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
The Impact of material expression at entrance thresholds on invitation to access: a comparative study of shopping malls in Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Wijayarathne, PNS; Hirudini, SM; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Entrance thresholds in contemporary shopping malls function as critical interfaces between urban public space and privately managed interiors. Previous studies have examined shopping malls in relation to circulation, branding, and commercial performance. But limited research has focused on how material expression at entrance thresholds influences perceived invitation to access. This study investigates the impact of material expression at entrance threshold on invitation to access in two contemporary shopping malls in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Mall A and Mall B. Two ground floor pedestrian entrances from each case study were analysed using a comparative case study approach. Material expression variables, including façade transparency, threshold framing, material contrast, and volumetric presence were documented through structured architectural observation. Spatial visibility was examined using Visibility Graph Analysis in DepthmapX to assess visual integration and connectivity. Invitation to access was evaluated through perception-based surveys capturing legibility, spatial clarity, and social openness. The findings reveal a consistent relationship between strong material expression, higher spatial integration, and stronger invitation profiles. Entrances characterised by transparent glazing, clear framing, and visible interior volume demonstrate higher visual prominence and perceived openness. In contrast, entrances with reduced material differentiation exhibit lower integration values and weaker invitation perception. The study positions material expression as a spatial mediator that shapes both visibility structure and perceived accessibility at the building threshold. These findings contribute to architectural understanding of threshold design within dense urban retail environments.
item: Conference-Full-text
The Influence of visibility on personal space creation in urban public spaces: a case study of the Arcade at Independence Square
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Dissanayake, YR; Hirudini, SM; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Urban open public spaces play an important role in supporting social interaction, recreation, and psychological well-being within dense urban environments. While much of the existing literature emphasizes the role of public spaces in encouraging social interaction and ensuring safety through visibility, relatively limited attention has been given to how visibility can also support personal space creation in urban public spaces. The research focuses on the Independence Square Monument in Colombo as a case study. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining spatial analysis and behavioural observation. For the spatial analysis, two parameters were used to examine visibility: overall visibility and point visibility. Under behavioural analysis, users’ spatial choices were examined using two parameters: proximity and movement patterns. Visibility conditions were analysed using Visibility Graph Analysis (VGA) and point isovist mapping through DepthMapX software, while user spatial behaviour was documented through observations and photographic documentation. The findings indicate that users tend to select locations where visibility can be partially controlled, allowing them to balance exposure to the public environment while maintaining personal space. The study concludes that managing visibility through architectural and landscape elements such as columns, edges, and shaded zones can enhance privacy in urban public spaces without compromising safety or social interaction.
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The Mind behind the machine: mapping personality-based traits to entrepreneurial decision-making in construction SMES
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Pulasinghe, KM; De silva, GHSP; Vihindhuni, AADAT; Lokuge, A; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
The management of entrepreneurial decisions is a factor of successful and sustainable entrepreneurial construction SMEs and is especially important in markets which are highly uncertain and competitive. But there are few studies that have studied the effect of personality-based traits on entrepreneurial decisions in construction SMEs. Therefor, this study investigates the influence of Big Five personality-based traits, (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism), on entrepreneurial decision-making processes within Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) construction organisations in Sri Lanka. Following a comprehensive literature review, the data were collected from 45 managerial-level professionals in Sri Lankan construction SMEs by administrating a questionnaire survey assessing participants' Big Five personality profiles and entrepreneurial decision-making styles (creative thinking, information dependence, risk-taking, monitoring/evaluation, and decision framing). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Key findings revealed that construction SME leaders exhibit high levels of Openness, Agreeableness, Extraversion and Conscientiousness, with comparatively lower Neuroticism. In decision-making, a strong reliance on information dependence and active monitoring was evident, with moderate engagement in creative thinking and risk-taking. Correlation analysis revealed that Conscientiousness demonstrated the strongest relationship with information dependence while Openness and Agreeableness showed moderate correlations with creative thinking. These findings confirm that specific personality configurations are prevalent among SME leaders and significantly shape their decision-making approaches. The insights offer valuable implications for developing targeted leadership training programmes and enhancing strategic planning in Sri Lankan construction SMEs.
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The Need for reforming green rating systems for hospitals in Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Madhuwantha, HWGV; Sridarran, P; Maddakandage, MNU; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
The healthcare sector combines a significant environmental footprint with strict operational and safety requirements. Although green building rating systems such as LEED, and GREENSL promote sustainability, they typically assess hospitals using the same criteria as other building types. However, hospitals require specialized considerations such as infection control, biomedical waste management, specialized ventilation and continuous operations, which are insufficiently addressed in general GBRS. This creates a research gap, as general GBRS may not adequately address the unique requirements of healthcare facilities in developing countries like Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study evaluates the appropriateness of general GBRS for hospital buildings. A qualitative single case study approach was adopted focusing on Sri Lanka’s only green-certified private hospital, which achieved Gold certification under the GREENSL rating. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three key stakeholders and on-site observations. A comparative assessment was conducted by applying the IGBC Green Healthcare Rating to the same hospital to evaluate whether it could retain its Gold certification under a healthcare-specific framework. The findings identified that strategic leadership, financial benefits, and green technology implementation supported sustainability adoption, while retrofitting aging infrastructure, operational constraints due to 24-hour healthcare services and limited government support created challenges. The comparative analysis revealed a performance gap, with the hospital scoring 68% (Gold) under GREENSL but only 60% (Silver) under IGBC criteria. Deficiencies were observed in areas such as infection control, medical waste management, specialized ventilation, acoustic design, and healing architecture. The study highlights the need for healthcare-specific green building assessment frameworks for Sri Lanka.
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Theft and vandalism in infrastructure construction: a review of sustainability impacts
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Thilakasiri, PLTT; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Ranasinghe, PHGMA; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Infrastructure construction projects are complex and resource-intensive systems that significantly influence economic development, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being. Despite their importance, such projects remain highly vulnerable to operational risks, particularly theft and vandalism arising from inadequate site security. While existing research has extensively examined cost overruns and delays, limited attention has been given to the broader sustainability implications of security-related incidents, especially within developing economies. This study adopts a narrative literature review approach to examine how theft and vandalism influence the sustainability performance of infrastructure construction projects in developing countries. The review identifies key environmental, economic, and social impact pathways resulting from security breaches, drawing upon both international and Sri Lankan literature. Furthermore, the study synthesises mitigation strategies, including technological, managerial, contractual, and governance-based interventions. Based on these insights, a conceptual framework is developed to illustrate the relationship between infrastructure vulnerabilities, security risks, and sustainability degradation mechanisms. The findings highlight the importance of integrating security considerations into sustainability assessment practices to enhance the resilience and long-term performance of infrastructure projects. The study provides practical guidance for construction practitioners in developing more robust security and sustainability strategies and identifies avenues for further empirical research to validate and expand the proposed framework.