Domus Srilanka - July 2015

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Geoffrey Bawa is to this day widely recognised as a pioneer of ‘tropical modernism’ and is best known as a ‘regionalist’ among the architectural fraternity.

Through an illustrious career that spanned 40 years Geoffrey Bawa has left an indelible mark upon the architectural landscape of Sri Lanka. The ‘Bawa phenomenon’ continues to this day having inspired generations of talented architects. This article explores four of Geoffrey Bawa’s most important works, each distinctly different from one another. They not only bring to light his architectural precepts and prowess, but also mark the key milestones in his career as an architect.

The inflfluence of Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture on creating a post- independence Sri Lankan identity and culture has been signifificant.
It has been more than15 years since the last project of Geoffrey Bawa was completed, however his architecture continues to be a point of reference and discussion. In a first of its kind, Dominic Sansoni, Channa Daswatte, Milinda Pathiraja, Madhura Prematilake and Sean Anderson discuss the many facets of Bawa’s work, its impact as well as the importance of analzsing both the positive and the negative to truly understand the architect’s principles thereby making his work much more stronger and meaningful.

Now physically discreet as was its original intention, Heritance Kandalama has in its 20 years become a landmark not simply for its architecture alone, but like all great buildings, a cultural icon that continues to stand for its time in history.

In the Southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a vast building on a scenic hilltop. Ruhuna University is a timeless piece of architecture and one of the most cherished institutes in the country.

Situated in a corner on a small plot of land in the heart of Colombo, this house, a creation of Geoffrey Bawa is restored and given new life by reinforcing the minimalistic approach that the architect intended initially.