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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Recent Submissions
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An Experimental study on the impact of interior lighting conditions on plant growth
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Anuththara, VAD; Silva, S; Mendis, M; Udawttha, C
This study investigates various intensities of artificial light from LEDs that could affect houseplants' growth and support biophilic interior design in residential apartments. Three species, including Aglaonema modestum, Philodendron hederaceum, and Alocasia amazonica, were exposed to low (20W), medium (36W), and high (50W) LED light continuously for 24 hours over a 14-day period in a controlled apartment-like setting. Visual observations were made on leaf health, new leaf emergence, general growth, and visible stress reactions. Outcomes demonstrated that Aglaonema and Philodendron grew well under low and medium light, maintaining healthy foliage with minimal stress, while Alocasia showed clear signs of stress under medium and high intensities. High-intensity lighting also triggered the infestation of Aglaonema with scale insects. The overall findings emphasize the adjustment of artificial lighting intensity to the needs of a specific species. This study gives practical information in residential interior design by enhancing plant health, aesthetic value, and identifying factors in the physical environment that may impact stress in plants indoors.
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Strategies for the use of sustainable materials in road construction: a qualitative delphi study
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Sayanthan, T; Fernando, SMH; Perera, BAKS; Ranadewa, KATO
The construction industry is increasingly prioritising sustainability, driven by the urgent need to minimise environmental impacts and improve resource efficiency. In line with that, sustainable materials in road construction offer significant potential to reduce carbon footprints, enhance durability, and support circular economy principles. However, despite growing interest, there remains a limited understanding of effective strategies to integrate these materials specifically for improving road durability and overall construction performance. Thus, this study aims to investigate strategies for the use of sustainable materials in road construction. Using a qualitative Delphi method involving two rounds of semi-structured interviews, the research identified 11 commonly used sustainable materials, alongside 23 targeted strategies to enhance road durability and an additional 23 strategies to improve overall road construction practices through sustainable approaches. Notably, these strategies were classified material-wise, providing customised and actionable guidance for each sustainable material. 17 and 11 experts participated in the two Delphi rounds, selected through purposive sampling. The study offers a comprehensive, practical roadmap that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Key recommendations emphasise fostering collaboration across stakeholders, rigorous technical validation, and the incorporation of lifecycle assessments to promote sustainable material adoption in road construction. This distinguishes the study, making it uniquely valuable for stakeholders seeking effective pathways to advance sustainable road infrastructure.
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The Space in-between: designing absence as a dynamic force in design
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Liyanage, PP
This paper introduces TRIDOC, a six-dimensional, practice-based framework developed through studio teaching at the University of Moratuwa to guide design students in perceiving and working with Absence as an active element of space. Rather than treating Absence as a leftover void when form is complete, TRIDOC positions it as a dynamic spatial medium shaped by six lenses: Time, Ritual, Intangible qualities, Dynamic change, Omitted form and local Context. The framework was refined in a four-day “Beyond Boundaries” workshop with seventy first-year design undergraduates. In this workshop, students used low-cost prototypes, sensory mapping and reflective journals to engage Absence as a concrete design challenge. Using TRIDOC as both a perceptual lens and an operational guide, the study distils six spatial strategies for materialising Absence in studio work: Sound Space, Dynamic Space, Layered Memory Space, Projected and Intangible Space, Negative Space and Spaces You Cannot See. These strategies demonstrate that deliberate attention to Absence can support climate-responsive and resource-conscious design decisions. They also indicate that TRIDOC is best understood as a context-specific starting point for design curricula that seek to move beyond purely object-centred paradigms by foregrounding the space in-between as a designed and dynamic condition.
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Tiny bricks, big ideas: promoting women in construction through collaborative and participatory action research in Australia
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Rodrigo, N; Wijewickrama, MKCS; Jayathilaka, RDWW; Rajenthiran, N; Chang, R
By tackling the issue of women’s underrepresentation in the construction industry, this paper offers valuable insights from the 'Tiny Bricks, Big Ideas: The Sustainable Living Challenge', a Construction Management Workshop designed to encourage high school girls in Australia to consider careers in the construction industry. Using a combination of Collaborative Action Research (CAR) and Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodologies, this paper presents a new methodology adopted by the University academic and professional staff, to uplift construction management discipline among high school students. Simultaneously, it contributed to empowering students to challenge gender stereotypes and to imagine themselves as future contributors to sustainable construction practices. The results demonstrate how action research can lead to transformational changes in social attitudes, time management, collaboration, knowledge, and practices, highlighting its potential as a tool for promoting women in construction diversity and presence in the Australian construction industry.
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Understanding barriers and enablers of carbon data management for carbon assessment in the Sri Lankan construction industry: a stakeholder perspective
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2025) Rajapaksha, RMTD; Gallage, SD
Accurate carbon assessment is essential for reducing emissions in the construction industry, as it ensures reliable decision-making, compliance with sustainability targets, and identification of effective reduction strategies. Yet several challenges related to data management hinder its effective implementation in Sri Lanka. A mixed approach was used, involving 18 expert interviews and a questionnaire survey with 69 responses from professionals experienced in carbon assessment and sustainable construction. The analysis revealed that the highest-ranking barriers include the lack of national databases (RII = 0.93), dependence on international datasets, and incomplete or unavailable project-specific data. Additional, challenges related to embodied energy estimation, verification of self-reported data, and inadequate stakeholder coordination were also highlighted. On the other hand, the study identified several enablers, including the use of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling and estimating software, national databases, integration of carbon data during early design stages, and increased awareness among stakeholders. The research emphasises the need for a national database, structured data-sharing practices, government support to overcome prevailing challenges. The findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, professionals, and academics aiming to enhance the reliability and consistency of carbon assessments in Sri Lankan construction projects.