Browsing by Author "Chandrasekara, DP"

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item: Conference-Abstract
3+2 versus 5 : A comparison of the structure of architectural education with reference to course changes at University of Moratuwa
Chandrasekara, DP
The architectural education system at University of Moratuwa (UOM) was changed to a direct 05 year Bachelor of Architecture degree from the 2003 new entrants. Prior to that, the format of the architectural education at UOM was a 03 year B.Sc . (Built Environment) degree and a 02 year M.Sc.(Architecture) postgraduate degree with a minimum of 1 year gaining in between. The structural change of the duration of the course was combined with other major revisions such as the "semesters" and "modules" replacing the "terms" and "subjects" of the old system respectively. The contents of the courses were also changed with the introduction of new areas of studies and elective modules The studio work of architectural design was the forte of both systems. The old system had yearend examinations for theory subjects. The new B.Arch . opted for semester- end examination. The main advantage in the new was that there were lesser possibilities of missing the batch by students due to poor performances in the theory modules. The objectives of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the two systems of education from the perspective of the students. A sample of 30 students; 15 from the last M.Sc. batch and 15 students from the first two batches of B.Arch. students wgfe selected on a random basis. All of them have now completed the part three examination of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and are chartered architects. The respondents were divided into two categories "Good students" and "Average Students" based on their performances at UOM. The findings of the study shows that 80% of the "good students" who had followed the B.Arch. programme opt for the same course given a chance to study architecture agaWr 100% of the "average students" select B.Sc. + M.Sc. as their preferred system to study architecture. r " Around 82% of the former B.Arch. students who selected B.Sc + M.Sc path stated that the main reason for the selection is that it gives a postgraduate qualification in addition to the 3 year bachelor degree. Those who selected old system stated that shorter duration and recognition to undergraduate degree as important factors which influenced their decision.
item: Thesis-Full-text
An Analytical study on sustainability in urban architecture with special reference to residential buildings in Colombo
Kulasinghe, SBA; Chandrasekara, DP
Although man seems a much-developed creature from his days of the jungle, he still is a part and parcel of a natural order of things. Man's development is reflected through his construction and technological improvements. Yet these in the long run has incurred damage and lost to the environment. Therefore the 20th century, foreseeing a future crisis and already arisen problems, became much aware of the issue of sustainability. This is an attempt to understand the broad scope of sustainable design. This study is a distillation of existing sustainable design theories, strategies, principles and guidelines with a focus on an urban Residential Buildings. A holistic perspective on this topic result in a much clearer understanding of the concept of sustainability, as well as a better grasp of how to steer the design industry towards more sustainable practices. It is important to note here, that this study is focused on sustainable design applicable to urban context and Residential Buildings. In the actual situation, the designer can never hope to reach absolute sustainability, but must strive to approach it to the limit of his capabilities. This analogy underlines one of the main goals of this study, that is, to take the existing knowledge of sustainable design, which has so far been applied in bits and pieces, and combine them all to create the most complete strategy possible
item: Thesis-Abstract
Critical examination on the perception of artificial light in creation of poetics of space with special reference to selected hotels in Sri Lanka
Madanayake, HLSP; Chandrasekara, DP
If architecture is considered articulating a given pouch of space; poetry of space-which has its own dimensions-light. is also one of the elements which are inseparable. Artificial light, has had a tremendous impact on the way in which architecture has been redefined and expressed. Its ability to define, manipulate, distort and create poetics of space demonstrates its ethereal quality as one of the most intimate spatial experiencing.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Eco friendly architecture in eco tourism: an illustrative study of eco tourist architecture in the tropical environment with special reference to Sri Lankan context
(2014-07-04) Rajapakse, DS; Basnayake, V; Chandrasekara, DP
The pace of development in countries within the tropical region is among the fastest in the world. Yet many of these nations still depend heavily on their natural resources. This today has led to a conflict: rapid development places an ever-increasing claim on scarce natural resources, which results in environmental degradation. On the other hand the effects on the ecological balance due to mankinds short sighted activities. The key element in any sustainable development is to ensure that they are undertaken in an environmentally sound manner. Here the buildings are the main added contributor into the creation of imbalance in the natural environment. With the rise of the concept of eco tourism this has become more aggravated as it makes direct physical interaction within the nature. The built environment as the major physical component in eco tourism, which also contributes to give the character to he place, visualizes the significant role of the architect creating sustainable eco tourism friendlier towards the nature. But unfortunately in the contemporary practice of eco tourist architecture, though it needs to be exceptionally eco friendly, has lost the sensitivity mainly because of lack of understanding the design principles of eco tourism. Finding the solution it convinced the necessity of the comprehensive understanding of eco friendly architecture, which is the total interpretation of design principles of eco tourism. Thus the study is initially attempted to make a broader understanding of eco friendly architecture, clearly defining the concept as a holistic approach of the green, eco sensitive, sustainable and ecological conceptions with their physical and psychological perception as a criteria to evaluate the design principles in a more elaborative manner. Since the concept of eco tourism is highly elaborated in the tropical nature and its merged exclusive culture the examples are evaluated mostly within the tropical eco systems. Thus the study attempts to visualize how possibly viable eco tourism can be generated in Sri Lanka which has an exotic tropical nature enriched with an exclusive culture. Thus has given examples of some of the recent tourist products, which are developed within these natural and socio cultural settings making closer attitudes towards sustainable eco tourist architecture.
item: Article-Full-text
The Grand And The Little Tradition: Tracing The Links Of Two Vernacular Building Types Of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2010-12) Chandrasekara, DP
It is accepted that there is a strong link between the vernacular architecture and the grand architecture traditions. The relationship between the two is studied and analyzed in different ways. The present day architecture/architects often acknowledge the influence of vernacular on the contemporary building designs; the “Little tradition” guiding the “Grand”. On the other hand we see the inspiration of grand architecture paving the path for the emergence of unique vernacular built forms. This paper will examine the evolution of two significant vernacular building types of Sri Lanka; “Stupa houses” and “Image houses on Stone pillars” and their linkages to built forms of grand architecture. The relationship would be explained with reference to the basic ingredients of architecture; “function”, “technology” and “aesthetics”. The Stupa houses of the Kandyan period (15th to 18th century) has a strong connection with the classical architecture of “Watadage buildings” constructed during 7th to 11th century. The former has a simplified the built form avoiding the circular plan form and associated intricate construction technology. The image houses on stone pillars are considered as one of the finest examples of Sri Lankan vernacular architecture. The technology and aesthetics of the building has a strong connection with the two tooth relic shrines at Polonnaruwa. The latter belong to the grand style. The both building types have adopted the raised floor construction for different reasons. It protected the murals and other elements of “image houses on stone pillars” from rising dampness 81 insect attacks. In the case of tooth relic shrines the approach enhanced the significance of the main shrine. The paper would also attempt to understand the relationship of the architecture of the “Stupa houses” and “Image houses on Stone pillars” with the buildings belong to the folk architectural tradition of the island.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Impact of declaration of a monument as a world heritage
(2021) Chandananda, M; Chandrasekara, DP
Ritigala is one of the most picturesque places in Sri Lanka. This picturesque value is mainly due to its cultural and natural aspects. Ritigala mountain range is located in the Palugaswewa divisional secretariat, Kekirawa in Anuradhapura district. The most outstanding value of this Archaeological site is the Padhanaghara building tradition. Rare species of flora and founa is found in this forest and the value of this heritage is immeasurable due to the dense forest which has been there unharmed for thousand of years. There are more than enough reasons for Ritigala to be included in the world heritage list due to the above mentioned outstanding universal values. But it seems that no considerable attention in this regard has has yet been drawn on the part of heritage conservation authorities. A long and meticulous feasibility study has to be done before Ritigala being declared a world heritage site in addition, management system which is to be submitted in this regard should be prepared in impact of declaration of amonument as a wodld heritage: A study of Ritigala monastic complex in Sri Lanka, it is attempted to research the need for it. It is done employing the methodologies of defining what a world heritage is, how it can be applied to Ritigala and examing the advantages and dis advantages arising from that it was observed when analysing the data collected the local and foreign tourists that majority of them are of the opinion of it being declare a world heritage. A few tourists have expressed their comments against. It justifying their reasons. Both of these parties have expressed their opinions based on some facts and they can be justified depending only on the management system implemented once it had been declared a world heritage site. Some of the locals also were posed the question whether Ritigala be declared a world heritage or not. When their responses were summarized, it is clear that they have shown more inclination for it than otherwise more over attention was paid to the world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and in othr countries in relation to their present condition after the inclution of them in the world heritage category. It was reveated that there are many such sites which have been maintained minimizing the damages and conserving the heritage due t the actions taken under the world heritage concept. Thus, there is evidence that this concept has been a success. On the other hand, there are some other world heritage sites in and out of Sri Lanka, which have failed to achieve success due to the lake of a proper management system. Venice charter and Narah document provide a very wide coverage on the subject of conservation of cultural heritage. Thus, how for these charters could be utilized in relation to Ritigala has been examinedhere. However, local and foreign tourists have expressed their concern over environmental issues which could be arisen due to declaring Ritigala a world heritage site. So, strict measures should be taken to protect the founa and flora of this natural reserve. Several suggestions on how Ritigala could be carefully maintained once it is declared a world heritage site have been presented here. Deciding on the number of tourists allowed entry to the site on a day, preventing opportunities for the unnecessary tourists entering the site by increasing the value of entry tickets, closing down the site for some period of time every year for the environmental balancing are the suggestions which require attention since majority of the tourists have expressed the need forimplementing rules, regulations and restrictions for conserving the site, implementation of these rules, regulations and restrictions also could lead to minimizing the damages to the site.
item: Conference-Full-text
The impact of transformation of cultural landscape on social behavioral patterns in Jaffna
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2018-10-05) Menalanan, U; Chandrasekara, DP; Wijesundara, J; Dayaratne, R
Jaffna city contains a distinctive social identity. The recognition of the Jaffna historical towns and their character as well as living atmospheres have been under threat since 1980, as a result of civil war, urbanization, and some other intangible factors.The meaningful environment features should be the sense of community and its attachment, recognition, continuity and longevity with the atmosphere we live in. The meaningful environment should be prevailed even though the social behavioral patterns and cultural landscape are being changed. Unfortunately, all the features that make a city unique and add value to the community are continuing to disappear. Therefore, it is imperative to ascertain the reasons behind the changes and provide necessary solutions through findings.The Information Processing Theory and the Place Identity Theory are being applied to analyze and strengthen the transformation of the cultural landscape and thesocialbehavioralpatterns.Thereareseveralattributesthatimpact on thebehavioralpatterns of thepeople. Case study areas are selected to analyze and visualizethe transformation of cultural landscape for it often changes periodically. Considering all these factors, a proper landscape management is desperately needed to preserve the character of Jaffna and its social identity in order to enhance the future of Jaffna.
item: Article-Full-text
The impact of visual complexity on perceived safety and comfort of the users: A study on urban streetscape of Sri Lanka
(PLOS, 2022) Kawshalya, LWG; Weerasinghe, UGD; Chandrasekara, DP
Increase in the variety of development in urban context has made it more complicated and complex for the users of public spaces. Absence of sufficient information to read the surrounding causes psychological anxiousness leading to perceived danger or discomfort for the urbanites. Consequently, perceived safety and comfort of the users is distinctively low in urban contexts, creating neglected and underused spaces. Complexity is one of the information processing variables as per Kaplan and Kaplan's informational model which helps users to comprehend the surrounding environment. The streetscape plays a vital role in the daily movement patterns within the urban cities and is the transition boundary between the public and private realms. Visual complexity of these streets is a result of different configurations of elements within the urban areas. This research is conducted to ascertain the relationship between visual complexity levels of the streets with the perceived safety and comfort of the users. Shannon Diversity Index (SDI) and Fractal dimension analysis were conducted with 48 SVIs (Street View Images) selected within 1km radius of Colpetty junction, Colombo Sri Lanka covering all the possible compositions found within the context. The visual index data extraction had identified ten major components within the selected 48 SVIs. 78 subjective ranking responses for perceived safety, comfort (preference) and perceived complexity were collected from snowball sampling. Findings of the study revealed that perceived safety levels and preference scores for the SVIs are related to the Shannon Diversity Index calculation in an inverted 'U' shape where the highest and lowest SDI values are related with low preference scores and low safety levels. The SVIs with medium SDI values are perceived as the safest and most preferred by the users of urban streets of Colombo Sri Lanka. The SDI and fractal dimension values were significantly correlated with the perceived complexity scores of the users. The results of this study can be accommodated in the planning and designing of urban streetscapes of tropical climates for sustainable and friendly urban expansions.
item: Conference-Abstract
The Landscape and the tourist attraction : a study with reference to Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka
De Silva, N; Chandrasekara, DP
This research investigates the link between landscape and tourist attraction in Sri Lankan context. Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner of the country and the landscape is the main tourist attraction. But there is no proper identification on the significant factors which attract tourists to those landscapes. A well adopted tourism landscapeof Nuwara-Eliya city was selected as the case study.Three most attractive locations t Nuwara-Eliya;Lake Gregory premises, Moon Plains and Mackwood- The literature review identified six“landscape aspects” and nine “landscape components”which attract tourists to landscapes. Those aspects were “experiential”, “ideological”, “imaginary”, “out of ordinary”, “unspoilt”, and “scenic” and the components were “flora & fauna”, “settlements”, “enclosure”, “memories”, “land use”, “sound”, “sight”, “land form” and “air/climate”. Thus, the study investigates which landscape aspect attracts the tourists in to a landscape and which landscape component becomes most significant and why it becomes that much significant for visitors.Mixed method of qualitative and quantitative surveys with in-situ observations, questionnaire based interviews and photographic analysis were used for data collection with thirty randomly selected tourists as the sample. This study reveals that landscape aspect which attract tourists differ with most significant landscape component of the space. One landscape component could play different roles in different landscapes. Tourist attraction to a landscape is proportional to the endurance of most significant landscape component. Further, it was found that the visual perception is the ultimate satisfaction of tourists. The outcome of the study could be used as a design tool in the landscape architectural design developments to sustain the tourism landscapes.
item: Conference-Full-text
The landscape and the tourist attraction: a study with reference to Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka.
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2017-10-20) De Silva, N; Chandrasekara, DP; Wijesundara, J; Dayaratne, R
This research investigates the link between landscape and tourist attraction in Sri Lankan context. Tourism is the third largest foreign exchange earner of the country and the landscape is the main tourist attraction. But there is no proper identification on the significant factors which attract tourists to those landscapes. A well adopted tourism landscapeof Nuwara-Eliya city was selected as the case study.Three most attractive locations t Nuwara-Eliya;Lake Gregory premises, Moon Plains and Mackwood- The literature review identified six“landscape aspects” and nine “landscape components”which attract tourists to landscapes. Those aspects were “experiential”, “ideological”, “imaginary”, “out of ordinary”, “unspoilt”, and “scenic” and the components were “flora & fauna”, “settlements”, “enclosure”, “memories”, “land use”, “sound”, “sight”, “land form” and “air/climate”. Thus, the study investigates which landscape aspect attracts the tourists in to a landscape and which landscape component becomes most significant and why it becomes that much significant for visitors.Mixed method of qualitative and quantitative surveys with in-situ observations, questionnaire based interviews and photographic analysis were used for data collection with thirty randomly selected tourists as the sample. This study reveals that landscape aspect which attract tourists differ with most significant landscape component of the space. One landscape component could play different roles in different landscapes. Tourist attraction to a landscape is proportional to the endurance of most significant landscape component. Further, it was found that the visual perception is the ultimate satisfaction of tourists. The outcome of the study could be used as a design tool in the landscape architectural design developments to sustain the tourism landscapes.
item: Conference-Full-text
Nature based therapeutic impact of borrowed landscape on the stress reduction of secondary school teachers
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2024) Welange, WIMAR; Chandrasekara, DP; Dharmasena, J
Stress among public secondary school teachers has become a worldwide issue owing far reaching implications. Since the nature has therapeutic effects, incorporating natural borrowed views in to the working places have the ability to reduce stress. With the objective of examining the stress management of public secondary school teachers using natural borrowed views, set in the WP/GM Bandaranayake College, a pilot study was executed among 40 male and female teachers which proved that the majority of both male and female teachers were under stress according to the stress scale. Then, the most preferred views were identified through a structured questionnaire, such as greenery, water and sky. Accordingly, five 3D borrowed views were simulated for the main study, resulting significantly better responses on stress management tests among the participants. The results concluded that female teachers are more stressed than male teachers and both male and female teachers prefer to observe a borrowed view of a combination of natural elements, rather than solely observing each element. Further, it was found that there is no impact of gender towards the therapeutic impact of nature on humans. The findings invite future researches to conduct more studies related stress management and designing healthy working environments.
item: Conference-Full-text
Placemaking in informal public spaces: a study of functionality and livability in the low-income settlement at sedawaththa, kelaniya
(Department of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2016) Jayathilaka, A; Chandrasekara, DP; Wijesundara, J; Dayaratne, R
Rapid urbanization has created low-income settlements in developing countries in all parts of the globe. The informal public spaces arean important and essential component of these settlements. They are strongly connected to the life patterns and needs of the occupants. The organically evolved informal spaces are functional, active and lively. It is seen that designed public landscaped spaces of newly constructed high-rise apartment complexes for the low-income lack a vibrant environment. Under such circumstances the users abandon such spaces. Functional landscaped spaces affect the quality of the life of the people as well as the strength of the urban fabric. Many scholars have contributed to the development ofplacemakingtheory, which explains how built environment is converted toplaces, which works exceptionally well with the users. This research investigates the issue of placemaking in reference to functionality and livability of the informal public spaces in low- income settlement. Placemaking helps people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of the community. Emphasizing theconnectionbetween people and the spaces, placemaking refers to a collaborative process by which the public realm can be shaped in order to maximize shared values. Accordingto the theoretical analysis of placemaking, places should possess qualitiessuch as mixed use (sociability), Accessand linkages, flexible and hybridity, self-satisfaction, comfort and safety. The outcome of the research explains how the informal public spaces of the low – income settlement havebecome livable and functional due to the strong connection to placemaking
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Review of the urban acupuncture approach and its applicability to designing Sri Lankan cities
Prabakaran, P; Chandrasekara, DP
This research focuses on the applicability of the urban acupuncture approach in Sri Lankan Cities. Urban Acupuncture approach is generative method targeted to achieve the “wholeness” ofthe city but through informal design product. Every city has several systems individually and collectively. Before going to a design or planning solution the systems should be studied carefully and find the nodes and meridians where we have to treat. Colombo city was selected as the case study and Panchikawatta node has been selected as the nodal point on the basis of the existing context within the city and included one of the regeneration sites by the Urban Development Authority. There are two levels of context of the site studied and proposals were made on those two levels. In the regional level, major objective ofthe project was to bring the Panchikawatta node in to the system then only we can give a solution to local level. Considering all the major physical elements of the city, a transportation loop has been proposed to connect the site with other areas in pedestrian, cyclists and vehicles modes. In next while having well connectivity with immediate region how the node should be treated? The derived steps from the precedent studies which are Outset, Vision, Tool (acupuncture) and Transformation applied in each steps of the preparation of the Urban Design brieffor Panchikawatta triangle. In the end a methodology and 7 recommended rules were developed for apply the Urban Acupuncture approach in Sri Lankan cities successfully.
item: Conference-Full-text
The role of landscape in place attachment: a study of Kamachchodai and mora wala locales at Negombo
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2018-10-05) Silva, JSMB; Chandrasekara, DP; Wijesundara, J; Dayaratne, R
The human attachments are created physically and mentally which areeither materialistic or non-materialistic. The strong bonds people develop with their memories, surroundings, locations, senses and people since birth, is known generally as “attachments”. When an attachment is developed with a particular place it is further defined as “place attachment”. This subject has gained much scientific attention in recent years as a topic interwoven with social sciences and has not been much highlighted in the perspective of landscape architecture. Therefore, thisresearch questions,the impacts and role of landscape in the subject of place attachment.The paper discusses place attachment based on theories by scholars such as Law and Altman and subsequently focuses on the element of “landscape” within it, through literature based on landscape such as that of Robert B. Riley. Space, place and people complement each other by coexisting, thereby defining the landscape and creating an intriguing discussion within the study. Since people and landscape are broad topics, the study limits to a particular landscape with a specific group of users. The selected case studies are two significant landmarks in Sri Lanka, namely; Negombo Mora Wala and Kamachchodai Pola. The research was done by interviewing people, as a human dimension which plays a major role. Subsequently various impacts on place attachment, the landscape and its peoplewere studied as the basic material, within which particular elements according theoretical framework based on the tripartite model theory, were focused in depth through data collection and analysis. An idea on the role of landscape within place attachment is apprehended through comparison and analytical discussions and observations of the existing situation of the sites with the theoretical framework formulated.
item: Conference-Full-text
A study of the impact of boundaries in urban public spaces on user perceived safety
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2019-11-14) Rukshan, SJAT; Chandrasekara, DP; Dayaratne, R
Perceived safety of a public space is an important factor because it encourages visitors to enjoy available public spaces. In an urban environment, perceived safety relates to its urban boundaries. This research study investigates the impact of urban boundaries on user perceived safety in urban public spaces in reference to Sri Lankan context. The objectives of this study are to investigate how the physical and surface boundaries relate to the perceived safety and to understand the significant safety factors of boundaries which influence for the perceived safety. According to the theoretical framework, six safety factors were selected which relate to perceived safety of urban public spaces. Those factors were visibility, enclosure, accessibility, social interaction, territoriality and maintenance. The data was collected at Kalutara Children Park which has considerable public open spaces. The findings of the study reveals that the surface boundaries generate a high level of perceived safety than the physical boundaries. The perceived safety caused by grass, paving stones, kerbs and fences are higher than that of shelters, hedges, water, wall, and gates. The perceived safety created by boundaries is linked to safety factors .The findings of the study points out that safety factors of visibility, enclosure and social interaction play an vital role in enhancing the perceived safety.
item: Conference-Abstract
The grand and the little tradition: tracing the links of two vernacular building types of Sri Lanka
(2010) Chandrasekara, DP
It is accepted that there is a strong link between the vernacular architecture and the grand architecture traditions. The relationship between the two is studied and analyzed in different ways. The present day architecture/architects often acknowledge the influence of vernacular on the contemporary building designs; the "Little tradition" guiding the "Grand". On the other hand we see the inspiration of grand architecture paving the path for the emergence of unique vernacular built forms. This paper will examine the evolution of two significant vernacular building types of Sri Lanka; "Stupa houses" and "Image houses on Stone pillars" and their linkages to built forms of grand architecture. The relationship would be explained with reference to the basic ingredients of architecture; "function", "technology" and "aesthetics". The Stupa houses of the Kandyan period (15th to 18th century) has a strong connection with the classical architecture of "Watadage buildings" constructed during 7th to 11th century. The former has a simplified the built form avoiding the circular plan form and associated intricate construction technology. The image houses on stone pillars are considered as one of the finest examples of Sri Lankan vernacular architecture. The technology and aesthetics of the building has a strong connection with the two tooth relic shrines at Polonnaruwa. The latter belong to the grand style. The both building types have adopted the raised floor construction for different reasons. It protected the murals and other elements of "image houses on stone pillars" from rising dampness & insect attacks. In the case of tooth relic shrines the approach enhanced the significance of the main shrine. The paper would also attempt to understand the relationship of the architecture of the "Stupa houses" and "Image houses on Stone pillars" with the buildings belong to the folk architectural tradition of the island.
item: Conference-Full-text
Tourists’ experiences and references of cultural heritage landscapes: a study of Galle world heritage site
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2020-12-15) Madhushani, IADM; Chandrasekara, DP; Dayaratne, R
Cultural Heritage Landscapes resulting from the conservation of the unique physical characteristics and the place identity, have become major tourist attractions all over the world. The consumption of a landscape by visitors alter and disturb the significant features of such landscapes. The objective of this paper is to present the importance of cultural heritage landscapes in experiencing places by tourists. The paper is based on the Galle world heritage site, Sri Lanka; a landscape initially consumed by tourists due to its natural components which creates a product of tourist consumption landscape at present. The theoretical frameworks of information processing theory, tourists’ authenticity & gaze and performativity were applied to comprehend the process of experiencing and the altering the cultural landscape in reference to tourist-host social relationships. A study was conducted through the investigation, of experiences based on questionnaires with a sample of randomly selected foreign and local tourists (30 nos. each), who have visited Galle in 2019. Data was classified under three variables; tangible, social intangible and symbolic intangible components. The analysis reveals that cultural heritage components create positive attributes in destination branding and on visitor satisfaction. The tourist activity creates both positive and negative attributes in altering the cultural heritage characteristics and the pattern of living of the community. This paper argues for the host communities to be engaged in place making while preserving the identity of the cultural heritage for the development of tourism and destination branding.
item: Conference-Full-text
Urban alleyways as a functional landscape element and its effect on live able city : a study with reference to Kandy city
(2018) Gunarathne, CPA; Chandrasekara, DP; Samarawickrama, S
A good city is a fascinating manmade creation which stimulates the physical and psychological satisfaction of its dwellers. Positive public realm is the core of liveable city. Urban alleyways are one such significant, micro contextual public territory generally located at the core of the city. They are multifunctional and act as linking paths, gathering spaces and commercial spaces. Urban alleyways could also generate negative consequences due to dis-functioning and lost spaces. The heritage city of Kandy in Sri Lanka was selected for the investigation of functionality and liveability of the alleyways. According to the literature survey, “Figure-ground theory” explains the relationship between built fabric and spaces in-between. The study adopted the “Linkage theory” to evaluate the circulation space and spatial connections. Integration, connectivity and intelligibility of alleyways were measured as spatial configuration through Space syntax maps. “Place theory” addresses behavioural patterns of people within public spaces in accordance with the physical and psychological attributes. Psychological satisfaction of people is evaluated concerning the fulfilment of physical attributes. Direct field observation and interviews with city dwellers are done for accurate data. Activity maps are used to evaluate detailed description about the relationship among the location, physical environment and behavioural patterns of people. The study shows that the behavioural patterns of people in urban alleyways are consequence connected to two paradigms; the impact of spatial configuration and effects of physical & psychological dimensions. Hence, the equilibrium of both paradigms influences the performance of alleyways, the study concluded that positive spatial configuration in equilibrium with affirmative physical & psychological attributes of alleyways, deeply effect the satisfaction of people and the liveability of city.