Unraveling the dynamics of urban agglomeration and spatial formation in the Colombo district

Abstract

Urban agglomerations are vital drivers of national and global economic development, with cities closely interconnected within them. The world's urban population surpassed 50% in 2020, indicating a significant shift towards urban living. Sri Lanka's urban expansion and its people's social and cultural backgrounds are intrinsically linked. This study aims to understand the urban agglomeration and spatial development of the Colombo District in the last 50 years. Both primary and secondary data sources were utilized, including interviews with 30 experts and analysis of historical records, maps, and census data. A hybrid strategy involving GIS spatial analysis and qualitative analysis was employed to investigate urban agglomeration and spatial formation. The Space Syntax approach was used to examine street-to-street transitions and urban configurations, while the Landscape Expansion Matrix helped determine dynamic functions and systems. This research sheds light on Colombo's urban growth and its impact on socio-economic patterns.