ICCPP - 2013

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/22076

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item: Conference-Abstract
International Urban Design Conference on Cities, People and Places (Pre Text)
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
item: Conference-Abstract
Urban agglomerations in southern Fujian province of China a comparison with San Francisco bay area
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Wang, X; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
In recent years, accelerated China’s urbanization is approaching the turning point from the conventional urbanization to neo-urbanization. At this critical stage, it has become more necessary to focus on the regional growth collectively, in the form of regional integration. However, in the case of the Southern Fujian Province, the population is to a large extent concentrated in a few large cities, not evenly distributed. This paper would explores the theory of two stage urbanization and then compare this region with San Francisco Bay Area which exemplifies the general track of metropolitanization. Both regions show similarity geographically but different in many other aspects, especially the degree of economic integration among its various parts. Therefore, reform in the local government system for Southern Fujian area is strongly needed, especially the system of city-leading-county. In doing so, Xiamen needs to reform its economic structure in the entire metropolitan area, instead of confining the reform to the city proper.
item: Conference-Abstract
Learning from the vanishing built heritage of colonial architecture (a case of Abbottabad-Pakistan)
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Shah, MW; Khan, AA; Khattak, W; Shah, MFU; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
Built Heritage is irreplaceable when it is at high risk; because culture cannot wait! The rapid urbanization is threatening the historic urban landscape and is making it increasingly vulnerable to natural hazards such as earthquake, Flooding, droughts and man-induced conflicts. These threats have obviously endangered the built heritage of colonial Architectural heritage in Abbottabad, once the garrison in British rule of India. In the early 20th century, Abbottabad became an important military cantonment. In October 2005 Abbottabad was devastated by the great earthquake, As a result most of built heritage became vanished, In order to preserve this valuable assets from vanishing which is the reflection of our past inherited from the British era in indo-Pakistan and then Pakistan. Most of the built heritage of Abbottabad, once vanished, is inimitable and now what we have is to conserve for the future. This could be only possible through practical approaches for the sustainable development. These approaches ranging from mass awareness campaign regarding the protection of built heritage, National legislation for the its protection needs to be revisited as per Antiquities Act of Pakistan gives protection only to 75 years or older buildings and cultural landscapes. Well equipped and trained people acquired for the conservation of built heritage through conservation Manuals and guidelines, These Manuals will educate un-skilled people, explaining the importance of the built heritage and cultural landscapes. It also explains the techniques for the repair and upkeep of historic sites, which will make sure that during repairing or reconstruction, antiquity or originality of the building or site may not be destroyed. In Pakistan, built heritage surrounded by the historic landscapes, Fragile and skillfully built towns like Abbottabad and Galliayat are now in shambles, what remains of their original designs and buildings are gravely endangered after this recent earthquake. Architecturally and historically significant built heritage is now at high stake and needs proper consideration of Archeologists, Architects and structure Engineers to make sure of keeping its true identity by maintaining its glorious history of British Empire, its antiquity and for the blooming of cultural tourism industry in Pakistan.
item: Conference-Abstract
Reclaiming residual spaces for the public: a case study from the city of Cairo
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Khalil, MH; Eissa, DM; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
This paper investigates the potential of revitalizing urban residual spaces and turning them into viable open spaces, as a means to redress the deficiency of open spaces in congested cities. While the population in mega cities continuously increases over a fixed plot of land, the inhabitants' need for open space correspondingly increases and hence cities’ limited land resources can hardly keep up with users’ increasing demands. Furthermore, if vacant plots of land are ever available within congested cities, they are scarcely assigned for public open spaces and more often dedicated to commercial investments. This highlights the need to find innovative ways by which open spaces could be reclaimed. The rationale of this paper is to discuss residual spaces as a potential innovative solution to this problem with a specific emphasis on the city of Cairo. Residual spaces existing within the city are often modified officially by formal bodies or informally by users - to compensate for missing services. This modification is referred to as “appropriation”. Building upon the socio-spatial qualities of residual spaces, interventions are made to fulfill a wide range of users' needs- both necessary and complementary. In that sense, it is argued that appropriation is an indication for the hidden potentials of residual spaces. The paper first discusses how residual spaces are defined in the 1literature to reach an overarching definition for residual spaces. Then, a socio-spatial approach is used to understand qualities of residual spaces. Finally, the paper reviews various initiatives in the Cairene context which succeeded to transform urban residuals into sites of use. This paper concludes that urban residuals comprise dormant potentials and are capable of fulfilling part of the users' needs. Yet, how residual spaces form and how they could be best approached are issues in need for further investigations and public awareness.
item: Conference-Abstract
Tracing the identity of a city
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Shiurkar, G; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
The soul of the city lies in its heritage structures which give it its identity and stand out as a reminder of the past glory. As we relate the varied aspects of conservation, we must understand that cultural heritage is vital because of the values that people associate to these objects or places. These meanings, associations, and values must be counted as part of the larger sphere of sociocultural processes. This paper focuses on the conception of cultural heritage, derived from the way people remember, organize, think about, and wish to understand the past. The stories associated with objects and places by people enhance the value of cultural heritage. Every place has a soul of its own. Certain places may have extremely powerful charisma due to an interesting blend of their unique symbolic and physical attributes. This research tries to understand this through studying the Physical Attributes of some parts of two different cities. In one case the conservation effort has been done to retain the sense of place and the Second one has a lot of potential but needs some serious conservation effort.
item: Conference-Abstract
Attributes of urban public spaces that contribute to qualitative public life; study of emerging public spaces in Colombo
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Fernando, LD; Wijesundara, J; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
Urban Public Space (UPS) is a vital component in the formation of a cityscape. Such spaces further enrich the public requirements of activity nodes facilitating people’s interaction and relaxation. Thereby quality of UPS has a direct impact in terms of public benefits which may be in two folds of physical and psychological. It is a fact with the rapid urbanization, UPS becomes an essential component and Sri Lanka too has no exemption to such prerequisite requirements. But in close scrutiny it will be disclosed that many Urban Public Spaces’ in Sri Lanka, had emerged without prior prerequisite requirements and thereby compelling, not to have proper design or standards in quality. The lack of quality and standards is mainly due to the fact that Left over Spaces (LOS) had been turned as UPS’s; than creating the UPS’s in advance, as a key component of the cityscape. In these circumstances the need has arisen to redirect the emerging urbanization to consider proper urban design and planning aspects in terms of UPSS which would in return contributes to the public and their Standards of living through Quality of Urban Public Space (QUPS). The paper, intends to explore qualitative aspects in UPS’s, that had turned out of LOS’s; by comparing the international models authored by Jan Gehl and Helen Beck, and which in return would create a comprehensive analysis and evaluation model to achieve qualitative Urban Public Life (UPL). The methodology adopted had two folds, namely a literature survey and social survey and the said social survey had been carried out by a structured survey through a questionnaire. The data gathered in the said social survey had been compiled and analyzed by using the derivatives attached to each and every questionnaire. The Galle Face Green (GFG), Diyatha Uyana in Battaramulla (DUB), Dutch Hospital Courtyard (DHC) and Urban Wetland Park in Nugegoda (UWP) are samples for the Social Survey. The first two of the samples that is GFG and DUB have been considered as open spaces and the latter two that is DHC and UWP have been considered as urban spaces in its analysis. Further it is to be noted that non availability of UPS’s, the aforesaid four spaces were selected as the most suitable case studies for the research. In the analysis of UPS’s in terms whether it has been predesigned UPS or LOS turned as UPS, the impact over standard of living and thereby the QOL, is almost the same. But in detail analysis had divulge that QUPS has a direct impact over the public in the usage of the facilities provided.
item: Conference-Abstract
Ascertaining the kinetic patterns of informal spaces in the commercial streets of Pettah, Sri Lanka
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Makevita, U; Rajapakse, A; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
The study is an investigation of “kinetic” patterns in the urban informal commercial sector of Pettah, Colombo. Kinetic spaces refer to the transforming temporary physical developments and structures that complement the “static”/ permanent built fabric of cities. They introduce a humanized scale to the city in terms of “form” and “function”. Kinetic patterns represent development of the informal sector as connecting patterns between the static city and the activity patterns. Pettah is the main commercial and transportation centre in the country, which is currently undergoing transformations by removal of all informal, kinetic spaces and functions in a city beautification process. Yet, these patterns establish distinct characteristics within the city and need to be accommodated as part of the identity of the urban context. Based on Christopher Alexander’s “Pattern Language” and patterns related to the commercial context of cities, a theoretical framework was developed to explore examples of similar patterns in the kinetic developments in Pettah. They were traced and presented in a hierarchical order. The method of analysis was mainly through careful on site observations, activity maps and 2D and 3D maps documenting spatial and functional connections, photographs of the selected areas etc. The identified framework is place specific and primarily presented through graphical representations of the re-interpretation of Alexander’s generic images of the universal pattern, to establish the kinetic patterns of Pettah. The research ascertains that there is logic in the development of kinetic spaces and that the kinetic patterns follow the logic of the general pattern language of the city in terms of the practical connectivity of functions and physical spaces. The essential components of theses pattern relationships are extracted to establish what is specific to the context.
item: Conference-Abstract
Pedestrian movements in commercially transformed residential areas: Levent bazaar, Istanbul
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Kürkçüoğlu, E; Derdiyok, HK; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
Urban spaces undergo numerous transformations depending on growth and development dynamics of cities. This process can occur within both physical and socio-economic contexts. Besides, built environment can be conserved while socio-economic transformation is obtained. With growth and development of the central business districts (CBD) of cities, commercial transformation of residential areas and change of their spatial identity have become a common occurrence. This spatial change affects the users of such spaces and therefore, accessibility and intensity of pedestrians increase accordingly with the new transportation policies. This study examines the impact of morphological and functional layouts of built environments on pedestrian movement. The case area of Levent which has been built as a single-family housing area on the peripheral zones of Istanbul has later become an important commercial centre with the growth and the development of the CBD. Today, much of the district has been functionally transformed. However, the built environment has been largely protected through the laws that do not permit new folds on the buildings. Levent Bazaar has also become the main backbone of the sub-centre, which was a “local trade” nucleus of the residential area in 1950s with only commercial units on the ground level. In this context, the users of the bazaar have become urban and the number of pedestrians has consequently increased. The study contributes to literature in terms of questioning the relationship between morphological and functional layout and pedestrian movement in a commercially transformed urban space. The negative and positive aspects which demonstrate the stated relationship have been identified with the results of natural environment, built environment and pedestrian movement analysis. In the context of these findings, urban design proposals that aim to improve pedestrian comfort and spatial quality have been determined conceptually.
item: Conference-Abstract
Role of adjoining edges in supporting pedestrians in public places
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Bhise, R; Patil, A; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
The public realm is one of the important elements of cities, having physical access for all its inhabitants. The decline of public realm is a major concern. The public realm is physically defined by the adjoining edges of built environment in the surrounding. Adjoining edges act as a contact zone between built spaces, and pedestrians related activities, also affect success of public realm. Pedestrian supportiveness of built form is one of the important characteristics of a successful public realm. The pedestrians, who are dynamic in nature, generate different patterns while interacting with the elements of the adjoining edges. Many times the bleak frontages express built form. This study is aimed to identify & understand different types of adjoining edges, their elements, composition and possible coherence with pedestrians. Adjoining edges of all typologies are vital, though this study is limited to commercial typologies considering its importance in quality of public realm. The study is supported by an identified case of commercial precinct, presented as part of analysis. The study is structured in three stages. First is identification of types of adjoining edges based on built environment, composition of elements. Second is to understand the general pedestrian behavior in public realm. Third explores the possible coherence among adjoining edges and pedestrians, to identify pedestrian supportive elements and their composition. Adjoining edges vary greatly within the identified precinct, based on their elements and composition. Overall Adjoining edges are found to be complex, owing to its elements being entwined. Also it was observed that pedestrians are adaptive while interacting with different edge types. Temporary activities supported by adjoining edges attract a lot of pedestrians. The public realm is far more complex to gain insight into, but this study helps in identifying commonly observed composition of elements helpful in pedestrian supportiveness. Selected Case study provides some patterns in use of adjoining edges by pedestrians. The outcome can aid Architects and Urban Designers to address the issue of decline of public realm.
item: Conference-Abstract
Discovering public-places in the people – streets of New Delhi
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Mital, R; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
Urban public spaces, in particular streets have been recognized as a major ordering element in the physical structure of the city. Spiro Kostoff goes as far as saying that without the street as a public space there is no city. Indeed it may be stated on the basis of research that links good streets to good cities that a city is only as good as its streets. What then is a good street? And how important is the street in evaluating quality of life in a city? This paper looks at some typical scenarios on streets in the capital city of New Delhi with the express intention of show casing the all-important though not always visually impressive informal people-places in public spaces. The paper also looks at the margin areas between planned and un-planned Delhi as potential people-places. Through informal market places and life on the streets on the margins it will be attempted to establish that public places are vital as necessary interfaces between the haves and the have-nots and thus that vibrant streets/ public places are essential to healthy cities. The informal and temporary character of street happenings gives the street a dynamism that is almost tangible in its celebration of the citizen. The here-today-gone-tomorrow property of street-plays, market places, chance encounters etc give the street or any place for casual public activity a constantly changing form and provides, it is felt, the opportunity for sensitivities to develop that address the feeling of belonging and ownership so essential for good democratic governance of urban centres.
item: Conference-Abstract
The spatial organization of public spaces in the ancient thought; the case of Pergamon
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Demir, M; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
Spatial organization of public spaces has been an issue that involves social and temporal differentiations reflecting the thought systems of the communities to which they belong. These differentiations make it obligatory to assess the form of ancient thought, its conjuncture and their spatial reflections together as the period that the first appearance of the terms publicity/public were formed during. There are spatial differences that dwell upon the way of thinking and living in both the ancient era and the present day. These differences are caused by a transformation from a more public lifestyle to the self-oriented human profile in the present day. Public lifestyle here refers a composition of differentiating ideas about the understanding and interpreting all elements of life in ancient life in ancient era. At the same time a self-oriented human profile is a human profile that returns to oneself and is personalized is under the crushing capitalism which based upon the assumption that man can rule the world using technology. Therefore, tracing and depicting the historical origins of the semantic and spatial meanings of the concept of publicity, with a parallel approach to the philosophy of Arendt which interprets the critique of the modern era in reference to the ancient thought founding it to the idea of shaping the future today, constitutes the subject of this study. In this context, the ancient Pergamon has been analysed with the help of archaeological expeditions in order to define the design criteria of public spaces in the ancient period as one of civilisation the centres established in Western Anatolia that became the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon and played a significant role. Today, the ancient Pergamon is to the north and west of the modern city of Pergamon (Bergama) in Turkey. Hence, the results of this study are expected to contribute the literature as the first step of a future comparison between ancient era and today on this subject.
item: Conference-Full-text
Overcoming the degradation of arterial towns: typo-morphological studies and technological robustness
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Ranaweera, H; Pathiraja, M; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
Over the last few decades, the part of the world identified as ‘developing’ has witnessed dramatic increase in urban population, drastic changes to its urban landscapes, and the launch of separate construction markets with limited connection in terms of building procurement modes and labor allocations. Sri Lanka is no exception: the extremely limited opportunities offered by the dwindling economies of small towns in the country’s interior have triggered the migration of rural population to Colombo and other major towns, which have in turn produced radical transformations in building morphology, land use patterns and labor market structures. The small towns located along regional arteries, in particular, are morphing into continuous commercial strips without apparent structure, coordinated land use planning or good performance of its building stock. Such urban growth has come to depend on largely unskilled workers, which does not favor the production nor the industry’s ability to meet demand, thereby resulting in operational barriers and the subsequent proliferation of sub-standard building systems and processes in urban areas. This paper looks at countering the formative failures of arterial towns by developing a two-phase response. Firstly, typo-morphological studies of the urban fabric are proposed to determine the technical and functional behavior of the existing building stock, and identify the problems and potentials of the emerging building types, forms and constructional responses. Secondly, a framework for a design theory, which addresses the building challenges posed by urbanization is presented by comprehending and appropriating the organization, skill-base and internal links of various industrial actors and processes that make up the industry, because it is only within this scale that the rationale and the means for action can be found and possibly activated.
item: Conference-Abstract
Rhythmanalysis as a tool for understanding shifting urban life and settings exploratory research in brussels and Colombo
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Wandeler, KD; Dissanayake, A; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
This paper deals with the transience of urban realities. It posits that urban planning and design practices have been overwhelmingly concerned with permanence, while often underestimating the impact of time on urban reality and complexity. In view of the emergence and multiplication of various forms of ‘temporary urbanism’ (Bishop and Williams, 2012), the authors explore drivers and conditions for this phenomenon and seek to clarify the relevance of this trend for architectural and planning theory and practice. They then present an exploratory urban research project that explicitly takes time into account as a fourth dimension of urban life. Drawing on the theory of rhythm analysis (Lefebvre, 1995[1962], 2004 [1992]) the project adopted a methodological orientation that was not ‘analytic’ in a strictly positivistic or scientific sense of term, but rather sided with the ‘lived experience’ comparable to participant observation in anthropology (Highmore 2005: 150). This approach is illustrated through fieldwork which the main author devised for students of his course in urban anthropology at the LUCA School of Arts in Brussels. The outputs offer a variety of graphic translations that link ‘lived experience’ to the built environment. A preliminary analysis of these case studies is complemented with a thought- experiment that the second author conducted about Colombo.
item: Conference-Abstract
Designing democratic India’s cities: public space for whom?
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Palavajjhala, R; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
Cities agglomerate power, capital and people. They become the arena where issues that may be pan region or even pan nation play out. India still struggles to see its ideal of democracy percolate into its society or translate into the morphology of its cities. India’s democratic electoral politics are volatile, built on the creations of factions and identities which are multiple and interchangeable. This is often played out spatially in capital cities and at times, space-making becomes the instrument for such confrontations; which is what the paper would attempt to discern and illustrate. Lucknow (U.P.) is a peculiar example. Uttar Pradesh is India’s most populous state and also among the most feudal states socially where elections are predominantly fought along caste and communal lines. The previous chief minister, Ms. Mayawati received much publicity for constructing monumental parks across the city by reclaiming land from the river, demolishing housing colonies and demarcating territory through iconography. Using a blend of colonial grandeur and Buddhist iconography, the built environment projected and glorified the ‘Ambedkarite’ idea of Buddhism as a means for the Dalits to counter upper caste suppression. The study attempts to- firstly, appropriately place the examples being looked at in the study within their own socio-political contexts, and understand earlier theoretical work on social change and architecture. Secondly, situate and understand the transformations to the built in the immediacy of their physical and social and political contexts, as well as the larger socio-political backgrounds. Thirdly, elucidate the processes of the manifestation of the built form - constructions and demolitions both. Fourthly, conduct a spatial analysis of the built and the processes leading up to it with a view to relate them to social processes. And finally, elucidate the relationship between the socio-political processes and the transforming built environment. The processes of the social and spatial transformations are concurrent as the city remains in a constant state of flux where the social and political confrontations play out in the spatial realm of what is proclaimed to be ‘public space’.
item: Conference-Abstract
Istanbul version 2.0: the struggle between modernisation and historical heritage the case of Sulukule
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Pak, EÖ; Yilmaz, E; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
Istanbul has become a construction site by the beginning of 1990s following a dramatic change in policies on housing and urbanization policies. While the new middle class was invading city centre, urban poor was evicted by force from their habitats due to a rapid increase in land prices. Therefore, by the time the heart of Istanbul, the historical peninsula, where many ethnic groups have been living, has lost its diversity and become more homogeneous. As an outcome of six years of experience, this paper discusses the results of on-going urban policies and their impacts on historical neighbourhoods in the last 15 years. It takes Sulukule as a case study to illustrate. Sulukule has been a place for the urban poor including the Roma minority since the beginning of 11th century. Today, behind the Byzantium City Walls in a gated community, there is a settlement of the new middle class who want to be in the city centre in order to access the benefits of it, despite it being a sterile place. As a result of long-term intimidation policies, the inhabitants of Sulukule have faced deprivation. Hence, instead of questioning socio-economic problems, Sulukule Renewal Project not only increased urban segregation but also broke the social networks. This paper argues that cultural diversity and historical patterns can act as the ability to cope with gentrification. They are also accepted as the sources of sustainable urban renewal. The paper uses the evaluation of Sulukule Renewal Project through social segregation and forced eviction to do this. Urban development and the changes in socio-economic structure and physical space of six years of the renewal project are examined.
item: Conference-Abstract
Can the process of redesigning the built environment facilitates reconciliation?
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Liyanage, J; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
In post-conflict settings, ‘reconciliation’ is the catch-cry of social pressure groups, aggrieved victims and government institutions attempting to account for the past, acknowledge human suffering and transition from war to peace. At this critical juncture, can efforts to redesign the built environment contribute toward national reconciliation, and more specifically in the post-conflict context of Sri Lanka? This paper presents a case study of urban development as a vehicle for reconciliation: specifically, the development of a new town plan for Mannar City in North-west Sri Lanka. The paper charts a journey of diaspora and in-country partners finding ways to meet the requirements of social and physical infrastructure for rebuilding after war and also for reconciliation outcomes. Commencing with identifying a community’s priorities through an extensive visioning initiative, Mannarin Marumalarchi 2022 (the renaissance of Mannar), diaspora influence has facilitated three key agencies - Mannar Urban Council, Urban Development Authority and the National Physical Planning Department - to collaborate on preparing a people-centred town plan. This design process has presented opportunities for inclusion of marginalized groups, opening spaces for dialogue among perceived ‘adversaries’ and exploring the conditions necessary for a broad-based reconciliation. Through this journey, many insights were gleaned about the key dimensions that undergird both social and physical infrastructure development. These include the benefits of ascribing special status to residents as the local experts, introducing them to fresh perspectives and good practice examples from elsewhere and encouraging a future orientation which in turn nurtures increased personal agency. The findings also highlight the crucial role of process as much as outcome that urban development can play in reconciling conflicted relations – with the diaspora, among diverse ethnic and religious groups, between different strata of government and also with those perceived as enemies of the state. Finally, the paper points to the effect that people-centred planning can have for both unique and positive urban and economic development as well as for the cause of national reconciliation.
item: Conference-Abstract
Sustainability challenges of traditional water- based settlements in Bangkok metropolitan area.
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Perera, R; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
Water-based settlements and the ways of life associated with waterways are unique characteristics of some civilizations. The traditional settlements of Bangkok Metropolitan area are mostly water-based.Hence Bangkok was once known as the ‘Venice of the East’. These settlements mostly consist of houses located partially or fully on waterways and built on stilts or raised earthen mounds. Traditional Thai settlements are amphibious habitats.This unique cultural landscape has changed dramatically with the introduction of land-based transport systems in 1960s. Although some traditional settlements in interior areas survive the wave of urbanization brought by these new roads, they are physically and functionally getting blighted due to lack of a threshold population. This is due to the out migration of people who move to inner city areas in search of urban jobs and modern life style. There had been attempts to bring life back to these settlements by promoting them as tourism spots. Traditional floating markets have been revitalized and new economic activities such as home stay and agro-tourism introduced. Although the wave of tourism brought new vitality to these settlements it also brought ill effects like land-use conversion, waterway encroachment, alien architectural features, and ecological destruction. Tourism has also accelerated the morphological changes brought by the wave of urbanization. Hence this paper questions tourism as a mean of revitalizing traditional settlements. It also attempts to identify sustainability challenges of water-based settlements from social, economic, environmental and governance perspectives. The paper is based on case studies conducted in two water-based settlements located in inner and outer metropolitan area of Bangkok. Key informant interview technique was used to collect information for the case studies. Among its findings, the paper highlights the changes in property ownership and lapses in rule of law as perils for the long term sustainability of water-based settlements.
item: Conference-Abstract
Towards making people-friendly places and enhancing quality of place in lagos, nigeria: current urban development responses
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Ilesanmi, A; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
This paper is about experiencing the urban-related problems and perspectives of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest metropolis, in terms of the mega-city’s people-friendliness and quality of place. It is based on a descriptive analysis of housing, urban design and planning responses in Lagos, Nigeria. The research is an exploratory qualitative case-study on the challenges of urbanization and mega-city growth. Primary data were obtained through participant-observation and secondary data from published sources related to Lagos, Nigeria. The paper examined current responses at shaping the urban fabric in terms of the mega-city urban policies, plans, and programmes. These interventions were analysed from the perspectives of making people-friendly places and enhancing quality of place. Findings revealed that despite the potential of current urban responses and Institutional frameworks to radically transform Lagos into a viable urban scheme, the limited incorporation of people-friendly notions appear more like supplementary appendages, rather than as fundamental principles to guide sustainable urban development. The paper concluded that creating, developing and managing people-friendly places are central and critical to responding appropriately to the challenges of rapid urbanization confronting Lagos mega-city.
item: Conference-Abstract
Creating sense of community in gated apartments in the city of Colombo
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Weththasinghe, A; Coorey, S; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
With increase in population and limitations in urban land, there is a growing demand for vertical housing resulting in a dramatic increase in the construction and the occupation of vertical housing. Such fast growing vertical housing for middle-income urban dwellers, are prevalent in many parts of Colombo and marketed as places for optimal "Sense of Community" and "Ideal Places for Living". But such identities created by developers are questionable. This paper tests the "Sense of Community" indicators in selected urban gated housing in Colombo and identifies several built environment factors that can enhance "Sense of Community". Questionnaire surveys are done within three selected cases in Colombo to measure "Sense of Community Indicators". The built environment factors relevant to sense of community such as building layout, spatial relationships between dwelling units, visibility levels, circulation spaces , common spaces were observed via, questionnaires, checklists, inventories and systematic observations. As a preliminary attempt to explore the sense of community in gated housing in Colombo, the study shows that visual and physical spatial integration can enhance vertical interactions among neighbors across floors. Building layouts with open corridors and central courts is more appropriate than the now commonly seen housing layouts with single linear internal corridors and types with housing clustered around lift cores. The strategic locations of common spaces and its qualities in terms of habitability facilitates interactions and better sense of community than the extent and quantity of common spaces allocated in housing. Although findings supports studies discussed in literature review the limited qualitative data and number of cases may lay setbacks to the research findings.
item: Conference-Abstract
Security and the urban communities: crime-prevention and new urbanism
(Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa, 2013-10-15) Dharmatilleke, S; Dayarathne, R; Wijesundara, J
This paper explores a link between space based crime prevention strategies formulated for residential settlements and principles of ‘new urbanism’. As safe neighbourhoods enhance liveability, security is a key element that gives a sense of belonging to residents of a community. Thus, crime rates can serve as “indicators” of the cohesiveness within such urban neighbourhoods. Thus, the paper examines whether space based strategies of crime prevention could also be used as design tools to create closely knit urban neighbourhoods. Most architectural theorists on crime prevention use the key operative term “combating anonymity”. They find root causes of crime in rapid urbanisation and the deterioration of traditional social systems that supported inherent mechanisms which reduced crime. With the erosion of such mechanisms they find the dissolution of neighbourhoods and resultant social isolation. As a remedy they prescribe countering such ‘isolation’ by structuring physical spaces in urban habitats in a manner that could eradicate anonymity from neighbourhoods. The paper observes similarities between such approaches and the doctrine of “new urbanism” to create cohesive neighbourhoods. It uses local examples to explore how ‘neighbourhoods featuring characters of New-Urbanism’ ensure low levels of crime. Thus, an exploration is made on ‘common principles’ shared by the two space based approaches of: crime prevention and New-Urbanism.

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