An Assessment on architectural parameters of civic pride in public buildings with special reference to the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka, being a country with a rich cultural heritage needs strategies to revitalize the sense of civic pride in contemporary citizens who are leaving the country amidst the current crisis. It is vital to uplift the citizens’ sense of belongingness and satisfaction, to uphold their confidence in living in the country. Taking an Architectural approach this study explores the parameters that contribute to fostering the sense of ‘civic pride' with reference to public building in Colombo. Five selected architectural elements pertaining to civic pride were evaluated via adapting the Civic Pride Correlation Matrix (Morrison, 2016). BMICH and National Museum were selected as case studies through a pilot study executed with random participants (n=88) and the perception of civic pride was evaluated through expert surveys with Architects (n=18) and in-site questionnaires with random participants (n=68). The research revealed the importance of the application of architectural elements through visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory experiences of human in conducive levels to enhance the sense of civic pride. While spatial definition (60%), materials and colours (82.2%), and the architectural detailing (67.1%) have contributed with reference to the National Museum, spatial definition (53.8%) and the materials and colours (64%) have become significant in fostering sense of pride related to the BMICH. The CPCM reveals that, even with an extended average relationship to the city, only 55.3% of respondents thought their neighbourhood offered a sense of pride. Pilot study as well as the expert opinion surveys highlighted the emerging timely necessity of a measure for ‘sense of civic pride’. The research underscores the importance of utilizing appropriate architectural and Urban design interventions in public buildings and spaces to foster civic pride in future citizens.