DESIGN FOR HERITAGE & CONSERVATION

from Chamath Gunasekera - MSc Architecture - 2022 - Year 01

by SLIIT School of Architecture

SPECIALIST STUDY

CONSERVATION OF RANMASU UYANA

Project type Heritage Conservation

Site Location Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Duration May 2022 – June 2022

Software Used Sketchup AutoCAD Enscape

PROJECT SUMMARY

According to archaeological evidences Ranmasu Uyana has been used as the king's pleasure garden during the reign of King Devanampiyathissa. The Park includes an extended rectangular area of land around 15 hectares. Ranmasu Uyana was created with the incorporation of integrating the organic forms of the natural setting with axial symmetry, trees, boulders, moving and still water. The blueprint of Ranmasu Uyana has been based on various methods of incorporating water and the creation of terraces, flights of steps, pavilions, open seats, man cut caves, flowering trees, gateways and the supreme hydraulic system would have contributed to the entire landscape design of the historic garden.

The main objective of this project is to preserve and protect the existing ruins of the royal park using standard conservation methods while developing the historic site into an income generating tourist destination to find adequate funds for maintenance and the well – being of the pleasure garden and city of Anuradhapura.

PROPOSED MASTER PLAN

Proposed buildings, spaces, and activities.

1. The existing vehicle park which belongs to both Ranmasu Uyana and Isurumuniya monastery has been developed into a proper vehicle park by providing adequate parking spaces for light vehicles, busses, and EV charging points. The existing driver’s restroom has been improved as well.

2. As visitors continue down the street, they will come across the new entrance building to the royal pleasure garden which also functions as a facility building for both Ranmasu Uyana and Isurumuniya.

3. Large boulders have been used as a boundary to avoid unapproved access to the site. The entrance building contains an entrance deck, entrance lobby, souvenir shop area, a café, tour guides area, and washrooms.

4. Before entering to Ranmasu Uyana historic site, there’s a physical model of the site has been displayed at the exit of the entrance building where tourists can have a basic understanding of what they are about to explore. Otherwise, visitors can hire a tour guide from the tour guide area and organize a tour around Ranmasu Uyana, Isurumuniya, and Vessagiriya which are located nearby.

5. Inside the Royal Park, there are newly laid pathways which have been arranged around preserved ruins.

6. First of all, visitors will find the long ponds (Digu Vill) on the right side of the pathway. Then there’s the Star Gate (Sakwala

Chakraya), two main ponds, and other existing ruins on the left of the pathway

7. A new row of Kohomba and Erabadu trees has been planted alongside the long ponds to provide shade and benches have been placed to rest for tourists. Hence there’s a marsh that has spread throughout the east boundary of the Royal Park, no construction has been done in that area. However, an elevated walkway has been provided around central Vila using steel posts and timber joists slightly touching the ground.

8. When continuing along the main path there’s the awareness center which contains the main functions of the project theme. The building has been covered with creepers to merge with the surrounding environment. Also, the building contains an entrance deck, lobby, reception counter, a hologram table, historical information area, artifact exhibition area, an office room, washroom, and service area.

9. Right after leaving the awareness center, there’s an observation tower, where tourists can experience the whole area including the

Tissa wewa above the tree canopy.

10. Then there are the northern ruins which are located in the northern part of the site.

11. The pathway continues and connects to the great embankment of Tissa wewa. Tourists can return to the parking area by experiencing the splendor of the Tissa wewa through the embankment.