as enhance social welfare. This dissertation intends to study sustainability in all its angles, exploring economic, environmental and social sustainability and the concepts of Green Urbanism principals to formulate a list of guidelines for sustainable green urban development. The research focuses on Sustainable Green Development, which transforms into an Urban Renewal in an already existing scenario. The chosen Case Study ofthe city of Wellawatte is studied and in turn its elements are manipulated to assess its potential to be sustainable, whilst maintaining its character and importance in the least intrusive manner. The principles of Green Urbanism are juxtaposed and over-laid on the research finding of the case study, presenting research ideology that can be used in future Urban Development. The case study highlights a city’s potential to be a sustainable green city, which will eventually aid in any research and development to be done along the concept of Sustainable Retrofitting in urban environments.