Impact of material changes on user experience in Buddhist sacred landscapes: a case study of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Abstract

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.