2012 - (Vol. 04, Issue 01)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/18675

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Now showing 1 - 13 of 13

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The Key Factors Affecting The Competency In Value Addition To Gem And Jewellery In Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Samarasekara, KKGIC; De Silva, TKNP; Dharmaratne, PGR
Gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka plays a vital role contributing immensely to foreign exchange earning to the country’s economy. The industrial value chain begins with gem mining and ends with retailing of jewellery while, several stages are included amid. It is imperative to be discerned that every stage involves trading, resulting export of a larger amount of semi-finished products without adding the premium value which creates lack of competitiveness. Statistical data illustrates a clear disparity in terms of revenue generated through the gem exports as opposed to jewellery exports. Thus, the discrepancy between country’s resource capacity and its level of fabrication has inspired to conduct this research work. The main objective of this study is to explore the key factors which cause the low competency in value addition of gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka. The required data was collected through an extensive literature survey and several face-to-face, in-depth interviews with experts in the gem and jewellery industry. The results of the data analysis concluded that there are six major constraints affecting the low production and exporting of gem set jewellery in Sri Lanka, namely; lack of innovation, lack of technology, lack of market, lack of competent man power, lack of financial resources and lack of integration and long term plans as the main findings of this study.
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Identification of Traditional Surface Decoration Techniques in Earthenware Products of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Ranasinghe, WMND; De Silva, N
useful material in the past. Clay was identified as a material to produce culinary utensils and objects. When fired, clay gets hard enough to make durable objects and it adds a value to the product. At the beginning, designs were in primary stage and the only purpose was to fulfil the requirements and functional value, but later on people considered about the aesthetical pleasing value. People came up with decorative effects to enhance the beauty and functionality of the product. Outer appearance or surface decoration gives more value and the first impression about the product. According to the above considerations surface appearance could be identified as an important aspect of a ceramic product. At the beginning, different decorative methods were used to enhance their ideas throughout the ceramic body. They were decorated with social stories and creative designs; it was an explanation media for the society. Pottery is a horizon of the cultural empire and solid item which explains the past. Decoration is the aspect that makes a piece of art more than the utilitarian communicating to the user and contributing to the total appearance. Evolution and variety of decoration methods in Sri Lanka cannot be omitted because it has a great history than contemporary situation. Pinching, Engobing, Engraving, Stamping, Springing, Painting could be identified as traditional decoration methods. They add an aesthetical appearance and a value, giving a meaning and a life to a ceramic product. Studying the surface decoration methods of ceramic ware is a vast area. This research focuses only on the identification of various traditional decorative techniques in low temperature earthenware products in Sri Lanka. Present products have less design qualities compared to traditional clay objects. Even though the consumer expects a design value, the manufacturer pays a less consideration on the aesthetical value of the product; it is a main problem in the current clay ware industry. Because of that people try to use other alternative products to fulfil their needs. But if it has a good design quality they would like to use earthenware products for their day to day needs. The information and data collected using the following methods will be analyzed under several key sections of the research. Primary data will be collected from the primary source by using structured questionnaires and field visit. The questionnaires will be given to people live in urban areas (Colombo & Kandy). The questionnaires mainly focus on the surface decoration methods in present clay vessels. Secondary data will be collected from the previous and existing earthenware vessels, from the books, research journals, research articles, archaeological excavations etc. This research will be an investigation to identify traditional decorative techniques in earthenware products and it will be helpful to re design earthenware clay vessels with aesthetical pleasing and reestablish the creative tradition in the earthenware industry in Sri Lanka.
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Evolution of Female Costume in Sinhala Tradition
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Pathirana, H
According to the Oxford English dictionary the meaning of costume denotes ‘the distinctive style of coiffure, jewellery, and apparel of a period, country, class or a group’. Costumes are considered as things that are laid on the human body for beauty, aesthetics and function. Body shape or figure is believed to be the cumulative result of a woman’s skeletal structure and distribution of muscle on the body. The female figure in many cultures has been worshipped as the symbol of fertility and prosperity. The female form is considered as more attractive than its male counterpart. In general female figures are narrower at the waist than at the bust and hip area, and accentuated with long hair that falls along the back. This study intends to identify deeper meanings in costumes that were practiced in local traditions, by mapping out the visible connections between costumes/dress and the social, material, and philosophical aspects of female dress. The research problem is the examination of the principles that have evolved in the history of Sinhalese female costume. In the world of costume design today, it is important to always look back to tradition, for creative inspiration in design. This has been the main objective of the research paper. A wide range of costumes, from the royalty to the commoners can be identified in the Sinhalese culture. This wide range of costumes has evolved to make the female figure a focal point for design and creativity. The traditions of costumes have been subjected to external changes from outside influences. The concepts behind dress design that have evolved from local traditions need to be brought in to focus. For instance, the ancient temple paintings of Sri Lanka depict the life style of a bygone era and in these paintings we come across stories illustrated with people at different events in their various costume and ornament. As such, it is possible to derive the social significance, philosophy of life, customs and beliefs, and design aesthetics of the era from these paintings. Much of the information has been collected by visiting ancient temples in Kandyan region and Southern coastal areas. Line drawings were then prepared from the scanned photographs. The dresses of the royals, variations of the costumes of the commoner, Kandyan villagers costume, costume according to Robert Knox, the occupations related to costumes, costumes of the dancers, costume and its western and Indian influences are some of the sections that will be discussed in this study.
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Use of Mathematical Modelling for Planning Municipal Solid Waste Collection
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Warusavitharana, EJ; Ranasinghe, TKGP
When people hear the term “Solid waste management” they immediately think of recycling. But it is not the aspect that requires the greatest expenditure, or has the greatest impact on the urban environment and public health. It is the “collection” of municipal solid waste that has a significant impact on both municipal expenditure and public health. The decisions pertaining to solid waste collection and transportation are basically based on the perception and experience of drivers and other minor staff working at the municipalities. The optimum utilization of available resources within the municipalities for day to day collection of waste is essential as it makes the biggest demand on the Municipal budget. Therefore the main objective of this research is to develop a mathematical model as a tool for decision making in municipal solid waste collection. This research has utilized two mathematical models known as “Network Analysis” and “Transportation problem method” to achieve the aforementioned objective. The case study of this research is based on the proposed project of implementing three Integrated Resource Recovery Centres (IRRC) in the Matale Municipal Council (MC) to manage the solid waste by means of producing compost and recycling. By applying the two mathematical models, the research has shown the possibility of reducing the daily solid waste collection cost within the Matale MC Area.
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Literature Review on Lean Implementation Cases in the Construction Process
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Thilakarathna, N; Senaratne, S
Lean construction is a concept still new to many in the construction industry around the world. All construction activities can be divided into two; conversion activities which produce tangibles and flow activities which bind such conversion activities during the delivery process of the output. Although all activities expend cost and consume time, Lean Principles states that only conversion activities add value and these should be made more efficient, whereas non value-adding flow activities should be reduced or eliminated. By eliminating wasteful non value-adding activities, processes can become ‘lean’ which provide ‘more with less’ resources. Research into these lean principles in construction has found that considerable waste lies in flow activities of the construction process. However, construction contractors are mainly aware of the waste associated with material usage during the construction process and are ignorant on wastes associated with flow activities. Previous research has found major causes and types of wastes in flow activities and also that they significantly hinder performance and efficiency in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Hence, it is high time that the Sri Lankan construction industry start considering lean construction to improve its overall performance. However, the Sri Lankan construction industry lacks an implementation framework to implement lean principles into construction processes. The research study, on which this paper is based on, ultimately aims to develop such an implementation framework through an action research study for Sri Lankan construction contractors. Other countries such as the United Kingdom, United States of America, and Singapore have reaped sustainable benefits through proper implementation of lean construction. Extant literature offers several case studies on such lean construction implementations. Hence, this paper offers a critique on these case studies, as an initial step to develop an implementation framework for Sri Lanka. Accordingly, few case studies are critically compared with their construction settings. The findings reveal several similarities in the lean implementation in different settings and deviations are also identified. The paper finally, identifies the most commonly applied lean techniques for implementing lean principles in construction processes and its benefits. It is hoped that the key literature findings arising from this stage, will ultimately assist to develop a conceptual implementation framework using lean principles for the construction process.
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Indoor Comfort Implications of Urban Microclimate: Case study of Office Buildings in Colombo
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Perera, NGR; Emmanuel, MPR; Arooz, FR
The equatorial tropics are experiencing an explosive urban growth. With intensified urbanisation comes a rapid increase in atmospheric carbon, dwindling resources and concerns over energy security. In this context the need to achieve thermal comfort by the adoption of passive strategies assumes a great significance. There is clear evidence to the link between indoor thermal comfort and the urban microclimate. This study is a research initiative that aims at exploring the effects of the urban microclimate on the indoor thermal comfort level. The focus is on office environments along Galle Road, Colombo. The research method initially establishes a representative typology of office buildings along Galle Road, Colombo. The computer simulation tool ENVI-met is used to model the existing urban microclimate and the strategies adopted for its improvement. The simulations establish the base external climatic parameters that effect the indoor environments.The indoor thermal comfort is simulated using DEROB-LTH. The simulated results are presented as comparative ‘Thermal Heat Index’ values.
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An Agent Based Simulation for Home Interior Designing
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Mohotti, WA; Kulawansa, KADT
Interior design is the art of making a space both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing; this is achieved mainly by applying interior design principles. Human involvements in the field of interior design do not produce a perfect design and do not apply all relevant techniques in the field of interior design. Furthermore, designing interior space by getting the service of an interior designer consumes a considerable amount of time and money. This agent based simulation solution for the interior designing process, using agent technology can help to address the highlighted issues. There are several agents for different elements in the interior spaces in this technology, such as a chair agent, a table agent, a light agent, a fan agent etc. According to architectural principles, these agents will consist of different properties. By considering the individual properties, these agents adjust the required elements in the proper order using interior design techniques. The Final output is obtained by communicating between different agents. By implementing this kind of agent base interior designing system, normal clients as well as interior designers can be facilitated, as agent technology has both power and control.
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Reading the Patterns of Transport Network and Population Distribution; Fractal Geometry Application in Kurunegala Township and its Surrounding Areas, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Herath, K; Jayasinghe, A
The Reciprocal relationship between the population distribution and the transport network pattern has been widely discussed, for example when the population increases; demand for transport related infrastructure increases and vice versa. But the relationship between the road network pattern and population distribution has not been adequately investigated and lacks the appropriate method especially in Sri Lankan spatial and transport planning studies. In such a context, this research explores the feasibility of an emerging method called ‘Fractal Geometry’ to explain the relationship between road network patterns and population distributions. Thus, this study calculated the road and population distribution fractal dimensions based on the ‘mass radius’ fractal geometry method and analyzed the relationship between these two variables. Findings of the study have revealed a strong correlation and liner relationship between the fractal dimensions of road and population distribution. Accordingly, the study concludes fractal geometry as a useful tool in understanding the relationship between population distribution and the road network.
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Connectivity Analysis as an Alternative Predictor of Transit Demand: A Case Study of the Railway Network, Sri Lanka
(2013-03) Jayasinghe, A; Pathiranage, N
Rapidly increasing traffic congestion in urban and suburban roads raises the urgent need for an efficient railway service in Sri Lanka. In studies on rail transportation planning, however, travel demand has often taken a back seat to design and engineering features; perhaps due to the lack of adequate data availability. Taking its cues from this insufficiency, this study explores the potential of using “Connectivity Analysis” to serve as an alternative methodology of travel demand forecasting. The connectivity of railway stations in termsof railway and road access were computed separately by using ‘Connectivity Analysis’ and by analysing the relationship with travel demand for stations within the railway network of Sri Lanka. Results revealed a significant correlation between transit demand and the connectivity of railway stations, such that connectivity values have the capability to explain over 77% of the variation in rail transit demand. Therefore the study suggests that the “Connectivity Analysis” method can serve as an alternative predictor of transit demand, in the absence of good, quality data on trip-making and employment trends.
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Evaluation of Critical Success Factors for Road Construction Projects in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Seneviratne, LDIS; Sriyananda, DH
A construction project is commonly acknowledged as successful when it is completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with specifications and to the stakeholders’ satisfaction. However, outside the control of the management, there are many factors which could determine the success or failure of a project. Search for the factors influencing project success is not new in management studies particularly, in the domain of construction and project management. The last two and half decades have witnessed a drastic increase in “critical success factors” (CSFs) research. However, there is no such study on the implementation of CSFs in road construction projects in Sri Lanka. Massive infrastructure development drives have contributed to the economic growth of Sri Lanka since 2010.The Sri Lankan transportation sector has been identified as a priority by the government of Sri Lanka with major road development projects. However, road projects in Sri Lanka have time and cost overruns and are exposed to risk frequently. Therefore it is essential to improve the success of road projects in Sri Lanka. This research paper was focused on identifying critical success factors and establishing the most important CSFs for different project phases in the road construction project life cycle. The research problem was approached through an expert survey and a questionnaire survey conducted among the professionals in the road construction sector in Sri Lanka. The findings revealed all the factors found through the literature survey are relevant to Sri Lankan road construction projects. Further the study established the most important CSFs in each phase of the construction project life cycle of road construction projects in Sri Lanka. This will be useful and aid the Sri Lankan road construction projects towards successful completion.
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Reflecting Regional Identity in Building Entrances: Reflections On The Emerging Trends In Institutional Gate Houses, Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Samaratunga, M; Gunarathne, N
Reflecting on emerging trends in the built environment is significant in understanding the past, present and future of the local and global aspects of human development. This paper focuses on gate houses in institutional buildings and explores the emerging trends in designing entrances and the underlying factors that forced their change along, with their contribution to regional identity. The research adopted a qualitative methodology where data generated through a photographic survey and a literature survey were analysed to reflect some thoughts. Through the study four typologies in contemporary Sri Lankan entrances were identified. Reflections included that framing the entrance with a roof on top is a new trend and this is influenced by traditional structures in Sri Lanka, in response to the changing social, economic and cultural trends thus contributing to an authentic regional identity
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Dissemination of Academic Research Knowledge to Construction Industry: Insights from Knowledge Management Literature
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Hadiwattege, C; Senaratne, S
Academic research in built environment consists of cognitive, affective as well as behavioural components. Existing built environment research does not reveal many encouraging signs of changes in the way that the construction industry and construction research knowledge is exchanged. Different research dissemination mechanisms have at different performance levels in respect to the way they provided for outcome dissemination. However, the effectiveness and the efficiency are claimed to be relatively fewer and under-developed within the construction industry compared to other industries. The PhD research on which this research paper is based aims to merge academic research with industry development requirements to build a better responsive construction industry. As a preliminary step, this paper reports on the literature findings on the theoretical background of the ways and means of academic research knowledge dissemination to the built environment. The paper also discusses some of the practical and philosophical issues that would need to be considered when transferring academic research to the built environment. In doing so, relevant literature is synthesized to provide a holistic picture of the current knowledge of research knowledge dissemination, by also bringing insights from knowledge transfer literature while highlighting significant gaps in specific areas such as ‘academic research and outcome’, ‘dissemination to construction sector’, ‘of transfer’ and ‘pros and cons of the mechanisms’ at this initial level of the research. The paper considers upon the available research knowledge dissemination options in categories such as, write –ups of individual research, collections of written research, e- transfer, public awareness, research related gatherings, collaboration with government and collaboration with industry. Further it analyses the identified mechanisms with reference to their pros and cons in a way which a researcher can make an informed and sensible decisions as to how to proceed on delivering the profound outcome to the interested knowledge clients. The main dimensions of each mechanism are outlined through the synthesis upon merits and de-merits. The paper develops the argument that the use of a single mechanism often could fail in exploring the whole likely receiver base for a particular research outcome. The approach of using multiples is suggested to counteract this weakness and to enhance transfer of academic research knowledge dissemination into built environment.
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The Correlation Between Colour Associated Thermal Perception and Preferred Human Activity
(2013-03) Hettiarachchi, AA; De Silva, N
Research has shown that colour stimuli could trigger certain fixed emotional and behavioural responses within human beings. Consequently, transcending its typical aesthetic value, colours have a greater potential to be integrated into design in a way that can stimulate required emotions and behaviour in the built environment to enable optimum human performance. This attribute is identified in the present study as an important aspect of the ‘functional value of colour’. Literature on theory of colour explains the relationship between colour and human’s thermal perception (TP), distinguishing warm colours (red, orange, yellow), cools colours (blue, green, purple) and neutral colours (white, grey, black). This study emphasises that every human activity demands a unique thermal condition or environment for its optimum performance. In consequence, it was hypothesised that colours could be potentially used to manipulate human thermal environment as demanded by the activity intended in any built space. Hitherto, the scientific investigations done on the nature and potential of this association are scarce. The present research attempts to provide evidence for TP related to a few selected colours, while identifying certain associated functions for aforementioned colours. A group of normal sighted, healthy volunteer undergraduates (n=72) of the same age (20-23) were shown computer generated slides of a typical room in seven different colours as specified in RGB colour model, projected on to a wall ; red( 255,0,0), orange (255,165,0), yellow (255,255,0), blue (0,0,255), green ( 0,128,0), purple (128,0,128), white (255,255,255) within a controlled studio environment. While maintaining a constant ambient temperature (26oC), the participants were exposed to each slide for two minutes. They rated their thermal perception (warmness/coolness) of each room on a 5-point likert scale and selected activities they would prefer to perform, in each room out of a list of activities provided to them, imagining that they were actually experiencing each coloured room shown in the slides. Findings of this study provide testimony for colours’ ability to alter human’s thermal perception. Explicitly, TP of red, orange and yellow colour slides were rated as warm and blue, green, purple slides were rated as cool while white slide was found to have an average TP. Red was found to trigger the highest TP and blue, the lowest TP. The following relationship between TP of the seven colours tested was arrived at; TP Red > TP Orange > TP Yellow > TP White > TP Purple > TP Green > TP Blue. Supporting the hypotheses, the participants preferred to perform active functions in the rooms which they rated to have a high TP and vice versa. For instance, red room was preferred for exercising and sports, while orange was selected for sports, dining and exercising. Yellow was imagined as suitable to support discussions, dining and sports. The colours identified to have a low TP were significantly preferred for calm activities. Blue and purple respectively were decidedly preferred for sleeping and secondly for relaxing. Green room was dominantly preferred for relaxing. White which was rated to have an average TP was chosen for calm and neutral activities, mainly drawing, reading and meditation.

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