Institutional-Repository, University of Moratuwa
Welcome to the University of Moratuwa Digital Repository, which houses postgraduate theses and dissertations, research articles presented at conferences by faculties and departments, university-published journal articles and research publications authored by academic staff. This online repository stores, preserves and distributes the University's scholarly work. This service allows University members to share their research with a larger audience.
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Location of Indian Bazaars: a future routed in history
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2024) Goswami, S
In the second century CE, the roman senator Pliny the elder was heard calling India “the sink of the world’s gold”, owing to the huge trade already prevalent in India. The vivid depictions of bazaars from distant lands and time periods by prominent travellers, the intricate narratives of the exotic goods traded to the nobility, and the myriad aspirations of the common folk, have since; elevated bazaars/ markets to dynamic spaces. They serve not only as hubs of commerce but also as arenas for social interaction and community engagement.
This research paper aims to delve into the historic and geographic evolution of bazaars in India, exploring how trade routes, and transportation networks have influenced their growth over a period of time.
The scope of this study is to select several historic markets in India and analyse their history, location and spread with regards to the above mentioned parameters, preferably from their origin to their present day scenario. Given the vast number of markets within India's geographic boundary, a reliance on secondary case studies of well-documented markets and trade routes will be paramount.
Qualitative research methods, including surveys involving all stakeholders in marketplaces, as well as data collection from newspapers, articles, previous research papers, and books, will be employed to gather data. This will be followed by a quantitative analysis to derive meaningful results.
The outcomes from this research could help to identify the importance of locations, in sustaining markets in the present day context, along with helping generate ideas and frameworks for the future.
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A Study on the effectiveness of urban forests in enhancing tourists’ destination appeal with special reference to Kandy, Sri Lanka
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2024) Illangakoon, IWMIWTS; Dharmasena, J
This paper investigates the effectiveness of Urban forests in augmenting tourists’ destination appeal, with a specific focus on Kandy, Sri Lanka. Urban forests (UF), encompassing a diverse array of green spaces within urban and peri-urban areas, including woodlands, tree groups, and individual trees, are integral components of the tourism experience, whether deliberately sought or encountered serendipitously. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study delves into tourists’ attitudes (TA) towards UF, their perception of UF imagery, and its influence on their behavioral intentions. Theoretical frameworks underpin the analysis, elucidating tourists’ location-based understanding and preferences. The research methodology includes comprehensive literature surveys to understand the role of green infrastructure in urban destinations. Case studies conducted in Kandy encompass four diverse sites: Udawatta-Kele sanctuary, Wales Park, Kandy Lake-Round, and Dalada Street. Data collection methodologies include semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys, specifically targeting local tourists encountered at the sites to ensure a representative sample. A comparative analysis of the four sites was conducted, focusing on specific attributes such as plant variety, growth form, and planting pattern, revealing their significant impact on destination appeal. Tourists expressed a preference for UF concentrated in gardens, parks, or forests, composed of diverse plant species and naturally growing. Respondents' understanding of spatial dimensions also emerged as a crucial factor influencing their satisfaction and loyalty to UF destinations. The study concludes that UF play a vital role in enhancing tourists' satisfaction and experiences, contributing to the appeal of cities. Based on the findings, recommendations are outlined for designing and managing urban green spaces to optimize tourists' experiences and satisfaction levels, thereby bolstering destination appeal. This research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of different UF compositions in enhancing tourists’ destination appeal.
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The effect of tree planting pattern on thermal comfort of pedestrians in urban streets: case of Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2024) Ravindu Sandeep, R; Hettiarachchi , A; Dissanayake, C
Street vegetation has an important impact on pedestrian thermal comfort, resulting in habitable urban street landscapes. As a result of industrialization and urbanization, unplanned developments along streets have become a cause of thermal discomfort for pedestrians. Since planting space is limited, proper arrangement is critical to improving Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC). The impact of diverse tree patterns on OTC has not yet been investigated.
This study employs numerical simulations using ENVI-met 5.5.1 Bio-met software and The Predicted Mean Vote at 1.5 m above ground level on a sunny day at 2 pm to understand how planting patterns affect microclimate and OTC at pedestrian level (1.5m) when using different 8 tree patterns are suggested within the selected Local Climate Zone (LCZ) in Colombo. There is pattern1 to 8 with the base case scenario. The research method is divided into four stages: On-site measurements, Modelling of the research area, Assessment of existing microclimatic and thermal comfort conditions, and the Comparison of the impact of planting pattern on microclimate and OTC. Changes in tree patterns have a significant impact on OTC in urban environments, affecting Air Temperature, Wind Speed, Mean Radiant Temperature, and relative Humidity. MRT and WS have been identified to be the most critical characteristics influencing thermal comfort. Pattern2 has a significant influence at the pedestrian level, providing the maximum comfort increase (0.9 PMV reduction) to reduce thermal discomfort, reduced canopy overlaps with reduced canopy distance and the use of small tree category trees to get to planting densities, enhanced homogenous shadow covering and ventilation, are recommended. Future studies should look into the cooling effect of native tree species. These findings can help urban designers and landscape architects improve microclimate and OTC in warm, humid cities.
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Vegetation composition and landscape preference with reference to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2024) Uduwaka, A
“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world” A quotation by John Muir emphasizes that even within the simplest aspect of nature, there is immense beauty and nature is not just a place to visit, it is a realm of wonder and exploration. In creating this realm, the interplay between vegetation composition and landscape preference is important. Landscape architecture needs to involve a place making process carefully when composing and manipulating vegetation to address preferential needs of humans including aesthetic, psychological and spiritual. The objective of this study is to enquire the impact of vegetation composition on landscape preference. The study is based on vegetation composition indicators through six visual concepts, which describe landscape character-relationships to theories of landscape preference (coherence, disturbance, visual scale, imageability, complexity and naturalness). This study was conducted with reference to vegetation composition at Royal Botanic Garden, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka using with a sample of thirty participants. Final data collection was done based on an online questionnaire survey with quantitative and qualitative data. Five spaces were selected as case studies for final questionnaire after the pilot study. Finding revealed recommendations to guide future landscape designs and maintenance practices in botanical gardens and similar public spaces.
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An Assessment on architectural parameters of civic pride in public buildings with special reference to the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2024) Sarathweera, KDP; Hettiarachchi, AAH
Sri Lanka, being a country with a rich cultural heritage needs strategies to revitalize the sense of civic pride in contemporary citizens who are leaving the country amidst the current crisis. It is vital to uplift the citizens’ sense of belongingness and satisfaction, to uphold their confidence in living in the country. Taking an Architectural approach this study explores the parameters that contribute to fostering the sense of ‘civic pride' with reference to public building in Colombo. Five selected architectural elements pertaining to civic pride were evaluated via adapting the Civic Pride Correlation Matrix (Morrison, 2016).
BMICH and National Museum were selected as case studies through a pilot study executed with random participants (n=88) and the perception of civic pride was evaluated through expert surveys with Architects (n=18) and in-site questionnaires with random participants (n=68).
The research revealed the importance of the application of architectural elements through visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory experiences of human in conducive levels to enhance the sense of civic pride. While spatial definition (60%), materials and colours (82.2%), and the architectural detailing (67.1%) have contributed with reference to the National Museum, spatial definition (53.8%) and the materials and colours (64%) have become significant in fostering sense of pride related to the BMICH. The CPCM reveals that, even with an extended average relationship to the city, only 55.3% of respondents thought their neighbourhood offered a sense of pride. Pilot study as well as the expert opinion surveys highlighted the emerging timely necessity of a measure for ‘sense of civic pride’. The research underscores the importance of utilizing appropriate architectural and Urban design interventions in public buildings and spaces to foster civic pride in future citizens.