Conservation of Ranmasu Uyana

SLIIT

Project idea

Ranmasu Uyana is a little known garden, with quite a lot of potential. Built by the same king who created the monumental Sigiriya, Ranmasu Uyana too holds the potential to be a major landmark in the area. However, due to the current condition, it is an overlooked location, without proper maintenance, no proper pathway, and no conservation techniques used on the ruins, this garden continues to deteriorate exponentially. This site is also an archeological gold mine, being home to ruins, ponds and irrigation systems complex beyond its years. Up to date, no proper archeological studies are being greatly directed towards Ranmasu Uyana, nor any conservation efforts are being established. What the site holds archeologically will be a great addition to the Sri Lankan heritage archives. Furthermore, once the area is exhibited for the heritage value it holds, it can bring in an influx of tourists eager to learn and enjoy the once historic cultural footprint it bears.

Project description

The design includes the following in order to conserve and protect the heritage while exhibiting it

archeological research for future preservation and information
These initiatives will be taken through LIDAR and no trench technology in order to reduce damage to the site. furthermore, an archeological and exhibition center will be proposed in the bare land for research purposes and for visitors to gain knowledge on ranmasu uyana while learning archeological works on the garden

revitalization through social activity
a tourism approach to the site, where pathways will be created through the site, weaving through structures, rocks and key points, creating a proper trail for visitors to enjoy the garden.

structures to protect and preserve
The revitalization shall be done through the use of wire mesh structures and light weight gabions to restructure the garden to emphasize key points, through the architecture from the Anuradhapura period. these structures shall protect the existing ruins of ranmasu uyana

PRESERVATION: the maintenance against deterioration will be done through the mesh and light weight gabions surrounding the remaining ruins. Pathways are established to ensure people don’t walk on ruins and archeological facts. Light weight structures allow the design to exist with minimum harm to the site.

RECONSTRUCTION: The reconstruction is done with a new mesh material to show the difference between old and new ruins, and also potential structures

RESTORATION: The Irrigation system will be cleaned and restored as much as possible

REVITALIZATION: The influx of people in and out of the site will ensure its maintenance, spread knowledge and information, revitalizing the site socially

REHABILITATION: The archeological aspect introduced will ensure in rehabilitation of the site, economical viability, upgrading the structures, finding out archeological facts and introducing new technologies

FLORENCE CHARTER
ARTICLE 18: THE GARDEN DESIGNED TO BE WALKED IN, ACCESS TO BE RESTRICTED TO THE EXTENT SO THAT THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE AND CULTURE CAN BE PRESERVED.

DESIGN APPROACH: NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL PATHWAYS CREATED TO ENSURE NO HUMAN TAMPERING TO RUINS. RUINS ARE ALSO PROTECTED WITH GABION STRUTURES AND MESH

VENICE CHARTER
ARTICLE 09: RESTORATION MUST BE PRECEDED FOLLOWED BY ARCHEOLOGICAL AND HISTORIC STUDY OF THE MOVEMENT
FLORENCE CHARTER
ARTICLE 15: NO RESTORATION SHALL BE TAKEN WITHOUT PRIOR RESEARCH

DESIGN APPROACH: ARCHEOLOGICAL RESEARCH CARRIED OUT AND ANALYSED IN THE PROPOSED CENTRE CAN IN TIME PROVIDE CONCLUSIVE RESULTS AS TO WHAT STOOD

BURRA CHARTER
15.2: CHANGES WHICH REDUCE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE SHOULD BE REVERSIBLE
18.0: RESTORATION AND RECONSTRUCTION SHOULD REVEAL CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT ASPECTS OF THE PLACE
20.1: RECONSTRUCTION IS APPROPRIATE WHERE A PLACE IS INCOMPLETE, DAMAGED OR ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO REPRODUCE
20.2 RECONSTRUCTION SHOULD BE IDENTIFIABLE
DESIGN APPROACH: RECONSTRUCTION IS DONE IN OCCASIONS WHERE RESEARCH DONE ABOUT ANURADHAPURA ARCHITECTURE PROVIDES SUFFICENT RECONSTRUCTION SHALL BE DONE WITH A LIGHT WEIGHT MESH, WHICH CAN BE ALTERED OR REMOVED.

florence charter
article 02: gardens are primarily vegetation therefore the appearance is the balance of the seasons
article 09: the authenticity of the garden depends on the design, scale annd the choice of organic material
article 12: species of trees should be selected with regards for the establishment and botanical region
article 14: any alterations which endanger the ecological equilibrium must be prohibited

DESIGN APPROACH: THE MESH AND GABIONS WILL CATER TO GREENERY AND VINES WHICH WILL GROW AND CHANGE DURING THE SEASONS TO CREATE LIFE IN ORGANIC FORM

VENICE CHARTER
ARTICLE 12: REPLACEMENT OF MISSINGPARTS MUST INTERGRATE HARMONIOUSLY WITH THE WHOLE,BUT AT THE SAME TIME SHOULD BE DISTINGUISHABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL
ARTICLE 13: ADDITIONS ALLOWEDSHOULD BE IN BALANCE OF ITS COMPOSITIONAND IN RELATION WITH ITS SURROUNDING
ARTICLE 15: RUINS MUST BE MAINTAINED AND MEASURED FOR CONSERVATION AND THE REASSEMBLING MATERIAL USED SHOULD BE RECOGNIZABLE

DESIGN APPROACH: THE USE OF MESH AS A MATERIAL IS FOR ITS TRANSLUCENCY AND LIGHT WEIGHT. IT CONTRASTS TO THE CURRENT MATERIAL IN THE RUINS. THE COMPOSITION OF THE RESTORATIONS HAVE BEEN STUDIED FROM ANURADHAPURA ARCHITECTURE IN SIMILLAR ERAS

BURRA CHARTER
28.1: DISTURBANCE OF FABRIC FOR STUDY SHOULD BE MINIMISED INCLUDING FOR ARCHEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION, ONLY TO BE TAKEN TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL DATA FOR CONSERVATION

DESIGN APPROACH: THE RUINS ARE EXPLORED FOR ARCHEOLOGICAL PURPOSES THROUGH NO TRENCH TECHNOLOGY AND LIDAR TECHNOLOFY WHERE THERE IS NO EXCAVATION AND DAMAGE TO THE SITE AND RUINS

Technical information

all structures constructed on the site are light weight structures that doesnt go deeper than 3’ into the site. furthermore, these structures are easily removable and movable.

the structures also assists in ensuring that the current threats to the ruins i.e. natural threats and human and animal interactions are minimized. furthermore, the gabion structures help against environmental deterioration and washing away of the site landscape onto the ruins as well as the reduce the damage done to the landscape during wind and rainy reasons.

the construction further decreases the on site labor necessary as well as the use of eco friendly low cost materials

The gabion structures are eco-friendly, light weight and also acts against deterioration of the land. it acts as a natural barrier for the any possible landslides and environmental deterioration. Furthermore, it creates a barrier against winds and water that will contribute to the change in landscape and decay in ruin.

Gabions and mesh structures are also used to create a protective layer in decaying ruins. this ensures that the original ruins are protected against environmental decay and human and animal tampering. furthermore, the small rock gabions can easily be removed and altered with no damage to the original structure.

The wire mesh walkway will be structured according to the landscape and height necessary. however, it will be assembled with mesh, H iron and box bars, with sufficient space for a wheel chair to move comfortably. furthermore, it will be lined with solar panels in order to provide power for the pathway lights.

benches and seating areas will be created with natural stones and paving to create minimum damage to the landscape as well as to blend with the look at feel of the garden.

The proposed design thrives for sustainability with the use of solar panels and reused materials. the site only functions from 6am to 7pm, and user facilities are located outside, therefore the design doesn't need a major power and water supply. the lighting along pathways and pods and from ground mounted and walkway solar panels. gabions and entrance brick structures are constructed from reusable materials to reduce the cost as well as create a sustainable design