Shiruni Pieris - MSc Architecture - Year 02 - 2022

D.M.C.SHIRUNI PIERIS PORTFOLIO 2022

I am a Postgraduate Student who recently completed the MSc Architecture Programme at SLIIT School Of Architecture affiliated with Liverpool John Moore's University UK.

I am an ambitious, hardworking and challenge orientated individual with excellent leadership skills who is eager to fulfill a lifelong desire of becoming a qualified architect. I am a passionate individual in designing, with the intention of serving the society through my creativity and dedication.

I seek a position as deemed suitable for my skills & capabilities and to productively utilize them for the benefit of the organization while gaining knowledge, Skills & Experience to succeed in my career as a professional in the field.

CONTENT

THESIS PROJECT 01 Civic Hub, Digana URBAN DESIGN PROJECT 27 The Eastern Commercial Hub CONSERVATION PROJECT 61 Conservation of The old administration building, National hospital Sri Lanka

HOUSING PROJECT 69 Housing in Urban context; Slave island, Sri Lanka

SPECIALIST STUDY :DISSERTATION 93

The change in the expression of home and its architectural manifestation in the sri Lankan context THEORY AND RESEARCH 01 107 Music As An Inspiration In Architecture: Experiencing An Architectural Symphony THEORY AND RESEARCH 02 109

Role Of Heritage And Conservation Of A City In The Development Of Tourism. Resume 111

THESIS PROJECT

CIVIC HUB,DIGANA

A Community Node at the Town-Center

Project type Mixed use

Site Location Digana Sri Lanka

Duration December 2021 June 2022

Software Used Sketchup AutoCAD Lumion Enscape

PROJECT SUMMARY

Jane Jacobs

People and places are two strongly interdependent factors in the architectural world. A break or disconnectivity of the two could lead into chaos and conflict with each other,

Digana is a suburban township to the city of Kandy originally planned as a commercial town of under the Mahaweli accelerated project It is home for the resettlers for the past 3 decades

With thesis research and analysis it was understood that Digana is a township which was designed with unique architectural character and urban strategies but with time and the disconnection of its people and place. Through the urban design plan it was proposed to become the eastern commercial hub to the city of Kandy by not bringing in newly defined functions but an urban proposal that enhances it as a commercial township which it was built for.

Digana civic center is one such attempt that adheres the urban proposal which will reviving the social and physical realm through an architectural solution. With the initiative of the civic center it will become a catalyst in connecting and enhancing the public realm of the township by fostering public activities of which has so much potential in becoming a vibrant urban space with its spatial planning natural environment and people

Following is a collection of the integrated design initiatives thought in the process from the idea of the thesis design in relation to the urban design , its strategic identification and the design process with spatial technical and the practice aspects and will support the statement of civic center being a focal catalyst in reviving Digana.

"People make cities, and it is to them, not buildings that we must fit our plans."

CONTEXT & SITE HISTORY

Digana is a suburban town located in Kandy district, the central province of Sri Lanka. Located at the center of the A26 highway which connects Kandy with Padiyathalawa, Digana is a major town that demarcates the entrance to the Kandy city as its eastern gateway.

When Theldeniya Town submerged because of the Accelerated Mahaweli Project, Digana became a popular alternative town to the alternative neighborhoods. It is home to around 2000 families of different cultures and ethnicities.

Digana before becoming a planned town, was a plantation land. Its fragmented history dates back to the 2 3rd century BC.

When Digana was planned to become a town, it became home for the resettles who lost their homes and territories that submerged with their Victoria dam project.

Digana along with the other Mahaweli towns portrayed the architecture inspired by the traditional architectural characteristics of Sri Lanka hence became significantly iconic townships o which in the present day had lost its vibrance and glory.

THE NEED>>>

The residential population of Digana is expected to within the next 10 years’ time.as the proposal caters to its projected growth sustainable township where the residents will and grow as a community, there will be a active public space in the township.

there’s no such space that connects the township. A civic space which the existing spaces. This has users with their town resulting in spaces in the most prominent sites of the

DIGANA

Population density of Greater Kandy region

town of resettled community the town of a space that is ‘common’ to Where interactions and community fostered. With the expected growth will be moved into Digana and the have to cater their needs and wants.

EXPECTED INCREASE OF RESIDENTIAL POPULATION IN GREATER KANDY REGION IS 600,000 by 2030 and of that 200,000 along Kundasale to Digana eastern stretch.

Increase in relation to the present population

With the improved physical and social connectivity with most effective use the present abundant and vaguely used sites could be converted into public hotspots.

A CIVIC HUB AS A PUBLIC SPACE OF “COMMONS” HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A CATALYST IN ACTIVATING THE SOCIAL, PHYSICAL AND PUBLIC REALM OF AS PART OF THE URBAN TRANSITION OF DIGANA.

CIVIC HUB

The most prominent space of the Digana Township is presently being abandoned in use. With the present urban formations this space is isolated and hidden form people and their activities. The Urban design proposal recognizes this spaces to become the commercial core district of the eastern commercial hub

The selected site for the “civic hub” has its potential to link and create in connections to all the activities of the town and its community. Hence bringing in a civic hub will activate the public realm of the community achieving the maximum potential in the context.

Thesis idea of the civic hub will stand as the most prominent peoples gathering public space enhanced by the public services and administration functions.

Proposed to be at the centermost heart of the township the civic hub will act as a CATALYST that activates the urban environment which is rich with the retail businesses and commercial activities of Digana as the eastern commercial hub.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Digana was built as a township for the resettlers of those that lost their homes from the accelerated Mahaweli development project. The resettlements were done according to the employment categories where the farmers that requested more lands were resettled in Mahaweli H division Polonnaruwa and the commercial based entrepreneurs and families were resettled in and around Digana area.

Hence Digana was developed to become the commercial based town that provided them with spaces for their commercial activities. This resettlement plans disrupted The original communal village based structure and sense of togetherness and belongings. As a business based community they became more independent and competitive than being a community that thrives together. Even the plans of the township had not provide them to have spaces with communal activities where it had been planned to have a monotones and repetitive structure Of shop houses in rows market internal bus station.

This has caused clashed in the different ethnic communities and segregation according to income levels and economic standards for examples: the business man and living In the township low income people working in quarries are concentrated towards the lower areas, high ended professionals living as the Digana village house scheme.

This with time have caused them to became dull and a self-oriented community. Which had also resulted in the abandonment of public spaces such as the bus station, the Cinema hall, the market, to be vague in use and abandoned. Without the communal sense and the idea of rising and developing as one township Digana has become a stagnant space.

The potential of Digana becoming a vibrant well developed urban responsive township are already available in it but the void of connectivity and communities along with Their socio economic and cultural values have made Digana to be isolated and stagnant.

This void has the potential to be vibrant and active but is being neglected and disconnected with its people interactions, peoples to its space and spaces in relation to other spaces

Therefore the overall intension of the project is rather than the redesigning the whole township , to revive the void of connectivity, in the spatial and physical realms. The void as it Implies the commercial township already exists. What needs to be done is to revive it in a way that its people. Will feel at home; a community to grow and develop themselves and will reclaim it as their own township together and neither is left behind.

Civic center as a focal point in the urban setting has a great potential in becoming a community node in the township which brings together its people place and context. Hence it will be a space ,

• A community Node That enhances the connectivity within the township and its people

• The vibrant and prominent public space of Digana

• A place which provides economic benefits and opportunities for the local businessmen and the socio economic realm.

Commercial core

Farmers market

First Level Plan

Second

Shiruni

Cinema hall

Shop houses

ELEVATION FROM DIGANA ALUTWATTA ROAD

ELEVATIONFROM FARMERS MARKET

SECTION B B

Shiruni Pieris 2022 Portfolio

The ground floor is the most prominent level of the civic hub. It is designed to be the most vibrant public space with the connectivity from the retail core and the market, cinema hall pathway as well as connectivity from the residential areas.

The centermost peoples arena is a place for people to express ,held meetings performances etc. it overlooks the public event space with the memorial statue. The peoples area is supported by the changing areas,

The level two has direct access and connectivity from the farmers market. Therefore the level is strengthened with activities related to banking pawning and cooperative shops that are closely related with the local community. Walking through the same level is a barbers shop, salon and photographic studio at +5150 m level.

The uppermost level has connectivity with the Digana Alutwatta road.when one enters from the road side they are directed to a lobby and city gallery which frames vies of the town as part of its representation. The level also consists of satellite government office spaces, space for youth and library along with a multipurpose hall.

The civic center is an activator of the public realm of Digana

The design integrates views and connections of the existing context and promotes them as part of a interconnected network of urban spaces.

The formation of the design was inspired and influenced by the existing pedestrian movement patterns through the site and its connections

the architectural style adheres to the tropical climate and architecture characteristics inspired by the original characteristics of Digana town.

The structure and architectural style of the civic center was inspired by the existing context yet the characteristics are not directly applied yet interpreted in a modern manner in breaking the monotone and reviving the space.

The building details were thought out in responding to environmental , and structural strategies and with the concerns of responding to the local building and planning regulations and feasibility.

Overall environmental ambition was to Achieve a sustainable passive design solution that merges in with the urban structure of Digana with the understanding of the climatic resources available, and identifying the social and occupant behavior in the context responsibly with least impact on the climate and environment.

Environmental goals achieved through the civic hub :

1. A responsive design to the neighborhood and site

2. Achieving thermal comfort integrating passive approaches of sun and wind

3. Materiality in response to a sustainable design with less impact on environment

4 Environmental friendly Lighting and daylight integration into the design and the use of natural light in enhancing the architectural quality

5. Approaches of on-site energy generation

2022

Portfolio Shiruni Pieris

URBAN DESIGN PROJECT URBAN REGENERATION OF DIGANA As the Eastern Commercial hub

Project type Artist Studio

Site Location Digana, Sri lanka

Duration October 2021 December 2021

Software Used Sketchup AutoCAD Lumion Enscape

PROJECT SUMMARY

The study analyzes Digana, a suburban town in Kandy, Sri Lanka in understanding the potentialities of a place and its relationship with theoretical ideas professed through an urban design in an urban context.

Digana is a suburban town located in Kandy district, the central province of Sri Lanka. Located at the center of the A26 highway which connects Kandy with Padiyathalawa, Digana is a major town that demarcates the entrance to the Kandy city as its eastern gateway

When Theldeniya Town submerged because of the Accelerated Mahaweli Project, Digana became a popular alternative town to the alternative neighborhoods. It is home to around 2000 families of different cultures and ethnicities.

Unlike most of the towns in Sri lanka Digana was a planned and built town under the accelerate Mahaweli development project Before the initiation Digana was a village with a few shops near its junction. It vas designed as a looped town to cater the needs of the dispersed community who lost their homes due to the initiation of the Victoria Dam. The major purpose of the MAU was to build towns that worked from the start and supported the local population in their everyday activities and cultural practices, particularly through the creation of spaces and settings for these activities The main conceptual idea was to avoid ribbon development while placing the town in the center of a newly created loop road

The urban design proposed for Digana recognizes it as a commercial township that has the potential in becoming the eastern commercial hub in the broader Kandy area through the enhancement of its original urban design ideologies.it is a result of critical analysis of the background of the study area; its historical, social, and architectural composition, analysis of its present condition, and urban design methods and design tools that have influenced Digana as an urban context

Through critical analysis and argument, the study leads to a sketch urban design in the process of realizing a comprehensive urban design proposal in the selected context.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Overview of the Social & Physical Context

Digana is a suburban town located in Kandy district, the central province of Sri Lanka. Located at the center of the A26 highway, Digana Township connects Kandy with Eastern Sri Lanka demarcating the entrance to the Kandy city as its eastern gateway.

Digana is a suburb of Kandy, the capital of the central province, and is located on the A26 highway that connects Kandy with Padiyathalawa (Ampara district).

From Sri Lanka's eastern districts, it marks the entrance to the border Kandy area.

Digana used to be a major agricultural area that supported Kandy's economy and wealth. Its expansion was further aided by the cultivation of mixed crops such as cocoa and pepper, as well as tea cultivations known as "Medarata" tea

The Tamil Chetties lived in the Digana district and had shops and businesses along the Chetti street, which is today known as Kandy's Trincomalee street, highlighting the city's and town's commercial and economic ties.

Currently, Kundasale serves as an administrative town with Karaliadda (also known as New Theldeniya town) and Digana serves as an important economic residential town with business activities such as banks and shops.

Pallekele, a neighboring sub town, is now emerging as an industrial town, with the BOI zone, an international cricket stadium, and a few other higher educational establishments, including SIBA campus and SLIIT.

In regard to these communities, Digana continues to be the economic hub, with numerous financial institutions and commercial spaces. It also includes a popular international school that attracts students from several of these towns

Digana's neglected urban planning has disconnected the development link of the area as a whole, despite it being the key economic hub to these Towns. As a result, urban regeneration in the town would result in competitive and comprehensive growth in the eastern Kandy region.

Digana was initially planned as a city for the resettlers. The city was developed as a 'shelter' for a dispersed and fragmented community that was affected by the Accelerated Mahaweli project. It catered to the basic functional needs of the settlers as an economic hub. With time, the needs of these settlers changed. But the urban form of the city did not allow it to change with time: as discussed in the analysis the design did not cater to the change in people's needs, the new developments tended to manifest away from the direction assumed by the MAU in the time of designing.

Although designed for pedestrians, it lacked the thought about vehicular access parking: since the town had no legislations or guidelines, people were encouraged to cut the trees and change the principal ideologies that were conceptualized and designed to create a shady avenue

The newly infused “cultural system” was over dominated by the pedestrians. They encroached on the lands and landfills and when they could not further fulfill their needs, they started expanding and establishing their activities along the roadside expanding towards the city of Kandy.

They sprawled the neighboring cities of Pallekele and Kundasale which were developing faster; hence the significance of Digana gradually deteriorated. Therefore, it had to compete as a planned city among other neighboring cities of continuity

The uncontrolled Urban sprawl detached the strong connection of Digana with the Kandy City hence subordinating the vibrance and role of Digana in its immediate context.As the Connection between Kandy and Digana was damaged the economic township of Digana is being isolated. Re-establishing and restrengthening this relationship as a solid connection will lead to urban renewal in Digana.

Being a looped city, Digana has the potential to be developed and expand its functionalities into a larger area with its abundant land and facilities.

Being recognized as the Eastern gateway of the Kandy city a comprehensive development will bring in more people into the town hence to the city. The location of it as a central suburb city the town has the potential to be a place more than just pass through.

When the Central Expressway construction is complete, the connection of Digana with the Key cluster Town of Katugastota will be further strengthened. Since the Central Expressway interconnects at Katugastota the KatugastotaMadawala - Digana road will become an alternative route to enter the eastern province and its cities.

The development of new commercial residential and mixeduse developments will create new job opportunities for its residents and of surrounding villages.in return, the economical stability of the region will increase.

This positive change in the economy will directly influence the existing social and cultural strata of the society Revitalizing the existing commercial-based economic town will not infuse a “new cultural system “but will uplift the existing to a socially equitable realm.

Being a multicultural city, the integration and bonding of the different ethnicities could bring in a balance of a sustainable city both through its social and environmental factors Development of Digana and establishing its connection with the Kandy city hence will cut off the urban sprawl towards the city center and could function as an alternative hub of activities that provide its people and its visitors a place "beyond a shelter".

IDENTIFICATION

Digana initially developed as a 'shelter‘ Town But, the township did not allow it to change with time

The newly infused “cultural system” was over dominated by the people They sprawled the neighboring towns

Hence the significance of Digana gradually deteriorated.

It had to compete as a planned Township among other neighboring towns of continuity

This detached the strong connection within its people and with its parent city and other neighboring towns

Hence “The Vibrance and role of Digana was LOST”

APPROACH

Kundasale and Pallekele being developed as industrial zones therefore no provision for local economic activities

Settlements forming in Kundasale and Pallekele

KANDY CITY

Increase in needs and wants Demand vs. supply

Originated as a “shelter” town Push factor

:Movement of activities towards the Kandy city centre

DIGANA

Developments which caters mixed use of functions and uses “BEYOND A SHELTER”

The Eastern Commercial Hub of Kandy

A satellite town

The fragmented connection

An approach through new urbanism concepts

The Parent city

That bridges the two as

Vision is to create an “Eastern Commercial Hub” To the city of Kandy,

CONNECT HIGHLIGHT REGENERATE

GOAL 01 GOAL 02

TO ESTABLISH the CONNECTIVITY of Digana with Kandy

TO HIGHLIGHT Digana’s Role as a VIBRANT Township in the eastern Kandy

GOAL 03

TO REGENERATE & UPLIFT

the socio economical realm of its dwellers and its visitors through a self sustaining township

QUALITY OF LIFE

And Urban Design

Industrial area

Business park

Residential

Sports

Youth

Commercial

Mixed Commercial

Hospitality

Mixed Residential

Community

The

DESIGN PHASES

Phase I Phase II

The proposed Urban Development

AGRO business park

Hospitality Nature reserve

River front development

N

Once Digana becomes a vibrant sustaining township the phase II to be initiated

2022 Portfolio Shiruni

COMMERCIAL + MIXED USE + INSTITUTIONAL BUSINESS + WORK

RESIDENTIAL

RETAIL + RECREATIONAL

The commercial core is the heart of the township 3m wide pedestrian street around the commercial core. Original buildings to be restored and utilized A new core to be created to cater for the displaced shops with mixed use potential Fire gaps introduced by removing shops and encroachments in between

The set back of the new core will not disturb the original visual character of the setting The haphazard developments around the area are to be demolished and relocated hence opening up the spaces to the pubic

Parking

ATMs Pocket park Original town character to be restored

The new internal commercial core Replaces the haphazard development systematically

Seating corners for pedestrians

Fire gaps to be created Linkage to the core behind

New commercial slots : replacementsPedestrian walkability

Parking to be provided

Cycling paths

The business park provides office and working spaces alternative spaces than working in Kandy :the city center Coworking spaces will pave way for new young entrepreneurs in the community to grow . Provides spaces for Working at a walking distance from residential zone.

The retail park provides space for the local community businesses : crafts pottery enhanced by state sponsored retail schemes. At present the selected area has small scale pottery and craft shops The retail park space will provide space for permanent users and also temporary vendors to carry out their activities.

The mixed commercial district provides a variety of facilities such as supermarkets, clothing and textile stores, cinema and entertainment for Digana to become the commercial Hub of eastern Kandy

Work at a 10 minute walking distance

The community quarter provides space for the existing community to engage and interact

The Milco factory which was built in the site in 1985 was not changed as it was identified as a main anchor of economy for the local community that practice animal husbandry and farming.

Communal activities are much away from commercial core towards the residential spaces

The youth center provides guiding facilities for the young to become entrepreneurs one day. The area comprises of tuition class facilities, vocational training which could be a main access point of knowledge for the people of the eastern zone.

For the urban design to be controlled and continued we implement certain suggestions and regulations to the development area.

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2022 Portfolio Shiruni Pieris

CONSERVATION PROJECT

CONSERVATION OF THE OLD ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, NATIONAL HOSPITAL SRI LANKA Restoration & adaptive reuse : Healthcare Hub

Project type Health care Facility

Site Location Colombo Sri Lanka

Duration March 2021 June 2021

Software Used Sketchup AutoCAD Lumion Enscape

PROJECT SUMMARY

The old administration building of the National Hospital of Sri lanka was proposed in the year1903 by he public works department of the then Ceylon under the British rule. it was initially designed to cater the Administration functions of the hospital The building stands as a wonder of British architecture within the developed hospital premises which was then featured to be the icon of the national hospital of sri lanka the design had catered several functions through out the years Although it has been designed for a specific administration functions initially the adaptability to several function with time have added extra user value for the building.

Although the building was planned and built more than 100 years ago but still stands as a majestically as a beacon of British architecture. The cooperation of sri Lankan craftsmanship into the architectural design creates a cultural fusion of the British and sri Lankan essence making it culturally valuable the placement of the administration building in the old plans clearly show the architectural importance the building has upheld during that time. The overall connection with the immediate and macro context, accessibility makes it part of the large scale town planning during that era. The British architectural value addition along with the British society who built it with the collaboration of sri Lankan high-class society which catered their needs of construction material also adds architectural value for the conservation of the building

This project aimed at identifying the most suitable Conservation proposal for the selected old administration building of the national Hospital of Sri Lanka. This process is being done through an analysis of the social physical context and the conservation value of the building to achieve a comprehensive design which highlights the Importance of heritage and conservation of historic buildings in Sri lanka

HISTORY AND OVERVIEW OF THE OLD ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

The old administration building of the National Hospital of Sri lanka was proposed in the year1903 by the public works department of Ceylon under the British rule. it was initially designed to cater the Administration functions of the hospital while with time it was also used as the library facility of the Colombo university medical college. Today it’s being used as the diabetes and skin clinic of the hospital while the upper floor serves as doctors’ residences.

it was a quiet and less populated area in 1904 while today it is in the highly urbanized heart of Colombo which is easily accessible amidst many other medical facilities.

Administration building Library building clinics

Different functions, different users in different time periods but attached to medical health

Location : Kinsey place, Colombo 07

The Micro Context

The selected building is located at a less crowded area of the site. It is away from the highly active medical zone but is prominent as the central axis of the hospital leads to the old administration building hence has easy access from any part of the hospital premises.

the location of the medical faculty, the nursing college and De Soysa maternal hospital in the opposite side of the street makes the selected building to be the main access point for the medical students to enter the hospital premises. It connects several facilities as a meeting point

Present Social Context

The location and present functions of the hospital caters space for several types of users Permanent users: doctors, nurses, medical students Temporary users: clinic patients, people using the building as a access point

The analysis of the social context derives a fact that although the building functions to date the users have not felt or identified the heritage of the building or the conservation value of it It is only a passing out point of their journey to the national hospital premises.

Through analysis it can be observed that the old administration building has the special characterises of bridging the gap between two specific objects or fields. Structurally it bridges the architecture of the British with the architectural characteristics of sri lanka Functionally it has catered the functions of the hospital and medical faculty functions User wise it has catered different types of professionals a and users in the medical field. It is these different architectural styles and users who have built up the history and conservation value of the building it self. Therefore rather than consolidation restoration is the best option of conservation of the building as it will portray the different overlaps of architecture but will be restored and refurbished. being attached to the hospital and the medical faculty the location and functions create an ideal environment

RESTORATION

•The building seeks attention in its context to stand out as an important building : Neglected value to be restored

•The deteriorated and worn out nature of the building clearly defines the need of conservation •a function which highlights the building among the national hospital premises with other neighbouring medical facilities yet not be overused.

What does the old administration building ask for? how to cater the need?

Keep the oldest additions as it is And conserving the building

Delivering the conservation and heritage value of the building for its users through its conservation strategy

How to keep the building in a conservative state?

REHABILITATION

Adaptive reuse

maintenance

Medical related

“A Medical Healthcare HUB” a place which promotes interproffessional interaction a place for professionals to interact with general public a place for the general public to explore

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Techniques of Restoration

The objective of restoration is to revive the original concept or legibility of the object. Restoration and re-integration of details and features occurs frequently and is based upon respect for original material, archaeological evidence, original design and authentic documents.

Replacement of missing or decayed parts to integrate harmoniously with the whole, but must be distinguishable on close inspection from the original so that the restoration does not falsify archaeological or historical evidence.

Contributions from all periods are respected.

External plaster To be refurbished and white washed. here the very first external colours are not restored hence the building has been given the identity as “ the white house” and changing the colour into red and cream may not suit hospital functions and the white external plaster will convey the story behind the old administration building.

Landscape to be restored to original state. Shifting the parking to the proposed car park will mark the landscape as a walkable space.

2022 Portfolio Shiruni Pieris

REHABILITATION: ADAPTIVE REUSE

The building still holds the capacity to function as part of the hospital premises.to see through the layers of functionality the proposed function id a “medical Healthcare Hub” functioned by medical students nurses and doctors for the general public who seeks walk in clinic facilities.

To identify the point where architectonic design could encounter and merge with elements of medical imaging by creating interfaces between the elements and project them into the wider setting of the present building, to build interest within the space.

“Seeingthroughthelayers”

GROUND FLOOR

The architecture of the old Administration building has used the essence of British architecture and integrated it with the sri Lankan craftsmanship and its essence.

The interior spaces will be inspired through this fusion of craftsmanship to bring out the interior quality of design with minimum intervention to the building structure.

Interactive space

This space promotes interprofessional interactions as a interprofessional pod for the medical students, nurses and doctors to discuss, study and present their clinical activities.

The new additions of partitions are permeable and adjustable allowing the space to change accordingly

Entrance lobby

The design of the entrance lobby caters a welcoming feeling to the user of the walking clinic. It provides waiting space for the ones who are to meet the physician and the examiner The ceiling introduced above is inspired by the upper floor wood carved ceiling. As they are not given access to the upper floor the hidden craftsmanship of the building is showcased

FIRST FLOOR

The Architectural design of the original administration building design uses glass tiles: skylights and permeable ceiling design to allow natural lighting into the building. Restoring this will increase the energy efficiency of the design. Extra light penetrating through windows are being controlled through overhangs (further discussed in environmental study

Doors and Windows are made with teak timber which have natural fire resisting properties. The removed doors and partitions are to be used as partition for the new function.

2022 Portfolio Shiruni Pieris

The site orientation and location provide great opportunities for a sustainable approach of environmental resolution. Site promotes connectivity within the hospital community and its users

The site provides opportunities in integrating natural factors as solar and wind into its design through the buildings design strategies used.

Returning the landscape to the original with trees will help in creating a comfortable microclimate within the site. As parking is done in the proposed parking facility the landscape is promoted as a walkable landscape rather than for vehicular access

Due to the orientation the front and rear facades are being exposed to direct sun This maximises solar heat gain into the building .

To minimize this heat gain

• Promoting the landscape with trees reduces the direct heat gain promoting a microclimate within the site.

• Using timber overhangs will reduce the heat absorption than the zinc al sheets hence reducing the heat gain and penetration of excess direct light into the building

• whitewashing the building than using dark colours, increasing green vegetation rather than asphalt or paved surfaces will reflect light than gaining the heat due to its Albedo effect. LOW ALDEBO = MORE HEAT GAIN/ HIGHER ALBEDO= HIGHER REFLECTIVITY

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2022 Portfolio Shiruni Pieris

HOUSING PROJECT HOUSING IN URBAN CONTEXT

Slave Island, Sri Lanka

Project type Mixed use

Site Location Digana Sri Lanka

Duration December 2021 June 2022

Software Used Sketchup AutoCAD Lumion Enscape

PROJECT SUMMARY

The slave Island, Colombo holds its name as a home for the lower income community. despite its historical values it is being exposed to rapid urbanization hence the originality and qualities of the context is observed to be degrading.

In the recent past the slave island in the city of Colombo holds its reputation as home for the underserved community. Although having labelled as such, the community of the region still holds their values and norms together despite of their multi cultural and, multi ethnic nature. The different levels of their qualities of life have woven the identity of the slave island into a place which has built of “different rhythms of life “ which hold the harmony of it.

They have created A BALANCE between their lives and the place they live The solid stable nature; The voids their lives lack and the future they dream to uphold Yet their economic stability and contextual characteristics degrades these norms where their above attributes of life are scattered which defines them as a low income low level community.

As 'house' is the economic base of a family addressing Housing needs of a community will uplift the IDENTITY they hold while stabilizing the BALANCE of people and their user environment

The designed aimed at creating Balance and Harmony of space through the "Rhythm of Life " which the Slave Island Holds with it, in its Context & its people.

THE PHYSICAL CONTEXT

The proposed site and its surrounding holds a great historical value for its settlements With the developing central business district of Colombo it is highly likely that this site will be at the verge of development in the recent future disregard of its value. The site also holds and urban park which could be a used as a better urban garden

Therefore following are to be considered in the physical context;

Although our site doesn’t have any historically valuable buildings it is important to retain the quality of the “slave island” which its history had treasured and valued.

Preserving the history preserving the green habitat Respond to future developments

What do they really NEED?

•Most of them have very bad conditions of living. Hence the need of housing is clearly visible.

• they keep up their life through small scale businesses run in aligned with their houses.

•A place to claim as their own : ownership & identity

How to resolve the conflicts between different social statuses?

•Though being multi-ethnic and multicultural the dwellers posses the sense of harmony and peace among each other.

•When it comes to different income levels. The same house and amenities might not suit each other.

How to maintain the lifestyle they possess?

•The Families have a survival network in the city around them Jobs, education , health facilities & Transportation

•Concern on their growing needs.

•Retain their Identity but improve the Quality of Life

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

THE SOCIAL CONTEXT

The society that’s living in the given site are of multi disciplinaries. Most of them are of lower income whereas few are of middle income standard.

Categories of people that depend on the site could be identified as,

1. Ones that are living on the site

2. Ones that make their living from the site (shopkeepers)

Therefore it is clear that the design solution should address the problems of both these parties.

in identifying the problems they posses following should be examined & resolved.

In the recent past the slave island in the city of Colombo holds its reputation as home for the underserved community. Although having labelled as such the community of the region still holds their values and norms together despite of their multi-cultural and ,multi ethnic nature. The different levels of their qualities of life have woven the identity of the slave island into a place which has built of “different rhythms of life “ which hold the harmony of it have created A BALANCE between their lives and the place they live. The solid stable nature ; The voids their lives lack and the future they dream to uphold Yet their economic stability and contextual characteristics degrades these norms where their above attributes of life are scattered whereas they are to be considered as low income low level community.

As house is the economic base of a family addressing Housing needs of a community will uplift the IDENTITY they hold while stabilizing the BALANCE of people and their user environment.

PROBLEM Scattered norms of a community labelled as underserved and unwilling WHAT TO DO Build up the identity they deserve HOW Creating a BALANCE of life economy through the upliftment of housing

The balance between the SOLID- VOID - SPACE will provide the opportunity to build-up the community through housing in their urban context.

The built-up area

solids

Mixed development (shops) as a semi public platform

voidsspace public

Space for growing needs: INCREMENTAL HOUSING STRATERGY

Semiprivate public

Empty spaces for community gathering Expansion and connection to the park Own house for living

2022 Portfolio Shiruni Pieris

HOUSING TYPOLOGIES

Mainly 5 types of housing units are introduced to cater low income families, lower middle income families and single unit housing for rentals . As the family grows they can change their housing spaces accordingly Although extensions take place the building façade remains the same

INCREMENTAL STRATEGIES

Shiruni Pieris

SECOND FLOOR PLAN NOT TO SCALE

THIRD FLOOR PLAN NOT TO SCALE

FOURTH FLOOR PLAN NOT TO SCALE

FIFTH FLOOR PLAN NOT TO SCALE

SIXTH FLOOR PLAN NOT TO SCALE

SEVENTH FLOOR PLAN NOT TO SCALE

The projects was derived with the technical analysis of its Environment, structure & façade , lighting and interior to achieve maximum of the opportunities the context offers.it focused on building a passive design which is affordable and that responds to the incremental strategies of the community.

The Environmental strategy was to Achieve a sustainable design solution that inspire people to live an active life in fulfilling their housing needs responsibly with the least possible impact on the climate and environment. This was achieved through the adaptations to the local climate, solar and wind study and the use of renewable energy at the site.

The structural resolution focused to give minimum impact on the environment both during and post construction stages while responding to the surrounding environmental factors. The solid void façade structure is a key element which showcases the nature of the community that's living. it is abstracted from the placement of different typologies of houses which serve to the different types of families of the community.

Natural and Mechanical lighting used To achieve a habitable space which responds to the psychological needs of housing through its interior and in achieving a design solution which conserves energy as much as possible. The belongingness and interactive nature created through these spaces uphold the housing complex not only as a house or shelter but a 'Home' for the slave island community as place which uplifts them which opportunities of economy and their standard of living.

Pieris

2022 Portfolio Shiruni Pieris 90

2022 Portfolio Shiruni Pieris 0291 Shiruni Pieris 2022 Portfolio

Portfolio Shiruni Pieris

SPECIALIST STUDY

THE CHANGE IN THE EXPRESSION OF HOME AND ITS ARCHITECTURAL MANIFESTATION IN THE SRI LANKAN CONTEXT

Research type Specialist study Dissertation

Duration December 2021 June 2022

ABSTRACT

Architecture is the only art that caters to man's physical needs. It encompasses all needs the man desires for and expresses it through an architectural manifestation in the society. This paper attempts in understanding the change in the Expression of such need: the Home and its architectural manifestation in Sri Lanka; a country that had undergone many social and political changes throughout time Rapid urbanization changed the social structure of the country within a short period

This declined the close knit society while the newly urbanized community tried to fit into the nouveau rich culture and lifestyles. This resulted in an emergence of eclectic architecture within the country leading to domestic architectural designs that were not viable to the country. Investigating the deeper meanings of these processes could lead to more feasible architectural manifestations

The study, therefore, investigates the change in expression of a home and its architectural manifestation through an attempt in achieving the objectives which distinguish the concept’s of home and house, the attributes of the expression of home observed in Sri Lanka, and architects role in guiding them to a meaningful architectural manifestation.

The study investigates literary data and Primary research through Questionnaires structured to identify new meaning to home in terms of theoretical concepts of home The study concludes with findings that could direct architects in understanding their client's perception of the home which in return will create meaningful architecture for the society.

Key Words: Expression of Home, House, Architecture, Sri Lanka

'Home' is the smallest unit in the society; a place that reflects one’s behavior and his or her belonging environment, through its architecture

The house by definition is a structure that is built with the intention of habitation, while the expression of ‘home’ defines this architectural piece as a dwelling of physical, social, and psychological wealth (HOME essays, 2020).

The changes which defined these strengths of home influenced its architectural manifestation: the house.

Physical Social Psychological Emotional Factors

HOME HOUSE

Physical Structure Form

“A house should be a place to feel at home whether “at home” means dining with candles, working a power saw, … playing with children or just getting away from it all. The house looks and acts should reflect personal enthusiasm and efforts. The successful house bears the stamp of its owner”. (Graf and Graf, 1953)

NEED OF THE STUDY

In the past…

Society evolved at a slow pace

Enclosed mind

Expression of home

Close knit community

Today…

Subjected to rapid urbanization

Introverted community

Houses which responded to the Sri Lankan culture , society and its context

Exposure to new ideas of the world

Expression of home

Communal sense individuality

Houses with no response to Sri Lankan context where individuality is nourished

JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY : THE CRITICAL ARGUMENT

For the very fact that Home being the perfect expression of people’s ideas and values it gradually became the profound initiation of Human existence. It nurtured the physical and spiritual being of man in the tangible formation of space. This attachment of place defined the house to become a foundation of the identity of individuals in the community.

“If provision for shelter is the passive function of the house, then its positive purpose is the creation of an environment best suited to the way of the people in other words, a social unit of space.” (Rapoport,1969:46)

Expression perceived as ‘home’

ROLE OF THE ARCHITECT

Architectural manifestation Image of the society

Understanding The change & Adaptability to the Sri Lankan context

The essence of Sri Lankan culture

Important to sri lanka where the family- Home- House have a close knit connections

RESEARCH QUESTIONS & OBJECTIVES

The study will hence commence with the understanding of Sri Lankan residential architecture and Therefore, it will explore answers for the following,

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

What differentiates home and house?

How did the expression of the home reflect through architectural manifestation in the Sri Lankan context?

To what extent an architect can contribute in instilling a “sense of Home’ in house design?

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

To Differentiate the qualities that distinguish a home from a house

To examine the architectural manifestation of the ‘expression of Home’ in the Sri Lankan context.

To Identify the role of the architect in building a sense of home in Sri Lankan residential architecture.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Psychological Attachment Emotional factors

Shelter

EXPRESSION OF HOME

Physical factors

& cultural Factors

ARCHITECTURAL MANIFESTATION

STUDY AND UNDERSTANDING

Reflection of the society

ROLE OF THE ARCHITECT

In the sri Lankan context, the concept of home has a stronghold within the society. Different words denoting different meanings and socio spatial relations could be observed in use. As such terms as “Ge” (ගේ)“gedara” (ගෙදර) “niwasa” (නිවස) “nivahana”( නිවහන) create vivid images in ones mind.

The house was not mere protection from rain and sun but it was considered a “fortress” that protects the inhabitants as well as their belongings. (Fernando,2004)

The generic Sri Lankan family

• Life revolves around the family for most Sri Lankans. In collectivist cultures such as that of Sri Lanka, the family is the first group a person becomes a member of at birth.

• The interests of the family are expected to come before those of the individual and loyalty (such as preferential treatment) is shown to fellow family members.

• Furthermore, the acts of an individual can impact the perception of the entire family by others.

‘EXPRESSION OF HOME’ & ITS ARCHITECTURAL MANIFESTATION IN SRI LANKA

Pre historic dwellings

• Cave architecture

Chronological study

• Wattle and daub houses

Early traditional houses Houses in colonial Era

• Portuguese

• Dutch

• British

Introduction of foreign architecture

Houses in post independence

• Houses portraying nationalism

• Emergence of modernism

• The American style

Contemporary houses

• A mix of ideas: Eclectic architecture

Home and its architectural manifestation through sri Lankan history…

METHOD OF STUDY

Phase 01

The first objective is achieved through an explanatory study of the pure concepts which differentiate the home and house through a qualitative analysis of data hence will be based on secondary research which is further clarified by primary data collection.

Phase 02

The second objective is hence achieved through a mixed study method based on literature survey collection in understanding the expression of home possessed and observed by the society during the past years and through the primary data which will Examine the present expression of Home and its architectural manifestation in the country.

Phase 03

The third objective will be achieved through a primary data collection and study method where people’s opinion on the expression of home will be examined statistical through structured questionnaire

Questionnaire 01: structured to addressed the general public of ages between 15-35 who are the possible clients of future to be settled down and seek the need of a home in surveying their opinion on expression of home

Questionnaire 02 : an open ended questionnaire for architects in surveying the sense of home on architects point of view

while through its analysis it will derive the factors which could be incorporated into a design in the design stage for an architect to bring out the sense and expression of home in personalized housing while retaining the quality and essence of sri Lankan culture and its sense.

ASSUMPTIONS

Research will be done under the assumption that there is an change in the expression of home and its architectural manifestation in the sri Lankan context.

The study will hence assume that architect’s role in the contemporary practice could have an Affect on this Change of expression while they could be guides in controlling the architectural pollution in the sri Lankan context.

SCOPE & LIMITATIONS

the term home in the study will refer to the ‘ residential dwelling ‘ or the micro contexts that is described through the home.

the study will limit itself to common cultural factors which defines as ‘sri Lankan’ so that the study does not biased itself into one community.

The study mainly focus its basis through the 4 theoretical interpretations which are discussed through the literature survey that build in the expression of ‘home’

The study hence will derive the Change in the expression of home with the above methods and identify the generic characteristics of home in sri lanka and its deviation through time based on the scope and limitations of the study.

Data Collection

Through questionnaires which address the general public and the Architects

Data analysis

STEP 02

Data analysis

The statistical data collected through the questionaries are to be compared and analysed with the attributes identified through the literature survey of the study.

Conclusion : utilitarian factor

STEP 03

Deriving a set of concepts for architects which could be utilized when designing personalized houses which could highlight the value of the expression of home in its architectural manifestation process

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two questionnaires were to be developed in order to gain an understanding of the possible clients of the future (Ages between 15-35) and for the Architects the pioneers of designing personalized Houses. Hence the data collection and analysis are being done under two phases,

Phase 1: Analysis of data collected through structured questionnaire 1 For possible clients of future

Phase 2: Analysis of data collected through open ended questionnaire 1 For Architects

Phase 3: A cross-analysis

1. Differentiation of home and house

2. Attributes of expression of the home reflect through architectural manifestation in the Sri Lankan context

3. The extent an architect can contribute in instilling a “sense of Home’ in house design

Parameters: Gender, Age, employment status, marital status, the family type, Role in the family

Questionnaire 01: structured

Directed to the general public the possible clients of the future (Ages between 15 35)

Questions to know if they can differentiate home & house What do they think about the requirements of a home

Parameters: Gender,profession,years in architectural practice,

Questions on the attributes identified

Open ended Questionnaire 02: Sri Lankan Architects

Questions on Their opinion on hiring an architect to do personalized houses

Architects opinion on home and house

Whether they have noticed the attributes which build up the expression of home

Have they noticed any change in the expression of home in the country with time

Opinions on Role of An Architect in building the sense of Home

• The study critically argues that through understanding of underneath concepts of the expression of “home” which the socio-cultural background of the society will lead into architectural designs of houses that are viable to the sri Lankan culture and identity.

• Theoretical basis :meaning of home described by its user the second which categorizes these into 04 main theoretical concepts :territorial, psychological,socio psychological and as the phenomenological and developmental interpretations.

• idea of the most important space to the client and architect were very contrasting. This was a contrasting finding which defines a highly introverted space to a highly Extrovert space. This suggests the conflict between used and unused spaces of an architectural design.

• Privacy was found to be the most important psychological attribute which defines home while territoriality scored the minimum. ‘home could be interpreted as a place of nurturing beliefs: astrological, religious’ this definition of home is unique to the sri Lankan context.

• The socio psychological findings suggested the home changes with time. An important proceeding in this fact it that although the home changes the basics of its should not change.

With the proceedings and findings of the study it can be concluded that the Expression of Home in sri lanka possess unique characteristics and strategies which could determine manifestation of precise architectural Houses. Hence through the findings on the home and house, its attributes in the sri Lankan context, and architect’s role in sri Lankan home making, the study has achieved the objectives of the research in understanding the change in expression of home and its architectural manifestation in sri lanka.

Further Research opportunities

The studies and conclusion of the study suggests avenues for further research areas relating the expression of Home. It is important that future research investigates deeply on the different time period of architecture in Sri lanka.

The future studies should aim to replicate the results in larger groups with different biases of social classes and ethnicities. Moreover Future research on the meaning of home as a political economic entry may extend the explanations of socio psychological interpretations of the expression of home in the country.

THEORY AND RESEARCH

MUSIC AS AN INSPIRATION IN ARCHITECTURE: EXPERIENCING AN ARCHITECTURAL SYMPHONY

Research type Research Essay

Duration October 2020 November 2021

The interdisciplinary inspirations between Music and architecture are a fascinating subject that has interested researchers since early ages. The Human being in his life has always expressed his emotions, feelings and sorrows by movements and words. music and architecture are two forms of art that express these qualities through their physical and emotional forms in space. The studies on architecture create a platform that, from a long time ago there has always been a conceptual relationship between the two arts. Studies reveal that architectural thought seems to influence or in some way be implied through different musical elements.

The study, therefore, emulates musical structure and composition through spatial manipulation and geometric form in achieving an orchestration of built space. It will illustrate a representation of musical movement to extract some of the basic elements or “building blocks” which structure the effect that occurs in the realm of sound. This study aspires not to be a purely mathematical transformation from a musical piece into architecture, but identification of an underlying structure that guides the constructs of music its composition in architectural space will further be explored through the architectural examples which have been inspired through various structures of music; the Philips Pavilion, the Jewish Museum of Berlin and Stretto House By Steven Holl. The act of applying music into architecture will provide opportunities to craft fuller and more spaces that address both functions and the spirit of the place.

Keywords: Fine art, Music, Architecture, Inspiration

THEORY AND RESEARCH

ROLE OF HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION OF A CITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM.

Research type Research Essay

Duration December 2020 January 2021

Tourism makes a substantial economic contribution to the development of a region or a country , particularly in developing countries. It promotes intercultural understanding and socio cultural connections . in establishing this connection heritage and its conservation of a region plays a vital role responding to the development and promotion of tourism. With the increasing trends in tourism around the world the heritage driven tourism is occupying a major part in development of tourism in a country several literature presents this concept as heritage tourism which is a sustainable approach and a pathway in building the economic and social wellbeing of a country through the preservation of its heritage.

Sri lanka being a developing country in the twenty first century shows progressive development in economy, including the tourism industry.

With the collapse in the export of plantation during mid 1960’s the country was forced to seek other income generators to stabilize the collapsed economy. With this initiation in 1967, he federal government institutionalized the tourism industry after which it became an essential income generator to the country. In this process the rich natural cultural diversities and the sri Lankan heritage turned into a major driving force which influenced in the development of tourism in the country.

The research essay hence investigates the role of heritage and conservation of a city which helps and promoted in the development of tourism in the region through the study of selective case study of the heritage city of Kandy ; the heritage and cultural capital of sri lanka. The study will provide an understanding of the role of heritage sites in a urban contexts which drives the attention and attraction of tourists both local and foreign and the utilization of its conservations strategies in the development of tourism in the Kandy city.

Keywords: heritage, conservation, city, tourism, Kandy sri lanka

Post Graduate

2020 - 2022

University

2017 - 2019 School 2003 - 2016

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

MSc Architecture awarded by Liverpool John Moores University Distinction

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology BSc (Hons) Architecture awarded by Liverpool John Moores University Class II Division I

Good Shepherd Convent Kandy

GCE A/L - Maths Stream - English Medium Year Obtained - 2016 3S s

G.C.E O/L - English Medium Year Obtained - 2013 9A s

WORK EXPERIENCE

October 2019July 2020 September 2016February 2017

ArchIdea Studios (PVT) LTD Intern Junior Architect Sampath Bank PLC Intern

ACHIEVEMENTS

Most Outstanding Student of The Year - 2013 Awarded by Good Shepherd Convent Kandy

RESUME

Full Name : Dhajahetti Muhandiramge Chrizanne Shiruni Pieris

of Birth : 25.06.1997

: Sri

:

No.37/2, Pallegama Road, Ampitiya

Lanka