Violated perfections : a critical analysis of the contemporary Sri Lankan architecture with special reference to Colombo Fort

Abstract

This study stresses the need to preserve the character of towns and cities and the importance of providing an architecture which, cities, towns and the inhabitants really need. The past should be studied and understood to produce an architecture which is relevant to its character. This study deals with Colombo Fort which has the colonical character which is now under threat. Firstly an outline of the history of Colombo Fort is given to know what has happened in the past, what is happening now, and to identify the character of the area. Secondly the visual cues which constitute a perfect townscape is analyzed. Thirdly with the knowledge of that a parameter is set to design urban infills to enhance the prevailing perfection. Finally a critical analysis has been done about some of the contemporary buildings in Colombo Fort by evaluating them under these parameters.