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.
 Research Publications |  Thesis & Dissertation |  E- Books |
 UoM Journal Publications |  UoM Conference Proceedings |  Articles published in Scimago's Q1 journals |  UoM Research Reports |  Other Articles authored by UoM staff |
Recent Submissions
item: Conference-Full-text
The Effect of house plan types on house plan usage pattern transitions in upper middle-class residences: case in Aniwatte, Kandy
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Wijerathne, HMPMK; Hirudini, SM; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
This research aims to explore the effect of house plan types on residents’ spatial usage pattern transitions over time with reference to upper-middle-class suburban residences, with a case study of Aniwatte East, Kandy. The houses are intended as permanent architectural forms, the extended period of occupancy results in a change of spatial intensity and spatial usage. The study is limited to upper-middle-class suburban houses in Kandy, as this specific socio-economic and contextual category remains underexplored in research. Through literature review physical parameters which affect house plan and the social parameters which affect usage patterns were identified. This research used a mixed-method approach for the case study of ten houses. Spatial data and usage data were collected via measured drawings, observations, and photographic records and interviews with the residents. The houses were analyzed across three phases, from the original plan, early occupancy, and current status, using both physical factors related to circulation, spatial utilization, material adaptability, durability, and furniture arrangement, analyzing with temporal parameters addressing the interval and frequency of house type transformation. The research identified six house types based on space use intensity. The results showed a trend from higher to lower intensity of use, indicated by the centralization of daily activities within a functional zone and increasing dormancy of peripheral areas. This change occurs mainly through interior rearrangement rather than structural alterations, preserving the original architectural form. The study provides insights for architects and housing professionals to create more adaptable and sustainable homes for upper-middle-class suburban residents.
item: Conference-Full-text
The Financial and social implications of construction site accidents in Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Fernando, MHR; Kulatunga, U; Gheethanjali, B; Gunawardhana, DNT; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Construction site accidents are increasingly prevalent worldwide due to the dynamic and uncertain nature of the construction industry. Such accidents adversely affect overall productivity and performance while imposing significant consequences on construction firms, workers, and their families. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the financial and social impacts of construction site accidents in Sri Lanka. A quantitative research approach was adopted, and data were collected through a questionnaire survey from 68 respondents and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicate that construction site accidents lead to substantial financial burdens on organisations, including increased insurance premiums, compensation payments for injuries or fatalities, and additional costs associated with remedial and preventive measures to avoid recurrence. Furthermore, the study identifies deterioration of corporate reputation and loss of public trust as the most significant social consequences for construction organisations. At the societal level, an increase in debt was the most prominent financial impact arising from construction site accidents. From a family perspective, the loss of the primary income earner due to a site accident was the most severe social consequence. Although remedial mechanisms exist in Sri Lanka covered under the Workmen’s Compensation Policy, the compensation provided is insufficient to adequately support affected families when compared with the comprehensive social security systems available in developed countries. Based on the findings, the study proposes practical recommendations aimed at minimising construction site accidents and mitigating their adverse financial and social impacts on both organisations and affected families.
item: Conference-Full-text
The Impact of location on threshold space architectural character: study of Egoda Uyana, Sri Lanka
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Rajapakse, SI; Hirudini, SM; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
The Street-front threshold spaces constitute a critical architectural interface between private domestic interiors and public streets in lower–middle-income suburban settlements. While existing research frequently emphasizes their social and behavioural implications, limited attention has been given to their measurable physical configuration as architectural systems. This study examines the impact of location on threshold space architectural character in Egoda Uyana, Sri Lanka, with the aim of identifying design parameters that are applicable to tropical suburban settlement contexts. Using systematic field documentation, measured drawings, sectional analysis, typological classification, and spatial coding, the research identifies key location- identified parameters including accessibility and connectivity, functionality, territoriality, and threshold character- identified parameters including roof projection, material and edge treatment, permeability, and plinth level differentiation. The findings demonstrate that threshold character varies significantly according to spatial location within the street network. Linear street segments typically sustain modest semi-open transitional spaces that reinforce frontage continuity, whereas intersection nodes generate more articulated threshold configurations due to increased connectivity and multidirectional visibility. Progressive enclosure through high boundary walls and solid materials transforms transitional interfaces into defensive edges, disrupting spatial layering and environmental responsiveness. By studying the relationship between the location of the house threshold in a settlement and the threshold character, the study contributes design-based guidelines that reposition threshold spaces as measurable architectural infrastructures rather than residual margins. The design parameters offer design implications for housing design guidelines and incremental development strategies in lower–middle-income suburban settlements within tropical regions.
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.