FARU - 2016

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.248.9.226/handle/123/14714

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 30

item: Conference-Abstract
A Critical review on high rise buildings in the context of bio climatic design a case of vertical diversity in tropical Colombo
Amaratunga, AAND; Rajapaksha, RMKU
Building envelop plays a vital role in creating comfortable indoor environments by cutting off unfavorable outdoor climatic conditions. The outdoor microclimate around a building varies creating diversified vertical climatic conditions. Yet less attention is given to the vertical climatic diversity in designing facades of tall buildings. The study critically discusses the facade design of tall buildings considering its vertical response and co-relationship to outside climatic diversity. Through a typical empirical study on randomly selected HRB in the existing context of Colombo, the Mahaweli Authority building was selected to investigate the co relationship of building design and the vertical character of its external climate. The final conclusion points out, that the designing process of HRB should pay more attention to bio climatic approach and design interventions with a better understanding on the external climatic character and its vertical diversity, rather than following typical two dimensional planning methods. This will result better and practical design outcome which will increase users satisfaction and improvements in energy saving.
item: Conference-Abstract
The Visual perception of occupants’ on daylight : emphasis on the diversity of luminance ambience due to architecture & effect of glare in office environments
Rajapakasha, AU; Rajapaksha, RMKU
The research investigates the occupant perception of daylight in office buildings in Sri Lanka. Specific focus is drawn to the potential diversity of a luminous ambiance environments, created by daylight and problems associated with glare effect to the visual comfort. The methodology involves an investigationto find the level of occupants‘ perception through a questionnaire survey and analysing the data using the SPSS analytical computer software. In addition, pointed Lux levels in selected areas were measured to find out the activeness of day lighting level using Daylight factor. Simultaneously a photographic survey is used to identify the brighter and darker zones and design intervention of the building designs. According to the data analysis, 97% of responses are found to be less sensitive to day lighting. The results suggest the occupants in investigated office buildings consider daylight as an insignificant component in office environments. Further, it was found that glare; due to extensive difference of lighting level between inside and outside, was an issue to be addressed.
item: Conference-Abstract
Forming the negative : architecting the space in between from the interior to the exterior of the dressed figure
Liyanage, P; Hettiarachchi, S
The fleshy human body is defined and given meaning through the dress. Western ideals and cultural practices identify the dress as a fit-on to the body. Whereas, Asian cultures recognizes the dress with multiple layers of clothing creating spaces between dress and the human body. Inspired by this practice and concept of the dress, the research aims to identify possibilities and notions of creating the dress from the interior to the exterior; designing from spaces in between to result in an exterior. In the process of developing a new approach for designing the dress, the need arises to re-identify its function as well. Therefore, the research relates to the contemporary functions of a dress and redefines them within the possibilities of the previously identified creation of the dress dependent upon the space in between. The research used an inductive methodology following the grounded theory to identify a concluding theoretical framework for designing the dress from the interior to the exterior. The research was primarily funded by qualitative data from archival sources. The research was funded by the Senate Research Committee of the University of Moratuwa under the grant no SRC/ST/2016/18.
item: Conference-Abstract
Managing of urban flood risk in Colombo with spatial planning
Herath, HMM; Wijesekera, S; Munasinghe, J
Land and water are inseparably linked with each other. External pressures on either water or the land result in chains of impacts on both. Uncontrolled urban growth leads intensive urban growth into natural floodplains. As a result, flood risk and vulnerabilities in many of urban areas are on the rise. The technical measures as well as other planning operations on a continuous basis, which remains unchanged urban flood risk. Presently, it has been recognized that a new approach should be designed to cope up with both flood hazard and vulnerabilities would provide long lasting solution. The importance of spatial planning for an effective flood risk management strategy highlights the multifunctional and integrated benefits of spaces. Currently, many developed countries have already adopted risk based management approach over the traditional flood protection strategies. City of Colombo located adjacent to the downstream of Kelani River is highly vulnerable to floods. It has been regularly flooded in recent decades and brings many hardships to both community and economy despite the available flood protection measures. This present research analyses literature on flood risk management and interface between flood risk management and spatial planning and it discusses the salient characteristics of risk based planning interventions.
item: Conference-Abstract
Manipulation of urban geometry to achieve effective wind flow for pedestrian thermal comfort: with special reference to urban development in Colombo 4, Sri Lanka
Yatiwella, L
The urban geometries create a physical character or structure at the street with relating to neighboring local climate. The urban geometry of a specific urban area has the potential to enhance or diminish the pedestrian thermal comfort by manipulating the urban climate and manipulates the behavior of wind by controlling the velocity and wind flow patterns. In such a context the design strategies of urban geometries must be implemented with in depth understanding and considering the pedestrians‘ comfort. The research focus on how the existing urban geometries of selected site impact on wind flow which in reverse impact on pedestrian comfort and the impact of wind flow when these LCZ2 areas convert into LCZ1 areas. Height increase of the buildings and the density would not be an issue if the urban geometry is planned to avoid disturbance to natural wind flow and to maximize wind effects through urban canyons by manipulating H/W ratios. The research findings proved the buildings with high podiums does not help to increase pedestrian comfort in Sri Lankan climatic conditions; since the wind flow in this context is not very strong. The placement of open areas is critical as those could either increase or decrease the pedestrian thermal comfort. Hence, urban planning strategies should be 'site specific‘.
item: Conference-Abstract
Interactive architecture and contextual adaptability: issues of energy sustainability in contemporary tall office buildings in Colombo – Sri Lanka
Jayatilake, K; Rajapaksha, RMKU
Interactive Architecture (IA) and contextual adaptability promotes operational energy efficiency of buildings by enabling building – climate interaction. However, Tall buildings tend to be non – interactive and climate isolated due to focus on other design considerations. Three recent office buildings in Colombo were selected for investigation to examine the level of interactive contextual adaptability, following a qualitative short – listing. After a general evaluation of energy use intensity (EUI), the designs were analyzed using a theoretical framework, and a thermal behavior investigation. The research revealed that low levels of building – climate interaction results in susceptibility to indoor overheating. Particularly, peripheral passive zones indicated elevated temperature levels attributed to increased solar exposure due to poor envelope design. Elevations in indoor temperatures, ranging from 3° to 4° Celsius were observed, which corresponded with 30% to 50% increase of space cooling energy load.
item: Conference-Abstract
Criteria to be used in determining project duration of road rehabilitation projects in Sri Lanka
Gunasekara, RGDH; Perera, BAKS; Rodrigo, MNN
Project duration is one of the critical features of a construction project which is determined by project planners during pre-tendering stages. Although there are several project forecasting techniques that are being practiced globally, in Sri Lanka it is the experience and practice that are used to determine the duration of a road rehabilitation project. Hence this research was aimed at developing criteria to determine the time of completion of road rehabilitation projects in Sri Lanka. Initially, a literature synthesis was carried out to identify project duration forecasting methods that are currently available and factors that can affect project durations. Subsequently, the extent of usage of those methods and factors, were determined through interviews. The main criteria were divided into four sub-criteria as relating to project scope, project complexity, project environment and management attributes. Based on the findings, ‗Unrealistic contract durations imposed by the client‘ was found to be the most critical delay factor. Project scope related criteria were the most critical factors that could affect the duration of a road rehabilitation project in Sri Lanka. Thus, it is recommended to use proper methods or criteria to determine project durations of road rehabilitation projects in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Abstract
Building urban resilience : an unplanned built-up area in Dhaka
Sameen, S; Razzaque, MZI
The prevalence of continual increase of population, poor construction standards, lack of law enforcement and monitoring, construction on filled up canals and water bodies as well as unplanned growth in hazard prone areas in Dhaka is turning the whole city into a source of potential hazards. As a result, both the built up and growing areas possess great risks of hazardous incidents like fire, water logging, collapse of structures, and earthquake etc. This paper emphasizes the need to address the risks in unplanned built up areas and takes into account an area (part of ward No. 14 & 15) as a case with prior illustration of context of Dhaka city. It analyzes vulnerabilities of the area in terms of infrastructures exposed to risks like fire and earthquake etc and emergency response. Finally it aims to develop some notions towards building resilience and as an outcome it recommends some short, medium and long term action plans. Among the actions it prioritizes recovery of connectivity and open spaces within the area in order to ensure minimum safety. Methodology of the whole process includes literature review, analyzing secondary data, and primary data collection from site through observation and conversation with the local residents.
item: Conference-Abstract
Comparative effectiveness of quantity surveying in BIM implementation
Kulasekara, G; Jayasena, HS; Ariyachandra, MRMF
Over the past eras, dawn of innovative technologies in construction industry intensified, where Building Information Modelling (BIM) has established as a collaborative tool. Although construction industry is deemed to be conservative, the adoption of BIM redefined traditional professional boundaries. Quantity Surveyor (QS) is one prominent role which needs to compete with aforesaid challenge, where the history provides substantial evidences to its amenability. However, this conversion may influence in either way, where it can upgrade or downgrade the profession since unwieldiness may adhere to the situation, it‘s being used. Hence, this paper aimed at identifying comparative effectiveness of BIM in performing QSs‘ tasks. Through an extensive literature study features of BIM, QSs‘ practices, and the competency of performing BIM adhered QSs‘ tasks were discovered. A documentary survey utilized for the identification of potential capabilities of performing QSs‘ tasks through BIM tools finally, a content analysis was conducted to analyse the data using a qualitative approach. It was revealed that when executing traditional QSs‘ tasks, BIM has proven a great adeptness and contrariwise for modern tasks. Tasks directly linked with numerals experience splendid benefits through BIM. Thus, it was concluded it is advantageous to perform traditional QSs‘ tasks through
item: Conference-Abstract
Critical success factors for the performance of international construction joint ventures in the Sri Lankan construction industry
Sathsarani, KD; Gunathilake, S; Wimalasena, NN
International Construction Joint Ventures (ICJV) are formed to overcome difficulties in construction industry by the multinational parties. As Sri Lankan construction industry has significant impact towards its economy ICJV performance is considered as an important subject. Hence the aim of this research was to investigate the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) affecting the performance of ICJVs in the Sri Lankan construction industry.Initially, a comprehensive literature review was carried out to identify the concept of ICJV, its process and Success Factors (SFs) for the performance of ICJV. Expert interviews and a questionnaire survey were then used to ascertain the ICJV process as applied in Sri Lanka and the CSFs. Finally, a framework was developed for the successful adaption of ICJVs.Based on the findings, ICJV process had been divided into 4 stages, namely: preparation, formation, operation and dismantling. Out ofa total of 25 SFs 13 factors were identified as CSFs, which should prevail in all 4 of the above stages of ICJV process. Finally, the framework revealed that all CSFs in each stage were required to perform the tasks in the respective stages.
item: Conference-Abstract
Defining ‘urban’ among urbanizing rural : the case of Sri Lankan urbanization
De Silva, MCK; Dharshani, GC; Minasinghe, JN
The level of urbanization of a country or a region is generally measured in terms of the share of its urban population. Since there is no universal definition for ‗urban‘, countries follow different approaches such as demographic, density, administrative, economic, morphological and functional, to define ‗urban‘ in their contexts and Sri Lanka uses a pure administrative approach. Surprising trend of urbanization was observed in Sri Lanka with a drop from 21.5% in 1981 to 14.6% in 2001 and 18.2% in 2012. This was questionable as ripple effects of urbanization can be experienced all over the country. Disputes and confusions over the definitions of ‗urban‘ are observed at International contexts. This research investigates this issue through a comprehensive review of existing definitions of ‗urban‘ and respective scholarly works. Initial review of literature had found that definitions of ‗urban‘ vary greatly between countries but usually they comprise of several criteria. This paper describes these findings on conventional approach and proposes an alternative framework to redefine ‗urban‘ in Sri Lanka, by two principle approaches ‗urbanism as a way of life‘ and the concept of ‗urban society‘ resulted from a complete urbanization through a human centered approach. The results indicated the geographical representation of level of urbanization in Sri Lanka and it was quantified as 34%.
item: Conference-Abstract
Strategies to develop effective BIM models to suit 4d modelling
Disthikar, MMM; Jayasena, HS; Ariyachandra, MRMF
Rapid upsurge of technology accredited 4D Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a BIM centric scientifically-derived scheduling process. It upgrades the project outcome, by reducing the substantial uncertainty exists with quality, cost and time. However, 3D BIM models are being advanced not only for 4D models but also for many other visualizing and informative purposes. Hence, necessity ascends to verify whether generally developed BIM models satiate required features of 4D modelling. Consequently, research aims to identify and verify extent of suitability and practicability of using BIM models in 4D modelling. The aim accomplished through a qualitative approach utilized with a desk study, unstructured interviews and a content analysis. It documented strategies and recommendations on how BIM models could be technologically advanced to ensemble 4D visualization. It was revealed that, prevailing BIM models are not readily acceptable for 4D modelling, which need to be refined marginally for real-world approach. Structural work packages, plant, equipment and accessories of building works can be directly used to 4D modelling as already developed whereas, integrated elements and finishing need few adaptations. Despite of few limitations, it is recommended more than 90% of elements developed in BIM models can be used for 4D modelling with certain modifications.
item: Conference-Abstract
Occupants’ satisfaction on green certified factory buildings in Sri Lanka
Monarange, BS; De Silva, ML; Rajini, PAD; Hemachandra, KGKN
Factory buildings play an important role in socio-economic environment in Sri Lanka while significantly contributing to the resource consumption. Therefore, the application of green building concept, which ensures the well-being of both human and environment is crucial to this end. While leaving a lighter footprint on the environment, a successful green building should be able to meet the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort requirements. The occupants‘ satisfaction also needs to be given a special attention as it directly relates with the occupants‘ productivity. However, a lack of concern on the occupants‘ satisfaction can be seen in green factory buildings in Sri Lanka and thus, the research aimed at investigating the occupants‘ satisfaction and identify the causes for dissatisfaction if any. A semi structured questionnaire survey was conducted among total of 50 occupants selected from five green factory buildings in order to identify their level of satisfaction. The Mean Weighted Rating method was employed for data analysis. The research identified that the satisfaction level of occupants is at a good level though the occupants‘ dissatisfaction in green factory buildings was mainly caused by difficulties engaged with adjusting the light, room temperature, and room ventilation levels.
item: Conference-Abstract
A Comparative study of the thermal performance of mud and brick houses in Bangladesh
Datta, US; Mustafa, B
Different building materials respond differently to climatic conditions due to their inherent properties. The thermal properties of building components such as walls, ceiling and floors together determine the energy consumption patterns and comfort conditions in an enclosed space. The aim of this study is to compare the thermal performance of naturally ventilated mud house and brick house, typical in the villages of Bangladesh. The objective is to search for affordable and energy-efficient construction techniques suitable for rural settlements. This is pursued by analyzing mean radiant temperature, Inter-zonal heat gain and comfort level within buildings constructed from traditional and modern materials. The study focus on single storied houses with pitched roof made of CI Sheet and wall materials are traditional mud walls and brick wall with plastered surface. The thermal behavior and comfort, the patterns of energy use of mud wall and brick wall are analyzed, compared and discussed. How a building envelope reacts to outdoor conditions through graphic illustration has been demonstrated and ways in which the research can be extended by the simulations using software has been showed. This research will contribute to the promotion of passive and low energy architecture towards a sustainable future.
item: Conference-Abstract
Application of open source hardware and software in assessing the varying levels of perceived safety in cities
De Silva, CS; Warusavitharana, EJ; Ratnayake, R
Although planning is said to be done targeting the people, plan-making processes in most instances are dominated by top-down approaches, giving very little regard to how people perceive or feel about the cities they live in. The perceptions or ‗emotions‘ urban areas trigger, and how these cause behavioural changes reflect the implications of planning and decision making upon them. Prior studies indicate that environmental factors are capable of triggering affective reactions in people. Thus, throughout the course of this study, it was attempted to understand how environmental factors affected University students‘ perceptions of safety, which were quantified on the basis of emotions, i.e. the calmness or stress felt, and walking speeds. Data on emotional states were captured in real-time by a technically-sound, low-cost device assembled using Free and Open Source Software and hardware. The study demarcated the areas perceived to be ‗safe‘ and ‗un-safe‘ by people, and ranked them based on their perceived safety. The reasons for this classification were then identified. The results concluded that the factors in the environment affected people‘s emotional states and walking speeds, as people walked faster in areas regarded as ‗unsafe‘ and slower in areas regarded as ‗safe‘. The data also explained the difference between the behaviour of males and females, when perceived safety was concerned, during different times of the day. This study introduced the chance to identify unconscious emotional reactions of people, which can be served as useful inputs for urban planning. Furthermore, the study will confirm the value of the real-time sensing device as a tool beyond traditional methods in
item: Conference-Abstract
Iintegraded coastal zone management (iczm) in the mediterranean : local practices and impediments to impementation
Lalenis, K
This article refers to the analysis of "gaps" between institutional frameworks and implementation of actions for the integrated management of the Mediterranean coastal zones and focuses on the local level, dealing particularly with case studies in Mediterranean municipalities, as part of the Mare Nostrum Project. The primary objective of the project - funded by the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument of Cross Border Cooperation in the Mediterranean Programme - is to contribute in the improvement of policy implementation procedures referred to ICZM along the Mediterranean coast, at local, national and cross border level, and in the integration of coastal zone policies to the wider socio-economic and spatial policies. Identifying and analyzing existing legal and institutional tools for spatial planning and ICZM in the case studies carry out this objective. In general, the case studies indicate that local authorities recognize the high importance of coastal zone in urban development and environmental protection. Nevertheless, in all cases, local authorities focus on planning procedures, which are designed to streamline development, while often impairing the public‘s right to be aware of, and participate in the planning process. If a ―bottom up‖ approach is considered to be essential, public participation procedures should be upgraded and reinforced.
item: Conference-Abstract
Can actor network theory be used in understanding planning processes?
Ratnayake, R; De Silva, C; Nayomi, HHKR
Planning systems and practices – including plan preparation and implementation- are often comprise of different actors. The engagement of planning professionals in the planning process is not always static. At all levels, different actors play different roles in the planning process. The design and implementation of any planning process effectively, requires an understanding of the complexity of that process and its related networks. This paper proposes a means of mapping the network of resettlement process and housing delivery system in a selected resettlement scheme, applying the Actor Network Theory (ANT). ANT was introduced by Bruno Latour and Michal Callon in 1990s and it treats equally all human and non-human actors and their relationships in a network. Accordingly, the current research considers legal frameworks, policies, acts and laws as non-human actors within the same network where human actors exist. Utilizing a resettlement community in Anuradhapura as a case study, this research focuses on the flow of information between different actors related to the planning process. Different field based approaches were used to trace such flows of relationships between humans and non-human actors in the resettlement planning process. The application of actor network mapping analysis reveals the influence of different human and non-human actors in shaping and reshaping the planning process in plan preparation and implementation.
item: Conference-Abstract
Transformation of historic buildings : a study of architectural details as representations of construction and meaning
Ranasinghe, Y; Pathiraja, M
Generally, building details are understood as constructional representations, thus referring to their materials, joints and systems. But clever architectural detailing is often embedded with semantic meanings - in addition to constructional objectives - especially with respect to the building‘s ‗part to whole‘ inter-relationship between its systems of construction, its compositional vocabulary, and its thematic investigations. Therefore details - as both ‗representations of meaning‘ and as ‗representations of construction‘ - hold a greater responsibility in transmitting the building‘s character, value and performance. This research is a critical examination on subversive changes that regularly happens to original detail representations when historic buildings are transformed into modern programs. Both the notion and tectonics of ‗architectural details‘ are re-read through the research, framing its inquiry on the hypothesis that the conservation – and the subsequent transformation – of a building may consist neither the original nor the modern detail: it is often a hybridization of both historical and modern ideas. To evaluate this hypothesis - and to verify subsequent representational changes of architectural details - a research framework is outlined, a theoretical position is arrived at, and three recent Sri Lankan experiences of the conservation and re-use of historical buildings are assessed. The study concludes that the building detail transformation in the selected case study scenarios is a failure from an architectural point of view, as there is very little intellectual understanding behind the process. Subsequently, the research brings out the poor architectural intervention within such building transformation processes, and argues that more desirable techniques were not adequately explored, either by design or by default. This research therefore, is an effort to reverse the current approach to re-designing the re-use of historic buildings, and aims to project an alternative discourse on architectural details and detailing in such context.
item: Conference-Abstract
Facilities manager’s role at the different stages of facility lifecycle in Sri Lanka
Pilanawithana, N; Sandanayake, YG
Facilities Management (FM) is a comprehensive approach for building management. Many researchers highlighted that facilities manager should not be restricted to the operational stage. Hence, the role of a facilities manager can be structured throughout the facility lifecycle. However, there is a lack of a study on the facilities manager‘srole during different stages of the facility lifecycle. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the role of a facilities manager at the different stages of a facility lifecycle. The study used the systematic eight (08) stages defined in RIBA Plan of Work 2013 as a basis for investigating the role of a facilities manager at different stages of facility lifecycle.The study followed qualitative research approach.A literature review and expert opinion survey was carried out to investigate the facilities manager‘s involvement at the different stages of RIBA Plan of Work 2013. Content analysis was used to analyse the gathered data.Findings reveal that preparation of maintenance, energy and building management strategies as the foremost undertakings of a facilities manager at Concept Design stage. Moreover, at Developed Design and Technical Design stages facilities manager is responsible towards advising on value engineering process and getting planning permissions. Furthermore, facilities manager at Handover and In Use stages attends for technical trainings onbuilding services and portfolio management.
item: Conference-Abstract
Creating breathing spaces within the existing fabric of old cities
Laddha, S
Humans constantly endeavour to redesign the habitat they live in to provide more comfort, ease, and better living conditions. However, in attempts to maximize this comfort, the basic needs and necessities of the space are lost and we end up improvising the same. Historically, settlements were always surrounded by large spans of forests and farms, providing ample open spaces. However, short sighted design, owing to rapid urbanisation, has led to a paucity of such open spaces in modern cities. The problem is particularly severe in case of the core areas of Indian cities which are characterised by attached houses - individual building units sharing a common wall and terraces accessible from adjoining premises. However, the attached houses present a unique opportunity to convert the intriguing pattern of terraces in to urban green areas and public spaces. This paper proposes a design and implementation for such terrace open spaces in old cores of Indian cities.

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