Nathasha Fernando - MSc Architecture - Year 01 - 2022

I am a Postgraduate architecture student who is following MSc. Architecture program in SLIIT School of Architecture affiliated with Liverpool John Moores University, UK. I have successfully completed the Bachelors studies in Architecture at the same university with a class II upper division.

My passion towards arts, history, nature and creating things from my childhood has always encouraged me to use my imagination to make the world a better place. I’m an enthusiast in continuous learning and developing myself in challenging environments to serve the society with my creativity and dedication, to build a beautiful world.

ABOUT

CONTENTS

MSc Year 1 Semester 1

THE DAWN

Community housing complex

MSc Year 1 Semester 2

RECREATION HUB AT ANCIENT CITY

Conservation proposal for Ranmasu Uyana

RESUME

THE

INTRODUCTION

This is an urban renewal exercise which creates opportunities for better housing, business and other activities necessary for quality urban living. Proposed site is located in the middle of Colombo city where attracts a large number of people for different purposes. It is expected to be a ten story community housing complex with 200 apartments at Wanathamulla. Apart from the housing units the design includes commercial areas public gathering and play areas, service areas and career opportunities generating activities. Target group of the design is the low-income crowd at Wanathamulla area. Ambition of the design is to create a healing and attitude changing environment for the urban poor in order to give them a new identity. Through that the design will change the negative social perspective towards these people and will open new opportunities for the future generations of Wanathamulla low-income crowd.

CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

Proposed site is located in the heart of Colombo, in-between Borella and Dematagoda. The site is bordering to Baseline road from west, a canal from north and east and to the Kelaniweli railway from south. Site location plays a significant role in Colombo urban context as it a major node which connects the roads towards Dematagoda, Borella and Kolonnawa.

Illegal activities, negative self attitude, and social detachment are some of the major drawbacks of the Wanathamulla community.

The common social impression towards their life style, living environment, income level and behavior have given them a negative identification which convince they are poor, stiff and mischief community. However, it is a negative impression created by the society which has affected on them therefore they need to be given a NEW IDENTITY.

The ‘Dawn’ is the first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise. It symbolizes the beginning of a new period of time. The design brings a new light to enhance the quality of their lives. It creates a TRANSITION from one period to another. Design goal is to create a tranquilizing environment which helps to change their attitudes in order to create a new identity.

DESIGN BRIEF

PRIVET PUBLIC SPACES SPACES AND PARKING

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

West elevation -west elevation

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Section

INTERIOR SPACES AND LIGHTING

Ambition - to create a healing and calming living spaces for the dwellers in order to generate positive attitudes within them. Earthy colors for the interior spaces to create calm atmosphere and to give the sense of belongingness. 2’x2’ fireclay and heath tiles for indoors and rough textured tiles for balconies. White plaster paint on the walls to increase spaciousness. Every living room opens to a personal balcony with a garden. It enhance the sense of quality life style and create a homey feeling.

INTERIOR SPACES AND LIGHTING

RECREATION AT Anuradhapura

INTRODUCTION

Ranmasu Uyana is a significant historical artefact of cultural heritage in Sri Lanka located in Anuradhapura. The history of this royal garden goes back to the 3rd century BCE. Inscription of Vessagiriya, laid out by King Mihindu IV in the tenth century A.D., has distinguished this as the "Ranmasu Uyana“ and the name was based on the fact that the ponds in Ranmasu Uyana were habitats for golden fish.

In the past, Ranmasu Uyana may have been a garden of beautifully carved relaxing buildings and platforms for water sports. Also the garden may have been enriched with flora, flowers, water pools, fishes, birds and etc. The most prominent aspects of this masterpiece are the excellent methods of engineering, sustainable and efficient irrigation system and insightful landscape techniques.

However in the present day Ranmasu Uyana has been mostly hidden and left unnoticed amongst the enormous ancient Dagobas and significant Buddhist sanctuaries, from the majority of the tourists who come to visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Due to this reason very few come to visit Ranmasu Uyana compared to other historical places in Anuradhapura and it has been paid a poor maintenance and neglected

CONTEXTUAL ANALYZIS

Ranmasu Uyana or Magul Uyana is known as the ancient Royal Park situated close to Isurumuni Vihara and Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is approximately 40 acres of land with various ponds and the remains of buildings. It is a well-known example of Sri Lankan Landscape architecture of the pre -Christian era. Ranmasu uyana is also the site where the Star Gate map in Sri Lanka is situated.

CONCEPT AND DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Objectives of the project

• Preserve Ranmasu Uyana heritage site

• Promote cultural values, Irrigation engineering wisdom in Ranmasu Uyana

• Support country economy

• Create a common recreation hub for the visitors of Anuradhapura ancient city

Major problem identified – poor appreciation towards Ranmasu Uyana historical site

Project theme – A Recreation Hub

User types (local and foreign)

• Spiritual visitors

• Leisurely visitors

Focused

•

•

•

CONCEPT AND DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

SCHEMATIC DESIGN

CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

‘Star gate’ carving

Through the proposed design the visitors will be acknowledged about the historical theories and values of the ‘star gate’ carving and the properly guided path will escort the visitors to its location and facilitate visitors with properly arranged stone benches to blend with the context with boulders. The old steel fence which is guarding the carving now will be replaced with a properly built fence and plant barrier.

Main ponds

This design propose a safely arranged path around the ruins to close observation and will limit access inside the ponds and chambers with vegetation. But the visitors can well perceive the ponds and experience them through accessing up to the edges of the ponds, through galleries, and onsite information boards. Furthermore the ponds will be properly cleaned and activate irrigation systems in order to experience the original state of the ponds and to sustain the neighbouring agricultural fields. The large boulder adjacent to the ponds have been safely provided with steps to climb up and enjoy the view of the ponds and the whole promises from a higher location.

CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

Southern, central and northern ponds will be properly cleaned and utilized as a main landscape feature to improve the visual impact as well as one of the activated part of the irrigation system. The boundaries of the ponds will be cleared and restore with soil and vegetation in order to support the water flow.

The water surface will be cleaned and restored with brick lodge, water lilies and gold fish to improve the visual quality and outline the ancient folk story 'Ranmasu' Uyana. The decrepit brickwork of the remaining foundations will be carefully restored in order to avoid further wearing away of the Northern ruins. On the central octagonal platform, will be a galvanized steel sculpture depicting the legends of Ranmasu Uyana.

More organized landscape will be introduced to the site with new trees which are said to be existed in the ancient times. A guided trail will be arranged to cover all the ruins, galleries and landscapes. The area between main ponds and Northern ruins will be landscaped as a recreational area with landscape features such as steel sculptures, water fountains, trees, flower beds and benches

CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

PROPOSED EXTENTIONS

GALLERY AND SERVICE AREA

This elevated gallery and the service area is the first stop of the journey as the visitors come out of the parking space. The mini gallery has a ticketing and information desk with a small office room. In the display area there are small statues and lighted information panels to educate visitors about the historical importance of Ranmasu Uyana. The mini gallery connects to the cafeteria and sanitary facilities where visitors can refresh themselves before the journey. The dining area opens up to the view of Southern pond from the west and soft tree layer from the north.

PROPOSED EXTENTIONS

PROPOSED EXTENTIONS

OBSERVATION DECK

The second mini gallery is an elevated structure, combined with an observation deck which is opening up to the view of paddy fields, Sandahiru seya and the small forest. Exhibited items in the display area will enlighten the visitors about the irrigation system in Ranmasu Uyana and its value.

PROPOSED EXTENTIONS

STAFF AREA AND SOUVENIR SHOP

The final stop inside the site boundaries is the souvenir shop and staff area. Semi opened souvenir shop will sell handmade arts and crafts which highlight the Sri Lankan culture and tradition. The staff cabin next to the shop has a small counter for the purpose of bicycle renting and information. Adjacent to the counter there is a rest area and a toilet for the staff person. The void in between the two structures are being used to park motor bikes of the staff and rentable bicycles.

MATERIAL SELECTION

MATERIAL SELECTION