Urban Commune: Gem merchandize center with Geuda preparation hub @ Ratnapura

University of Moratuwa (UoM), Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Moratuwa

Project idea

Urban-Commune proposes a transformative approach to urban design by reinterpreting city streets as vibrant communal spaces that encourage life in urban regions. The project explores the role of streets as responsive public spaces that foster social interaction, economic development, and sustainability. By blurring the boundaries between the street and buildings, Urban-Commune extends the notion of the street into the building, creating a physical ‘commune’ that addresses the temporality experienced by urbanites. Located at Rathnapura - Demumawatha, Urban-Commune integrates a street market and Gem merchandise center (merchandise + skill developing) with a Geuda preparation hub, aimed at bringing life back into the city through social, economic, and cultural functions. “The design intent is to foster ‘responsive urban livability’ by utilizing streets as communal spaces. Responsive urban livability means, the ability of urban spaces to adapt and respond to the needs of their inhabitants in order to enhance their quality of life. It involves creating environments that are dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable, where people can live, work, and socialize comfortably and safely. The project aims to enhance the market street as a vibrant and inclusive urban socio-cultural space while ensuring economic efficiency, safety, accessibility, and comfort for all users.”Urban-Commune's design framework is inclusive, flexible, and anticipatory of future changes, addressing the neglected necessities of urban living. By creating connections to the neighborhood and blurring the boundaries between streets and buildings, the project promotes sustainability and adaptability. The common issue of neglected necessities of living on the streets of urban areas is tackled through an architectural approach that fosters responsive urban livability. The project aims to blur the boundaries between streets and buildings, extending the notion of a ‘great street’ into the building itself. Overall, Urban-Commune represents a holistic approach to urban revitalization, where streets are not just thoroughfares but vibrant communal spaces that enrich the urban experience. It demonstrates the potential of streets to create active, accessible, and inclusive public spaces that cater to the diverse needs of urban dwellers, fostering social interaction, economic development, and cultural exchange.
Urban-Commune is a transformative urban design project that reimagines the streets of Rathnapura, Sri Lanka, as vibrant communal spaces. It focuses on the Demumawatha Gem Street, a key hub for the city's renowned gem industry, and aims to revitalize the area by integrating a street market, a Gem Merchandise Center, and a Geuda (corundum) Preparation Hub.

Project description

Scope of the project solution

Street Market: A vibrant marketplace for gem traders, artisans, and local vendors to showcase and sell their products. It will feature dedicated stalls and kiosks, offering a wide variety of gemstones, related products, and local food items.
Gem Merchandise Center: A modern facility for the display, sale, and storage of gemstones and related products. It will feature showroom spaces, storage facilities, administrative offices, and amenities for traders and customers.
Geuda Preparation Hub: A facility for the cleaning, cutting, and preparation of geuda gemstones. It will include workshops equipped with necessary tools and machinery, as well as training facilities for local artisans and workers.
Gem Treatment Skill Development Center: A comprehensive center for specialized training, industry collaboration, and community outreach in the field of gemstone treatment.

As well as, The Market Infrastructure Improvement -Upgrade market infrastructure to create a modern, organized, and inviting space for gem traders and customers.
Pedestrian-Friendly Design - Implement pedestrian-friendly design elements to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors, including widened sidewalks, designated pedestrian zones, and safe crossing points.
Street Lighting Enhancement - Install adequate street lighting to ensure visibility and safety, especially during evening hours, making the market area accessible at all times.
Promotion of Cultural Heritage - Showcase Rathnapura’s gemstone heritage through cultural events, artisanal workshops, and exhibitions within the market area, educating visitors about the history and significance of the gem trade in the region

Technical information

Driving factors of the materiality of the building

- White-washed walls offer a bright, airy, minimalist aesthetic, enhanced visibility, and psychological benefits. They reflect light, making spaces feel larger, ideal for gem trading and quality checking. White walls promote purity, cleanliness, and clarity, reducing color absorbents and promoting a wealthy trading environment.
- Concrete structures are durable, and long-lasting, and offer excellent structural strength, stability, energy efficiency, sound insulation, flood resilience, and sustainability. They can be produced using locally available materials and recycled materials, reducing transportation-related emissions.
- Cement block paving is easy to install, requires minimal maintenance, and manages stormwater, reducing surface runoff and flooding risks.
- Zin-Aluminum roofing sheets and facades are durable, weather-resistant, lightweight, and versatile, suitable for modern, industrial, or traditional styles.
- Steel roof structures offer strength, durability, versatility, speed of construction, and cost-effectiveness. They can withstand extreme weather conditions, accommodate various roof profiles, and can be prefabricated off-site, reducing construction time and labor costs. Steel's lightweight nature also reduces foundation load and construction timelines.
- Cement rendered floor / Concrete floors, formed from flat slabs, are durable, aesthetic, and low maintenance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas in public buildings. They are water, stain, and fire resistant, provided well sealed.

Documentation

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