Geoffrey Bawa

Synopsis

Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and the buildings he created have become legendary in the region and influential around the world. Few architects achieved his harmonious fusion of local building traditions with modern forms and sensibility

Bawa's early works were houses that artfully married vernacular styles and responses to climate and site with a modern architectural vocabulary. Soon his talents were applied on a larger scale, to the Sri Lanka parliament, a number of carefully situated and designed hotels, schools, offices and other public buildings. The summation of his oeuvre is symbolized by his own two residences - a house in Colombo and a residential complex in Lunuganga - whose evolution eloquently reflect Bawa's career and personality.

This ambitious publication is a comprehensive documentation and appreciation of Geoffrey Bawa and his work and includes a rich portfolio of his most important works, including some rarely published projects. An exhaustive reference section includes a complete chronology.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Early Years

* Geoffrey Bawa's childhood and formative influences
* Growing up in a wealthy Sri Lankan family with a passion for art and architecture
* Education at Cambridge University and time spent in Europe
* Early architectural works inspired by the Modernist movement

Real Example:

* Bawa's first major project, the house for his brother, Bevis Bawa, in Aluthgama.
* Modernist design with clean lines, open spaces, and a connection to the surrounding tropical environment.

Chapter 2: The Tropical Style

* Bawa's development of a distinctly Sri Lankan style of architecture
* Integration of traditional elements with modern design
* Focus on natural ventilation, daylighting, and indoor-outdoor living
* Use of natural materials such as timber, stone, and brick

Real Example:

* The Lunuganga Estate, Bawa's own home and garden in Bentota.
* Lush landscaping, water features, and a series of interconnected pavilions and courtyards.

Chapter 3: The Landscape Architect

* Bawa's passion for landscape design
* Creating harmonious relationships between buildings and their surroundings
* Use of terraces, steps, and water bodies to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces

Real Example:

* The gardens at the Ruhunu University in Matara.
* Terraced rice fields, lotus ponds, and a variety of plant species create a tranquil and visually stunning environment.

Chapter 4: The Public Buildings

* Bawa's iconic public buildings in Sri Lanka
* Combining modern design with traditional elements to create landmarks that reflect the country's heritage
* Examples include the Parliament Complex in Kotte, the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, and the Suriyawewa Maha Viharaya in Hambantota

Real Example:

* The Paradise Road Mall in Colombo.
* A shopping complex that integrates traditional Kandyan architecture with contemporary design, featuring courtyards, balconies, and a central water feature.

Chapter 5: The Legacy

* Bawa's influence on Sri Lankan and international architecture
* Recognition of his unique style and contributions to the field
* Establishment of the Geoffrey Bawa Trust to preserve his legacy and support emerging architects

Real Example:

* The annual Geoffrey Bawa Awards, which recognize excellence in architectural design in Sri Lanka.
* The awards have helped to promote Bawa's architectural philosophy and inspire a new generation of architects.