Contents
Geoffrey Bawa
Shaping tropical modernism through buildings that connect interiors, gardens and landscape.
Lunuganga · Sri Lankan Parliament
- Born
- 23 July 1919
- Birthplace
- Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Died
- 27 May 2003
More people
Geoffrey Bawa
Geoffrey Bawa was a Sri Lankan architect whose houses, hotels and public buildings responded closely to climate and setting. His work includes the Sri Lankan Parliament and the long development of his garden at Lunuganga.
Early life
Colombo upbringing
Grew up in a family that included his older brother Bevis, later a landscape designer.
First profession
Studied in Britain and qualified as a barrister before turning to architecture.
Career
- 1948
Lunuganga
Bought an estate and began transforming it into a garden.
- 1956–1958
Architectural career
Completed training in London and returned to professional practice in Colombo.
- 1979–1982
Parliament commission
Designed Sri Lanka’s new parliamentary complex.
- 2001
Aga Khan recognition
Received the Chairman’s Award for his contribution to architecture.
Buildings & projects
Lunuganga
A continually developed garden combining landscape, buildings and framed views.
Sri Lankan Parliament
A complex set on an island at Kotte.
Kandalama Hotel
A hotel designed in close relation to its rocky and wooded surroundings.
Beyond work
Artistic circle
Collaborated with artists and designers including Ena de Silva and Barbara Sansoni.
Educational legacy
Established a trust to support architecture, the arts and environmental studies.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Further source: bawaexhibition.com ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.