ICCPP - 2014

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/22077

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Browsing ICCPP - 2014 by Subject "Colombo"

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    Effect of street canyon materials on the urban heat island phenomenon in colombo
    (Department of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2014) Perera, N G R; Samanthilaka, K P P R; Dayaratne, R; Wijesundara, J
    An Urban heat island (UHI) is best visualized as a dome of stagnant warm air, over the heavily built-up areas of the city. These have been observed practically all over the world and Colombo, Sri Lanka is no exception. It is known that the replacement of natural surfaces and radiation trapped in ‘street form’ urban canyons is one of the primary drivers of this phenomenon. This study quantifies and compares the local warming effects caused by materials used in street canyons in the warm, humid climate of Colombo. A process of ascertaining street canyon materials by survey and simulation using a simple force restore model, the Surface Heat Island Model (SHIM) generate data for specific urban canyons and the respective local warming effects they cause. Aluminium cladding in buildings, showed the highest and the lowest intensity. The highest UHI intensity of 2.87oC was recorded In LCZ2-commercial. While, the lowest UHI intensity of 1.78 oC can be seen at LCZ3-sea front zone. Analyses highlight the predominant material occurrence and discuss implications for nocturnal UHI amelioration, in warm, humid, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Keywords: Urban Heat Island, Warm Humid Tropics, Street Canyon Materials, Local Climate Zone, Surface Heat Island Model, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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    Relevance of threshold spaces in low-income communities of Colombo for sustaining social ties
    (Department of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2014) Gunathillaka, D; Coorey, S.B.A.; Dayaratne, R; Wijesundara, J
    Low income communities in Colombo represent life styles that are established through interdependency and strong social ties. Inadequate resources, land and services are some reasons for interdependence and strong social bonds act as mechanism for facing day to day challenges. Threshold spaces are observed within these settlements where social activity, exchange and interaction take place. They play an important role as spaces where social ties are reinforced. Hence the existence and function of such spaces are critical in sustaining these communities. However during resettlement such socio spatial relationships and the threshold spaces are ignored and the opportunity for social ties is lost. Hence this paper aims to identify and acknowledge the threshold spaces existing in low income settlements. Further the architectural elements that shape such spaces are explored and understood for shaping future settlements. Data is collected in three selected cases in the Kotahena area. A variety of threshold spaces were observed in these cases. The spatial formations and architectural elements in threshold spaces were explored using maps, sketches and photographic studies. The social activity and interactions were explored using systematic observations, activity maps and interviews. Ten residents were interviewed from each case. This research will be beneficial to identify how different qualities such as, separation, connection, communication, differentiation, transition, interruption, continuity, boundary and crossing in threshold spaces have been gained without interfering with social relationships and by composing architectural elements in various ways to the satisfaction of the commune.
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    Social resilience and urban growth exploring urban ‘strategies’ and ‘tactics’ in bangkok and colombo
    (2014) De Wandeler, K; Dayaratne, R; Wijesundara, J
    This paper contends that re-inventing the city involves a level of ‘social resilience’ that permits to face the challenges presented by urban development at moments of growth as well as in times of adversity and crisis. It is a conceptual exercise that largely draws on the distinction which the French anthropologist Michel de Certeau between ‘tactics’ and ‘strategies’. He described ‘tactics’ as everyday practices through which large parts of the population respond to power ‘strategies’ imposed on them from above. While tactics and strategies may sometimes clash, synergy between them is crucial to build ‘social resilience’ and make city life more sustainable. To illustrate this claim, the paper ventures into a comparison between the urban discourses that were circulating in Bangkok in the booming early-1990s and an exploratory observation of similar trends in contemporary Colombo. Whilst two decades and vastly diverging historical backgrounds separate these contexts, the urban development strategies deployed in both situations are marked by strong economic growth and a booming real estate sector. In spite of political turmoil, social resilience in Bangkok has manifested itself in ‘tactical urbanisms’ that range from dissatisfaction and confrontation to consensus-building and cooperation. In view of Sri Lanka’s recent past of armed conflict, the paper cannot offer such clear-cut insights on Colombo. Instead, it advances a series of logical presumptions by way of final reflection and invitation for further research.