FARU - 2023

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/21921

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Facilities manager’s involvement for establishing desalination plants
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Yatawatta, YJM; Sridarran, P
This abstract presents findings from a mixed-methods study examining the integral role of Facilities Managers (FMs) in the establishment of desalination plants. Qualitative data was gathered from experts directly involved in establishing desalination plants. while quantitative data were gathered from FMs overseeing water treatment facilities. Non-probability sampling was used, with thirty-six questionnaires distributed. Through the literature, identified eight stages in desalination plant development: planning, design, tendering, construction, operation and maintenance, testing and commissioning, handover, and demolition. To assess the significance of FM roles, the Relative Importance Index (RII) was applied. Key findings related to the FM role are, risk assessment being crucial in the planning stage, contract document preparation in the design phase, and evaluating tender submissions during tendering. Resource allocation took precedence in construction, while maintenance schedule preparation was paramount during operation and maintenance. In the testing and commissioning phase, ensuring proper design, installation, testing, operation, and maintenance was critical. During handover, overseeing project documents was vital, and contributing to demolition decisions was crucial in the demolition stage. These results underscore the essential role of FMs throughout desalination plant projects. They offer insights for organizations and industry professionals, facilitating a better understanding of FM responsibilities at each stage and improving overall project management.
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A study on the impact of greenery in building interiors on the psychological well-being of occupants: an experimental study with special reference to Personalized Residential Spaces of University Students in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Welagedara, HMWDMB; Hettiarachchi, AA
This study aimed to investigate the impact of indoor greenery on occupants' well-being and design preferences. Previous research on outdoor greenery has left a gap in understanding the relationship between interior greenery and well-being. Using a sample of 36 final year Architecture students, the study tested four interior conditions in varying green coverage ratios and varying observing distances through a 3D simulated setup and virtual methods. The results showed that a high ratio of indoor greenery, regardless of observing distance, was consistently more beneficial than low greenery conditions. Specifically, a high amount of greenery at a far distance delivered the highest levels of psychological well-being, with 61.11% of participants reporting high wellbeing. In contrast, low greenery at a far distance was the least beneficial combination, resulting in lower well-being (38.89% - low, 2.78% - very low), personal satisfaction, negative feelings, and weaker connection to the indoor space. Most participants preferred indoor courtyards with 50% exposure to natural light due to the sense of naturalness and vibrant shadows they provided. The study recommends that Architects, Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects consider incorporating high indoor greenery at a distance and partial exposure to natural light to promote psychological well-being in future indoor green spaces.
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Challenges in circular urban water management in construction industry of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Weerakoon, P; Thayaparan, M; Weerakoan, TP
Construction industry can be known as one of the prominent natural resource consumers compared to all other industries. Among these natural resources, water can be identified as one of the major concerns worldwide at present. Especially in urban area water distribution for essential activities of human beings is also becoming a challenge in most of the countries. As the consumption of natural resource is considerably high in construction industry, moving towards sustainable construction has been recommended. The linear approach, which the construction industry has been practising for years related to all kinds of resources, has become a threat towards the sustainable construction. Construction sector accounts for about 30% of the world's freshwater consumption. In Sri Lankan construction industry, the focus on management of water is limited. Among the natural resources urban water holds a significant place. While highlighting the importance of urban water management, this paper aims to explore the key challenges in circular water management in Sri Lankan construction industry. 12 semi-structured interviews with industry practitioners and academic experts on circular economy were conducted and the data were analysed using manual content analysis. The findings revel that most of the challenges in implementing circular water management in the construction industry in Sri Lanka are due to lack of awareness, realisation, involvement, and commitment by both citizens and the government. Hence the paper has recommended 6R concept towards implementing circular urban water management within the Sri Lankan construction industry as the authors believe that managing urban water is one of the significant actions to be considered now before it becomes too late in achieving long term sustainability.
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Rethinking streets as a potential urban scope: a case of densely packed neighbourhoods of Dhaka city
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Ta-sin, ML; Amin, S
From the beginning of civilization, streets have been the interstitial spaces of cities and one of the predominant components of a community. In contemporary cities, streets have been transformed into typical thoroughfares though they represent the essence of their communities and generate intricate networks. Moreover, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasise building resilient and sustainable cities that ensure universal accessibility, safety, and adaptability. The primary objectives of this paper are to reevaluate streets as social hubs building trust among neighbours creating opportunities and analysing the scopes to incorporate them into the community development process as a gateway to initiate social interaction and participation in terms of establishing inclusive communities with liveable streets. As a reference, the Mirpur area, one of the densely populated areas of Dhaka city, is taken as a representation to address the problem and the research has been carried out with the assistance of Google Earth, field surveys, previous research works, interviews with community members and aimed to uphold the contribution of well-designed streets that can give authority to a community from all perspectives. However, the study substantiates the impact of streets on the social, economic life of the inhabitants and depicts how the streets hold the essence of dwellers and encourage participation through potential influence. According to the collected data nd their analyses, it demonstrates that more than 50% of the inhabitants regardless gender gather spontaneously on the streets everyday for different purposes, which make streets a potential social and economic hub as well as a successful urban space with a lot of opportunities to upgrade urban life for the residents as a whole.
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Sustainable 3R initiative practices in the Sri Lankan large-scale leather footwear industry
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Suriyarachchi, DP; Nugawela, CT; Dissanayake, MK
The leather footwear manufacturing process generates hazardous waste during production, which impacts sustainability. Due to this, industries tend to implement sustainable practices. This research focuses on identifying and recording the sustainable waste management practices of the large-scale leather footwear industry. Taking into account the industry complexity and requirements for doing an in-depth investigation, a single case study has been adopted. Working experience of 10 years in Industry and knowledge specific to the relevant production stage were key considerations in purposive sample selection in the study. Semi-structured interviews of 30-minute sessions are conducted in parallel to observational factory visits to improve the clarity of research findings. Interviews were conducted in Sinhala considering the workers' linguistic knowledge for data interpretation. The relationship between the independent and dependent variables is determined using the content analysis method. The current sustainable waste management practices were identified within the research study. The study revealed the findings on reducing, reusing, and recycling sustainable initiative practices of the large-scale leather footwear industry which can be adopted for small and medium-scale manufacturing sectors of the footwear industry in Sri Lanka.
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Effective integration of built environment with urban Ramsar wetlands: an environmentally sustainable design framework
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Sooriyaarachchi, SAPC; Rajapaksha, IGP
Considering the increasing number of Urban Wetland Integrated Building Invasions that occur continuously in Sri Lanka, there is little scientific understanding of the optimal design strategies and their relative advantages for ecosystems and humans. The preservation of ecology while adding architectural interventions into sensitive places is a complex procedure, especially when dealing with highly sensitive eco-systems. To wisely integrate buildings with the natural environment of the wetlands, research on the design and application of integrating ESD standards is essential. The primary concept that applies the most to ESD recommendations for wetlands is the "environmental briefing system" (ESD), which is regarded as the most comprehensive and clearly expressed principles and strategies on ESD features. Furthermore, this research extends the framework to include strategies specific to RAMSAR wetlands, comprising 33 distinct methods organized within five primary rationales. This results in a comprehensive framework comprising 63 optional design measures tailored to conserve and protect urban RAMSAR wetlands effectively. In advance, the suggested framework could be used as a benchmark, an evaluation index, or an environmental assessment tool for projects that have already been completed. Additionally, it could be used as a fix-up tool, a checklist for design teams, or a benchmark for projects that are still in the pre-design stages.
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Adapting sustainable energy features to existing condominium building stock in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Rathnasiri, KKEASK; Gamage, IS; Lingasabesan, V
To achieve a sustainable future, Sri Lankan condominium buildings must be retrofitted with sustainable energy features. As the existing households account for 37% of energy consumption in the building sector considering the existing condominium stock is crucial. However, there is a lack of research on implementing energy conservation methods in Sri Lanka's existing condominiums, including social, financial, and technical challenges. Thus, this study aims to fill this gap by providing practical solutions to address the efficient energy consumption in existing condominium. Using a qualitative research approach, semistructured interviews were conducted with industry experts. Findings revealed a wide range of adaptable energy features for retrofitting, such as green roofs, LED lighting, tinted glasses, solar systems, and IT applications. Barriers for implementing sustainable energy features were identified and categorized as social, technical, financial, legal, market, and government-related barriers. Strategies to overcome these barriers include raising awareness, modifying policies, offering incentives, involving professionals, and exploring funding options. This research guides the adaptation of sustainable energy features in Sri Lanka's existing condominiums thereby enhancing the efficient energy usage within the condominium sector.
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Confluence of music and architecture through artistic parallelism; a study of current building aesthetics in advanced music learning institutes with special reference to the university of performing arts in Colombo
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Ramanayake, RIA; Herath, HMKD
Music is authentically interpreted as a universal language due to its strong strings between humankind. In addition, as an art, it becomes the source for other fields, which carry both intellectual and intuitive aspects. Thus, the combination of Music and the art of visualizing spaces, Architecture derives because of the resemblance between its origin, elements, and composition. Becoming a part of the built environment, the spirit of music responds to different types of functions for its effective benefits to the involved parties. While straightening the subjective inquiry on this point, it was identified that ‘learning of music’ becomes the prior concern with its active phenomenon since it expresses the ‘art inside the art’. An expanded literature review has given supportive statements to the inquiry like the relevance of the classroom atmosphere as a distinctive aspect of music education that we may affect to maximize perception in this field besides the teacher's role and students’ involvement in particular. Furthermore, the research has been concerned with how much the built space is perceived as a musical space and its response to the music learning process, considering various music pedagogical practices. The tool for the process was investigated with the Artistic parallelism between Musical elements and Architectural elements, and its compositional relativity. For the inquiring convergence, the research methodology was generated to investigate two main aspects; to which extend the musical variables and architectonics have stated their relativity in studied music learning spaces and its building performances with essential physical attributes, from the user’s point of view. The study is intended to continue exploring how much the Artistic parallelism between Music and Architecture affects the conduciveness of Music Learning spaces and how it benefits the learning process and generation of good music, not only as a knowledge seeker but also as an artist.
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Awareness and perception of quantity surveyors toward the smart construction concepts
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Rajapaksha, RSV; Devapriya, KAK; Parameswaran, A
The construction industry is undergoing a transformative phase due to the integration of modern technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Machine Learning, and Blockchain. Quantity surveyors, as pivotal figures in construction projects, must adapt to these advancements. Therefore, the research aimed to determine the perception and impact of new smart concepts and technological trends on quantity surveying professionals. Accordingly, the research adopts a mixed approach. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Manual content analysis and the Relative Important Index (RII) were used to analyse the collected data. The findings demonstrate that all identified smart construction concepts significantly influence the quantity surveying profession, with BIM exerting the most substantial impact. Further, the study emphasises the urgency for quantity surveying professionals to upgrade their knowledge and skills to remain relevant in this technologically advancing landscape. Moreover, the research recommended that industry professionals, construction organisations, and academia facilitate this knowledge enhancement through Continuous Professional Development (CPD) workshops, webinars, specialized training sessions, and formal education programs to stay abreast of these modern trends and technologies. Subsequently, this research serves as a valuable guide for stakeholders, encouraging proactive steps towards integrating modern technology into the traditional domain of quantity surveying.
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Evaluate the onsite three-wheeler parking requirement of supermarket developments to mitigate the parking-related traffic impact in Colombo, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Pathiraja, ALAC; De Silva, PCP
Parking plays a fundamental role in any transportation system, serving as a crucial element in mitigating traffic congestion and enhancing the overall mobility experience. In Sri Lanka, particularly in commercial and shopping areas within the City of Colombo, the issue of roadside parking has emerged as a significant challenge. This predicament has been exacerbated by the spread of private vehicles, especially three-wheelers, which often operate without dedicated parking spaces despite existing regulations in Sri Lanka. This research endeavours to bridge the divide between the legal requirements, as stipulated by regulations, and the actual operational demand for three-wheeler parking in supermarket areas within Colombo, Sri Lanka. By conducting a meticulous comparative analysis and employing statistical tools like SPSS, the study seeks to provide valuable insights into the onsite three-wheeler parking needs of supermarket developments. The ultimate objective of this research is to establish a standardized framework for allocating three-wheeler parking slots within supermarket areas. This framework aims not only to cater to the existing parking demand but also to alleviate the parking-related traffic issues that currently plague Colombo's commercial and shopping areas. In doing so, this research aspires to contribute to the optimization of urban transportation, making it more efficient and accessible for all road users while also fostering sustainable urban development in the vibrant city of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Vernacular courtyard as a design strategy for thermal performance in hot dry climate with reference to residential buildings in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
(2023-12) Nishinthan, K; Rajapaksha, U
This research study focuses on the impact of thermal performance on vernacular courtyard houses in Jaffna. Vernacular courtyards, known for their indigenous architectural style, exhibit sustainable, climate-responsive building design despite being considered primitive in construction techniques and material usage. The study comprises three phases: analyzing literature to assess courtyard house efficiency, identifying existing vernacular courtyard house typologies in Jaffna, and investigating the thermal performance of two selected courtyard houses from different typologies within the same climate zone. By comparing their thermal performance and efficiency, this study validates the effectiveness of using courtyards as a design strategy to enhance thermal performance. The research highlights the need to study the concept of "Vernacular courtyard typologies based on thermal performance" as a new area of study. This study helps architects, planners and designers to rethink sustainable building design strategies with emerging technologies.
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Branding heritage crafts in Sri Lanka: contribution of experiential architecture via strategies of experiential marketing
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Karunarathne, H; Dharmasena, J
This paper investigates the relationship between heritage crafts store architecture and consumer experiences to brand heritage crafts through experiential architecture and marketing. The research establishes a theoretical framework to qualitatively measure consumer experiences in the context of heritage crafts branding, drawing upon Schmitt’s Experiential Marketing theory (1999), Klingmann’s Experiential Architecture theory (2010) and Lee’s characteristics of interior space (2022). To refine and validate the framework, the research explores three local heritage crafts stores, consults with professionals and experts and conduct a questionnaire survey with 50 respondents. The results indicates that architectural elements predominantly influence consumers’ emotional and intellectual responses, creating a distinctive atmosphere. Key architectural appeals include the use of rustic and weathered textural finishes, the integration of large volumes with multiple heights, spatial adaptability reminiscent of old traditional houses and providing sense of belonging through culturally and historically familiar elements. Moreover, the architectural program significantly impacts consumers’ engagement, retention and immersive experiences within the crafts store, such as incorporating complementary functions like a cultural centre, café, exhibition space in addition to crafts selling and providing visits to craft villages. In conclusion, the research contributes a set of architectural appeals that can be integrated into experiential architecture for heritage crafts.
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Quantity surveyor’s role towards circular economic principles in the pre-contract phase of construction projects in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Jayawardhana, NGTS; Withanage, KT
The pre-contract phase of construction projects may cause plenty of issues in post contract phase such as project cost overruns, schedule delays, lack of productivity, losses of benefits, and poor stakeholder relationships. The circular economy concept is to create an economic system that makes it feasible for materials, products, and component regeneration while ensuring the longest possible value retention of projects. This research aims to ascertain the role of quantity surveyors in relation to circular economic principles in the pre-contract phase of construction projects in Sri Lanka and consists of four main objectives. Accordingly, research was conducted through a comprehensive literature review, preliminary interviews, expert interviews, and a questionnaire survey. Primary data were analysed through statistical and content analysis using SPSS software and NVivo software. The questionnaire survey had an excellent respondent rate of 84%, which is adding additional credit to the study's findings. Based on the different experiences and their scope of work in the pre-contract phase of construction projects, the industry experts proposed a wide range of solutions. Further, the results of the study demonstrate the importance of quantity surveyors’ role towards circular economic principles throughout the pre-contract phase of construction projects in Sri Lanka.
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Analysing the significant factors for land use impact assessment in building construction projects in Sri Lanka: whole life cycle analysis approach
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Jayasundara., SW; Mallawaarachchi., H; Damsari, AGU; Gunathilake, PKSVS
This research paper focuses on analysing the significant factors for land use impact assessment in building construction projects in Sri Lanka using a whole life cycle analysis approach. The study recognizes the importance of land use in achieving sustainability and highlights the potential environmental consequences of land use changes and occupation. Through a questionnaire survey and the application of the Relative Importance Index (RII) method, the study identifies and ranks the key factors for land use impact assessment. The findings reveal that factors such as site selection, erosion and sedimentation control, site assessment and development, and on-site renewable energy play a crucial role in assessing the land use impact of building construction projects. A comprehensive assessment framework is proposed, which allocates credits to these factors based on their significance. The developed framework provides a practical tool for evaluating and promoting sustainable land use practices in the construction industry. The research underscores the need for considering land use impacts throughout the entire life cycle of buildings and emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainable practices into construction processes. By adopting the identified factors and assessment framework, construction projects in Sri Lanka can enhance their sustainability performance and minimize their land use impacts, leading to a more environmentally responsible built environment.
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Building information modelling as a dispute avoidance mechanism in Sri Lankan construction projects
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Jayarathna, HMMU; Francis, M; Liyanawatta, TN
Due to the complicated nature of building projects and the participation of several participants, disputes are inescapable in the building projects. The disadvantages of the Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (DRM) utilized in the projects have shifted the focus to conflict avoidance according to the premise that prevention is more effective than cure. On the other side, the chance of disagreements appears to be lower in projects procured by utilizing Building Information Modelling (BIM). However, there is a growing need to explore conflict avoidance from the standpoint of integrating Building Information Modelling in the Sri Lankan context. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the applicability of integrating BIM as a dispute avoidance mechanism in Sri Lankan construction projects. A qualitative research approach was adopted to fulfil the study's goal. Specifically, the case study method was utilized, selecting suitable cases from the Colombo area that incorporate BIM in their respective building projects. Semistructured interviews were used to acquire research data from nine experienced individuals with BIM experience who were engaged in the selected cases. A strategic framework was developed based on the analysed causes of disputes in the selected cases, dispute avoidance tactics adopted in the cases, and BIM features that affect dispute avoidance strategies. The study concluded that BIM can be used as a potential dispute avoidance mechanism in Sri Lankan construction projects.
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Framework to reduce embodied energy in buildings: a literature review
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023) Ilangakoon, IWMAD; Soorige, SDA; Gunathilake, PKSVS
As the building sector is a major contributor to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing focus on achieving significant reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. Energy consumption in buildings can be classified into embodied energy and operational energy. Studies have indicated that operational energy contributes to 80%–90% of the total life cycle energy in buildings while embodied energy only contributes to 10%–20%. Though several strategies have been implemented to reduce OE, there has not been enough attention on reducing embodied energy in buildings. Therefore, it is vital to conduct a study on reducing embodied energy in buildings. A comprehensive literature review was conducted by referring to books, reports, theses, journals, magazines, and conference proceedings to identify several practices for reducing embodied energy in buildings as well as barriers to moving towards low embodied energy in buildings. In conclusion, the study showed that reducing embodied energy in buildings is an essential step towards achieving significant reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, and a concerted effort is needed to overcome the identified barriers and implement the identified practices.
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Exploring the group dynamics in pedagogic design studio context
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Hettithanthri, HDDU; Munasinghe, H
The design studio has been practiced as a key deliverable mechanism in architectural education. This study is aiming on exploring the group dynamics of architectural students within the design studio environment. For this study researchers have used naturalistic observation and focus group interviews as key data collection methodologies. For this, 30 design students participated and they were divided in to six groups. The students’ level of collaboration was explored and recorded by the researchers throughout three studio days with the engagement of eighteen studio hours. The results were analysed by six phased thematic analysis and the results have been contributed on developing group dynamics models of each group type. We have observed the group dynamism with in the groups and the results depicted four major dynamics such as Collaborative, multiple leadership dynamism, Leader centric, leader dominant dynamism, Virtually active, physically passive dynamism and Grouping within the group. The study has shown the patterns of engagement and how it could affect to the collaborative group behaviour.
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An Investigation of effective community driven material recovery facility (MRF) in urban waste management – a case study of MRF in Wattala
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Herath, CD; Noordeen, R
Sri Lanka as a developing country, continues to use the take-make-dispose paradigm of the conventional linear economy. Scarcity of resources and municipal solid waste management problem that linear economies may pinpoint as the underlying cause. By using a Community-driven Material Recovery Facility (CdMRF) as a tool, the Sustainable Circular Economy, a novel developing idea pertinent to the Sri Lankan context, can be a better alternative in this research study's effort to address such difficulties. Waste can be converted into a resource should be a significant fact in this study. Wattala CdMRF is the selected case study. The mixed method used for this study and methodology used are onsite observations, 11 Key Informant Interviews (KII), 35 questionnaire surveys were conducted for the households, commercial enterprises and material collectors by using random sampling method. The key findings of this study demonstrate converting informal material collector occupation into a formalized profession, saving mechanism through resource banking establishment, formalized National Waste Management Committee and Journey of Transformation (JoT) through innovations. The sustainability of the CdMRF is largely dependent on social indicators, with community as the core element of running to achieve Sustainable Circular Economy while enhancing environmental positive externalities.
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Boundary wall in public library a protection for a site or a missed opportunity for an urban space : Case study of Divisional Government public library, Rajshahi
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Galib, MD.M; Saaj, KBJ
Boundary walls, often used for protection of a site are more of visual hindrance than protection itself, especially around public spaces. The solid boundary wall around the government public library of Rajshahi hides the potential the site contains to be utilized by the users. Moreover, the boundary wall adds to the public nuisance in the pedestrian around. This paper discusses the issues of the walls and how it can be reimagined to accommodate public usage into consideration. Literature review provides sufficient reasons and evident to make the wall permeable to public. A questionnaire survey done with the local people provides insight of their perspective towards the library and the outcomes of the survey provides suggestions for improvement.
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Mega-led urbanization and the transformation of peri-urban tissue: the case of Khulna, Bangladesh
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, 2023-12) Aziz, N; Podder, AK
The recent push for urbanization in Bangladesh has placed a strong emphasis on accelerating economic growth through mega-scale infrastructure projects. However, there has been a lack of research conducted on how this trend of urbanization impacts the local morphology and socio-economic structure of cities, particularly in Bangladesh. This study delves into the effects of mega-led urbanization on the transformation of peri-urban tissue in Khulna, a significant coastal city in Bangladesh. Using a qualitative research approach, the study argues that the peri-urban tissues of Khulna possessed an inherent pro-migrant morphological character that supported the lives and livelihoods of migrants from nearby coastal regions. Nevertheless, the recent urban transformations led by mega-infrastructure, while promising development, are changing the peri-urban morphology into more rigid and standardized spatial forms. This shift poses potential challenges for the future of the marginalized rural population dependent on Khulna City to survive the crises of climate change.

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