BAWA: A+U Nº 489. GEOFFREY BAWA- ESSENCE OF SRI LANKA

For most people, Sri Lanka brings to mind a mysterious country rich in ancient heritage sites and spectacular natural landscapes. It is within such a captivating context which the architect Geoffrey Bawa (1919-2003) practiced his craft. Considered the foremost contemporary architect in Sri Lanka, his work continues to have lasting influence for several generations of Asian architects, particularly those in the tropical regions. Working mainly in Sri Lanka and parts of tropical Asia, he adapted vernacular elements, materials, construction methodologies and thinking during a time when the current notions of sustainability and climate-responsiveness had yet to exist. Also, for him the spatial and visual experiences through a building were far more important than its physical form. The result is an architecture that is responsive to its climate and landscape, with carefully orchestrated scenography of spaces typically blurring boundaries between the inside and outside. It is this ability to distil the essence of Sri Lanka through his contemporary sensibilities, which has allowed his work to bridge seamlessly between vernacular traditions and modernity, beautifully sensitive to context yet thoroughly relevant to its time and till today. Over two weeks in January 2011, we had the opportunity to photograph most of the projects presented in the issue, in their current states. Our editor also visited the various sites, returning with deep impressions that contributed to the shaping of the issue. This issue introduces the landscapes of Sri Lanka, and brings readers into the built legacy of Geoffrey Bawa. The main essay and project descriptions by Channa Daswatte ? who was a principal associate and close friend of Bawa ? give valuable insight to the approach and background of his works. The issue closes with glimpses into the nature of architecture education in Sri Lanka and the works of the emerging, new generation of Sri Lankan architects today. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff and trustees of the Geoffrey Bawa Trust for all their support and help in the making of this issue, as well as the current building owners who kindly allowed their buildings to be photographed. The Osmund and Ena de Silva House: 33rd Lane Polontalawa Estate Bungalow No. 2 Alfred House Road Seema Malaka Parliamentary Complex at Sri Jayewardenepura de Soysa House Kandalama Hotel Lighthouse Hotel Blue Water Hotel House on the Red Cliffs Lunuganga Essay: Architecture Education in Sri Lanka. Harsha Munasinghe Works by a New Generation of Sri Lankan Architects