4.0 CHAPTER THREE CASE STUDIES AND ANALYSIS A STUDY OF THE USAGE OF TERRITORIAL BARRIERS IN TWO URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

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1 4.0 CHAPTER THREE CASE STUDIES AND ANALYSIS A STUDY OF THE USAGE OF TERRITORIAL BARRIERS IN TWO URBAN ENVIRONMENTS 4.1 Introduction In this chapter, the theoretical framework developed in the previous chapters is tested in real situation. The study is done basically through observations. In addition interviewing relevant designers, giving questionnaires to users and the owners of the buildings have also been done to collect data. Further this chapter analyses the observations and the results in order to derive conclusions. Around Independence square and Around Echelon square are selected as case studies. Both of selected areas have been developed recently and each case study consists of urban public space and surrounding buildings which are private and institutional. (Institutional buildings are categorized in to public oriented institutional buildings and more private oriented institutional buildings.) Observations and the results are summarized in tables. Analytical discussion of each case of the case studies is presented separately. Each case study includes a brief introduction and the locations of each selected building within the study area. Analysis is done based on derived theoretical basis. 4.2 Rational for selecting case studies Selected two case studies are significant urban areas in Colombo. Both study areas are being developed recently according to the Development Guide Plans done by Urban Development Authority, after 30 years time. Therefore it is assumed to get more justifiable and valid observations from there. Though they are equal in above aspects, the urban settings, building types, users, owners and design approaches are varied to each other. Therefore taking these two case studies directs to do the study sufficiently broad and it would cause the validity of the findings. 42

2 4.3Rationale for the ranking In case studies, from 1 to 5 ranking is given for perception of territoriality, which is based on understanding and obeying the message given. Rank 1 Perceived territoriality is very low than appropriate level Rank 2 - Perceived territoriality is low than appropriate level Rank 3 - Perceived territoriality is appropriate Rank 4 - Perceived territoriality is high than appropriate level Rank 5 - Perceived territoriality is very high than appropriate level 43

3 4.4 Case Study 01 - Independence Square and its surrounding Introduction Independence square was designed by Wynn Jones in 1953 to commemorate the declaration of Independence of Sri Lanka in The design of the main element (Independence hall) is a colonnaded structure on an elevated podium. It was influenced by the Royal Audience hall (Magulmaduwa) in Kandy. Independence Square was a venue for state funerals and other state celebrations and commemorative events. The place was not a part of the day to day life of the city till the new developments took place. It functioned as a gathering space for a limited group of people. Those were the upper and middle class people who lived in the residential areas nearby. Independence Square is surrounded by government buildings, semigovernment buildings, private buildings and sports grounds New Development The new development is done by the Urban Development Authority (UDA), which is under the Ministry of Defense. Urban design concept of the new development is to create lively green space with activities to promote more public use, giving due respect to the Independence Hall. To enhance the quality of space within and around Independence Square and to control the building density of the particular area, certain design elements were taken into consideration in order to prepare the Development Guide Plan (DGP). They are urban pattern, Pedestrian network, Vehicular access, Open spaces, Building form / heights, Streetscape and Roofs capes. 44

4 4.4.3 Location Independence Square is situated in the heart of Colombo, pleasant green are, away from the city s much active business district. The square was approached by a ceremonial tree lined independence avenue, which divided into two roads at the front of the Independence Hall, then turns around the square. Therefore the roads demarcate the square. Selected buildings along Independence Avenue, Stanly Wijesundara Mawatha, Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa Mawatha and Independence square are taken as separate cases within the case study. (Refer Appendix A) Fig Location of the study area Independence Square and its surrounding 45

5 4.4.4 Observations and analysis Type A (a) Institutional Buildings Private Oriented Sub Case 1 Department of National Archives Department of national Archives is a massive building which lies on significantly large premises. The function of the building is not opened to the general public; only wanted people use the building. Front lawn enhances the status of the building and constructs a visual barrier between the user and the building. Type A(a) Institutional buildings - Private oriented Department of National Archives Boundary wall Pavements and Curbs Trees and front lawn Owner s perception User s perception Before Now Before Now Now (relevant (relevant Before (improved) (improved) ranking) ranking) 1 2 Table4.1 - Observations and results of sub case 01 Department of National Archives The physical territory of the National Archives premises was demarcated by a boundary wall and gates. Therefore the public access was restricted, only wanted interaction was promoted. By demolishing the boundary wall, the entire building could be seen any one passing by. But as a large scale building and considering the function of the building, need of much significant vertical barrier arises in order to perceive their territories meaningfully for user and owner. Fig Physical boundary of National Archives is demolished, tree line and front lawn as new barriers - View from the Maitland crescent 46

6 When demarcating territories in large scale blocks centered in large open spaces, the scale of space act as a symbolic barrier between the user and owner / public and private spaces. Demarcating public, semipublic, private and semiprivate territories by paving, sand bed, turf and tree line do not ensure appropriate territoriality in this case. Owner or the occupants lose sense of belongingness of the entire premises, as his perceived territory will be limited to the building. The visual territoriality perceived by the public realm is too large and it doesn t ensure public territoriality as required. Fig Back view from the Guidfold Creascent Fig Private and Public Territories defined by paving, turf and tree line 47

7 Sub Case 2 Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) is situated where one of the side boundaries demarcates the separation of Independence Square and the SLFI. Type A(a) Institutional buildings - Private oriented Trees, sign Boundary board, front Fence wall lawn, gate posts, curb Before Now Before Now Before now Owner s User s perception perception (relevant (relevant ranking) ranking) Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) 3 2 Table Observations and results of sub case 02 Sri Lanka Federation Institute Sri Lanka Foundation Institute retains its territoriality of the entrance with front lawn, trees and the boundary wall. But the side boundary wall which separates physical territory of SLFI from independence square is demolished and a fence is introduced. The new fence doesn t do any harm to the territory of the entrance side of SLFI due to availability of strong gate posts, gate and the trees. The entrance territory is strengthened by the coloration of the curb, the sign board and the front Fig4.5 Fence separating lawn. The side boundary wall is demolished in Independence Square and SLFImeans of providing more visual distance to the user View from the Independence Square of the independence square. In the SLFI owner s point of view it doesn t do any harm in perceiving his own territory. But the users of the Independence Square perceive his territory visually larger; it reduces the prominence of the public square. Fig4.6 - Entrance territory of SLFI 48

8 Sub Case 3 Rupavahini Recreation Club Rupavahini recreation Club is situated in the periphery of one side of Independence Square. The back side of the Club is faced on to a side periphery of Independence Square. Type A(a) Owner s User s Institutional Boundary wall Wire fence perception perception buildings - (relevant (relevant Private oriented Before Now Before Now ranking) ranking) Rupavahini 3 3 Recreation Club Table Observations and results of sub case 03 Rupavahini Recreational Club Independence Square and the Rupavahini recreation club separate each other by a wire mesh which is visually permeable and deny physical access. This arrangement makes the appropriate level of territoriality from both the owner s and user s point of views. The building s rear facing to the Independence Square affects the dignity of the territory. Though, being situated in a corner and not blocking any axis or views, Rupavahini Recreation Club s territory merges with the territory of the Square. Fig Wire mesh to restrict permeability in between Square s Independence Square and Rupavahini Recreation Club 49

9 Sub Case 4 Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) is located in a side axis of the Independence square. It merges with the surrounding area which has much green environment. Type A(a) Boundary Pavements Owner s User s Institutional GI fence wall and turf perception perception buildings - (relevant (relevant Private oriented Before Now Before Now before now ranking) ranking) Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) 3 3 Table Observations and results of sub case 04 Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka defines its physical territory by a GI fence, gate and the paving pattern of the entrance. It enhances the visual connectivity between the institute and the Independence Square. The user of the independence square don t confuse with the definition of his territory due to the surrounding setting of IPS. Fig Paving and turf demarcating IPS. The user of the institute also territory of the entrance of IPS perceive his territory appropriately, having visual link with the independence square. Fig GI fence separating access road Of Independence Square and IPS 50

10 Sub Case 5 Sri Lanka Professional Center Sri Lanka Professional Center has its main access from the Stanly Wijewardhane Mawatha which also gives the new entrance and the axis of Independence square. Type A(a) Boundary Pavements Owner s User s Institutional GI fence wall and turf perception perception buildings - (relevant (relevant Private oriented Before Now Before Now before now ranking) ranking) Sri Lanka Professional Center (OPS) 3 3 Table Observations and results of sub case 05 Sri Lanka Professional Center Its premises run along the new axis of Independence square. The physical territory of independence square and OPS are separated by a GI fence, fixed to a concrete frame. The columns of the frame are read as vertical elements or vertical barriers accordingly with the tree line of the new axis of Independence Square. Fig Framed Wire fence separating Independence Square and OPS Therefore the perception of territoriality of the user of public space enhances. Visual permeability through the fence is helped to perceive the psychological territory far from actual distance for both user and the owner. Fig A part of the boundary wall of OPA is covered by tree line 51

11 Sub Case 6 Thurston College Sports Ground The Sports Ground of Thurston College is entered by Stanly Wijewardhane Mawatha. One periphery of the ground is the physical boundary in between Independence Square and the Sports Ground. Type A(a) Boundary Owner s User s Institutional Wire fence Pavements wall perception perception buildings - (relevant (relevant Private oriented Before Now Before Now before now ranking) ranking) Thurstan College Sports Ground 3 3 Table Observations and results of sub case 06 Thurstan College Sports Grounds Wire fence on GI frame separates the physical property of Thurstan College Sports Ground and the Independence Square. The GI frame is read as a vertical element accordingly with the tree line of new axis of Independence Square. Maximum visual connectivity with the appropriate level of perceived territoriality can be ensured. The function of both ground and the Square is being public, the visual connectivity maintained through the mesh is ideally required. Fig Wire fence separating Independence square and Thurstan Sports Ground 52

12 Sub Case 7 80 Club of Colombo The 80 Club of Colombo, having British period Architecture enhances the quality of status by arrangement itself. Type A(a) Institutional buildings - Private oriented 80 Club of Colombo Boundary Decorative Owner s User s Pavements wall gate poles perception perception Before Now Before Now before now (relevant ranking) (relevant ranking) 3 3 Table Observations and results of sub case Club of Colombo 80 Club of Colombo has significant gate poles and a lowhigh boundary wall. As a more private oriented building, filtering wanted people has to be done; foresaid elements demarcate the appropriate level of territoriality of the out sider. Front lawn and trees enhance the occupant s territoriality. Fig Short boundary wall to demarcate territory of 80 Club of Colombo 53

13 Sub Case 8 Stafford International School Stafford international school faces Dr. Premasiri Kemedasa Mawatha and also facing towards the Police Station of Kurunduwatta. This is located within public and private occupancy areas of Maitland Crescent. Type A(a) Boundary Owner s User s Institutional Gate Pavements wall perception perception buildings - (relevant (relevant Private oriented Before Now Before Now before now ranking) ranking) Stafford International School 3 3 Table Observations and results of sub case 08 Stafford International College As an international school, it has to have clear boundaries from public space. The definition of the physical territory seems clear due to high boundary wall and the gate. This type of high territoriality is needed in a building situated in an urban area. The other boundary of the school is Fig Stafford International School Occupied by a private house owner; this school has clear territorial definitions act as a transitional space of those private and public spaces. 54

14 Sub Case 9- Old Iranian Embassy The Old Iranian embassy is situated near by independence hall, along Independence Avenue where the avenue bends in to two roads in front of the Square. Type A(a) Institutional buildings - Private oriented Tree line, Boundary sign Gate wall board,pave ment Before Now Before Now before now Owner s User s perception perception (relevant (relevant ranking) ranking) Old Iran Embassy 3 3 Table Observations and results of sub case 09 Old Iranian Embassy The Iranian Embassy has cultural definitions of territoriality. Decorative wall act as a strong symbol of socio-culture influenced territory demarcation. The sign board on boundary wall enhances the quality of the specific culture. Being situated near Independence Square, demarcation of territory doesn t harm each other s territoriality perceived; user and owner perception is appropriate when the communicated idea is understood and obeyed accordingly. Fig Old Iranian Embassy has culture influenced territoriality Fig.4.16 Territory of Old Iranian Embassy is Demarcated by a tree line, turf and pavement 55

15 Type A (b) Institutional Buildings Public Oriented Sub Case 10 National Library and Documentation Services Board This is a building which has public interaction, though has to be filtered. Situated along the Independence Avenue, which is the ceremonial entrance to Independence Square. Type A(b) Institutional buildings Public oriented Tree line, Boundary Gate sign board, wall Pavement Before Now Before Now before now Owner s User s perception perception (relevant (relevant ranking) ranking) National Library and Documentation Services Board 1 2 Table Observations and results of sub case 10 National Library and Documentation services Board Boundary wall of National Library and Documentation Services Board has demolished along the independence avenue; public, semipublic, semiprivate and private territories are demarcated by paving, curbs, turf, tree lines, sand bed roads and street lamps. Demarcation of sense of entrance to the building is very poor. It lacks or doesn t clearly ensure the transition space from public to private. Therefore the balance of territoriality in public and private spaces is broken down. Fig Sign board to increase wanted interaction The sign board of the building demarcates territory to some extent. But the required territoriality and the sense of belongingness is not successfully perceived. The security hut is isolated in the front yard. 56

16 When the tree line is grown up, more territoriality and more sense of belongingness could be felt. The tree line separates public and private territories. But lacking of semi-public and semi-private areas be identified; newly introduced pavements, turf and sand bed are not enough to demarcate required level of territoriality. Therefore the elements used and the way they are used to demarcate territories are not enough to achieve the appropriate level of territoriality. Fig Paving and tree line instead of boundary wall 57

17 Sub Case 11- Police Station - Cinnamon Gardens / Kurunduwatta Kurunduwatta Police Station is a colonial period building which British period Architecture could be identified. This is a landmark of Maitland Crescent. Type A(b) Boundary Owner s User s Institutional Gate Front lawn wall perception perception buildings - (relevant (relevant Public oriented Before Now Before Now before now ranking) ranking) Police Station Kurunduwatta Table Observations and results of sub case 11 Police Station at Cinnamon Gardens Boundary wall is demolished around the Kurunduwatta Police Station. In front, territory is demarcated by lawn and the curb. No filtration allowed, anyone has the access in to the police station. Being a Police Station, from the status itself the building obviously reduces unwanted interaction. Fig Meaningless gate But from the occupants of the Police Station point of view, they lack sense of security, sense of belongingness; therefore the required territoriality is lost. In one side, adjacent to the curb, a gate exists. But it doesn t serves required function of territoriality as whole boundary is totally opened out. Fig Territory is demarcated only by front lawn and trees 58

18 In the other side, where the barracks and the quarters located, boundary wall remains. It separates the physical territories of barracks, quarters and the Police Station from each other. Rapoport (1977) stated The success or failure of any specific environment can be understood in terms of the congruence of the public / private and front / back domains with the cultural norms. Accordingly, the failure of the implemented proposal can be identified. 59

19 Type B - Private Occupancy Sub Case 12 Barracks of Cinnamon Garden / Kurunduwatta Police Station One boundary of the barracks of Kurunduwatta Police Station is faced to Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa Mawatha. Other boundaries are demarcated by the territory of Police Station. Type B Boundary Owner s Out Gate Turf Private wall perception sider s occupancy (relevant perception Before Now Before Now before now ranking) (relevant ranking) Barracks of Police Station - Kurunduwatta 3 3 Table Observations and results of sub case 12 Barracks of Police Station - Cinnamon Gardens Boundary wall exists within the premises separating barracks from the Police Station. From Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa Mawatha, territory is marked by the boundary wall, trees and turf. For the perceiver from Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa Mawatha, it doesn t disturb the perception of territoriality along the road. Fig Territory demarcated This group of occupants of the barracks can be from Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa taken as socio-cultural group which have similar desires Mawatha and interests as a whole. From the occupant s point of view, provided territorial barrier is appropriate. Though, some groups may psychologically feel uncomfortable because the obvious setting of surrounding urban setting is not very much suitable for accommodation. 60

20 But the majority of this group of occupants feels comfortable within their territory. This is a real example to show how territoriality differs according to sociocultural variations. Perception of territoriality according to the sex (male or female) also can be identified as a variable in this case. But it is not tested here. Fig Territory of barrack is clearly separated from the Police Station by a boundary wall 61

21 Sub Case 13 Quarters of Police Station Cinnamon Gardens / Kurunduwatta This is the police officers accommodation, which is located in the Police Station premises. Type B Boundary Owner s Out Gate Turf Private wall perception sider s occupancy (relevant perception Before Now Before Now before now ranking) (relevant ranking) Quarters of Police Station - Kurunduwatta 2 3 Table Observations and results of sub case 13 Quarters of Police Station - Cinnamon Gardens Demolition of boundary wall has stopped at the quarter s side. Therefore clear boundaries are demarcated from the Police Station side and from the road side. When considering Police Quarters, the socio-cultural group is somewhat different than in barracks; the occupants are higher rankers of Police Fig Demolition of boundary wall Staff, some live with their families. Therefore from stopped at the quarters the occupant s point of view provided territorial barrier is not very much appropriate. These groups of occupants psychologically feel uncomfortable because the obvious setting of surrounding urban setting is not very much suitable for accommodation. This is a real example to show how territoriality differs according to sociocultural variations. In this case, perceived territoriality differ according to the floor level of the occupied group. Therefore the floor level living is also become a variable for judging territoriality in private accommodations. But it is not tested here. Fig Territory of the quarters is clearly separated from the Police Station by a boundary wall 62

22 Sub Case 14 Private House This private owned house is situated facing Dr. Premasiri Kemadasa Mawatha and the Police Station - Kurunduwatta. Type B Private occupancy Private house Boundary Turf and Owner s Out Gate wall trees perception sider s Before Now Before Now before now (relevant ranking) perception (relevant ranking) 2 3 Table Observations and results of sub case 14 Private home Territory of the private house is demarcated by a defined boundary wall and a gate. Bushy trees strengthen the function of semi-private space. As a private house situating in front of Police Station and Police barracks, the occupants need more privacy in their territory. This function is satisfied by the clear boundary wall and the gate in front. Fig Territory of a private house is clearly demarcated Though the first floor level of this house has the visual link with the Police Station and barracks, it affects the house owner s psychological perception of territoriality. 63

23 Type C - Public Spaces Sub Case 15 Independence Square Independence Square is surrounded by government buildings, semigovernment buildings, private buildings and sports grounds. Type C Public spaces Independence square Boundary wall Tree lines, podiums, seating Turf, curbs, pavements, lamps User s percepti on Out sider s perception Before Now Before Now Now before (relevant (relevant (improved) (improved) ranking) ranking) 2 2 Table Observations and results of sub case 15 Independence Square Entrance from Stanly Wijesundara Mawatha to the Independence square is promoted by a new axis combining the Independence hall and the Planetarium. The decorative and strong two posts at the entrance enhance the sense of territoriality. Fig Territory demarcation from Stanly Wijesundara Mw. A stepped podium has erected to avoid vehicular access from the SLFI entrance side. This elements act as vertical territorial barrier. But visual connectivity is maintained. Pedestrian s physical access is easily accommodated. Fig Sign ambiguity of Permeability 64

24 Occasionally provided seats act as good spaces for personalization within the huge space of Independence Square premises. To become an active, meaningful and useful urban area, these types of spaces left to be personalized by the user is very important. Rapoport, A (1977) emphasize this by following statement. Fig Personal territories within the large Public Space Open ended design is a form of design which determines certain parts of the system allowing other parts, including unforeseen ones, to happen spontaneously. This allows some level of ambiguity, for giving meaning through personalization, for one expression of different values, needs and life styles in the environment. It also gets over the problem of tight fit: environment can be used by different groups and individuals. In cities, successive groups can more easily restructure the organization of space, time, meaning and communication. (Rapoport, p.356) Sri Lanka foundation Institute s boundary wall adjacent to new axis of the Independence Square is demolished and GI fence is introduced. From the Institute s perspective it could be appropriate. User of the Independence Square point of view it doesn t clearly define the territory of the new axis. Fig.4.29 Different territories of new axis towards planetarium Territory of the new axis towards planetarium is demarcated by paving pattern, curb and the low high lamps. Those elements successfully demarcate the walk way of pedestrian promenade. (Refer Appendix B) Fig Territory of the walk way of Pedestrian promenade is demarcated by Lamps, tree lines, paving and curb 65

25 Defining and separating territories of the public space in to pedestrian promenade, cycle path, tree line, and turf area by using paving pattern, curbs, light posts, and lamps is suitable for the public space. The way those elements have organized, ensures the required level of territoriality within the public space. (Refer Appendix C) But opening out each and every physical barriers of entire space leads to lose the appropriate level of territoriality. Fig Territory of the walk way, Cycle path and leisure area is demarcated by different paving patterns, turf and light posts New developments of Independence square and its surrounding area have weakened the appropriate territoriality of individual buildings except few. Though public involvement became more significant after new axis introduced and landscaping is promoted, perceived territoriality by the user doesn t sense belongingness in some spaces. Fig Personal territories in the Independence Hall 66