Master of Science in Landscape Design

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/76

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 30

item: Thesis-Abstract
Concept of ECO2 cities and its relevance for urban landscape planning and managing the urban green space with special reference to the city of Colombo
Ranasinghe WMDD; Balasuriya S
Many ofthe policies, plans and programs related to the environmental conservation, greening the cities, balancing the carbon foot print and sustainable environment and economic development by planning and management of urban green space. The institutions directly or indirectly and individually or collectively responsible in planning and management of urban green space are engaged in frequently change new concepts in relation to: - Sustainable environmental development(by the Ministry' of Environment and Natural Resources by i;Sri Lanka Strategy for Sustainable Development (February' 2007)”, National Plan for Haritha Lanka Programme” (2009) and National Physical Planning Policy & Plan, Project Proposals, Sri Lanka 2030, January 2011 (NPPP2011) ) - Establishing environmental friendly modern / beautiful green cities ('Mahinda Chintana- A Brighter Future 2010’. Maintaining bio-diversity and Balancing Carbon Foot Print. Many of these concepts although adapted by various institutions responsible in planning and management of urban green space its trickledown effect has not significantly impacted the conservation and development of urban green space in urban areas. The main reason for this became that many ofthese urban areas in the country consists of its lands in combination of open space elements such as urban, natural and agricultural requires to effective incorporation into the city life with its ample opportunities was available for visual and functional realization. The assessment of the actions so far being made by the authorities as well as Landscape professional indicated that their involvement in planning of urban space is done in piecemeal and in isolation manner. However the new way ofthinking on the planning of urban landscape is that it creates economic opportunities through protecting and nourishing the local ecology and global public goods such as the environment, for future generation. In the context of increasing the world population for the first time in history more than half the world’s people live in cities and over 90 percent of urban growth is occurring in the developing world, adding an estimated 70 million new residents to urban areas each year (World bank) a new strategy is inaugurates for recognizing cities at the core of growth and human development. It is committed to promoting sustainable cities and towns that fulfill the promise of development for their inhabitants — in particular, by improving the lives of the poor and promoting equity -- while contributing to the progress of the country as a whole which is developed as Eco2 Cities - a Guide for Developing Ecologically Sustainable and Economically Viable Cities. Issues facing the provision of open space and how to enhance the landscape in areas where: - uneven distribution of public open space and recreational facilities in terms of population catchment - Sub-standard provision of open space and recreational facilities when compared to international best practice highly inadequate statutory requirement and protection for public open space. The Ecological Cities as Economic Cities Eco2 Cities book introduces some powerful and practical methods and tools that can further enable sustainable and integrated city planning and decision making. The dissertation on “ Concept of Eco2 Cities and its relevance of: Planning and Managing Urban Green Space in achieving Sustainable Environment” is addressing the present issues connected with urban landscape for greening the cities as well as how to landscape designs could be done to make an integrated effort to have environmental and economic development: Develop an appropriate landscape design criteria in construction of buildings, communities and infrastructure to utilize green building practices that promote improved environmental performance including energy efficiency covering vertical landscaping, greening the buildings, urban agricultural practices, maintaining micro climate, integration of green and blue areas etc hoping to facilitate for establishing Eco2 Cities that create economic opportunities for their citizens in an inclusive, sustainable, and resource-efficient way, while protecting and nurturing the local ecology and global public goods, such as the environment, for future generations. Design principles for urban, natural and agricultural areas located in urban centres by analyzing their ecological and bio-diversity - that will provide the visual and functional realization. Planning for greening the Open Space to provide a community facility for recreation that ranges from children’s playgrounds through town parks for all ages, to sport venues. Encouraging vegetated private open spaces are quite extensive and contribute to the Green Infrastructure necessary for a healthy environment, including provision of visual amenity/relief where visible and not degraded by waste dumping, while affording a natural drainage network and flood protection when measured against international standards for provision of open space, landscaped areas ;uid recreation faciliti
item: Thesis-Abstract
Colombo : a landscape in transition : a study through colonial maps and images
Wijayanandana RS; Balasuriya S
Colombo: A Landscape in Transition - A Study Through Colonial Maps and Images Colombo has seen an accelerated programme of urban renewal in the period since 2009 and work is underway to improve the living environment ofthe city. Steps have been taken to enhance Colombo's existing green spaces, to restore its colonial architecture and to revive old waterways and in some cases, to expand them. Given this environment of rejuvenation of the city of Colombo, and that the focus of many of these projects are relics ofthe colonial period such as the Dutch Hospital in the Colombo Fort, the purpose of this dissertation is to examine the transformation^ of the landscape of Colombo, and sometimeTits suburbs, during approximately four and half centuries of colonial rule. The lens through which this change is observed is the pictorial representation left behind by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonisers. The changes due to the transfer of influence to each colonising power and the needs of the indigenous people is observed in the resulting hybrid landscape. Chapter Summary Chapter 1: The urban renewal ofthe city in contemporary times. Chapter 2: The arrival ofthe Portuguese and the construction and fortification ofthe fort of Colombo. Chapter 3: Dutch urban planning and traditions of landscaping. The Dutch contribution to the field of botany. Chapter 4: Changes to the City during the British Period. British streetscapes in the Fort and other significant areas in Colombo. Conclusion: Sri Lankan landscape traditions and the effect of colonial influence.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Talking streets
Kodippiliarachchi PS; Balasuriya S
A space that stays deep rooted in one’s mind, is a place, accessed by all senses, one that stimulates and gets the attention of all senses. To touch all senses the place must have dynamism. A place stagnates with unchanging visual elements, with unchanging audible noise and with the wind carrying the same smell and it will not access the senses as much as a constantly changing, dynamic space will do. Any settlement, thus to become a place of interest has to have the qualities needed to stimulate most of the senses if not all. A street as its best, must have dynamic, constantly changing qualities. Changing facades and people, the flow of traffic, all provide a new experience each day, touching the senses with their changing elements. The street is a place where all senses should engage dynamically. 1 believe streets deserve respect - they shape the form of the city and how we move through it. They accommodate buildings, people, vehicles, utilities, vegetation, storm water, signage, street furniture and lighting. Streets are the most used and most visible public asset a city has. To build great cities and towns, first build great streets. in the recent past, many streets have been designed with vehicle movement as priority. This tends to diminish the potential of streets to function as social space and has resulted in some streets that are hostile environments for people. Streets make up the majority of the public realm in our towns and cities. How we feel about and value a place has much to do with how we move around it and perceive it at ground level, because a city is its streets. A street is a play of drama during ones progression from one place to the other serving its main purpose of accessibility in harmony with characters call elements, activities, and functions. Sometimes the streets bear strong character while sometimes being very humble. When streets bear prominent buildings, gathering spaces, social cultural importance then they become vital. Street is a pathway which connects people, and supports them in every aspect in their day today life. At this purpose they serve for human requirement and in reverse they build their character in a probable way where it is most suitable. Street is a manmade space where it is responsible for the human safety, social connectivity, and a stream for learning.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Landscape and creativity : a study of the outdoor environment and its ability to stimulate creativity
Premathilake HDDC; Balasuriya S
LANDSCAPE AND CREATIVITY A study ofthe outdoor environment and its ability to stimulate creativity
item: Thesis-Abstract
Sustainability in landscape designs with special reference to landscape materials
Ekanayake EMMS; Balasuriya S
In chapter 01. Environmental impacts of landscape materials used in landscape designs in Sri Lanka such as concrete, steel, timber, glass, clay and plants are described. In this chapter, the effect of exotic plants on eco systems and ecological influences of hard landscape materials are discussed. The concept of Sustainability and Sustainable Landscape Design are explained in Chapter 02. Sustainable landscape materials and techniques are further discussed in this chapter. Chapter 03 contains case studies. The traditional Sri Lankan landscape of Sigiriya and the modern Sri Lankan landscape of the Havelock city project are presented in ecological review in this chapter. The study concludes in chapter 04 by emphasizing the importance of the use of sustainable materials and techniques in landscape designs. The environmental, economic and social consequences of ignoring resource depletion, global warming and associated climate change are likely io be ;he defining world issues of the 21st century and there is a strong link between such adverse environmental change, and potential social and economic collapse. After 150 years of industrialization, the developed world is it seems, principally responsible for the higher global temperatures that we are experiencing today through increased C02 and other greenhouse gas emissions. This rise in temperature and the subsequent changes in climate are set to profoundly alter the world’s ecosystems, the places we live, and ultimately, how we live in the world. We must ensure that we move quickly to a more sustainable way of living. The term of sustainability is defined as “improving the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems". Unsustainable practices have badly impacted on ecosystems and environments. The use ofthe sustainability concept in the landscape industry is mainly concerned in this study.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Landscape and health : a study of the health-promoting impact of the outdoor environment with special reference to urban open spaces
Perera WBK; Balasuriya S
Many people now experience physical and psychological health issues related to the stress, fatigue and pollution associated with living and working in urban environments. The presence of fascinating components of the environment are important because they attract us, and keep us from becoming bored. In an urban setting , green spaces simulate natural environment and green spaces can provide social, economic, cultural and psychological services especially for the wellbeing of the urban dwellers The literature review conceptualizes the landscape as a health resource that promotes physical, mental and social wellbeing. Different health-promoting landscape characteristics are discussed. This research is based on literature review and case studies. A set of meaningful pathways that link landscape and health is intended to be identified from this study. This study may allow to systematically describe the potential use oflandscape as a resource for physical, mental and social well-being, a resource offered and available. It is well known that physical activity improves both physiological andpsychological well-being, but further evidence is required to ascertain how urban green spaces influence andshape health. This research considers specially the urban green spaces, their relationship to human health and the mechanisms behind relation between green space and health.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Wayside trees in city of Colombo
(2015-08-10) Gunasinghe, WKD; Balasuriya, S
In the present study, a review was carried out on the wayside tree Colombo city. In addition, a structural interview was carried out with the relaxants authorities including government and non governmental institutions. First chapter of the dissertation introduce the brief history of the wayside trees in Sri Lanka emphasizing different historical periods ruled by native and foreign rulers. The review indicated that there was a trend of integration of wayside trees in to a number of developments scheme. The second chapter and evaluation of way side trees of Colombo City was also made and there was drastic change in the planting of wayside trees with the introduction of modern construction in the city. Most of the wayside trees in the Colombo city have been evidence that the colonial rulers have paid an attention to preserve the wayside trees. In addition, there were roadside tree plantation plan during the time of foreign ruling and after the independence. The chapter tree briefly dealt with the wayside tree landscaping special reference to management of wayside trees. The review indicates that there is no appreciable level of the management of wayside trees attempted by local government, authorities in Colombo city. This may be due to the lack of finance, labours force, expertise and inefficient communication between the relevant authorities. Chapter four in the dissertation focuses the issues related to the wayside trees in the Colombo city. There are number of contributive factors in these issues, namely population increase, illegal encroachment, urbanization, and industrialization let to minimize the biodiversity in the city area. The earth slip, water logging, root damaging and water stress can be let to death of road tress and increase the risk of natural disasters. The beneficial effect of the wayside tree plantation let to minimize the industrial and vehicular CO2 emissions and create the microclimatic effect in Colombo city.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Public outdoor recreation spaces with special reference to Kegalle city
(2015-08-10) Gunathilake, DPRK; Balasuriya, S
With the urbanization process, the demand for open spaces for recreation and leisure activities is being increased in an unplanned manner. Even though, the demand for public outdoor recreation spaces is being increased, the supply of those space is not sufficiently available. In the future planning of Sri Lanka's towns and cities we should expect to be able to provide and distribute a necessary long term balance of recreational open spaces to serve local, district and regional needs of our urban population. My topic is presented in four chapters. Under chapter one the following areas are covered Introduction to Public Outdoor Recreation Spaces (PORS) active and passive recreation and the current situation of Public Outdoor Recreation Spaces (PORS) in urban areas of Sri-Lanka. The study of the problem situations and appropriate decisions towards solving these problems in future are discussed. Chapter two Historical background to public outdoor recreation spaces, both local and international. The existence of PORS is evident in the civilizations of Sumarian city, Egypt, China and Meserpothemia. In Sri-Lanka the preparation of PORS plans and the introduction of concept, policies and methodology is addressed by the environment and landscape unit Urban Development Authority. PORSis based on populations. The standard measure adopted by Sri-Lanka is 1.4 he.(3.5acres) for a population of 1000 and the PORSplans are prepared based on the above ratio. In the third chapter the present situation with regard to the PORS in Kegalle city, is Analyzed paying due regard to the potential for development and constraints. The PORS requirements necessary for future expansions in population are calculated in hectare and acres. Kegalle city is one of the main administrative and commercial cites in the Sabaragamuwa province. Further, this is the longest city of Sri-Lanka and has an extended ribbon - type development along the Colombo-Kandy main road. 'Kurulu Kele Birds Sanctuary' has played a vital role to keep the greenery of the city which is naturally situated in a valley. The space reserved for public outdoor recreation within the city is very limited and it is only 0.2% It is described by using PORS plans. In the fourth chapter, decisions based on the facts, which emerged in the 1st and 2nd chapters, field observations and the implementation are described, and concluding with PORSproposals for kegalle city.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Landscaping in ancient Anuradhapura : is there any alien influence?
(2014-07-07) Peiris, MCJM
At school I was a science student. At University I started as a student of Medicine. But I switched over to Architecture in the middle of the course. After finishing my University education, I was involved with a career of journalism. There too, I was more involved not in writing, but in the artistic field as a layout editor. I am now continuing M.Sc studies in Landscape Architecture. I have found some similarities between landscaping and' drawing layouts for media publications. In addition I was always intrigued by space travel, UFOs and alien mysteries. The background with science, architecture, journalism and layout editing led me to think more about our ancient civilization with unparalleled colossal constructions like Stupas and Tanks. With this backdrop. I selected the topic, "Landscaping in Ancient Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: Is there any alien influence?"
item: Thesis-Full-text
The Landscape space as a contemplative media
Gunasena, KG; Gunathilake, R
Many Literature surveys show that contemplation as great impact on our psychological and physical well being. Although there are number of relaxation therapies for stress reduction, Meditation or contemplation can considered as the most advanced method. Al1 is often considered as a contemplative media. The purpose of art is not just full fill the sensory satisfaction, but persuades a person towards spiritual upliftment. Since the landscape is a living form of art it has great possibility of being of this media for contemplation. This dissertation attempts to exams the possibility of landscape space as a contemplative media for achieving relaxation.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Wetlands in Colombo : a threatened landscape : destruction of wetlands in Colombi city and its periphery by dominating cityscape over natural landscape
Dharmawardena, MSN
"... Oh! Great king the land belongs to people and all living beings thou art only the guardian of it the birds of the air, and the beasts have as equal right to live and move about in any part of the land as thou. The land belongs to people and all living beings. Thou art only the guardian of it......" -Mahawamsa – This was the Buddhist teaching and advice to the King or the trusteeship of the earth resources. This implies a great meaning in the sense of protection of environment, even today, its' importance is still being effective. The nature cares for all creatures, not only the human beings; all animals, birds, insects, reptiles, fish .... not only fauna, even for flora. Every creature is given its' own niche in nature without any discrimination. In return they never do any harm to destroy the nature. All these creatures, they live and obey the principles of Nature. They never emits effluents that are harm to the Nature. No any harm to its' context in order to change its' environment and characters, No any permanent structures, no excessive use of its' resources .... BUT all the harm is done to the nature ... by the human being who is considered as the brainy among all creatures that the Nature created. To fulfill personal needs and selfish lifestyle the creations of nature are being vanished by him There are a lot of incidents of such context. The one is the destruction of wetlands ..... The time for destruction is very short; their effects are irreversible, permanent bitter and harsh. Once we loss them we will miss them forever. The future generations of all beings may suffer the action of present generation of human beings...... !
item: Thesis-Full-text
Seating culture with Sri Lankan landscape
Rathnayake, RMVN; Balasuriya, S
Our seating culture acts as one of the factors that helps to establish the Sri Lankan identity. Cultural, religious, social, political and geographical features entwined with the life style of the people have made a lasting impression on the seating culture of Sri Lanka. This is not one that was introduced or extracted from the foreign lands, but one that was born and stabilized in this country it self. The first chapter discusses about the day to day life of the people and its relationship to the life style. Further it touches upon the way how power religion and respect at different social levels have molded our seating culture. The second chapter focuses on how, anthropometries and ergonomics have affected the seating culture of Sri Lanka and the physiologically aspect and the materials used for seats. The seating systems and postures are adapted in populated areas and the way these changed according to the rural and urban environmental situations, will be discussed in the third chapter. The fourth chapter discusses the positive and negative aspects observed in the case study areas and the response of people to variations in seating. The most suitable seating for a country like Sri Lanka with different urban situations and different life styles are discussed in the conclusion with the necessary actions and perspectives to make the seating culture of Sri Lanka one of our own again
item: Thesis-Full-text
Urban green spaces : with reference to the city of Colombo
Pilapitiya, PSP; Balasuriya, S
Historical evidences show that green spaces were a part of every city in human civilisation whether it is in Mesopotamia, Indus valley or in the later developments in Europe. Sri Lanka also had a very prominent affiliation with green spaces in its cities in the early periods. • When Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka under foreign rulers the city adapted many characteristics of those countries. The first prominent plan for the development of the city was brought forward by Sir Patrick Geddes. Later on there have been a series of proposals, the newest one being the Public Outdoor Recreation Spaces (PORS)Plan for Colombo, which goes into details of a nesting concept having a hierarchy of parks. The prevailing legal framework is also not effective as it does not directly address the issues in protecting the existing green spaces. With the pressures of population increase, urbanisation and industrialization several undesirable outcomes such as fragmentation of land, environmental pollution, urban microclimatic effects etc have surfaced. There are a number of green spaces in the city of Colombo, some being maintained well and some being neglected to the point of being lost as a green space. Urban green spaces have a number of benefits viz. ecological, environmental and social. Colombo is progressing slowly towards protecting and enhancing its green spaces. There are some examples positive and negative throughout the world that we can consider as a base in developing our own green space network. We have to speed up our work towards achieving a desirable amount of green spaces in the cities since the forces that destruct and destroy them are more powerful and have more speed in making even the available spaces dwindle during a little time span. As Martin Luther (1483-1546)expressed, "For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold or silver."
item: Thesis-Abstract
Landscape as a metaphor
Krishantha, DKN
“Dreaming is an act of imagination, attesting in al/ men a creative power, which, if it were available in waking, would make every man a Dante or, Shakespear" HF.Hedge The saying confirms that the dreaming is the way of be born of new talents ...philosophers , scientists designers, artists and architects, including landscape architects who can make the world something better place, new and creative. Dreaming is the language of mind. It nourishes mind with innovative wondering ideas. Personal creativity is greatly increased by utilizing the information gleaned from the subconscious mind in dreaming. The dream experience is perhaps the most creative form of consciousness that some people will ever experience. When recall these dreams upon waking can take symbols, images and adventures experience and discover what is going on at deeper levels of psyche. Interesting thing is each dream is inspired from the Nature and again it brings new outlook of nature's experience. This is incredible valuable information that will improve creative potentials immensely. By these dreams, the designer or artists or writer ....etc would be able to reinterpret the nature converting their dreams into metaphors that becomes a reality; may be through arts, crafts, science, ...or in other related creation. So why not in landscape !
item: Thesis-Abstract
Biodiversity in landscape design
Ariyawansa, KTC
Sri Lanka is one of the Biodiversity Hot Spots in the world. It has a high species richness and a high endemism in flora and fauna. Of the total number of plant species present in Sri Lanka, about 75% are indigenous and about 25% are exotics. In this dissertation, the use of indigenous, endemic and exotic plant species in landscape designing is discussed. Chapter I is an introduction to the current status of biodiversity. The aims and objectives of the study also pointed out. Recorded figures of biodiversity are stated in Appendix I. Chapter II explains the climatic and geographical background of Sri Lanka which has been supported to become a hot spot of biodiversity. The traditional landscaping in villages is associated with houses and the weva. Traditional home gardens are created with most of the indigenous or endemic plant species to Sri Lanka. Ancient gardens such as Rnmasu Uyana and Mahamegha Uyana were landscaped with the indigenous plants of the same area. Features of those landscaping is discussed in Chapter III. During colonial period, with introduction of exotic plant species, they were widely used in landscape designing. Colombo Museum Garden is highlighted here. Chapter V includes a present study of some existing landscapes of different use. The Botanic Garden, Peradeniya, Vihara Maha Devi Park, Independence Square and Colombo Town Hall are discussed here. Use of indigenous plants in private gardens like Lunuganga and Dambulla Arboretum are emphasized. The availability of exotic plants in plant nurseries around Colombo are highlighted and listed in Appendix II. Chapter V reviews the use of indigenous and endemic plant species in above mentioned landscapes. A list of endemic and indigenous trees, shrubs and herbs used in landscape designing are given in Appendix III. Effect of endemic and indigenous plant species on butterflies is discussed in Appendix IV.
item: Thesis-Abstract
The Transitional role of open space in architecture
Kariyawasam, MGT
The experience of space is a common and vital human need, similar to food, sleep, and clothing. Man as a species with inherent emotional needs experiences space with the aim of satisfying the objectives or needs for which space is supposed to be used. For achieving such aims particular spatial behaviours are needed by particular situations . • Therefore special experiences should be defined and conditioned, to generate appropriate behaviour patterns in a given place. With regard to the experience of a building, these spatial experiences usually form a sequence, in which each experience is conditioned by the successive experiences of past and probable future experiences. Sudden change of experience from one condition to another causes physical and psychological separation, often resulting in stressful and inappropriate behavioural patterns in man. In relation to building, front garden spaces created as in between spaces might avoid such behavioural changes, by conditioning the spatial experience of people. Either providing physically occupied spatial transitional spaces or allowing vision from one space to another as usual transitional space, such intermediate space might perform its role in conditioning the behaviours of people. Motivation is the basic psychological need that should be satisfied by a transitional space for such a conditioning of behaviour. Motivation accomplishes its role by sustenance of different patterns of emotions and actions. In architecture, intermediate approach space allows people to gradually achieve the ultimate objective of the building. This may be referred to as "threshold space", and in Sri Lankan culture it has special meaning. Natural spaces are man's basic desirable experience and characteristically they provide inspiration, comfort and relaxation. Due to reciprocal relationship with a building, and also due to its infinite motivational attributes, threshold spaces of buildings can be used to achieve this end. Either in a form of a natural space or a combined natural and built space, these garden spaces can be made to fulfil this task. They take two forms namely, spatial transitional spaces of "rooms" and also visual transitional spaces of "panoramas" and "vistas". These types of out door spaces thus can be formed to satisfy different transitional needs, by generating transitional behaviours. Thus in relation to architectural experience, properly designed threshold spaces condition the behaviours of people and lead them gradually, to achieve the ultimate objective of the building and to make architectural experiences more efficient and successful. Landscaped front garden threshold outdoor spaces in and around buildings always forms a reciprocal relation with each other. Therefore landscapes of out door spaces perform an important role in making architectural experiences more efficient and successful.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Transformation of the landscape of Nuwara-Eliya
Weerasinghe, DWK
Chapter one introduces the natural landscape of Nuwara-Eliya and explains the location of the city, with it's climatic and topographical background and it's landscape elements. Chapter two describes the historical background of the city. It includes the pre-British period, that is during the king's time, its original landscape which was as virgin forest patches, and it describes the British period, which explains the starting of its transformation, to meet their needs. Chapter three concerns the present city of Nuwara-Eliya. It describes the post-independence period and transformation of the city during this period. Further more the haphazardly added buildings and renovations which started to break down the English city character of Nuwara-Eliya due to the irrelevance of British ideas. The town evolved as a holiday resort for it's scenic beauty and as a commercial center due to a great increase in the area given to agricultural crops. The economy of the city dwellers much depended on the agricultural crops supplying rather than facilities during the holiday season. The problems and impacts associated with the development of the city including socio-economic and political problems, visual pollution are also looked in to. Finally the thesis considers how to restore the city by understanding what is relevant to the city now. Guidelines to enhance it's beauty, and proposals to restore the city sustainability, are considered.
item: Thesis-Full-text
The Use of water and hydraulics in the landscape design of Sigiriya
Udalamatta, SS
"The concept of landscape design begins with emerging and developing societies based on agricultural productivity and a symbolic approach to the universe."1 "The design principles and urban environments were created and reflected both the relationship of society and political impacts".2 A Sri Lankan civilization flourishing for more than two thousand five hundred years has made many out standing contributions to art, landscape architecture and technology. In ancient city planning and urban landscape design of Sri Lanka it is possible to identify planning principles and concepts which integrate manmade and natural elements. The Archaeological remains of different periods in its history reflect these Sri Lankan concepts and principles of landscape design. When selecting a site for a city, in addition to being a strategic point for protection and safety its topography, aesthetics and availability were also carefully considered. The fortified garden city of Sigiriya is considered as a classic example of identifying landscape design concepts with Sri Lankan traditions of hydraulic engineering. A description of Sigiriya's landscape design concept has been appropriately summarized in verse by a contemporary poet. "When Sigiriya on its base and crest, Bore noble works of man And clinging to its scraped breast The guarded galleries ran"3 Built on the summit and surrounding slopes of the Sigiriya rock, this fortress city is an accepted master piece of ancient landscape architecture, construction technology and hydrology. This dissertation attempts to focus on selected aspects of the Sri Lankan uses of water in landscape design, based on the development of hydraulic technology, during the Anuradapura period, and as applied at Sigiriya. The first chapter summarizes the historical background of Sigiriya. The development of Sri Lankan hydraulic technology and water uses in Anuradapura period is outlined in the second chapter. The design concept, principles and water uses of landscape are detailed in the third chapter. Hydraulic details within and around the Sigiriya citadel are dealt with in the fourth chapter. The fifth chapter ends the dissertation with a concluding discussion and suggestions. 1. Jung C.G. The Spirit in man Art & Litreture : London - 1966 2. Jellicoe, Susan & Geoffery : The Landscape of Man: London - 1975 3. S. Paranavithana Sigiri Graffity : Colombo.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Sri Jayawardenepura : enhancing the landscape of an historic capital
Gunasekara, HAPS
he subject of this dissertation concerns the landscape environment within the capital of Sri Jayawardenepura."Remarkable friend! Know then the royal city Jyawardenepura, where reside preeminent men devoted and full of affection for the Triple Gem and which corners the heavenly city with boundless eternal prosperity and named Jayawardenepura, earned by manifold victories."(A verse from salalihini sandesaya)Sri Jayawardanapura city has a significant place among the eight capitals of Sri Lanka. It had been a capital for about 150 years and also the place where the last king who ruled the entire country had his seat. The natural geological surrounding in the vicinity of the city was utilized to the maximum capacity, to transform it into a fortress city surrounded by water. The city was originally built by prince Alakeswara during the reign of king Wickramabahu iii (1351-1374) who ruled from Gampola. But king Parakramabahu vi is the ruler who contributed greatly to the city of Kotte being capital of Sri Lanka and where he had his seat. Unfortunately there is little visible surviving from of this period's landscape and architecture, owing to the fact that the Portuguese sedge destroyed and abandoned in. But the Kotte PERIOD IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS THE GOLDEN ERA 'N Sri Lankan history because it had highly developed socio-economic and cultural standards. When studying about the Kotte era its literary achievements must be given recognition. Literary success was attained largely due to the efforts of Rev. Totagamuwa Sri Rahula and Rev. Veedagama Maithri,. Gira, Mayura, Selalihini, Parevi.Kouvl, Hansa Sandesa are some of the books containing verses which were published. All these speak of the landscape design of the historic capital.The importance of this study is multiplied by the fact that Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte has once again being declared as the administrative capital of Sri Lanka, since 1983. No doubt, the decision may have been influenced by the fact that it once was also an administrative capital and by being so again the government wished to trade on the idea of going back to its former glory. Therefore it will be prudent for landscape designers, architects and other controlling bodies to evolve a scheme in which it will enable them not to destroy the concept on which Kotte was built, or important characteristics and features it has cherished. The center of administrative power, the parliament was build in the middle of the Diyawanna Oya after excavating more than 300 acres of the water body. New road net works were built to facilitate rapid commercial and industrial growth. Hence the whole area of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is being developed in order to meet the challenge of being the capital with the status of a newly industrial country status in the 21 st century. Therefore, it has become an important task to investigate the historical city and the kingdom as a whole in order to understand the influences it had in development to meet the 21 st century needs. This dissertation is thus directed to collecting data and information about the evolution of the city landscape, and analyzing it with the aim of using it in the future. Chapter one of the dissertation concerns the historic background of Kotte kingdom. The period covered by this study will be from 1800 to 1950 (150 years of historical development). Chapter two will be the main chapter of this study. In this chapter landscape design and architecture of the Kotte kingdom will be studied in detail. Landscape design, architecture and the existing remains will be described in detail. The third chapter concentrates on the detail of the present capital of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and its landscape design. The final part introduces philosophies, proposals and guidelines to enhance the aesthetics in landscaping the capital of Sri Jayawardenepura.lt considers in what way modern designs should affect the present appearance of the town; what kind of open space improvements should be included in a master plan for coping with the city's future expansion; and what control measures should be introduced in order to conserve the historic landscape character of Sri Jayawardenepura yet allowing it to grow.
item: Thesis-Abstract
The Importance of effective lighting in landscape design
(2011) Silva AKDC; Balasooriya S
Landscape lighting offers an incredible expansion of the enjoyment of night time environment. It makes out door space usable at night and adds a magical view in to the surrounding. In the beginning the human experience of light was given a spiritual quality. Gradually man tries to control the environment and he made to produce artificial lighting to conceal the darkness. Lighting requirement depend on the usage and activities. The composition of view, balance, beauty, focal points will give dramatic and eye pleasing environment. There can be introducing light in an organized fashion to create or sculpt a night scene from a dark landscape. Improper application and usage will degrade the quality of environment. Sky glow, glare, and light trespass, light clutter decrease the visibility at night and energy waste can occurs as well as light pollution. Those affect human activities, animal behaviors and plants ecosystems. Suitable application of lighting can enhance the beauty while conserving the elegant of night sky. Light has ability to transform a space, creating emotional responses or simply an environment comfortable. The effective lighting application will enhance the beauty of the night. The drama that creates thought the suitable composition and it will gift to experience and enjoy the surrounding at night.