FARU - 2017 (Volume 02)

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

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 48

item: Conference-Full-text
Grounded theory as an approach to explore the use of public open spaces to enhance the cities’ resilience to disasters
(2017) Jayakody, RRJC; Amarathunga, D; Haigh, R
Grounded theory is a popular research method in social science researches, yet comparatively unfamiliar in the planning and designing literature. However, the use of grounded theory in exploring new concepts and theories from the gathered data, allows to bring unique benefits to the research as well as many challenges and criticisms. Within this context, this paper explores the benefits, challenges and criticisms of using grounded theory as the research method within the research fields of urban planning and disaster resilience. Specifically, the paper analyses the use of grounded theory within the research of exploring the use of public open spaces to enhance the cities’ resilience to disasters. First, the paper presents the factors effected to make the decision of selecting grounded theory as the research method in this particular research. Followed by the elements of the selected version of grounded theory. Then the discussion flows through the benefits, challenges and criticisms of using grounded theory within the research study. Finally, the findings suggest set of strategies that can be used to harness the potentials and to overcome the criticisms and challenges of using grounded theory as the research method within the field of planning and designing.
item: Conference-Full-text
Infringement of right to environment during the implementation of mega infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka
(2017) Abeynayake, M
Sri Lanka has given priority to economic development to raise standard of living of citizens. Development projects funded by both local and foreign funded play a major role in the economic development process. Private sector based development projects has been increasing rapidly. Thus it is imperative that environmental resources are conserved and enhanced to sustainable development. Economic development lead to cause environmental damagers thereby violations of right to environment happen. Hhealthy and sustainable environment is important to the full satisfaction of a wide range of human rights. Human rights include the rights to life, health and water. Protecting human rights helps to protect the environment and respect to their need for a sustainable environment. The aim of this research is to identify the infringement of right to environment during the implementation of mega economic development projects in Sri Lanka. To achieve aim, four objectives were established. This research is mainly based on interviews with environmental sector experts. Questionnaire surveys with construction sector professional were conducted to identify the conflicting areas on existing environmental law and relevant regulatory authorities. As the final outcome of the survey found out existing Environmental law should be amended as a critical manner. Some significant actions should be considered for a proper implementation of the environmental law. The conclusion emphasis the existing said environmental law areas should be properly implemented and monitored by the regulatory authorities in order to mitigate the violation of environmental rights due to development projects.
item: Conference-Full-text
Psychological risks of resettlers in resettlement planning: a study in Moragahakanda resettlement project (MRP)
(2017) Dasanayake, H; Ratnayake, R
In resettlement planning literature, much has been written on economic, land compensation, infrastructure and services aspects of the land. Psychological risks and stresses of resettled communities, however, have been under-researched. The current research looks at the psychological risks of resettlers in a Development-Induced Displacement and Resettlement (DIDR) project in Sri Lanka. Focusing on the stages of resettlement planning process discussed by Scudder and Colson four-stage model (1980) and the psychological risks discussed by Cernea’s (1990) impoverishment risks and reconstruction (IRR) model; This study evaluates the significant level of the psychological risks faced by the communities in DIDR projects in Sri Lanka relating to before and after resettlement. Moragahakanda Resettlement Project (MRP) was selected as the case study which is located in Naula DS division of Matale District, Central Province, Sri Lanka. A questionnaire survey, documents and field observations were used to evaluate the current psychological risks. The responses received from multiple choice questions were analyzed by Significant Point (SP) index. The research findings point that there are no conspicuous changes of psychological risks related to before/after resettlement has occurred in re-settlers. The findings highlight that the psychological risk levels in transition stage have remained the same level in the potential development stage. This research provides a systematic guidance enabling the physical planners to prioritize the most significant psychological risks which should be considered in the decision-making process of DIDR projects.
item: Conference-Full-text
Adaptable built-environment as a potential strategy to sustain post-disaster resettlements in Sri Lanka
(2017) Sridarran, P; Keraminiyage, K; Amaratunga, D
In the recent decades, internal displacements occur in greater number across the world each year without drawing much attention. To minimise the causes and attenuate the consequences of displacement, governments and other concerned entities involve themselves in the process of resettlement to different degrees. However, the large-scale resettlements are often criticised for offering only temporary relief without meeting the long-term expectations of the affected communities. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore the potentials of an adaptable built-environment to provide durable solutions to sustain post-disaster resettlements. Based on previous case studies 14 long-term struggles in adapting to a new built-environment are identified. A Likert scale questionnaire survey was conducted in 4 resettlement schemes in Sri Lanka, to scale the level of severity of the identified factors. Collected questionnaires were analysed using factor analysis technique to identify the underlying concepts of the adaptability issues. The findings of this study show that the underlying structure of the identified factors that affect the adaptability of the built-environment of the displaced community includes less availability of social infrastructure, the unfamiliarity of the houses, difference in the location, non-flexibility of the houses, comfort of the houses, and less availability of utilities. Similarly, the underlying structure of the host community includes less availability of social infrastructure, different usage of the land, community relationship, and less availability of the utilities.
item: Conference-Full-text
An analysis of factors of user generated content on social networks that motivate pleasure travel enthusiasts of Sri Lanka
(2017) Alwis, J.; Samarawickrama, S
This research contributes to the knowledge of user generated content on social networks and how it can be used to motivate pleasure travellers. Different roles in the communication process of user generated content on social networks and how their qualities determine the effectiveness of content were explored. The research was focused on the pleasure travel enthusiasts of Sri Lanka. Pleasure traveling often involve hiking, trekking, rafting, sightseeing etc. within attractive destinations. This research examined the qualities that should be in the creator and in the message of user generated content to motivate a potential traveller. The hypothesis was derived with seven identified qualities that should possess in the ‘creator’ and in ‘content’ and they were tested using interviews and a questionnaire. Interviews were done with content creators and a questionnaire was distributed among pleasure travel enthusiasts to inquire whether the predetermined seven qualities of content are applicable to motivate pleasure travel enthusiast of Sri Lanka. It was concluded that, only five out of the seven qualities which were determined earlier has the power of motivating a pleasure traveller. Based on the study, author could drew a guiding framework for content creators and also determine that ‘identity disclosure’, ‘reputation’ and ‘storytelling ability’ of the creator and ‘clarity and construction’ and ‘usage of media’ of the content help in motivating potential travel enthusiasts.
item: Conference-Full-text
Expanding vertical greenery in building facades in Sri Lanka
(2017) Peiris, MDW; Jayawickrama, T; Soorige, SDA
This study is focused on exploring enablers and barriers of implementing vertical greenery in Sri Lanka and suggesting strategies to overcome barriers. First, a comprehensive literature review was undertaken to identify a set of enablers and barriers. As the research approach, a mix approach was adopted in this study using questionnaires and semi structured interviews in two phases. Questionnaires were utilized to gather data on enablers and barriers. Data gathered using questionnaires were analyzed using one sample t-test in SPSS statistical software package and Relative Importance Index (RII) to identify the most critical enablers and barriers of vertical greenery. Accordingly, ten enablers and eleven barriers were identified in total where restoring the biodiversity into urban building and reducing carbon dioxide while increasing oxygen to the environment are the most significant enablers and the lack of awareness of the benefits and performance of vertical greenery systems has been identified as the most critical barriers. In order to identify the strategies to overcome identified barriers an expert survey was carried out using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Several strategies were identified mainly in three areas as, research strategies, government intervention and regulatory framework related strategies and awareness strategies.
item: Conference-Full-text
Study on the relation between solid waste volume and residential collection methods with reference to Soysapura flats
(2017) Jayakody, DMSS; Jayasinghe, S
Everyday human generates waste and municipal solid waste is supposed to be increased with urbanization. 3 billion urban residents generate 1.2 Kg of waste per person per day. This study was carried in Soysapura Flats which is located 17 Km away from the financial capital of Sri Lanka. The main objective was to study the impact of the volume of urban domestic solid waste on collection and storing methods in Soysapura Flats. The literature reveals that the volume of waste generated in developing countries continues to increase and the contribution by the urban domestic waste is effective but there is a lacuna of studies related to the residential waste collection and storing in the aspect of volume. The study used a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. 80 families were selected and interviewed to identify their methods of waste disposal, devices, practices and attitudes. And necessary measuring tools were used in order to carry out the volume measurements. The findings revealed that 8.062 litres of degradable waste and 5.828 litres of non-degradable waste generated per day by a family of Soysapura Flats. The degradable volume of waste was easily managed with the present collection method and system but not the non-degradable waste category. Further detailed investigation is needed to identify the impact of waste volume on collection methods, especially in the aspect of waste and waste types.
item: Conference-Full-text
Impact of culture on construction education in South Africa
(2017) Caigbavboa, CO; Oladokun, MG; Kgoadi, MD
The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of culture on construction education in South Africa with a view to determining how cultural backgrounds influence students’ behaviour. The data used in this paper were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data were collected through a detailed assessment of related literature. The primary data were likewise collected via a structured questionnaire aimed at 130 respondents who were students registered for Construction Management (CM), Quantity Surveying (QS), Civil Engineering and Building Science at a South African higher education institution. Out of the collected 130 questionnaires, only 101 were usable, representing a response rate of 78 per cent that was deemed viable for statistical analysis for this study. Data received from the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics procedures. The higher education institution used for the study has a variety of students and lecturers: through this study it is evident that the cultural background of the students shapes their attitudes and values, knowledge base as well as the skill set and these, in turn, influencing classroom behaviours, their study habits, their writing styles and faculty student interactions. The study concluded that culture is an important concept when it comes to education, especially construction education, which needs to be managed appropriately. The study, therefore, recommended that in order to manage cultural differences, students need to be aware of the cultural backgrounds of those with whom they work and interact since failure to manage cultural differences in a collaborative learning environment could possibly lead to student failure.
item: Conference-Full-text
Impact of the costumes on the theatrical style, in a holistic sensorial platform
(2017) Liyanage, P; Samarawijaya, S
The purpose of this study is to find out how and in what ways do costumes impact on the theatrical style in the play, in a holistic sensorial platform. The research is done based on the Comprehensive Design project done by the author, which was ‘Designing Costumes for an Experimental Play’. The play “The Irresistible Rise of Mr. Signno” is an experimental theatre practice done by the theatre practitioner Indika Ferdinando. Following practice based research methodology, this research will discuss the impact of costumes on the theatrical style by designing costumes for the above mentioned experimental theatre practice. In the play the director’s aim is to bring back the concept of holism in ritual theater, into the contemporary theatre. Upon completion of the research, it was found out that costumes are a key player, and it has and strong impact on the theater style in a holistic platform. The research was made possible by a Senate Research Committee Grant, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka under the grant number SRC/ST/2017/16.
item: Conference-Full-text
Influence of experiential learning on education of construction students in South Africa
(2017) Aigbavboa, CO; Oladokun, MG; Kgoadi, MD
South Africa’s education sector comprises various individuals, all with different backgrounds, and this sometimes creates challenges when it comes to the teaching and learning processes, especially in construction education. This research assessed the impact of experiential training on construction education in South Africa. The study used a survey research design. Data were collected by the use of a structured questionnaire aimed at 130 respondents purposively selected among the students who were registered for Construction Management (CM), Quantity Surveying (QS), Civil Engineering and Building Science at a South African higher education institution. Out of the 130 copies of the questionnaire, only 101 were usable and therefore analysed for the study using descriptive statistics. The findings from the survey indicate that most of the respondents were of the view that collaborative learning is effective. Also, the findings of the study suggest that majority of the students are aware that they are working with people from different cultural backgrounds with experiential training running between a period of six months and 12 months. Regarding the influence of experiential training on education of students of construction programmes, the finding shows that experiential training has an influence “in encouraging students to find greater meaning in their studies”; “in providing students with exposure to the real world of work”; “encourages students to develop a greater sense of responsibility”; “encourages students to place more reliance on their judgement” ; “in creating students who are readily employable”; and “gives students access to possible funding sources in that order. The study concludes that experiential training influences education of construction students in South Africa.
item: Conference-Full-text
Expression of psychophysical boundaries related to interpersonal space through selected techniques in fashion designing
(2017) De Silva, R; Liyanage, PP; Wickramasinghe, U
Every human being acquires a physical space in his existence from womb to tomb. This physical space is a variable which depends on external parameter; amount of matter the body consists of. The composite planes which this body mass is active could be defined as the active space around body which is, on the body and outside the body. Over this physical space each and every person owns their psychological space. This subjective space which is often affected by the parameters such as Age, gender and cultural norms is visualized as a “bubble “by Anthropologists. A rela- tionship is being built between interpersonal space and the active space on human body which is margined by a wearable. Transformational fashion is used in as the technique in the visualization of the discussed relationship. Avant-garde which is a method of experimenting and expressing a concept in fashion designing is used for this project as the method of execution. Objective of this line of Avant-garde, is to forward a method of expressing psychophysical boundaries of interpersonal space expe- rienced by an individual via compounding theories in fashion designing and modifi- cation methods of space to create an environment which cares about the need of self- expression of an individual.
item: Conference-Full-text
Poetic robustness in detail: towards a tectonic culture of building
(2017) Musthaq, A; Pathiraja, M
In building production, the term ‘detail’ is generally used to identify a construction joint, intended to resolve structural, technical and environmental assembly of building systems, elements and materials. An ‘architectural detail’, on the other hand, is a notion that dwells on formal elucidations and experiences, in addition to the mere pragmatics of building assemblage. Within the local discourse of architecture, how-ever, there is little or no discussion about the ability of architectural details to breed a constructive culture of building, which can resist the failure of the local building output, both formally as well as technically. By referring to seminal literature, building observations, detail analysis and practice-based interviews, this research explores the need to establish a local culture of building that views ‘detailing’ as a fundamental intention of building construction, thereby responding to both practical and poetic expectations of architectural design. In particular, the study explores the notion of ‘tectonic culture’ as an embodiment of ‘practical poetics’ that responds to ideas, customs and principles of a ‘way of building’ determined by social practices, know-how and intelligence. Using the idea of 'tectonic culture’ as a 'tool’ to evaluate how details generate poetry in architecture, this study questions if an alternative position on ‘architectural detail’ would allow local practitioners a better technical and creative platform to respond to the escalating demand for robust building.
item: Conference-Full-text
Social sustainability through organic sustenance an interconnection between rural, sub-urban and urban areas
(2017) Patel, H
Sustainability is a complex concept and an interconnected network, impacting an individual to the world. Discussions about sustainability now no longer consider sustainability solely as an environmental concern but also incorporate economic and social dimensions. This paper presents a systems approach for sustainable development through social sustainability, mainly focuses on rural-suburban-urban linkages with the approach of local food to a global solution. The paper incorporates four interconnected layers of this approach, including the understanding of social sustainability, rural-suburban-urban linkages, interconnection of sustainability and food, and the impact of sustainable agriculture on ecological, economic, social and cultural dimensions and a demonstration of the design approach. The context of India and a specific design approach are used to understand the conceptual framework of rural-suburban-urban linkages and social sustainability. The discussed integrated approach could become a responsive tool to solve many critical issues of current and future world and can lead towards a holistic approach to sustainable society.
item: Conference-Full-text
Willingness to pay for urban water body recreational facilities: a case study at Diyatha Uyana
(2017) Ratnayake, R; Wickramaarachchi, N; Wattage, P
Revitalization of open water bodies into recreational areas are becoming widely popular in many parts of Sri Lanka. Understanding community perception and expectation on recreational development have important policy and cost-effectiveness implications. This paper explores the public perspectives on development, conservation and value of the open water recreational development at Diyatha Uyana and surrounding area. Contingent Valuation Method has been applied to estimate peoples’ Willingness To Pay for recreational spaces in the selected area. A total of 300 residents from different socioeconomic backgrounds were selected randomly for the study. Enjoying peace and relaxation, taking children to play and breath clean air were mentioned as most important aspects of open water body areas. More frequent visits occur to enjoy peace and relaxation, breath clean air and enjoy the natural landscape. Almost all the participants were agreed upon conserving open water body areas in urban settings. Willingness to pay was significantly associated with income and occupation status. It yielded a monthly average payment of Rs.446.93 per household for another five years’ time. The limited budget was the main reason for not willing to pay. This paper is significant as there is no contingent valuation method study has been carried on water body development in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
Results caused by the existence of disposable products: with reference to plastic straws used in Sri Lanka
(2017) Thilakarathna, KCM; Ranasinghe, WMND
Design is for a better world. The stages in the life cycle of disposable products have caused problems to the world. The designer or the inventor of every product should be responsible for each and every direct or indirect consequences caused by the design. Disposable is a concept, which means those products are only for one-time use. There are few main disposable products; those can be identified as straws, cutlery, cups, lunch packs, bottles and bags. Mark C. Stone has introduced modern straws in 1888, which was made out of paper. Straws can be manufactured out of different types of materials such as Glass, Metal, Bamboo, Pasta, Paper, Plastic, etc. According to the usage and functionality straws can categorized as Wide straws, Spoon straws, sanitary straws, and Miniature straws, etc. The objectives are to make a world free of garbage and waste, to acknowledge people, to protect living beings and nature, to prevent disasters and world crises, encourage and provide suitable design solutions to answer existing and future problems. Every product has direct and indirect ways of affecting to the user, society and the world. Caring about those factors and consequences is necessary towards a better world. Study about Straws is the main research sample and the research is based on grounded theory method. The factual data collected from quantitative research method and survey done with observations focusing on Colombo district. The research findings explore that the current usage of straws, the methods and methodologies for a better product, the effect on the society and how it should be updated to the present as well as to the future social contexts.
item: Conference-Full-text
Feeling at home. the assessment as a tool to design social housing
(2017) Bozzo, L
The real city is the one of its inhabitants, and not the one that was planned inside a perimeter. In it, the dwelling is a place of belonging and creates the relationship with the city, representing a strategic axe to overcome poverty and urban substandard conditions. Through assessment, it is possible to extract clues to design new housing proposals or to rehabilitate the existing ones, considering the residential problem in its multiple dimensions, focusing on the needs of the demand and not in the possibilities or the interests of the supply. The evaluation methodology, including physical, economic and social elements, is an important breakthrough since the usual thing is to consider only the economic facts, and even within this, nothing else than the initial cost. Physical, economic and social aspects are analysed separately but with a similar mechanic, to arrive to a final result that relates them, allowing to compare different proposals in an comprehensive way. This paper is a reflection towards planning the settlement - the house – the home, and think on the facts and on the consequences of their transformed environment. And how liveability indicators address to enable families to feel the ownership of their surroundings and of their own home, recognizing them as part of their identity.
item: Conference-Full-text
Preference of weather protection devices by primary students in Sri Lanka: a case study in rural and urban schools
(2017) Mohotti, UA; Ranasignhe, WMND
Protection of the head, face and skin from sun and rain is of paramount importance especially for primary school children owing to climate change and extreme weather conditions Therefore, children avoiding weather protection devices is a common issue faced by parents. A study was conducted with the objective of understanding the preferences of weather protection devices of Sri Lankan primary school children (ages 5-10 years) of selected rural and urban areas. The information on Innovativeness in their ideas, Knowledge on ancient weather protection practices, Knowledge on modern technology, Interest in self-protection from weather conditions (rain and sun), and Focus on playfulness were collected. Pictorial expressions on Weather Protection Devices and Preferences were also obtained. Results showed a gradual increase in relative scores given to the knowledge on ancient practices from grade 1-5. The knowledge of school children in urban areas was comparatively greater on modern practices and applications. However, no differences in the level of innovativeness of ideas could be seen with children in both rural and urban areas. With age, the interests of children showed a tendency to get closer to that of parents and thus minimize the gap between them in the concept of weather protection. Color, form, texture, interactivity and competition were observed interests.
item: Conference-Full-text
A Fashion design involvement to uplift the local craft of Dumbara textile weaving
(2017) Gunasekara Hettiarachchige, V; Senanayake, R
An effective craft uplift programme/project has the power of uplifting a whole craft community. In recent years, craft uplift programmes such as, 'design interventions at grassroot level' and 'gamata marketing' (marketing applied to village) caused to change the faces of the crafts and their places in the market. However, unsustainable design interventions due to the negligence of the craft values have directed many crafts to decline. This paper discusses an effective fashion design(FD) involvement taken through fashion as a project to uplift the Sri Lankan indigenous craft of Dumbara textile weaving (DTW). Based on empirical data collected at the craft village, the paper presents the uniqueness and the values of DTW, and then discusses the novelty application of the craft carried out within an experimental framework. On-loom pattern creation during the weaving process is suggested as the most suitable design involvement through fashion. The systematic approach is discussed in order to be able to apply in DTW and gain sustainable advantage.
item: Conference-Full-text
Pedestrian exposure to airborne ultrafine particles: investigating street canyons in the heritage city of Kandy
(2017) Rajapaksha, I
Traffic emission constitutes the ultrafine particles which play a major role in atmospheric nanoparticles induced health effects on pulmonary, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Thus there is a considerable scientific interest in personal exposure to ultrafine particles and this study presents an experimental investigation of pedestrian exposure to street canyons in mostly populated streets in the heritage city of Kandy. Experimental results explicitly proves majority of the upwind pavements of all Sixteen street canyons are above the overall world standards of mean Particle Number Concentration levels. Thus the findings inform a health risk in the city of Kandy which will instigate a future national dilemma.
item: Conference-Full-text
Lighting retrofit of CEPT university: enhancing visual comfort and reducing energy consumption
(2017) Chaudhary, AM; Vaidya, P; Dharini, SK
This study is for a lighting retrofit of CEPT University in India, for reducing energy consumption and enhancing visual comfort. The assessment of the spaces included lighting audits, monitoring of lights, schedule of use, visual comfort surveys and measurement of illuminance levels. Electricity consumption due to lighting is 32% of the total due to night time usage of spaces. Health issues like headache, tired eyes, glare problem and low illuminance level were found which resulted in more than 50% of occupants taking breaks for eye recovery. Studio, classroom, and private office spaces contributed to 85% of the campus lighting energy. A market survey revealed that only a few brands provide photometric files in India. Proposed solutions were simulated in Relux. The existing lighting and proposed solutions were evaluated to meet the national codes. The energy savings due to the proposed retrofit is 21%, 44% and 42% for studio, classroom, and private office. Payback due to retrofit is found to be 9.5, 3.8, 6.8 years for the respective spaces. If all spaces of these 3 space types are retrofitted (67 out of 122 spaces), it would amount to an annual cost saving of INR. 178,670 for a payback of 8 years. .