Implication of artery developments on socio-physical identity transformation in Sri Lankan colonial towns; Mawanella as a case

Abstract

With the colonial intrusion in Sri Lanka, emergence of new settlements and decay of older settlements were occurred. These new towns emerged as a reflection of colonial found mostly on major traffic arteries. The development of infrastructural facilities is reinforced and encouraged the basic pattern of township transformation in Sri Lanka. Thus, traffic has been the prior superseding issue related to quality of life in urban development. Since this aspect is not dual considered by both academic and practice, the original townships have lost their identity with the transformation of their physical, social and economic fabric in ad-hoc spontaneous manner. Consequently, old townships begin to be conflicted situation. The major concern is how to strike the balance between the need for growth and change. In this attempt, it is important to identify what components of these towns are to be preserved and what are to be developed. Hence, the main purpose of the study is to identify the core characteristics that are central to the identity and character of the arterially developed colonial township as identified by both the residents and visitors of this town. The study assumes that, the identity of the town is constituted by the socio physical character generated from the urban form and the ambience created by the activities of the town. The study is conducted by several qualitative methods to discuss the matters under the theoretical framework. Both primary and secondary data collections are used. For the primary data collection, questionnaires are designed and interviews are conducted. The secondary data include literature on the concept and issues related to the study. Site observation is piloted under the preliminary observation and the systematic observation. Collected data discuss through place centered behavior maps, cognitive maps, and pictorial illustrations such as sketches and photographs. The principal outcome of this study is to identify transformation of township by presenting the interdependences between artery development and townscape. At the same time, providing information to meaningfully contributing to the process of urban development, identify community involvement for shaping townscape and localized self-organization, identify possible opportunities for future development-public spaces and reveal the importance for engaging to keep original township identity.