Bawa architecture refers to buildings designed by the Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Manning Bawa.
Bawa's architecture has enjoyed enduring popularity since time immemorial.
It has attracted attention by inspiring many architects and serving as the inspiration for buildings that have become popular in recent years.
This time, we introduce the architecture of Sri Lanka's Bawa and the hotels designed by Bawa.
Jeffrey Bawa's Career
Born in 1919, Geoffrey Bawa, who was working as a solicitor, purchased land to create an ideal place.
However, lacking knowledge of architecture, I went abroad to study at university.
Upon returning to his homeland, he commenced his career as an architect and collaborated with Danish architects to develop a distinctive architectural style known as Tropical Botanism.
The ideal land that was a dreamNulgangaHe named it '...' and tended it until his death in 2003.
The garden is currently open to the public, and the six guest rooms are available for overnight stays.
Characteristics of Geoffrey Bawa's Design
In Bawa's architecture, the building exists only because of the land; neither the land nor the building stands alone, creating a seamless space where a natural connection is expressed without any sense of incongruity.
A building method that incorporates natural light and wind, designed to integrate with the surrounding natural environment.
Tropical Modernism
Tropical Modernism is the distinctive design created by Geoffrey Bawa in collaboration with Ulrik Persson.
It blends functional and rational modernist architecture with elements of the tropical natural environment.
Jeffrey Bawa was the pioneer of modernist architecture in Asia, and tropical modernism continues to captivate many people to this day.
Bentota's 'Nulganga'
Along the coast of Colombo in Sri Lanka lies the town of Bentota.
There stands Nurul Ganga, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, and this isIt is known as the Country House by Geoffrey Bawa.
Throughout his career as an architect, Geoffrey Bawa maintained Nulgangga for over forty years.
Infinity pool
The infinity pool, now adopted even by luxury hotels, was created by Geoffrey Bawa.
An infinity pool is a pool that appears to have no outer walls, creating the sensation that the surrounding landscape and the pool itself merge into one.
A prime example of a contemporary hotel is Singapore's "Marina Bay SandsThe pool is located on the 57th floor.
It is popular for its very modern design, but was actually built during the era of Geoffrey Bawa.
Recommended Hotels Designed by Geoffrey Bawa
The architecture of Geoffrey Bawa has also greatly influenced Aman Resorts, the world's luxury hotels.
Numerous hotels designed by Geoffrey Bawa are available for general tourists to stay in.
I'll recommend some hotels.
Heritance Gandaram
Surrounded by numerous trees, Heritance Gandamala feels as though it exists within a forest.
Built in 1994, this hotel retains a modern charm despite having stood for approximately 25 years.
Natural rock has been used in the lounge and corridors, with sunlight spilling through the gaps in the trailing vines, creating a design that feels integrated with nature.
Before you lies Kandamala Lake, and the infinity pool built at the hotel creates a space that seems to merge with the lake.
The Blue Water
A hotel constructed in 1998,It is located in Wadduwa.
The site where the hotel stands was originally a coconut plantation, and we have utilised it without felling any of the trees that were present from the outset.
Many trees still remain on the grounds, allowing guests to enjoy a hotel immersed in nature.
Jeffrey Bawa's signature fusion with water can also be felt through the pool within the grounds.
This hotel is Geoffrey Bawa's final work and is also renowned as his definitive masterpiece.
Weddings can also be held here, so if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the bride and groom.
Jetwing Lagoon
This five-star hotel was renovated in 2012 by a disciple of Geoffrey Bawa, incorporating elements of Bawa's design.
Before the renewal, "Blue LagoonIt is known as the first hotel designed by Geoffrey Bawa.
The natural landscape stretching out before me evokes a sense of openness,There is also a pool measuring 100 metres in length.
Moreover, it is a hotel that utilises solar energy and is mindful of the environment.
Jetwing Lighthouse
Built in 1997, this hotel offers rooms where opening the window reveals views of the beach and surrounding nature, allowing guests to enjoy a feeling of openness.
The design, which makes the most of the terrain, creates a sense of unity with nature and is considered one of the finest masterpieces among Geoffrey Bawa's later works.
The hotel's objets d'art and artwork lend an air of luxury, while the beach right before your eyes offers the kind of relaxed time unique to a resort destination.
Jetwing Beach
The Royal Oceanic Hotel designed by Geoffrey Bawa,The disciple renovated it as a five-star hotel in 2004.
With the beach right in front and every room featuring a terrace, you can enjoy ocean views from any room.
In addition to the pool beneath the front and the garden pool, one can also see water features, evoking the distinctive Bawa style.
Heritage Ayurveda Mahā Gedāra Hotel
Ayurveda is India's traditional medicine, and this hotel incorporates Ayurveda.
Situated directly opposite Balewara Beach, its simple, clean guest rooms are complemented by gardens and a pool where guests can savour the vast natural surroundings.
The design's characteristic feature is its seamless integration with the outdoors.
Avani Bentota Resort
This hotel is located along Bentota Beach.
Jeffrey Bawa, inspired by a Dutch village, has woven in a modern and luxurious design.
The pool, which seems as though it were nestled within nature itself, takes on a fantastical appearance at night when illuminated by lights.
Beyond the pool, the sea stretches out, allowing you to experience nature firsthand.
To connect the building with the outdoors, small courtyards are placed throughout, creating spaces that blend more naturally with the surroundings.
Heritance Ahungalla
A hotel built in Gandaram in 1981,It is also the first five-star hotel in Sri Lanka.
There is an infinity pool that seems to extend right onto the beach before you, and this very pool is the origin of the infinity pool.
As it is an open lobby, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the pool and the sea.
The space leading to the courtyard features a large tree, creating a sense of unity with nature.
Nulganga
Nulgangga is currently available for accommodation, though it was originally built by Geoffrey Bawa as a holiday home.
This is also the building to which Geoffrey Bawa devoted the most effort, making it a hotel that Bawa enthusiasts simply cannot afford to miss.
The prototypes for the architecture and interiors seen in other hotels can be found in Nulganga.
Whilst it is accommodation, it is also an art piece by Geoffrey Bawa, and is truly art itself.
Each of the six rooms possesses its own distinct character; having originally served as rooms for Jeffrey Bawa's collection or as his workspace, one can appreciate the distinctive features of Bawa's design even more.
The garden open to the public displays art brought back from around the world.
On Cinnamon Hill in Nulganga,Jeffrey Bawa is asleep.
Summary
Bawa's architecture is a source of pride for Sri Lanka and continues to influence architecture worldwide.
Despite the passage of time since their construction, their refined designs remain highly regarded even today, and many people visit Sri Lanka specifically to stay in Bawa-designed hotels.
Alongside the charms of Sri Lanka, do enjoy the buildings designed by Bawa.
