Eco-sensitive architecture: an analytical study of its incidence in contemporary architecture in Sri Lanka with special reference to domestic buildings

Abstract

Man's Activities on the earth has existed effecting on ecological balance since hundred of years. It is increasing with the time and Architecture also act as a major contributor on environmental degradation in terms of building for the purpose of finding solutions for such environmental problems, the eco - sensitive Architecture has emerged. Actually it is not a new concept, what is new it's re- emergence. This Architectural concept can not be defined in isolation. Always it is related to sustainable, green concepts and ecological conceptions. this study aimed to examine the eco - sensitive principles and it's applicability for Sri Lankan Architectural practices. Initially, Eco -sensitive concept is identified by fragmenting it into a few principles which it is based on. For the convenience of its applicability for the Sri Lankan Architectural practices the study arranged in to a theoretical frame work The application of this frame work in to Sri Lankan traditional and contemporary Architectural practices reveals that Sri Lankan traditional Architecture was an eco - sensitive Architectural practice and contemporary practice is abandoning what the traditional Architecture had followed in the past. To avoid Architectural trends which create environmentally unfriendly Architecture are to build the good responsive Architectural practice for future. The application of ecosensitive principals in the building process are identified and it can be used as a guide for the designers to create architecture with eco- sensitivity.