Insight Into Sri Lankan Architecture

Amongst the most liked presentations at WADe Asia was also one by Ar. Nela De Zoysa from Sri Lanka who delivered a Keynote presentation on ‘Insight into Sri Lankan Architecture’ briefly discussing its historic past, Portuguese, Dutch, British, Post Colonial, few of Goeffrey Bawa’s projects and her own projects.

- Goeffrey bawa & Nela De Zoysa

Nela is a multiple award-winning architect, Chairperson of Nela De Zoysa Design Corporation, Chairperson of ARCASIA Fellowship committee, International Council Member RIBA besides holding several other important positions of repute. Her vast experience covers the areas of Design, Design Development and Construction Management, and ranges from Banks, Educational Buildings to Commercial Complexes, Hotels, Sports Complexes, Personalized Housing, Projects of Renovation and Conservation and Interior Design.

This issue of SURFACES REPORTER, presents a brief extract from her presentation at WADe Asia 2017 along with a glimpse of one project by Maestro Geoffrey Bawa and one of Nela’s own award-winning project House No. 8.

Srilanka is often referred to as the Pearl of the Indian ocean, hanging as a teardrop from the Southernmost tip of India. Ancient Architecture of Sri Lanka displays a rich variety of forms and structures, with its Buddhist influences such as stupas.

Sinhalese Vernacular architectural traditions in Sri Lanka were motivated and determined by the internal conditions within the country from factors such as climate, culture and religion. The endemic building were constructed using wattle and daub, brick, laterite, paddy, thatch, woven coconut leaves. The roof umbrella was predominant as a feature that had a number of variations.

Unfortunately, there are very few or almost no traces of Portuguese Architecture other than few churches. However, the Portuguese left behind strong influences of religion, Roman Catholism. Again not many influences in Architecture but the Dutch reformed the Church and introduced legal systems.