33rd Lane - Geoffrey Bawa (International)

“The Sri Lankan Architect Geoffrey Bawa is now regarded as having been one of the most important and influential Asian architects of the twentieth century.” “Bawa’s work is characterised by a sensitivity to site and context. He produced ‘sustainable architecture’ long before the term was coined, and had developed his own “regional modernist” stance well in advance of the theoreticians.” (Geoffrey Bawa Trust, 2010)

(Geoffrey Bawa Trust, 2010)

(Jetwing Travels, 2010)

As an Environmental Filter

The house has been designed in a way that effectively brings natural elements within, courtyards and surprising openings in walls enhance a relationship with nature throughout the design distorting the boundaries of outdoors and indoors.

The surrounding nature of the site has been worked with not against, Geoffrey Bawa believes that trees and boulders are gifts as they create vistas inspiring the creation of spaces that bring pleasure around them. (Geoffrey Bawa Trust, 2010)



Natural light is utilised with many sky lights, courtyards and openings in walls allowing light to enter spaces in interesting ways heightening the experience for the inhabitant.

“His sensitivity to environment is reflected in his careful attention to the sequencing of space, the creation of vistas, courtyards, and walkways, the use of materials and treatment of details" (Geoffrey Bawa Trust, 2010)
image source: (Matthews, K. Artifice, Inc. 2010)

"Highly personal in his approach, evoking the pleasures of the senses that go hand in hand with the climate, landscape, and culture of ancient Ceylon, Bawa brings together an appreciation of the Western humanist tradition in architecture with needs and lifestyles of his own country" (Geoffrey Bawa Trust, 2010)

(Unknown, 2010)

As a Container of Human Activities

The house has numerous rooms linked by courtyards in almost a maze like fashion. This creates a journey experienced by the inhabitant filled with surprising vistas to the outdoors or views into separate sections of the house. (Weereratne, N.)

The house was designed to facilitate himself reflecting his lifestyle and interests. This is apparent in that nearly every room has a link to history.

This house is a perfect example of his belief that a house should not be just for living in, this is why 33rd Lane incorporates spaces used for prayer, reflecting, working, study, and relaxation along with all the necessary spaces needed for living. (Matthews, K. Artifice, Inc. 2010)

He designs with an intention to give the inhabitant a sense of retreatment from everyday life giving people the chance to feel free. (Weereratne, N.)

As a Delightful Experience

The presence of nature and the constant outdoor element enhance by the frequent courtyards gives people a direct connection to the environment.

The rooms and circulation path has been assembled to create a journey throughout the building making a visit an intriguing experience constantly reminded by small vistas looking into other sections of the house or its surroundings.



The openings in the design also allow for a large amount of natural light to filter in lighting the rooms in a humble manner.

The building has a unique ambiance inside it expressed by the earthy textures and all the historical artefacts placed in the design.

A magnificent view across the landscape and into the sea is captured using a tower as the vantage point. The journey to the top of the tower is enhanced through the control of light evoking a feeling of outdoor freedom.


It’s a place someone can come home and escape to "It is a haven of peace, an infinite garden of the mind, locked away within a busy and increasingly hostile city" (Matthews, K. Artifice, Inc. 2010)

(Geoffrey Bawa Trust, 2010)
(Weereratne, N.)
image source: (Matthews, K. Artifice, Inc. 2010)





References

Geoffrey Bawa Trust (2010) Bawa and beyond Bawa Tours. Retrieved From:
http://www.geoffreybawa.com/bawaweek/channadasawatta1.html (accessed March 6, 2010)

Geoffrey Bawa Trust (2010) Geoffrey Bawa. Retrieved From:
http://www.geoffreybawa.com/NUMBER_11/Introduction.html (accessed March 4, 2010)

Jetwing Travelers (2010) Images/Offers Thumb/Geoffrey Bawa. Retrieved From:
http://www.jetwingtravels.com/images/OffersThumb/GBawa.jpg (accessed March 15, 2010)

Matthews, K. Artifice, Inc. (2010) Bawa House. Retrieved From:
http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Bawa_House.html (accessed March 4, 2010)

Unknown (2010) Geoffrey Bawa [Electronic Version]Arch Net Digital Library
http://www.archnet.org/library/parties/one-party.jsp?party_id=73

Weereratne, N. The complete Geoffrey Bawa. Retrieved From:
http://www.infolanka.com/org/srilanka/people/88.htm (accessed March 5, 2010)