Abstract:
Traditional cities are dynamically re-enacted through regular performances and
rituals. Kandy city is described within this per formative phenomenon in order to
understand the dynamics of the place. Phenomenology is the research
methodology . A theoretical framework, synthesizing key concepts of place,
sense of place, dwelling, Chora, becoming, non-representational landscape
theory and performance theory is developed and used to examine performance
of the Asala perahara ritual process in Kandy city. Case study findings illustrate
that, Asala perahara marks geometrical patterns, in the landscape connecting
different locations, rituals, people and the invisible dimensions of the place.
Unfolded place within this cultural drama, experiencing natural –cultural setting
and body performances is a dynamic process. Spiritual experience is significant in
these ritual performances and built forms , inseparable from people and the
place. Analysing of Asala perahara explains that city is understood as an inside
enclosed by three mountains, reflected in the city form and architecture of
Kandy. This reveals important guide lines for city conservation and
developments.
Citation:
De Silva, W., (2014) .City as a performative place: asala perahara and the spatial dynamics of Kandy. In R. Dayaratne & J. Wijesundara (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Cities, People and Places ICCPP 2014. (pp. 158-168). Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa.
