This studio project was an attempt to study the works of architect Geoffrey Bawa over the period of time and come up with a hypothetical project ‘Bawa Foundation’, reflecting his attitude to life, architecture, art and design, relationship with nature and local culture. As part of the study, students visited Bawa’s important buildings including Sri Lankan Parliament at Kotte, Kandalama Hotel at Dambulla, Bentota Beach Hotel, Bawa’s Colombo residence and his Lunuganga Garden at Bentota. The students conducted sketch documentation and prepared scale models of selected buildings. 

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The research led the students to a thorough appraisal of the important traditional buildings of Sri Lanka. And they also met Bawa’s long term associate and Sri Lanka’s foremost artist Laki Senanayake to learn about his experience working with Bawa. It was intriguing to know how Laki’s paintings and sculptures were integral part of one’s experience of Bawa’s architecture. And students also looked at Laki’s architectural renderings, since he was instrumental in developing the drawing style of Geoffrey Bawa’s practice.

 

The site for the proposed institution was identified opposite to Bawa’s Lunuganga Garden, offering views towards and from the garden across the lake. The proximity of Lunuganga Garden with the site became an important catalyst in the design process.