Liveability and density of space : a study of concepts for high density, urban, lower middle income housing in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The population explosion in the contemporary world has posed a threat of high magnitude for Architects and Planners. There is growing realisation that a balanced approach towards managing the available resources is essential for the growth and maintenance of a live able environment. Land has become one of the limited resources available and the relevant professionals have the responsibility of accommodating this high magnitude of human affairs within it. Density of the built space existing at present is about to face a great change and the effects on socio-cultural and bio-physical system thereby inevitable. In this context it is vital to have a fair understanding of the means of accommodation of this fast growing societies. The home to gather with its environment is the single context in which the largest range of human needs are met and the greater part of the human life is lived. Thus housing has become one of the critical aspect of this issue and accomadation of mass of population need to have a utter sesitivity of the nature, implications and consequences of phenomena like 'destiny' and 'liveability'. In this study it will be discussed the theoretical backgrounds and implications of space and it's density, liveability with reference to residential settings in Sri Lanka.