In Search Of Bawa

This book answers some important questions about Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka's pre-eminent architect, and his legacy. A sizeable introduction to Bawa's world, life, education and work is reviewed by eminent Bawa scholar, David Robson. This precedes a site-by-site tour of 45 of his buildings scatterd throughout Sri Lanka, Many are considered "pilgrimage sites" by up-and-coming architects, designers and lay people interested in his extraordinary and enduring talent. Insightful texts, contemporary and archive photographs and a plethora of drawings illustrate the individual buildings that range from private dwellings to public buildings, schools and hotels. Each is representative of Bawa's pioneering work on tropical modernism. The book ends with a brief section on buildings that have been transformed, lost or are at risk for one reason or another

This is a definitive and comprehensive monograph on one of the 20th century's greatest architects, Geoffrey Bawa, whose influence has extended to garden and landscape design.

One of the most influential names in Sri Lankan architecture,Geoffrey Bawa is represented here through images of his houses,hotels, public buildings, and the famous complex at Lunuganga Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa was among the most influential figures in South Asia in the latter half of the twentieth century. In houses, hotels, public buildings, and perhaps his greatest achievement, his residential complex in Lunuganga, Bawa achieved the harmonious and pleasurable fusion of local building traditions with modern forms. His legacy lives on in current architectural practice and remains an important source of inspiration for generations of architects. Bawa was the principal force behind what is today known globally as “tropical modernism,” and examples of his ideas can be found in Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Bali, and in resorts and residences throughout wider Asia.The book first presents a useful overview of Bawa and his contribution to contemporary architecture. The main section highlights the achievements of twenty-four contemporary architects, ranging from well-known practitioners such as Australian Kerry Hill to local talents such as Sri Lankan Anjalendran. The works they have created over the past ten years reveal the long-lasting significance of Bawa’s approach to building and the landscape.

The story of two talented landscape designer brothers and their exquisite gardens set in the lush landscape of Sri Lanka The work of architect Geoffrey Bawa achieved a unique fusion of vernacular style and modern construction incorporating the lush tropical landscape of his native Sri Lanka. Although his architectural work and its influence have been well documented, less attention has been paid to his work on gardens. His most famous garden is the one he created for himself at his estate, Lunuganga, and it is rivaled by Brief, the lesser-known garden of his brother, Bevis. Evolving over several decades, these two gardens and their outbuildings and sculptures represent high points of tropical design, in which architecture and landscape are intertwined. Bawa: The Sri Lanka Gardens is the story of two brothers and their exquisite gardens. It begins with an overview of Sri Lanka’s rich horticultural tradition and the cultural background that inspired the Bawas’ sensitive treatment of architecture, and then records the familial relationship between Geoffrey and Bevis Bawa, and their distinctive individual differences and inspirations. David Robson takes the reader on a tour around Brief and Lunuganga through rich photo essays and revealing descriptions, while glorious images reveal the aesthetic considerations and architectural mastery of the gardens’ creators.

An updated book including the full range of Sri-Lankan born Geoffrey Bawa's architectural designs. It examines the Kandalama Hotel in Dambullah, the house on the Cinnamon Hill at Lunuganga, and his achievements in Sri Lanka and other parts of southern Asia. Personal in his approach, Bawa balances an appreciation of the western humanist tradition in architecture with local needs and lifestyles.

This beautifully illustrated book showcases the works of one of Sri Landa's most influential architects—Anjaledran, an ethnic Tamil and visionary artist. During the past 25 years of civil war in Sri Lanka, Anjalendran has stayed on, creating architecture that has attracted interest across the entire Indian subcontinent. In Anjalendran, David Robson explores this unique man and his uncommon vision. Anjalendran's buildings have a simple directness and although totally modern in spirit, they acknowledge the rich design traditions of Sri Lanka. Whether working with ample budgets or at rock bottom cost (like his SOS Children's Village orphanages), his work focuses not only on creative buildings, but—:a la Frank Lloyd Wright—:also their landscaping, furniture and decoration. Just as interesting as the architecture is the process by which Anjalendran works—:from home, never employing more than four student assistants, with no office, no secretary, no car and no cell phone. He operates without a bank account and has never signed a contract with either a client or a builder. With stunning color photographs, plan details and behind-the-scenes insights, Anjalendran sheds light on the works of this exceptional man.

Considered the foremost contemporary architect in Sri Lanka, Geoffrey Bawa's work continues to have lasting influence on multiple generations of Asian architects. Working mainly in Sri Lanka and tropical Asia, he adapted vernacular elements, materials, and construction methodologies before current ideas of sustainability and climate-responsiveness came about. For him, the spatial and visual experiences of 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 spaces blurring interior and exterior boundaries. The ability to combine local elements with contemporary designs has allowed his work to bridge seamlessly between vernacular traditions and modernity. Bawa's projects are sensitive to their context and remain relevant to this day.Text in English and Japanese.