Domus Srilanka - August 2015

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Anura Ratnavibushana was the first student to pass out from the Institute of Practical Technology, Katubedda following its inception in the 1960s. With a career spanning more than 40 years he has worked with the greats in the field of architecture in Sri Lanka. Humble, honest and versatile, his simple ethos has enabled him to create not only in terms of architecture but also in design of furniture and other interior elements that are distinctly his own.

The Architectural Heritage Of Sri Lanka: Measured Drawings from the Anjalendran Studio, is a culmination of a 30 year period of recorded drawings. It is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s rich architectural heritage as well as the art of drawing itself. This review provides insights into the book and stresses its importance to ensure that heritage is preserved for posterity.

A short-lived kingdom, but a statement of resilience and determination is this once medieval capital of Sri Lanka – Polonnaruwa. Religious and philosophical ideals as well as royalty are expressed in the colossal buildings and images of this era. Entrances, openings and stairways reflect architectural and design ingenuity of the period.

Minimalism is a word that often crops up in architectural work, though how often is the term represented in essence remains an open-ended question. Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architecture is about ‘place-making’ rather than ‘object-making’; the aforesaid traits may well be discerned at a holiday getaway conceived by ‘non architects’ in the remote village of Urani close to Arugam Bay.