Geoffrey Bawa is a big deal in Sri Lanka when it comes to architecture. He had a lot of ideas that changed the way people build houses and other buildings in tropical places. Geoffrey Bawas style, which is called Tropical Modernism is known around the world. It is different from the Western architecture because it does not separate the inside rooms from the outside nature.
Geoffrey Bawa did not like the idea of keeping people inside buildings with air conditioning all the time. Instead he designed buildings that allowed people to be close to nature. He used materials to build these structures. He also included spaces and used the natural wind to keep the buildings cool.
Traveling around Sri Lanka to see Geoffrey Bawas buildings is an experience. It is not about looking at buildings but also, about learning about the islands culture and climate. You get to see the landscape of Sri Lanka and understand how Geoffrey Bawas buildings fit into it.Geoffrey Bawa House is a place to visit in Sri Lanka. Geoffrey Bawas Number 11 in Colombo and Lunuganga Estate in Bentota are two of the examples of Tropical Modernism. These places show how Geoffrey Bawa merged outdoor spaces.
To visit Number 11 you need to book a guided tour in advance. The tour lasts 45 minutes. For Lunuganga you can take a garden tour. You can visit the garden at 11:00 AM 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. The fee for foreigners is USD 20.
Geoffrey Bawa was an architect. He created a style of building called Tropical Modernism. This style is about bringing the outdoors inside. He used materials and open spaces to keep buildings cool.
Number 11 is a house in Colombo. Geoffrey Bawa bought four houses and connected them. The outside of the house is plain. The inside is amazing. There are levels, courtyards and narrow corridors. The house has a lot of light. You can see Geoffrey Bawas personal art collection and his vintage Rolls-Royce.
Lunuganga Estate is another place to visit. It is in Bentota near a lake. Geoffrey Bawa bought this place in 1949. Spent 40 years making it beautiful. He moved hills, planted trees and created a garden. The main house has verandas and no windows. can hear the birds singing and feel the breeze.
You can visit Lunuganga by taking a walking tour. You can also stay overnight in the guest suites. This is a way to see the estate in the morning and evening.
Geoffrey Bawa designed other great buildings in Sri Lanka. He designed the Sri Lankan Parliament Building, which’s like a floating island. He also designed the Heritance Kandalama hotel, which is built into a cliff.
To visit all these places you need to plan your route. You can start in Colombo visit Number 11 and then go to Bentota to see Lunuganga. From there you can go to Galle or the Cultural Triangle. The best way to travel is by hiring a car with a driver. You should also pack clothes, an umbrella and mosquito repellent.
Geoffrey Bawas buildings are very special architecture .They show how to bring the outdoors and create a sense of peace and calm. Visiting his buildings is like taking a journey through the soul of Sri Lanka.
