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
item: Conference-Full-text
Impact of material changes on user experience in Buddhist sacred landscapes: a case study of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Sandarekha, N; Amendra, S
Buddhist sacred landscapes embody both physical form and the spiritual ambience that support ritual practice and cultural continuity. In Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist heritage city, traditional materials such as stone, laterite, sand, and terracotta have historically shaped pilgrims’ sensory and spiritual experiences. Since 2015, however, the introduction of modern interventions including cement pavements, granite tiles, and interlocking systems has raised concerns about material authenticity, ritual suitability, and user comfort. This study examines how the transition from traditional to modern materials affects thermal comfort, tactile perception, visual harmony, and perceived sacredness. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating photographic surveys, observational checklists, semi-structured interviews, and thermal comfort measurements with digital tools. Data were collected from pilgrims engaged in barefoot rituals at the Sri Maha Bodhi Complex and Ruwanweliseya Stupa. Findings indicate that traditional materials enhance comfort, sensory engagement, and spiritual ambience, while modern materials, though more durable, often create thermal discomfort and weaken tactile and symbolic qualities. The study highlights the importance of heritage-sensitive, climate-appropriate material choices in preserving the experiential and spiritual integrity of sacred landscapes.
item: Conference-Full-text
Evaluating the challenges of municipal governance in managing urban sprawl: a GIS-based assessment of the Kaduwela Municipal Council, Sri Lanka
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Chandrathilake, WRG
Urban sprawl presents multifaceted governance challenges in rapidly urbanizing regions, such as the Kaduwela Municipal Council (KMC) area in Sri Lanka. This study investigates the spatial dynamics and governance implications of urban expansion over the 2004–2024 period, employing Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and Landsat satellite imagery. It analyses land use transitions, including the expansion of built-up areas and the consequent reduction of agricultural lands, wetlands, and vegetative cover. These spatial assessments are complemented by municipal records and socio-economic data to provide a comprehensive perspective on urban transformation. The findings reveal substantial unplanned land conversion, resulting in environmental degradation, infrastructural stress, and regulatory shortcomings. Furthermore, socio-economic factors, such as escalating property values and disparities in access to public services, intensify the governance burden. In response, the study advocates for integrated planning approaches underpinned by GIS-based monitoring systems to enable real-time land use assessment. Key policy recommendations include the reinforcement of zoning regulations, the promotion of sustainable land use practices, and the enhancement of governance capacities through smart technologies and inclusive stakeholder engagement. This research offers a data-driven framework to support policymakers and urban planners in addressing the challenges of urban sprawl and fostering resilient, equitable urban development.
item: Conference-Full-text
Urban health and well-being in the age of transformation: exploring the potential of integrating wellness tourism with agro business in Anuradhapura
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Sapumohotti, WL; Wijesundara, J; Polhena, M
Anuradhapura’s rich cultural heritage, traditional agricultural economy, and ancient irrigation systems present a unique opportunity to merge traditional healing practices with wellness tourism. Despite these strengths, the region faces economic instability, youth outmigration, and weak institutional coordination. At the same time, tourists increasingly seek authentic, nature-based, and health-oriented experiences. This research explores how wellness tourism can be integrated with the agro-business sector in Anuradhapura to promote sustainable development and community well-being.Using a mixed-methods approach by combining literature review, stakeholder interviews, and analysis of agro-wellness precedents from India, Indonesia, and Thailand, this study identifies spatial, economic, and cultural opportunities for merging wellness and agriculture. By leveraging Anuradhapura’s serene environment, spiritual heritage, and agro-climatic advantages, the research highlights opportunities for wellness farm stays, agro-therapy, and holistic visitor experiences that revitalize the rural economy while preserving ecological and cultural integrity. It contributes to broader discussions on tourism diversification, community empowerment, and sustainable regional development.
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Exploring community collective decision-making process for incremental spatial modifications in underserved settlements: a case study of Pollwatta, Koralawella, Sri Lanka
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Ajanee, WMC; Hirudini, SM
This research explores the community decision-making process in an underserved settlement, with special reference to Pollwatta, Koralawella, focusing on how residents collectively address challenges through incremental spatial modifications and provision for expansions. Despite extensive research on informal housing, little is known about how communities decide to modify and expand their homes over time. This study addresses that gap by examining the social and spatial dynamics of community-led decision-making in an underserved settlement. It highlights the need to understand these local processes as essential for creating more inclusive and adaptable housing strategies. Through literature, house layout, spatial usage, and provisions for expansions were selected as the physical parameters affecting the incremental spatial modifications of the dwelling spaces. The selected decision-making parameters include social profile, reason for decision-making, time taken, and actors involved. In Pollwatta, five houses with incremental spatial modifications were selected for the study. House plans and spatial data were collected through onsite measurements, observations, and photographic recordings. Families’ details, needs, spatial usage data, and knowledge of incremental spatial modifications and the collective decision-making process were gathered through observations, semi-structured interviews, interactive workshops, and visual documentation. Spatial analysis identified house characteristics and incremental spatial modifications, while social data analysis examined community knowledge of these modifications and the collective decision-making process. Research outcomes include detailed mapping of the incremental spatial modifications and the community’s decision-making process. The research found that families apply a community decision-making process, referencing house layout, spatial usage, and provision for modifications, when implementing incremental spatial modifications. Findings highlight that socio-cultural and economic factors influence this process over time and that the community actively participates in the decision-making process to facilitate incremental modifications.
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Personalization of house entrances in urban low-income settlements with reference to family background: a case study in Swarna Place, Colombo
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2025) Wijeweera, C; Wijerathne, PNS; Hirudini, SM
Entrances of low-income houses express families’ social and cultural identities as well as their spatial preferences. Even within standardized government housing schemes, residents personalize their entrances to reflect individuality. However, limited research has examined how this personalisation is related to family background and socio-cultural context in urban low-income housing. Addressing this gap, the present study aims to investigate how entrance personalization in a government-provided low-rise housing scheme, located within a larger low-income settlement in Swarna Place, Colombo, corresponds to family background. Based on literature on low-income housing and family spatial behavior, the study identified spatial layout, volume, materials, roof form, and landscape elements as key physical parameters influencing entrance character. Family income and occupation were used to determine socio-economic background. Ten houses were analyzed through onsite measurements, observations, and photographic documentation, supported by semi-structured interviews and video recordings. Architectural and user analyses showed that families with higher income and occupational levels created more refined spatial connections and finishes, while those with lower levels showed abrupt, improvised adaptations. Across all cases, socio-cultural identity was expressed through religious and cultural symbols. The findings indicate that while entrance personalization reflects family background, shared cultural patterns persist across socio-economic groups, highlighting the need for design frameworks that support personalization while sustaining collective identity.