Multi - storey housing for urban poor : socio-economic and functional viabilities in Colombo

Abstract

Architecture is for people have become a well known clinch which is being used without a precise comprehension of its deeper assets. Thus intern, it has created a discomfort in the ultimate user especially in the provision of housing of housing for the poor community dweller. Similarly, in a rigid grid iron pattern with, respectively stacked dwellings do not incorporate with the socio cultural context of the urban low income dwellers. At all the ultimate result is that their return to the original dwelling which creates shanty Settlements within urban premises. Thus more concern has to be given to the socio-cultural context of urban low income dwellers 1n order to examine the extent of its contribution for their dwelling designs. Housing settlement is a basic need for human existence. The present issue of housing has been comprehended as a provision of 'Homes' 'Housing'; as the developed shelter; a greater need of home making. This dissertation focuses on Multi-Storey apartments in Sri Lanka and provides an appropriate background for the study of its viability to house the urban poor in the city of Colombo. An in depth knowledge on this subject area is essential for the architects, as the multi storey apartments have become one of the universally accepted built form in the urban living environment. In the Sri Lankan context also it has become an efficient mean of fulfilling the requirements of housing in the urban sector. This dissertation intends to find out the viability of multi-storey apartments within the social, functional, and economic parameters prevailing in the city of Colombo. The study starts with review out the previous housing strategies, their advantages and disadvantages. Then looking at existing examples, by literature reviews and from participatory observation assesses the suitability of multi-storey living for urban poor. One of the major findings of the study is the absence of knowledge and proper education among urban poor category to introduce this type of a new concept. It was found that the people, who value our cultural features and the society as a whole, are not prepared to accept this type of buildings that had been successful in foreign countries. It was clearly understood that adherence to the essence of Sri Lankan architecture and understanding of urban social characteristics playa major role in popularizing multi-storey apartments among the urban poor.