For most people, Sri Lanka (formerly know as Ceylon) brings to mind a mysterious country rich in ancient heritage sites and spectacular natural landscapes. It is within such a captivating context that the architect Geoffrey Bawa (1919-2003) practiced his craft. Considered the foremost contemporary architect in Sri Lanka, his work continues to have a lasting influence on several generations of Asian architects, particularly in the tropical regions. Working mainly in Sri Lanka and parts of tropical Asia, he adapted vernacular elements, materials, construction methodologies and thinking during a time when the current notions of sustainability and climate-responsiveness did not yet exist.

For most people, Sri Lanka (formerly know as Ceylon) brings to mind a mysterious country rich in ancient heritage sites and spectacular natural landscapes. It is within such a captivating context that the architect Geoffrey Bawa (1919-2003) practiced his craft. Considered the foremost contemporary architect in Sri Lanka, his work continues to have a lasting influence on several generations of Asian architects, particularly in the tropical regions. Working mainly in Sri Lanka and parts of tropical Asia, he adapted vernacular elements, materials, construction methodologies and thinking during a time when the current notions of sustainability and climate-responsiveness did not yet exist. Essays by Channa Daswatte and Harsha Munasinghe.