FARU - 2017 (Volume 02)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/16313

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 48

item: Conference-Full-text
Adaptable built-environment as a potential strategy to sustain post-disaster resettlements in Sri Lanka
(2017) Sridarran, P; Keraminiyage, K; Amaratunga, D
In the recent decades, internal displacements occur in greater number across the world each year without drawing much attention. To minimise the causes and attenuate the consequences of displacement, governments and other concerned entities involve themselves in the process of resettlement to different degrees. However, the large-scale resettlements are often criticised for offering only temporary relief without meeting the long-term expectations of the affected communities. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore the potentials of an adaptable built-environment to provide durable solutions to sustain post-disaster resettlements. Based on previous case studies 14 long-term struggles in adapting to a new built-environment are identified. A Likert scale questionnaire survey was conducted in 4 resettlement schemes in Sri Lanka, to scale the level of severity of the identified factors. Collected questionnaires were analysed using factor analysis technique to identify the underlying concepts of the adaptability issues. The findings of this study show that the underlying structure of the identified factors that affect the adaptability of the built-environment of the displaced community includes less availability of social infrastructure, the unfamiliarity of the houses, difference in the location, non-flexibility of the houses, comfort of the houses, and less availability of utilities. Similarly, the underlying structure of the host community includes less availability of social infrastructure, different usage of the land, community relationship, and less availability of the utilities.
item: Conference-Full-text
An analysis of factors of user generated content on social networks that motivate pleasure travel enthusiasts of Sri Lanka
(2017) Alwis, J.; Samarawickrama, S
This research contributes to the knowledge of user generated content on social networks and how it can be used to motivate pleasure travellers. Different roles in the communication process of user generated content on social networks and how their qualities determine the effectiveness of content were explored. The research was focused on the pleasure travel enthusiasts of Sri Lanka. Pleasure traveling often involve hiking, trekking, rafting, sightseeing etc. within attractive destinations. This research examined the qualities that should be in the creator and in the message of user generated content to motivate a potential traveller. The hypothesis was derived with seven identified qualities that should possess in the ‘creator’ and in ‘content’ and they were tested using interviews and a questionnaire. Interviews were done with content creators and a questionnaire was distributed among pleasure travel enthusiasts to inquire whether the predetermined seven qualities of content are applicable to motivate pleasure travel enthusiast of Sri Lanka. It was concluded that, only five out of the seven qualities which were determined earlier has the power of motivating a pleasure traveller. Based on the study, author could drew a guiding framework for content creators and also determine that ‘identity disclosure’, ‘reputation’ and ‘storytelling ability’ of the creator and ‘clarity and construction’ and ‘usage of media’ of the content help in motivating potential travel enthusiasts.
item: Conference-Full-text
Analyzing a morphology of domestic legacies
(2017) Prince, A; Ahmed, B
Shakharibazar in Old Dhaka, one of the first streets to be built in the region of South Asia, is a sanctuary to a very specific ethnic group, and the only known home to some craftsmen. Shop house is the generic archetype of existing urban fabric of Shakharibazar. A striking characteristic of this distinctive ‘plan unit’ is oblong and linear plots with very narrow frontal widths. Defence mechanisms, community interaction, commercial, residential and service interfaces were the bases for the spatial features of individual houses. This paper investigates the patterns of configuration of domestic space that historically fostered its growth and explores the potential of the settlement pattern and space layout to function as an important tourist destination. The methodology consists of literature review, site survey, house survey, formal and informal interviews with the inhabitants of selected houses and an elaborate spatial analysis using space syntax. The street is syntactically responsible for very high pedestrian movement and community activities. The shop is the most integrated space of the ground floor, whereas the changing room is the deepest. There are instances of gendered space, that are segregated to some extent. The control values coincide with the air flow pattern, and VGA analysis demonstrates privacy and security. Conservation of this lifestyle and spatial pattern is more necessary than merely conserving existing structures.
item: Conference-Full-text
Architecture of the building process: an inquiry on community based design
(2017) Lihiniyakumara, LKYS; Pathiraja, M
Community-based Architecture can generally be termed as a process of building production that relies on collective communal effort in order to build spaces for collective communal use. A process of such ‘collective’ building would naturally require the contribution of multiple actors, resulting in a dynamic decision-making environment during the design and construction phases of a building. This study sets out to evaluate how such an atmosphere of multiple and dynamic decision-making impacts on the ‘architectural’ performance of the final product. The study argues that, in such context, architecture must embrace the input of a broader socio-cultural system, seek the benefit of the social capital, and more importantly, view building as a social process that accommodates a variety cultural demands, technical pressures, and on-site decision-making interventions. Subsequently, the study examines how the design of a building system changes during its production process, in what ways specific actors and situations contribute to this dynamic behavior of design and construction changes, and the subsequent qualitative impact on the building product. The study concludes that, in Community-based Architecture, the building design is often in the mode of constant change, whereas the building project must be recognized as a socio-cultural system birthed by a specific socio-cultural process. Therefore, it is paramount that the building design and construction process must be organized with a latitude for changes and tolerances for variations. In doing so, it establishes a position - and a theoretical framework - on how the processes and principles of building can be altered, amended and re-defined during the on-site decision making process, thereby bringing up the intellectual need to acknowledge the way in which the ‘process of building’ generates, changes and re-defines the ‘architecture of a product’.
item: Conference-Full-text
Bringing water to new heights
(2017) Duncan, N; Masureik, J; Isola, T
Several attempts have been made at supplying water into informal settlements, although none investigate bringing the water into each individual home. Our proposition is to form a pipe network connecting to node units attaching to each home as a sponsored/crowd funded initiative. This system is designed to be implemented without uprooting the current residents. Two node designs would be available, which are metamorphic to the individual’s requirement. Facilities such as showers and sinks clip onto this “water wall.” A foldable washing line is also located at the top of the node to conserve space and is accessed with a small ladder and a pulley system. The nodes contain a fire sprinkler. Moreover, the nodes stabilize the houses by having a small foundation. Borehole and rainwater is our focus. The water is retrieved from the borehole and travels through the water system which is set in place before reaching the individual homes. The system includes elements that facilitate both the movement of water using natural energy as well as creating public spaces for the inhabitants of the informal settlement to interact. The concept is located in South Africa, although can be adjusted to be applied in communities worldwide.
item: Conference-Full-text
Challenges associated with integrating global policies on DRR and CCA in urban development: Asian perspective
(2017) Dias, N; Amaratunga, D; Haigh, R; Malalgoda, C
The world’s population is increasing rapidly, with more than half living in Asia, mostly in urban areas. Accordingly, it is vital to reduce the current and future vulnerabilities of disasters in Asia as a precaution to save human lives as well as to reduce the damage to the natural and built environment. Increasing change on climate also further surges the vulnerability for disasters. Global policies are important to unify different parts of the world. There are three main global policies that are currently in action in the global context. These are the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals and, the Paris Climate Agreement. However, integrating these global policies to the development agendas of Asian countries have become extremely difficult due to many governance, scientific and communication issues. Based on findings of a global analysis conducted as part of a research project entitled ESPREssO funded by the EU horizon 2020 programme, this paper provides a critical review of the existing challenges associated with integrating global policies on DRR and CCA into the Urban Development in Asia. During the first phase of the study, a narrative desk based literature review was conducted and during the second stage an extensive primary data collection was conducted. Key primary data collection methods were semi structured expert interviews, expert focus group discussions and an online questionnaire survey. Findings reveal institutional issues, political willingness, information management are the prominent challenges in Asia to integrate global policies into the urban development.
item: Conference-Full-text
Changing role of institutional open space in the modern educational system
(2017) Swetha, K; Meenatchi, S
In the recent technological advancement, role of institution becomes facilitator in the learning process, where knowledge and skills are acquired through guidance and self indulgence. In that process the space confined (class room) learning transforming to space unconfined learning process (outside class room) is gaining its momentum. In that context space between and within buildings in the institute is emerging as an active spot for individual or group to engage in self-learning. There is a need to understand the impact and diverse effects of open spaces in campus, in order to meet the expectation of the user. Apart from imparting learning, institutions encourage extracurricular activities to maintain quality of learning which are catered by landscaped spaces in a campus. Are the spaces between the buildings meeting the expectations of the users? What are the aspects to be considered to create these spaces in the changing learning environment? What is the impact and perception of these spaces? The main objective of the research is based on finding answers for these questions. The present study involves local case studies to find out how the open spaces are perceived and how spaces are evolving. To meet this objective a multi layered methodology is indulged in this research in order to develop reliable results which includes direct Impressionistic observation -where the users are identified, observation of the spaces is done and verification of the findings is done through evaluation and survey questionnaire and behavioural mapping- a systematic way of recording the observation which includes place centred and individual centred mapping. The outcome helps in creating flexible and user centric open spaces in campus design.
item: Conference-Full-text
Child as the storyteller of urbanitY : Case of Gurugram, Haryana
(2017) Bharadwaj, A; Bhatt, JM; Saini, N
Gurugram, Haryana, is the melting pot of different social and cultural stratas of the Indian population. The instant urbanization phenomenon of Gurugram, post the IT boom has resulted in a global, shimmering city with no heart. As the city endeavours to tackle the pressing ‘adult’ concerns such as transport, infrastructure, economic sustainability and development boasting of global standards, ‘the child in the city’ becomes minor issue. The effect of the environment on the development of children has been well documented but the voice of the child as a stakeholder of the city is absent from the dialogue of planning process in Indian urban settlements. As the city matches the aspirations of the parents, the association of the children with the city is under duress. Urban space envisaged by adults varies tremendously from what the children perceive. The paper attempts to explore possibilities of experiencing/envisaging the cityscapes through the eyes of the child and providing some broad guidelines for integrating child-friendly spaces within the gargantuan sprawl. The author follows and tries to comprehend the said cityscapes through the experiences of the children from the slums of Ghatagaon and the upscale Malibu Township, Gurugram, Haryana. The paper concludes on the possibility of the approach resulting in safe and interactive urban spaces for not just the child but all inhabitants of the city. This could further translate into a socially and economically sustainable city form which is the utmost need for today. While the importance of sustainable development is an important topic in academic and political discourse, the social impact of rapid urbanization on our future generation is an even more critical subject that requires immediate attention.
item: Conference-Full-text
Cities are losing heritage values
(2017) Doza, SB
The aim of the research paper is to focus on the diminishing ‘heritage values’ of the city which causes impact on human intellect. Whilst city is a multipart of its inherent traditional and historic manners. With the rapid pace of urbanization, cities in the South East Asia are losing its rooted cultural heritage, the consequences of this trailing; inhabitants or the city dwellers are disappearing their memories and images of their own locale. That eventually causes unfilled to belong with the time, place and memory. City has its own distinctiveness everywhere in the world. Delta-hinterland Bangladesh is no exception from them; the country is dotted with enormous ancient and historic settlements. Some are completely dilapidated by the natural and man-made disasters, some are keep hold of as the ruins and few of them are still remain as the identical historic districts. The historic districts of a city are running down by the negligence of the city authority, inattentiveness, lack of maintenance and lastly the policies statements. The paper would deeply focus on a particular historic city Rajshahi, Northern part of Bangladesh, where the historic morphology of the town has disgraced the values of heritage in a short period of time. Through the Timeline analysis this dilapidation could be seen. On the other hand, the paper would address the meaning of image of a place that communally praises the personal understanding. Finally, urbanization is the necessity, everyone should appraise this phenomenon, however on the other hand the traditional values and cultural heritage of a locality or a city remain unique and it clarifies the area’s dignity and entity. It gives a good memories and understanding of own imaged territory.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Comparative study of housing as a social entity: the case of Nagpur, India
(2017) Smita, K
India is undergoing massive urban development. Currently an irrational focus towards provision of voluminous infrastructure is perceptible. This presents a threatening situation where development is devoid of an essential underlying value system that imparts context responsiveness and hence, sustainability to cities. Smaller cities, relatively insulated from such drastic urban transformation, have been able to retain their people- centric environments through sustenance of a strong socio- cultural continuity, which is manifest in their built environments. In stark contrast to burgeoning metropolises, these foster higher quality of life and saner lifestyles. This study analyses three housing neighborhoods in Nagpur, a grade II Indian city, set in three distinct temporal frames: historic, pre- globalization and post- globalization. The study areas are analyzed through the lens of seminal environment- behavior parameters. Qualitative methodology employs for analysis morphological maps, non- participatory observation and photographic documentation. The work constructs an argument for comprehensive urban development embodying socio- cultural and behavioural values of a place as being legitimate parameters and integral to process of development of small cities. This enquiry resolves that to make a city smart and sustainable, efforts at people centricity are imperative along with ICT and other smart technologies of the future.
item: Conference-Full-text
Creating blue network: a solution of present water logging and transportation problem for the Dhaka metropolitan area
(2017) Datta, U; Mandal, D
Dreaming of a future condition for our own beloved cities, we always think that, the problems those we are facing today would not being faced tomorrow. Besides this, the city will blend harmoniously with natural environment also. The above scenario is very much true for Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. Currently, the worst problems faced by Dhaka are traffic congestion and water logging. The city can be brought to a standstill due to less than an hour of rainfall because of poor water management and lack of natural drainage system. Though, this was not the scenario in the past. As geographical location suggests, Dhaka is a city of many rivers. In past, this resource was used for human settlement but now we are facing our back to these rivers. Due to lack of proper follow-up plans and reluctance of implementing new plans, Dhaka which was founded based on its strong connection to water has almost lost that bond. It is time to revive that natural connection. This paper explores the prospect of connecting the whole Dhaka city through water network. The water way is the cheapest means of transportation. In Dhaka city, the roads are in north-south oriented and these rivers are situated in east-west. So, the combination of both can be a great fruitful thing for overall Dhaka city. The main proposition is to re-connect the water bodies of Dhaka city and link them to the surrounding rivers to form a ‘Blue Network’ through the city to solve the water logging and transportation problem. To do this, literature surveyed has been done to search for the historical evidence of water connection through Dhaka city and new scope for bringing back that connection again. The possible outcomes resulting from numerous changes in the present condition of Dhaka will be also discussed which can make this city to go further to become an eco-city, which is our ultimate goal as a dweller of our own beloved Dhaka.
item: Conference-Full-text
Detailing for tolerance: a study of architectural detail as a medium to accommodate permissible errors
(2017) Hettiarachchi, Y; Pathiraja, M
This study is a critique of architecture, through the lens of architectural details. It moves from a dual hypothesis: (1)both ‘detail’ as a product and ‘detailing’ as a process can be ‘designed’ to tolerate various socio-economic, socio-cultural and socio-technical constraints of building production, and (2) such interpretation and practice of ‘detail’ may allow practitioners to participate in building production activities that are socially motivated, organized and constrained. Exploring the abovementioned research position, the study inquires whether methods of assembly and erection can be designed to enable substantial swings in the quality of on-site work, without hindering the successful delivery of their expected performative outcomes. In evaluating this somewhat intellectually decisive research question, the study has set upon 3 objectives as its fundamental aims and intentions: (1) to identify an idea of detailing that allows practitioners to tolerate general shortcomings of on-site building work, (2) to evaluate whether buildings can be designed to accommodate both ‘precision’ in performance (structural, environmental, aesthetic and spatial), but ‘looseness’ in the making, and (3) to critically review the notion of detail and its function within social building production spheres. Using three case study projects as the basis for evaluating the aforesaid objectives, the study defines a framework for a design and construction language that draws upon its technical and formal prerogatives on the ideas of ‘permissible errors’, ‘allowable failures’ and ‘designing for tolerance’.
item: Conference-Full-text
Development of methodology to analyze road landscape of accident black-spots; a case study with reference to southern expressway, Sri Lanka.
(2017) Dharmasena, SR; Edirisooriya arachchige, TS
Driving is an action of humans, which allows him/her motion through space from place to place. The road landscape creates the character and the spatial quality, which is vital to decide the driving safe. ‘Southern Expressway’, which was introduced recently, allowed people to move quickly from Western to Southern destinations of Sri Lanka and time to time accidents were also recorded. So, the spatial qualities of the existing road landscape might have impacted on the accidents happened on Southern Highway from its initiation. Identification of accident prone areas (Black-Spots) is a vital factor of road safety management process. The study focused on to develop a methodology to analyze road landscape with using a visual analysis in an identified Black-Spots in Southern Highway. Data is collected and analyzed as two phases; one is from recorded accidents data and other from live recording of the expressway driving stretch. In this study highlighted that the possibilities of analyze identified ‘Black-spots’ by using Photographic analysis method. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that the identified methodology to analyze road landscape can be developed up to more advanced level to identify driving behaviour related Black-Spots and to take mitigatory actions.
item: Conference-Full-text
Disaster risk reduction through the learning of traditional knowledge of built heritage: a case study of village- Bagori, Uttarkashi, India
(2017) Singh, NR; Pasupuleti, RS; Khare, A
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 calls for a historic shift from an emphasis on disaster management to address disaster risk management. It also focused on to prevent new risk, reduce existing risk and strengthen societal and environmental resilience. United Nation also addressed disaster risks in the context of sustainable development and in building resilience through enhanced national and local capabilities to manage and reduce risk. In the light of these international forums, this paper is an attempt which tries to investigate the various physical aspects of traditional knowledge of the built heritage of the hills of Uttarakhand that contributed in surviving the impacts of disasters for long time and helped in mitigating and sustaining the disaster risk. The study gives an overview and explains the viewpoints of sophisticated built heritage with relation to the designs with traditional pattern, limited materials and technologies, which is a kind of survival design for mitigation of unavoidable disaster. It brings out the findings how and why the traditional wisdom is not effectively adapted in the contemporary built environment. The qualitative data collection and analysis is based on the intensive primary survey of the village Bagori in Uttarakhand state of India. The adaptation of this traditional wisdom dovetailed with modern practices will certainly contribute in the sustainable development of the disaster prone region.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Diversity of thermal comfort levels and behavioral adaptations of occupants in naturally ventilated houses in different climatic zones of Sri Lanka
(2017) Muthunayake, DPS; Rajapaksha, U
The study highlights a scenario in respect to a range of neutral temperatures specific to naturally ventilated residential buildings in climatic zones of Sri Lanka and occupants' behavioural adaptations such as clothing, window opening and use of mechanical ventilation. A field study was conducted during April – May in three different climatic zones of Sri Lanka. A total number of 90 data sets were obtained from all zones. Transverse type questionnaires were used to collect the sensations and preferences of subjects on ASHRAE seven- point and five-point scales related to temperature, relative humidity and air velocity. Griffith’s method was used to determine the neutral temperature. Griffith’s comfort temperature for all zones was found as 27.23 °C. Controlling air velocity was found more preferable as a thermal adaptive opportunity over adjusting clothing and opening windows and doors.
item: Conference-Full-text
Dynamic oasis: the ephemeral city for refugees
(2017) Brown, N; Ho, C; Wahid, H
This paradigm regarding architecture focuses on the people as being the pivotal line of focus therefore we designed an ephemeral city for refugees in times of the pressing refugee crisis. This concept of ‘urbanity in motion’ has been named the Dynamic Oasis, as it is a form of hydration to the parched lives of refugees. Our project focuses on three main components: layout, shelter and communal area. The strategically designed 8km2, circular layout promotes a sense of community, unity, functionality and organisation. This city utilises a micom, which is an abbreviated term of micro-community, where each micom has an area of no more than 5000m2 containing 50 shelters and micro-communal areas for washing. The concept of the shelter, derived from the armadillo’s layered effect of the scales (bio-mimicry), takes on the shape of a cocoon. The efficiency of the shelter design renders it foldable and thus effectively portable. Adjacent to the micoms, distributed throughout the camp, are communal spaces serving functions such as resource distribution points, recreation, education and medical centres. The design of the communal spaces found inspiration in irregular shapes of forest landscapes. The component structure of the shelter and communal area are prefabricated using tensile membrane and steel framework.
item: Conference-Full-text
Dynamic oasis: the ephemeral city for refugees
(2017) Brown, N; Ho, C; Wahid, H
This paradigm regarding architecture focuses on the people as being the pivotal line of focus therefore we designed an ephemeral city for refugees in times of the pressing refugee crisis. This concept of ‘urbanity in motion’ has been named the Dynamic Oasis, as it is a form of hydration to the parched lives of refugees. Our project focuses on three main components: layout, shelter and communal area. The strategically designed 8km2, circular layout promotes a sense of community, unity, functionality and organisation. This city utilises a micom, which is an abbreviated term of micro-community, where each micom has an area of no more than 5000m2 containing 50 shelters and micro-communal areas for washing. The concept of the shelter, derived from the armadillo’s layered effect of the scales (bio-mimicry), takes on the shape of a cocoon. The efficiency of the shelter design renders it foldable and thus effectively portable. Adjacent to the micoms, distributed throughout the camp, are communal spaces serving functions such as resource distribution points, recreation, education and medical centres. The design of the communal spaces found inspiration in irregular shapes of forest landscapes. The component structure of the shelter and communal area are prefabricated using tensile membrane and steel framework.
item: Conference-Full-text
Education for being: towards a methodology for cultivating empathy
(2017) Ndibwami, A
There is a call among researchers and educators to cultivate empathy through the education system. They argue that narration and storytelling as a pedagogical tool has a big role to play in the clarification of academic subjects. In this regard, as a focus of this paper, the travel course ENDS 2361 Field Experience I at the Faculty of the Built Environment of Uganda Martyrs University is being discussed. The research method involved an online survey to find out how decisions students took by themselves contributed to the sum of their encounters, while face-to-face sessions focused on a review of the course in as far as its delivery impacted their learning and awareness of the wider context of people, place and the environment. Findings show that students began to associate with interrogating what culture is and its link to local community and later what this might mean when it comes to issues to do with participation and engagement. In addition, students appreciated the team effort in the multiple media and tools used in collectively expressing themselves. The paper therefore delves into how this process impacted the students and how we could build on this to cultivate empathy.
item: Conference-Full-text
Emergency preparedness in the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka
(2017) Chandrasekera, T; Hebert, P
This study investigates the emergency preparedness of the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka, focusing on hotels and restaurants in the southern coastal belt. A questionnaire on emergency preparedness was provided to 30 randomly recruited participants from the industry. The survey consisted of 30 open and closed ended questions, focusing on basic demographic information, information about emergency preparedness of the facility, food safety, and issues regarding power management. An online and a hard copy version of the survey were prepared. The findings of this study provide insight on the emergency preparedness of the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka as well as provide insight into how improvements can be made in future developments of similar nature especially in terms of emergency mitigation efforts. These findings also provide suggestions on areas that need to be improved through educating the industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Energy and thermal performance in complex design in a high-density urban context: educating environmental sustainable design in B. Arch graduation theses
(2017) Feng, Y; Feng, Q; Sitong, G
Building sector consumes a considerable portion of energy and is contributes to global warming due to relevant emissions. Therefore the request for environmental sustainable development poses a critical challenge to human society, particularly to developing countries, as it is of paramount importance for the nations to balance between fast development and low environmental impact. Environmental sustainable design education is gaining popularity in architectural schools worldwide. Many of them are for graduate students. This paper reports an attempt to teach environmental sustainable (or passive and low energy architecture) design in a Bachelor of Architecture final-year design studio. Under the framework of the so-called "principles-tools-applications" knowledge triangle, the 16-week studio aims to equip the students with theoretical and practical experiences in passive and low energy design through a real-case design. The syllabus and the process of the course are elaborated, the final output of each studio member is presented, the lessons learned and experiences gained through the 16-week teaching experiment are shared, and suggestions to integrate environmental sustainable design agenda into the complete teaching circles are proposed.