Aesthetic aspects of infill architecture in heritage city; a study with reference to Kandy

Abstract

Development of a city is a unique historical process, which has grown up over centuries and derived its shape and appearance. The concept “Caring cities” form on the ground in terms of the tangible “experience” of our cities. The physical structure of a city is the result of the order of the built form, which is a creation of man of living. Within this physical structure, built fabric becomes the most important component, as it contains of people that creates the image of the city. To liveable and lovable, cities need to be continuously cared for and managed. The unified environment is harmonious and has a distinctive architectural character and townscape value. When designing an infill building in a heritage context, it is essential to consider about the aesthetic aspect and contextual design. Previous studies have focused on compatibility of new buildings and their surroundings but not on the aesthetical features that are needed to preserve its cultural harmony. Making guidelines is not the sole purposes of infill designing in a heritage context but also there should be a better understating of visual harmony which makes the sense of the place and the aesthetic value of the buildings. Such as mass, colour rhythm proportions etc. The author suggests five aesthetic design strategies that the author has developed according to Davis (2003), Semes (2007) and Shane (1976). Those five strategies were applied to the selected ten buildings in three different streets in Kandy city namely Dalada Veediya, Temple Road and Deva Veediya were examined. The design of infill buildings should respect the aesthetic character of the context and it should be harmonious with the surrounding. This research is based on existing vulnerable situation of Kandy and inappropriate maintaining process of historic city by infill architecture. Facilities for the city have been provided according to needs of the city without considering any value. This undesirable growth can be seen as breaking position of the linkage of past, present and future situation of the city. Therefore it is necessary to use proper methods to fulfil aesthetic sense of infill buildings.