Conclusion

Conclusion

Therefore, while acknowledging Bawa’s designs and his theories, we seen his style of architecture illustrates ‘Art with Nature’ which evokes the words from Geoffrey Scott that “There is beauty of art and a beauty of Nature. Construction, when it relaxes the principles of design does not become nature; it becomes more probably slovenly art.” (19) Through critically analyzing his designs, it is determined that Geoffery Bawa never differentiated literature with human beings and nature. He cherished every natural elements starting from ocean breeze to filtering sunlight with contrasting lush greenery and the sound of flowing water, therefore encouraging sustainable architecture long before it became globally known. Hence, Geoffrey Bawa’s ‘style’ of architecture illustrates critical regionalism which has a strong connection with vernacular architecture. We have also seen how Bawa’s architectural style affected modernism in 20 th century. His dualistic mindset of modernity as well as respecting the local culture shaped Srilanka’s new identity during the 20 th century. Andrew Leach quoted that by “late 20 th century architectural culture is usually called as architectural theory, during that time architecture is actually shaped by a number of factors like culture, religion, society, technology, utopia, memory, literature, film and so forth” (20) . Therefore we can see how architecture of Srilanka is recreated through Bawa’s strong representation of naturalism and romanticism in his designs at the same time respecting the past traditions and cultural diversity. As Bawa once said “Architecture cannot be totally explained but must be experienced” (21) .

19. Geoffrey Scott, “The Romantic Fallacy” in Architecture of Humanism: A Study in the History of Taste, (Boston and New York, Houghton and Mifflin Company, 1914), 92-93

20. Andrew Leach “Theme and Analogy”, What Is Architectural History? Oxford: Polity Press, 2010: 67-70, (Accessed June 7, 2020). ProQuest EBook Central,

21. Geoffrey Bawa , “ Architecture” Geoffrey Bawa Trust , accessed 24 May , 2020 https://geoffreybawa.com/architecture