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Paper short abstract:

Examining the principles and rich history of Sri Lankan vernacular architecture, its global impact during colonization, and its untapped potential in addressing modern global sustainability challenges.

Paper long abstract:

This research explores the evolution of Sri Lankan vernacular architecture, tracing its 2,500-year history and its impact on global built environmental practices. Ancient Sri Lankan architecture, evident in monasteries and palaces, displayed advanced infrastructure, such as gravel roads, reservoirs, and innovative engineering. Notable examples include the water fountains at Sigiriya Rock and the 87 km canal, "Yoda Ela." Monasteries featured sophisticated wastewater systems, while rivers served as crucial transportation routes.

The study investigates the influence of the "vaasthu" principles, widely adopted in Sri Lanka and India, on planning and built environments. These principles encompass auspicious construction times, solar orientation, material selection, and anthropometric considerations. Traditional practices, like spatial division, door/window placement, and passive climate control, anticipated modern sustainability challenges.

Despite the global climate crisis and calls for cradle-to-cradle cycles, these principles were addressed in Sri Lanka's local context long ago, offering a potential solution to global issues. Colonization introduced Dutch and British architectural influences, which intertwined with Sri Lankan traditions, disseminating knowledge, particularly in irrigation and building systems. This research examines the transformation of global built environment trends before and after colonization, shedding light on knowledge transfer. Nevertheless, a substantial reservoir of untapped wisdom from Sri Lankan vernacular architecture remains to be explored and could provide solutions to contemporary global challenges.