Livelihood and Economic Activity Facility. Riverston, Sri Lanka

SLIIT

Project idea

Riverston is a part of the Knuckles Conservation Forest located in the central hills of Sri Lanka, known for its natural landscape, high biodiversity, and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite being a popular destination, with around 1500 visitors recorded on weekends, the area remains isolated from the main tourist routes. Beyond its natural wonders, Riverston is rich in culture, traditions, agriculture, medicine, and various other indigenous practices. There are five villages in this area, whose primary sources of income were agriculture and traditional crafts like cane crafts and "Dumbara mats" weaving in the past. "Dumbara" means the place of misty mountains which referred this mountain range by early days. However, the influx of cheap plastic imports has significantly impacted these traditional industries, forcing many villagers to seek other livelihoods. The villagers, who were once self-sustaining through practices like chena cultivation, now face restrictions due to forest conservation efforts by the government. As a result, limited agricultural land and single annual harvests due to weather conditions have further strained their livelihood. The local economy has been somewhat supported by the influx of tourists seeking trekking and sightseeing opportunities, but this has not been sufficient to prevent the migration of younger generations seeking better opportunities elsewhere. The villagers, who once lived with dignity and pride in their cultural heritage, now struggle to maintain their traditional way of life.

Project description

The proposal aims to address the economic and social challenges faced by the Riverston villagers by designing a livelihood and economic activity facility spanning across 550 sqm of floor area in a 1147sqm site. This facility will provide villagers with a sustainable income through organized services for visitors. It will include selling points for traditional cooked food, such as "Hela Bojun," a government-funded initiative operated by women for empowerment. Additionally, products like jaggery, honey, Kithul treacle, oils, and other local items will be sold. The Tamil community, currently selling tea and snacks in temporary huts, will be given proper facilities within the proposed center to ensure all community members benefit.
By reviving traditional crafts and integrating modern e-commerce strategies, the facility will help restore the villagers' cultural heritage. Younger generations will manage online sales and marketing, supported by training from the National Design Center of Sri Lanka for innovative product designing. The facility will also function as a training center, with the National Craft Council providing expertise to villagers, particularly in reviving the nearly extinct Dumbara mat weaving, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Villagers will receive loans to start home-based production, with the facility serving as a collection and quality control center. The branded products, marketed as "Dumbara products," will enhance the area's authenticity and appeal. The products will be marketed as “Crafted with passion, 100% handmade, naturally sourced treasures from the heart of Sri Lanka”. This initiative will not only boost the local economy but also attract government investment in infrastructure, improving roads and other amenities supports for children's educations and etc.

The architectural design concept of the facility draws inspiration from the Dumbara mat it selves, embodying the blend of tradition and modernity. The design concept envisions the facility as an architectural tapestry, with natural elements and human activities woven together. In Dumbara mats, the vertical threads represent stability and the natural order, while the horizontal threads create patterns, symbolizing the dynamic role of people in shaping the environment. Similarly, the facility's layout will integrate natural wind paths as the stable thread in the middle, ensuring a harmonious interaction with the environment. The villagers' and visitors' activities will act as the horizontal threads, giving character and vibrancy to the space.

The front facades of the site demonstrate a sense of authority, creating an atmosphere that inspires respect and reverence in visitors, helping to calm and center them. The strategic location of the site, positioned at the starting point of the journey, enhances this initial impression. As visitors step inside, they will experience a harmonious blend with nature and gain insight into the villagers' way of life. This transition from grandeur to humility fosters a deep sense of respect for both the villagers and the natural environment. This design approach aims to combine the ecological and cultural essence of Riverston, fostering social, economic, and environmental prosperity. The facility will serve as a beacon of sustainable development, preserving the area's rich heritage while providing new opportunities for the local community.
“The tapestry of prosperity”

Technical information

The proposed site for the project is strategically located near the Riverston Tower entrance, ensuring proximity to natural attractions while maintaining a secluded feel from the local village community. The site features a significant 11-meter elevation difference, necessitating a design approach that incorporates multiple levels supported by columns to minimize surface disruption and manage the slope effectively. Environmental considerations are paramount, with plans to integrate a green roof designed to promote biodiversity. This roof will serve as a habitat, leveraging the natural ecosystem by allowing small animals like "Cophotis dumbara" to access it from nearby trees, supported by insect populations carried by upslope winds.
The design opts for a modular extensive green roof system, characterized by shallow growing mediums that support low-growing vegetation, ensuring minimal maintenance and aligning with weight restrictions and access limitations typical of the area. Natural lighting optimization is a key feature, with strategically placed upward windows maximizing daylight ingress throughout the building, crucial for workshop areas dedicated to the production of eco-friendly products. Structural integrity is enhanced through the use of composite slabs over timber flooring, chosen for their durability and weather resistance in Riverston's high rainfall climate. Additionally, retaining walls composed of locally sourced 300mm thick random rubble with reinforced concrete ensure stability, complemented by a gravel layer for effective drainage, safeguarding against water accumulation and structural issues over time. The interior design focuses on sustainability and local craftsmanship, with a ceiling system featuring locally sourced treated pine wood timber battens that showcase “Dumbara mats”. These mats not only add aesthetic value but also celebrate local cultural heritage, enhancing visitor experience and connecting them with the villager's way of life.