Cultural continuity as a vital factor in delivering identity, memory and sense of place: a critical study of urban transformation with special reference to Pettah in Colombo

Abstract

Most Asian cities are characterised by rapid urban metamorphosis and mostly the urban changes are based on planning mechanisms through spatial and land use methodologies and supported by globalization. In Colonial-contemporary cities, it is often seen that recent planning and development approaches undermine the cultural representation and memory of the place in their transformation process. The study is scoped within the discussion of morphology, in relation to urban transformation and planning, in the context of urban settings (places) in Pettah, Colombo. It aims to re-examine cultural continuity in relation to the memory of a place in transforming urban settings. Methodologically, urbancultural morphological study couples with spatial anthropology for field investigation and data transcoded into urban design planning schemata. Referring the literature on this subject area, certain parameters to measure the appropriate cultural transformation have been identified and the analysis of this situation is supported by the observations and personal communications. The research has identified the socio physical and socio cultural relationships of transforming urban settings which are meant to be regeneration of built masses but, mostly the renovations for irreplaceable urban settings where people celebrate the sense of place.