AN ANALYTICAL STUDY ON THE EVOLUTION OF SOCIAL SPACES IN THE HISTORIC URBAN CORE : STUDY OF FORT AND PETTAH AREAS IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

Abstract

Social spaces are a city’s heartbeat where one can observe the ever changing atmosphere and attitudes of a given society at large. Social spaces and society have a symbiotic relationship, where as a society evolves and the values it upholds to be true changes with each passing generation, the function of these spaces consequently evolves. Social space provides a framework for the behaviour of different groups, and therefore is culturally complex, flexible, multiply configured, networked and reflexive. While social space is open to all, the people of the locality can claim a large share to its use and define its code of conduct, frequency of use, and manner in which this space is related to. Without the individuals use of these spaces, and part ownership, these spaces would not have the respect they deserve and need to function on a daily basis. Social space therefore does not have to be designed; it can be a space that has gained value over time. Therefore this dissertation attempts to take these social spaces both designed and those that have gained value over time as the objective of the study. Colombo is the commercial capital of the Island of Sri Lanka and the areas of Fort and Pettah have been the envy of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British due to its strategic location and importance. Colombo’s heartbeat flows from Fort and Pettah, while Fort became the main business and administrative centre of the city, Pettah became the marketing nerve centre and core area. From an overview of the cultural and religious aspects of each colonialist to the locals, to the development of the historic urban core lays the foundation to establish the understanding of the evolution of these social spaces. Currently the main issue that has affected Fort is the security threat. The crowded, polluted, unhygienic, cramped condition has affected the appeal of Pettah. The investigation currently does an analysis of which areas have gained value over time and how the current population has defined its code of conduct. The dissertation reached a conclusion with an attempt to study the changing face of social space through time to the adaptation to its current society, and how these spaces have been interwoven with the city today, and its hope for the future.