House form and cultural perceptions : examination of the need and manifestation of this principle in urban public housing

Abstract

This dissertation is an attempt to show the connection between the perceptions people have about what a house form should be like due to their cultural and social background, and the importance of manifesting theses perceptions in architectural design of housing. Special attention is paid to the need and importance in the manifestation of cultural perceptions in house form design when it comes to public housing. Attempts to relate to the user and their requirements made by other architects are looked into and possible methods that can be used for this purpose are pointed out and discussed. Case studies on Jayawadanagama housing scheme and Summit Flats are done as examples to show different methods adopted in public housing design in Sri Lanka and their success and failures discussed.