Relevance of threshold spaces in low-income communities of Colombo for sustaining social ties

Abstract

Low income communities in Colombo represent life styles that are established through interdependency and strong social ties. Inadequate resources, land and services are some reasons for interdependence and strong social bonds act as mechanism for facing day to day challenges. Threshold spaces are observed within these settlements where social activity, exchange and interaction take place. They play an important role as spaces where social ties are reinforced. Hence the existence and function of such spaces are critical in sustaining these communities. However during resettlement such socio spatial relationships and the threshold spaces are ignored and the opportunity for social ties is lost. Hence this paper aims to identify and acknowledge the threshold spaces existing in low income settlements. Further the architectural elements that shape such spaces are explored and understood for shaping future settlements. Data is collected in three selected cases in the Kotahena area. A variety of threshold spaces were observed in these cases. The spatial formations and architectural elements in threshold spaces were explored using maps, sketches and photographic studies. The social activity and interactions were explored using systematic observations, activity maps and interviews. Ten residents were interviewed from each case. This research will be beneficial to identify how different qualities such as, separation, connection, communication, differentiation, transition, interruption, continuity, boundary and crossing in threshold spaces have been gained without interfering with social relationships and by composing architectural elements in various ways to the satisfaction of the commune.