Geoffrey Bawa: The timeless choreographer of space

20 Aug 2024

Bentota

In the world of architecture, Geoffrey Bawa was a choreographer, orchestrating spaces to coexist harmoniously with the rhythm of nature. He was a visionary who transcended time and trends.
Bawa’s journey into architecture began with an unexpected twist. After obtaining a law degree in London and working briefly as a lawyer, he embarked on a fateful vacation to Italy. There, he was captivated by the Mediterranean architecture and landscaping, planting the seeds of tropical design in his mind. Returning to Sri Lanka, he purchased a rubber plantation in Bentota in 1948, envisioning it as his garden home. However, recognizing his need for architectural skills, he set off for London to study the craft. In 1957, Geoffrey Bawa returned to Sri Lanka as a qualified architect, ready to bring his dream to life.

Bawa defied the constraints of colonial norms and etched his name into history by crafting a revolutionary architectural style. He’s known as the father of “Tropical Modernism,” a design philosophy deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes and indigenous wisdom. His work spoke to a generation that sought beauty, sensuality, and escape.

“A building can only be understood by moving around and through it, and by experiencing the modulation, and feel the spaces one moves through – from outside into verandah, then rooms, passages, courtyards. Architecture cannot be totally explained but must be experienced. It should play to all the senses – the smell of vegetation after rain, the sound of birds, and the wind in trees,” – Geoffrey Bawa

Bawa rented the third bungalow in a row of four, tucked away in a narrow alley on 33rd Land in Colombo 03, which later he got full ownership and masterfully choreographed the space to his liking. This Bawa’s residence then turned into a laboratory where Bawa conducted lighting effects, harnessed induced ventilation, and performed scenographic tricks. It was a sanctuary of architectural experimentation.

In 1960, Bawa became an Associate of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, cementing his place in the architectural pantheon. Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural footprint spanned nine Indian locations, three in Indonesia, two in Mauritius, and projects in Fiji and Singapore.

Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural legacy in Sri Lanka is highlighted by the iconic New Parliament, a project initiated in 1979. This extraordinary structure was built on a marshland that underwent extensive drainage, transforming it into a raised island in the center of an artificial lake.

Among his other notable undertakings within Sri Lanka is the breathtaking Ruhuna University Campus in Matara. Situated across a vast expanse of 300,000 square meters, this campus graces three hills offering panoramic ocean views. Furthermore, Bawa’s portfolio includes remarkable aesthetic ventures such as the Seema Malaka Temple, the serene Lunuganga estate, and the picturesque Thaala Bentota Resort.

Geoffrey Bawa was a man of poise, his designs reflecting his gentle soul. His work was like a conversation with nature itself. His architectural legacy remains a testament to his dedication to the land and its people.