Awareness Center - Ranmasu Uyana Heritage site

SLIIT

Project idea

Introduction
Ranmasu Uyana is an ancient royal park in Anuradhapura sacred city adjoining Isurumuniya temple. Royal gardens were first constructed here in the time of King Tissa (3rd century BC) when the reservoir was built. However, the pleasure pavilions and other fixtures are seen today date from the 8th-9th centuries AD. This pleasure garden was also known as ‘Magul Uyana’ and served as an ancient recreation park once enjoyed by a succession of monarchs of ancient Anuradhapura over the centuries. The elaborately laid-out garden complex epitomises ancient Sri Lanka’s innovative landscape architecture and engineering excellence.

The city was divided into the inner city, outer city and religious sites. It was adorned with three main pleasure gardens-Nandana, Mahamegha and Jothi Vana. Maha vihara which was the principal monastery managed the important shrines- Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanmalisaya, Loha Prasada, Thuparamaya (the first temple of Srilanka)etc. The kingdom of Anuradhapura shifted to Polonnaruwa in the 11th century AD. Cholas the south Indian invaders invaded the city and destroyed it. They are the ones who shifted the capital into Polonnaruwa. Presently the city itself attracts devotees and tourists around the world. According to the archaeological department, 3000-4000 archaeological ruin sites can be seen here.

Project description

History and value
According to historical evidence, Ranmasu Uyana has been used as a pleasure garden for the Royalty. The pleasure gardens were also known as ‘Magul Uyana’ and served as an ancient recreation park once enjoyed by a succession of ancient monarchs over the centuries. In the past, Ranmasu Uyana may have been a garden of beautifully carved relaxing buildings and platforms for water sports. Also, the garden may have been enriched with flora, flowers, water pools, fishes, birds, etc. The most prominent aspects of this masterpiece are the excellent methods of engineering, sustainable and efficient irrigation system and insightful landscape techniques. The Ranmasu Uyana was abandoned when the Kingdome was moved from
Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa due to Indian invasions and political condi- tions. It was re-discovered in the British colonial period and conserved as a cultural heritage site.

Technical information

The structure of the building was elevated and constructed. This was due to minimal damage to this site of archaeological value. The architectural ambience of the ancient temples of Sri Lanka was used for the structure of the building. The elevated features found in the temples of Tampita and the creation of very open spaces with the environment were taken into consideration.

Substructure
Foundation and deck floor
An important factor is to keep the building structure as low-light as possible. Further excavation into the ground should also be done as minimally as possible. Therefore, an isolated footing foundation was used for the foundation. In addition, it can be taken to the site as a precast. There the efficiency and impact on the site are minimal. H iron using for as columns to bear the structure. The decking sheet placed on the I beam is used to construct the deck. Concrete was added to it and the standard was obtained.

Advantages of Isolated footing foundation
Isolated footings (also known as Pad or Spread footings) are commonly used for shallow foundations in order to carry and spread concentrated loads, caused for example by columns or pillars. It is able to design the entire footing and compute the settlement, rotation and bearing capacity of the footing.

Superstructure and finishes
Flooring
Clay is used as a material to look and feel earth texture which is related to Anuradhapura. It may also help to reduce heating and feel so comfortable when walking without shoes.

Brick wall
Brick is used from the ancient civilization period of Sri Lanka. The texture is also related to Ranmasu Uyana Ruins. These walls are not finished walls. the unique brick texture will give a good ambience to the space and building envelope.

Columns
H irons are used to bearing the structure, But I don’t want to show them outside. It can be covered with clay mixed with cement to get some dark texture to highlight the brick walls.

Roof
The continuous architectural style of Isurumuniya temple is used to form the roof coverings of proposed buildings. The roof is held by a structure built of timber and clay finishes.

Rattan Blinds
The rattan blind is used for covering the top part of the walls after lattice finishing. When sunlight directly comes to the exhibition area, blinds can simply use. And also it’s useful in the rainy seasons as well. rattan is a natural material and unique to Sri Lankan architecture.

Timber lattice
This structure needs to be more low-weight and open to nature. So the building was covered with timber-lattice panels along with brick walls.

Envirenmental statagies
In this building, I responded to the topography and bordered it on the massive rock to blend with nature in the interior.
From the building orientation, the East sun does not affect to the building. The building was covered by rock.
In the evening there’s lots of heat coming to the west side walls. So the walls are not fully covered. There’s a timber lattice to natural ventilation.
A tall roof also helps to avoid indoor heating.