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
Cognitive framework for lighting design: perceptions from contemporary Sri Lankan architects.
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Balapitiya, LP; Perera, NGR; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
This paper is an investigation of Architects' perceptions of light effects and how they integrate them into the architectural design process. It is an exploration of the position that Architects rarely just illuminate a space; rather, they consciously or subconsciously build a composition using light. Drawing on Skarlatou’s cognitive framework of luminous composition, the research examines the stages at which lighting considerations emerge and how cognitive lighting principles are applied. Through qualitative and interpretive inquiry, the study involved five Colombo-based Architects utilising in-depth, semi-structured interviews and retrospective protocol analysis. The data were analysed using thematic coding to identify patterns in the deployment of lighting principles across different design stages. The findings indicate that Skarlatou’s principles remain relevant within the Sri Lankan context; however, their application is significantly influenced by the tropical climatic environment. The study reveals a consistent temporal sequence in lighting-related decision-making, beginning with abstract and metaphorical intentions, progressing to strategies of light positioning and distribution, and culminating in the detailed resolution of material–light relationships and technical specifications. The results further demonstrate the central role of experiential knowledge, intuition, and mental visualisation in guiding design decisions, with architects relying less on quantitative simulation tools during the early stages of design. This work contributes by demonstrating the significant influence of the tropical climatic context on the cognitive design process and a framework for understanding lighting design thinking.
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Comparative field performance of organic and commercial preservatives against blue stain fungi in pinewood
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Rathuge, LR; Hewage, IS; Mendis, MS; Halwatura, RU; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
The occurrence of blue stain fungi is one of the severe problems in the pinewood industry. This significantly reduces the market value of pinewood due to visible discoloration. This study evaluated the field performance of two plant extract based organic preservatives against boron-based inorganic preservatives for reducing the blue stain fungi development in pinewood. The organic preservatives are locally developed final solution with mud and final solution without mud and inorganic preservatives are commercially available Anti-blue and Anti-boron. The study used freshly cut pinewood specimens exposed for six months at three geographical regions in Sri Lanka i.e. (i) Bandarawela, (ii) Ratnapura, and (iii) Colombo. The effects of location, exposure condition, treatment type, and treatment timing were considered. Specimens were placed under sheltered and non-sheltered conditions, while preservative treatment was applied as early treatment and delayed treatment after cutting. Visible blue stain affected surface area was quantified using an image processing method applied to photographs taken of wood specimens. Untreated non-sheltered specimens in Bandarawela showed the highest visible blue stain development and were therefore used for detailed preservative performance comparison. Sheltered storage reduced visible discoloration compared with non-sheltered exposure. All preservative treatments reduced visible blue stain affected surface area compared with untreated specimens. Final solution with mud performed comparably with the tested commercial preservatives, while final solution without mud was effective but less protective. The findings indicate that early preservative treatment combined with sheltered storage is a practical approach for reducing visible blue stain development in freshly cut pinewood.
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Conceptual digital twin framework for conserving urban cultural heritage: a case of Slave Island, Colombo
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Jeewananda, WDBJ; Kudasinghe, KSKNJ; Rupasinghe, AR; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Digital twins have emerged as significant tools within architecture and construction, enabling the creation of precise virtual representations of physical structures and environments. However, no universal digital twin system is applicable across all contexts, as development processes must be tailored according to specific site conditions, project objectives, and user requirements. Within heritage conservation, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital twin principles support documentation, performance assessment, behavioural analysis, and preventive maintenance of historic environments. Nevertheless, their implementation remains complex, particularly within developing-country contexts where technological limitations and data constraints exist. In Sri Lanka, research and application of digital twins for urban cultural heritage conservation remain limited. Simultaneously, rapid modernization increasingly threatens colonial-era streetscapes and historically significant urban structures within Colombo. In response, this conceptual study proposes a site-specific digital twin framework for conserving disappearing urban cultural heritage, focusing on the De Soysa building and the surrounding streetscape of Slave Island, Colombo. The study adopts a qualitative exploratory approach combining a literature review, case study analysis, and semi-structured professional interviews to identify suitable framework components, implementation challenges, and future application strategies. The proposed conceptual workflow integrates archival documentation, digital reconstruction approaches, and comparative visualization techniques to support heritage documentation and long-term digital preservation. Findings indicate that heritage-oriented digital twin development within Sri Lanka requires context-sensitive and adaptable implementation strategies due to challenges associated with data acquisition, software accessibility, interoperability, cost, and ethical considerations. The study contributes by establishing an initial conceptual foundation for future digital twin implementation in urban cultural heritage conservation within resource-constrained contexts.
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Conceptualising a Value Stream Mapping (VSM) - based decision - making model for lean energy retrofitting of HVAC systems in high-rise buildings: literature review approach
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Gamagedara, HMDC; Mallawaarachchi, H; Jayakodi, JADKS; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
The built environment sector accounts for a considerable global energy consumption, making energy retrofitting a critical strategy for enhancing energy efficiency while reducing operational costs. However, conventional energy retrofitting exhibits several limitations often caused by fragmented interventions and limited long-term impacts. Previous studies across different industries demonstrated that the lean concept is capable of optimising processes while maximising the value. Hence, it is worth to explore on how to integrate lean concepts in energy retrofitting to optimise energy consumption and energy costs. As the initial step, this study aims to investigate the value stream mapping (VSM) as a decision-making approach for lean energy retrofitting through a non-systematic review approach. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis technique. The findings reveal that the incorporation of the lean concept in energy retrofitting enables various advantages. Further, VSM, one of the key lean tools, can be identified as a promising solution for energy retrofitting that enables facilities managers to visualise energy flows and identify non-value adding items. Secondary data evidence indicates that VSM-guided interventions can yield significant reductions in both energy consumption and project lead times compared to conventional methods. Accordingly, this study proposed a conceptual VSM-based decision-making model for lean energy retrofitting in HVAC systems in high-rise buildings as the key outcome of this research. Overall, the study identified that lean-integrated energy retrofitting facilitates a more adaptive, resource-efficient, and sustainable approach for energy retrofitting than the conventional method.
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Conceptualising an inclusive compliance approach to sustain the energy efficiency of new residential buildings
(Department of Building Economics, 2026) Hulathdoowage, ND; Karunasena, G; Udawatta, N; Harrington, P; Liu, C; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Jayasena, HS; Chandanie, H; Tennakoon, GA
Just as a roadworthy certificate for a motor vehicle relies on periodic inspections to verify continued safety, residential buildings should also be subject to scheduled compliance checks to ensure they continue to perform safely, efficiently, and sustainably over time. Moving from foresight to action, this study conceptualises an inclusive compliance approach to sustain the energy efficiency of new single-family homes through regular inspection cycles. Developed through a scoping review and desk study, the concept proposes: (i) a practical workflow and supporting equations to determine when new residential buildings should enter their first compliance cycle, and (ii) a method for defining a minimum penalty-free retrofit window to support timely, proactive upgrades, within the initial cycle. The study lays the groundwork for a forward-looking policy framework that strengthens inclusive compliance pathways, promotes early intervention, and advances the transition toward a resilient, energy-efficient, and regenerative housing sector.