Sri Lanka is a land of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and breath-taking structures. The island nation offers a unique mix of architectural styles ranging from ancient ruins to colonial buildings and modern structures that reflect the country's modern day advancements.
Geoffrey Bawa, a renowned architect, played a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka's architectural heritage. Born in 1919, Bawa was a fearless designer who incorporated his knowledge of the country's culture, landscape and climate to create stunning buildings that are both beautiful and functional.
In this article, we will take a closer look at Geoffrey Bawa's contribution to Sri Lanka's architectural heritage and explore some of his most famous works.
Geoffrey Bawa trained as a lawyer in London, but after practicing for a few years, he found himself drawn to architecture. He pursued his architectural studies at the Architectural Association in London in the early 1950s. After completing his studies, Bawa spent some time traveling and working in Europe before returning to Sri Lanka in 1958.
He began his career in Sri Lanka working on small-scale residential projects before he got his big break when he was chosen to design the new Sri Lanka Parliament building in the early 1980s.
Bawa's approach to architecture was heavily influenced by his Sri Lankan roots. He believed that architecture should be a response to its surroundings, and that buildings should be designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
This philosophy is evident in Bawa's work, where he used local materials and traditional craftsmanship to create buildings that are both beautiful and functional. He also believed that buildings should be designed to provide comfort in the hot and humid Sri Lankan climate. To achieve this, Bawa incorporated features such as courtyards and verandas that allowed for natural ventilation and shade.
Geoffrey Bawa designed numerous buildings throughout his career, but some of his most famous works include the following:
The Kandalama Hotel is located in the dense jungle of Sigiriya and was designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape. The hotel is built around a central courtyard and features a series of terraces and balconies that offer stunning views of the jungle and the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
The Parliament Building in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is one of Bawa's most famous works. The building is designed to reflect the traditional architecture of Sri Lanka and is surrounded by a moat and lush gardens. The interior of the building features a central garden that provides natural light and ventilation.
Lunuganga Estate was one of Geoffrey Bawa's most personal projects. He bought the estate in the 1940s and spent the rest of his life designing and expanding the property. The estate features a series of buildings designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape, including a water garden, a maze garden and a Japanese garden.
The Heritance Kandalama Hotel is another of Bawa's famous works. Located on a rocky outcrop, the hotel is designed to provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The interior of the hotel features a series of courtyards, terraces and balconies that offer natural ventilation and shade.
Geoffrey Bawa passed away in 2003, but his legacy lives on. He is considered one of the most influential architects in Sri Lanka and his work has inspired a new generation of architects who are carrying on his philosophy of blending architecture with its natural surroundings.
In 2018, Bawa was honored with a Google Doodle on what would have been his 100th birthday. The doodle featured a series of his most famous works, including the Kandalama Hotel, Sri Lanka Parliament Building and Lunuganga Estate.
Geoffrey Bawa's contribution to Sri Lanka's architectural heritage cannot be overstated. His work has helped shape the country's architectural landscape and has had a significant impact on the way buildings are designed in Sri Lanka.
Bawa's philosophy of blending architecture with its surroundings and his use of local materials and traditional craftsmanship have left a lasting impact on Sri Lanka's architectural heritage. His buildings continue to inspire and delight visitors from around the world, and his influence can be seen in the work of architects throughout Sri Lanka and beyond.
