Geoffrey Bawa INTRODUCTION The Sri Lankan Architect Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa is now regarded as having been one of the most important and influential Asian architects of the twentieth century. Having come to the profession only when in his late 30's,Bawa has built an astonishing number of works, primarily in his home country but also in the South Asia region. His international standing was finally confirmed in 2001 when he received the special chairman’s award in the eighth cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, becoming only the third architect and the first nonMoslem to be so honored since the award’s inception. Bawa was born in 1919 and came late to arch archit itec ectu ture re,, only only qual qualif ifyi ying ng in 1957 at the age of thirty-eight, but he soon establish ished himself as Sri Lanka’ Lanka’s s most most prolif prolific ic and inven inventiv tive e arch archit itec ect, t, layi laying ng dow down a cano canon n of prototypes for buildings in a tropical Asian context. Although best known known for his private houses and hotels, his port portfo folio lio also also inclu include ded d scho schools ols and and univ univer ersi siti ties es,, fact factor orie ies s and and offi office ces, s, public buildings and social social buildings buildings as well as the new Sri Lanka Parliament Parliament.. His architectu architectural ral career spanned forty years and was ended in 1998 by a stroke which ich left him paralyzed. He died in 2003. Bawa’ awa’s s work ork is char charac actteriz erize ed by sens sensit itiv ivit ity y to site site and and cont contex ext. t. He produced produced “sustainab “sustainable le architectu architecture” re” long before the term was coined, and had had deve develo lope ped d his his own own “reg “regio iona nall modernist” stance well in advance of the theoretici theoreticians. ans. His designs designs broke down the barriers between inside and outside, between interior design and landscape landscape architectu architecture re and reduced reduced buildin buildings gs to a series series of sceno scenogra graphi phical cally ly concei conceived ved spaces spaces separ separate ated d by courtyards and gardens. One of his most striking achievements is his own garden at Lunuganga which he fashioned from an abandoned rubber estate. This project occupied him for fifty years, and he used it as a test bed for his emerging ideas. The result is a series of outdoor rooms conceived with an exquisite sense of theatre as a civilized wilderness on a quiet backwater in the greater garden of Sri Lanka.
Vishnu S
1
Geoffrey Bawa
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE Geoffrey Bawa had a passion for the island’s varying natural landscapes, scenes that he used as the focal points around which he created his buildings. The end result was a unique architectural style that erased boundaries between the `outside’ and `inside’ of livi living ng and and work workin ing g spac spaces es.. With With skilfu lful positioning of the built enviro ironme nment to take optimu imum advantage of the surrounding vistas, Bawa Bawa’s ’s arch archit itec ectu ture re show shows s grea greatt appreciation of natural elements; the trop tropic ical al sun, sun, ocea ocean n bree breeze ze,, lush lush gree greene nery ry and and flow flowin ing g wate water. r. With With the these cons onside idered, red, Bawa makes akes seamless seamless transitions transitions of the outside outside environme environment nt to beautiful beautiful structures structures allowing comfortable and enhanced daily daily life. life. Wide Wide courty courtyard ards, s, shaded shaded walk walkwa ways ys and and open open vera verand ndah ahs s feat featur ure e heav heavil ily y in his his desi design gn.. All All thes these e eleme elements nts contrib contribute uted d to a unique unique architect architectura urall style style – a legacy legacy that that will will continue to influence, educate, and develop the creative minds of generations of Sri Lankan architects. The intense devotion he brings to composing his architecture in an intimate relati relations onship hip with with nature nature is witnes witnesse sed d by his attent attention ion to landsc landscape ape and vege vegeta tati tion on,, the the cruc crucia iall sett settin ing g for for his arch archit itec ectu ture re.. His His sens sensit itiv ivit ity y to environment is reflected in his careful attention to the sequencing of space, the creation of vistas, courtyards, and walkways, the use of materials and treatment of details. His architecture is a subtle blend of mode moderni rnity ty and and trad tradit itio ion, n, East East and and West, formal and picturesque; he has broken down the artificial segregation of insid inside e and and outs outside ide,, buil buildin ding g and and landscape; he has drawn on tradition to create an architecture that is fitting to its place, and he has also used his vast knowledge of the modern world to create an architectur architecture e that is of its time. Although it might be thought that his buildings have had no direct impact on the lives of ordinary people, Bawa has exerted a defining influence on the emer emergi ging ng arch archit itec ectu ture re of inde indepe pend nden entt Sri Sri Lank Lanka a and and on succ succes essi sive ve generations of younger architects. His ideas have spread across the island, prov providi iding ng a brid bridge ge betw betwee een n the the past past and and the the futu future re,, a mirr mirror or in wh whic ich h ordinary people can obtain a clearer image of their own evolving culture.
Vishnu S
2
Geoffrey Bawa He produced “sustainable architecture ” long before the term was coined, and had developed his own “ regional modernist ” stance well in advance of the theoreticians.
Early work in Tropical Modernism • •
Strathspey Estate Bungalow, Upcott,1959 Bishop’s College Classrooms, Colombo, 1959
Bawa's early work included office buildings, factories and schools and was influenced by the 'Tropical Modernism’ of Fry and Drew and ultimately by the work work of le Corbusi Corbusier. er. Typica Typicall of proje rojec cts from this period are the remote Strathspey Tea Estate Bungalow at the foot of Adam’s Peak, and the classroom extension for Bishop’s College in Colombo. In the the clas classr sroo oom m bloc block k for for Bish Bishop ops s College the interiors were protected by perforated perforated external wall panels panels which were were suppor supported ted on a concre concrete te portal portal frame and inserted between the exposed beam-ends to give an impres impressio sion n of extre extreme me lightn lightness ess and delicacy. A heavy horizontal eaves beam was was hung out to protect the facade and and to mask mask the the pitc pitche hed d roof roof,, thus thus acce accent ntua uati ting ng the the hori horizo zont ntali ality ty and and modernist credentials of the design. Houses for a Tropical City • •
Carmen Gunesekera House, Colombo, 1958 Upali Wijewardene House, Colombo, 1959
For more than a century Sri Lankan domestic architecture had been heavily influence by British taste.The typical British 'bungalow' was a pavilion on one or two floors, cellular in plan, extrovert in concept and located at the centre of a large garden plot. However However the population population of Sri Lanka was exploding exploding and Colombo was rapidly evolving from leafy Garden City into modern Asian metropolis. As land prices rose so plot sizes shrank shrank and the British bungalow could no longer guarantee privacy or provide adequate ventilation. In his first houses built at the end of the 1950s, such as that for Carmen Gune Gu nese seke kera ra (195 (1958) 8) Bawa Bawa deco decons nstr truc ucte ted d the the colo coloni nial al bung bungal alow ow and and rearranged its constituent parts in such a way as to create semi-enclosed spaces. A second series of 'frame houses', designed with Plesner and inspired perhaps perhaps by Scandinavian Scandinavian models, models, used a concrete concrete frame to support support covered terraces, garden courts and planted roof gardens and was typified by the houses built for Upali Wijewardene (1959) and Aelian Kanangara (1959). Vishnu S
3
Geoffrey Bawa
Geoffrey Bawa’s personal spaces: Lunuganga - a garden retreat that was originally an old old rubb rubber er plan planta tati tion on that that Geof Geoffr frey ey Bawa Bawa transformed into a haven of peace, was a lifelong projec projectt cheris cherished hed by Bawa Bawa that that he contin continued ued to develop develop for almost almost 50 years. years. This was a personal personal journey that helped to inspire his creativity. Lunuganga, opened as an exclusive boutique hotel in December 2005, offers guests a rare opportunity to step inside the private life of one of the world’s most most cele celebr brat ated ed arch archit itec ects ts.. Afte Afterr deca decade des s of carefu careful, l, exquis exquisite ite,, creati creative ve though thoughtt and design design,, Bawa’s Bawa’s legacy legacy and perhap perhaps s most most person personal al life’s life’s work is today a wondrous and inspiring place to visi visitt and and savo savour ur.. With With asto astoni nish shin ing g view views s and and beautiful interiors, many original Bawa artworks and blueprints on the walls, a stay in one of Lunuganga’s six fine suites is guaranteed to be a highlight of any holiday in Sr i Lanka. Paradise Road Gallery café - currently currently one of Sri Lanka’s leading restaurants, the Gallery Café used to be the offi office ce of Geof Geoffr frey ey Bawa Bawa.. His His impr imprint int remains strong - courtyards with columns, ponds, walkways and open pavilions – spaces that inspired a creative creative genius. genius. The premises premises now provide provide for a memorable dining experience that also serves as an art gallery gallery that promot promotes es the creati creative ve talent talents s of young artists. Hotels & villas designed by Bawa: Heritance Ahungalla - an early creation of Bawa which was completed in 1981, Heritance Ahungalla is situated on the south coast just minutes away from the historic historic city of Galle. The hotel is approached through a long stretch of roadway off the main Galle Road, which provides for a dramatic entrance with views across the infinity pool edging the sea. The main areas on the ground as well as upper floors are designed as linked open pavilions - all with continuous views of the the sea. Bawa uses his signature signature architectural style that erases boundaries between the `outside' and `inside', resulting in plenty of access to the natural elements - the tropical sun, ocean breeze, lush greenery and flowing water. Heritance Kandalama - a minimalist, eco-friendly hotel situated in the Cultural Triangle in the North Central province, was designed by Bawa in 1994. Heritance Kandalama is an architectural masterpiece. Bawa conceived this hotel `as an austere jungle palace'. The minimalist interiors and the building itself are cleverly designed to blend
Vishnu S
4
Geoffrey Bawa into the landscape without interfering with the tranquil natural evolution of its surroundings. Bawa has allowed for magnificent views of the ancient Sigiriya Rock, the surrounding mountains and the Kandalama Tank (reservoir). Hidden within the edge of the jungle environmental awards for its role in nurturing Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and natural beauty. Lighthouse Hotel – situated just before Galle town on the south coast, Lighthouse Hotel is located on a rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean. This magnificent boutique hotel conveys an immediate immediate sense of of Galle’s history. The Portuguese landing at Galle is re-enacted in brass and bronze on the impressive main staircase and an ambitious batik of ancient coats of arms fills the ceiling of the restful restful main bar. The hotel design demonstrates Bawa’s skill at integrating architecture and landscape. Public buildings designed by Bawa: Matara’s Ruhuna University - An inspiring creation by Bawa for the younger generation of Sri Lanka, the Ruhuna University enabled Bawa to explore his style of integrating work spaces into the natural landscape. Built between between two hills, this university campus consists of pavilions and courtyards with breath taking ocean views. Parliament of Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka’s Parliament building in Kotte, which the President at the time commissioned Bawa to design in 1979, was created created in the centre of a vast manmade lake. lake. The building incorporates traditional Sri Lankan and South Indian architectural features with a series of pavilions with copper roofs. To conclu conclude de our tribut tribute e to this this great great archit architect ect and remark remarkable able person, person, I propose to dwell briefly on his lifelong project – his home and garden at Lunuganga.
BAWA’s JEWEL BAWA’s JEWEL (Lunuganga):
It is the making of a “world within a world” in idealised seclusion, and yet para parado doxi xica cally lly,, esta establ blis ishi hing ng a true true belonging with a land and its history. A comb combina inati tion on of natu natura rall sett setting ings, s, buildin lding gs and pavilio ilion ns, which ich evolved over a period of 40 years; it was a consta constant nt activit activity y of shapin shaping, g, adding and altering, living out, as it were, a romance of a gently changing world of peace and tranquillity, in a Vishnu S
5
Geoffrey Bawa plac place e of grea greatt natu natura rall beau beauty ty wh whos ose e nuan nuance ces s were were clos closel ely y felt felt and and understood deeply. One of his most striking achievements is his own garden at Lunuganga which he fashioned from an abandoned rubber estate. This project occupied him for fifty years, and he used it as a test bed for his emerging ideas. The result is a series of outdoor rooms conceived with an exquisite sense of theatre as a civilized wilderness on a quiet backwater in the greater garden of Sri Lanka. The garden at Lunuganga sits astride two low hills on a prom promon onto tory ry wh whic ich h juts juts out out into into a brackish lagoon lying off the estuary of the Bentota River. In 1948, when Bawa first bought it, there was nothing ing here but an und undisti isting ngu uishe ished d bung bungal alow ow surro urroun unde ded d by ten ten hecta ectare res s of rubb rubber er plantation. Since then hills have been moved, terraces have been cut, woods have been replanted and new vistas have been opened up, but the original bungalow still survives within its cocoon of added verandas, courtyards, and loggias. To the north of the house lawns run down to the edge of a cliff which looks out across the lake. To the east a secluded terrace is defined be a series of pavilions Bawa’s office, a sculpture courts a small gallery. Steps lead down to the Cliff and the Broad Walk and eventually to the water gardens, with their checkerboard squares of rice paddy.To the west, hemmed in by forest, is the Field of Jars which leads up to the Cinnamon Hill and the southern edge of the peninsula. The social setting of this lived dream was a society of generosity and acceptance, where sophisticated and educated men and women with widely diff differ erin ing g ethn ethnic ic orig origin ins s had had lear learnt nt to weav weave e the the many many stra strand nds s of thei theirr inheritance into an elegant way of life with, as someone said, “ Great style and and humo humoro rous us bala balanc nce” e”.. Geof Geoffr frey ey Bawa Bawa hims himsel elff is quot quoted ed as sayi saying ng once, when talking of the making of Lunu Lu nuga gang nga a that that “It “It was was not not tied tied to any other world except people enjo enjoyi ying ng them themse selv lves es with within in thei theirr capabilities.” The places and rooms made in this inhabited inhabited landscape respond also to the the many many ritu ritual als s of grac gracio ious us livin living g atte attend nded ed by simp simple le comf comfor orts ts and and conveniences – rituals of arrival and reception, of bathing, of shared meals and convivial conversation, or solitary study and contemplation. Vishnu S
6
Geoffrey Bawa And the objects that form an integral part of these rituals of daily life, or stand by as companions, speak of layers of association with distant pasts, of rememb remembere ered d friend friendshi ships, ps, and above above all of a kinshi kinship p with with the the minds minds who moved caressing hands to fashion their characterful presence. For many years the garden had grown gradually into a place of many moods, the result of many imaginings, some simple, some complex, offering a retreat to be alone or to fellow feel with friends, whilst an added pleasure is one of seeing and feeling the reactions to this place, from puzzlement to the silence of contentment.
AWARDS and FELLOWSHIPS •
• •
•
• • •
•
•
•
• •
•
•
Pan Pacific Citation, Hawaii Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (1967) President, Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (1969) Inaugural Gold Medal at the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (1982) Heritage Award of Recognition, for “Outstanding Architectural Design in the Tradition of Local Vernacular Architecture”, for the new Parliamentary Complex at Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte from the Pacific Area Travel Association. (1983) Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects Elected Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (1983) Conferred title of Vidya Jothi (Light of Science) in the Inaugural Honours List of the President of Sri Lanka (1985) Teaching Fellowship at the Aga Khan Programme for Architecture, Architecture, at MIT, Boston, USA (1986) Conferred title Deshamanya (Pride of the Nation) in the Honours List of the President Sri Lanka (1993) The Grate Master's Award Award 1996 incorporating South Asian Architecture Award (1996) The Architect of the Year Award, India (1996) Asian Innovations Award, Bronze Award – Architecture, Far Eastern Economic Review (1998) The Chairman's Award of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture Architecture in recognition of a lifetime's achievement in and contribution to the field of architecture (2001) Awarded Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), University of Ruhuna (14 September 2002)
Vishnu S
7
Geoffrey Bawa
BIBLIOGRAPHY
•
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_Bawa
•
https://archnet.org/library/parties/one-party.jsp?party_id=73
•
www.geoffreybawa.com/life/Introduction.html
•
Robson, David -‘Geoffrey Bawa – The Complete Works' ,Thames &
Hudson,November-2002 'Sri Lanka Style – Tropical Architecture' , Periplus Editions, Singapore-2006 Chann Channa a-
Design
and
•
Daswa Daswatte tte,,
•
'Lunuganga'-Mars '-Marshall hall Cavendish Cavendish Editions, Editions, May 22 Bawa, Geoffrey- 'Lunuganga -2006
•
Taylor, Brian Brace- 'Geoffrey Bawa'- Thames Bawa'- Thames & Hudson Hudson ,1995
•
Powell ,Robert-'Tropical Asian House',Periplus Editions, 1996
Vishnu S
8
Geoffrey Bawa
Vishnu S
9
