Extra-curricular, intercultural learning modules on urban layering and the social perception of cities: the case of the kul-uom summer workshop on Vauxhall street, Colombo

Abstract

Since 2013, the Department of Architecture of the University of Moratuwa (DA-UoM) and the KU Leuven Faculty of Architecture (KUL-FAR) have jointly been exploring various types of extra- and co-curricular activities. Having successfully set up the International Urban Design Workshops in parallel with the International Conference "Cities, People and Places” (ICCPP), cooperation also covered in- and out-going mobility, guest-lecturing, joint research and student supervision. With the 2018 KUL-UoM summer workshop, the organizers launched yet another experiment introducing extracurricular intercultural learning to their respective students. The workshop is situated against the backdrop accelerated urbanization of the past decade that has consolidated the position of the Colombo metropolitan region as Sri Lanka’s international gateway and its top commercial and financial hub. Urban development strategies initially envisioned city beautification, urban regeneration and revitalization of landmark cultural heritage sites. Mega development projects through public-private partnerships and/or land concessions to local or overseas investors now are balanced with projects envisaging greater social equity and inclusiveness. The KUL-UOM workshop acted on this approach by examining the urban layering and social perception of the neighbourhoods along Vauxhall Street, since these are facing profound transformation due to the urban redevelopment plans proposed for Slave Island and the vicinity of Beira Lake. This paper outlines the conceptual framework of this initiative and the format that was developed in view of the workshop objectives. It then reviews how this first joint summer workshop was initiated, prepared, and conducted. Next, it critically assesses the envisaged outcomes in terms of concept, method, logistics and learning process. Final reflections outline the lessons learnt and explore how experimental modules like this workshop can be developed as complementary contributions to the curricula offered at KUL and UoM.