Towards Lankan architecture

by Indeewara Thilakarathne

The architectural legacy of Sri Lanka can be traced back to hydraulic civilization. As the Buddhist civilization flourished in that era, art and culture as well as architecture was developed under the influence of Buddhism.

One of the significant factors of the ancient architecture of Sri Lanka was the rich variety of forms and diversity in style. This is evident even in ancient remnants of buildings in ruined cities. These buildings, by and large, reflect the rich cultural heritage and architectural significance which is found still relevant to modern architecture in Sri Lanka.

Buddhist motifs and its prevailing influence on ancient Sri Lankan architecture is a prominent characteristic. More than 25 styles of panchavasa monasteries have been identified with the five main ritual buildings; the chapter house, image house, bodhighara or sacred fig enclosure, chaitya and the sangharamaya or sabha.

Vatadage and Bodhighara buildings were constructed in several designs and architects and archaeologists established that ancient buildings were made up of a wooden frames, strongly bound with heavy iron nails and clamps, with plastered walls and tiled roofs. There were several designs for roofs as well as for door frames.

The ancient Buddhist architecture showed remarkable mastery and ingenuity on the part of ancient Sri Lankan architects in the intricate structural range from cave temple to royal palaces.

The nine-storied Loha maha paya (3rd century BCE) and Royal Gardens, Sigiriya are some of the monuments which testify the architectural marvels of ancient Sri Lanka. One of the significant aspects of the Royal Gardens in Anuradhapura as well as on the summit of Sigiriya were well laid-out gardens and planned buildings.

But after the collapse of royalty and the advent of colonial powers, the Portuguese, Hollanders and finally the English conquered Sri Lanka, the natives life and culture has influenced and Sri Lankan architecture was reshaped.

This period is marked by spacious and high-roofed colonial bungalows and the warehouses that came up in Colombo and near the Colombo Port. Most of the colonial buildings were located in specious gardens with a large living room and portico.

The motifs and the styles of these buildings were alien to Sri Lanka as well as the colonial master who occupied them. For want of space, it is not possible for modern architect to adapt those elegant forms of architecture.

The next phase of Sri Lankan architecture was denominated by indomitable Jeffrey Bawa. Bawa with Danish architect Ulrik Plesner in 1951 entered the field of architecture in Sri Lanka heralding a new era in architecture.

His architecture was unique and created an entire body of work including religious, social, cultural, educational, governmental, commercial and residential buildings and each building was a masterpiece on its own.

Architect C. Anjalendran stated that one of the unique features of Bawa's style is incorporation of natural objects into his design and celebration of space and life. This factor is amply manifested, in buildings designed by him in his own garden in "Lunuganga" and others in diverse parts of the country.

Although generation of Sri Lankan architects follow the Bawa tradition, some still appreciate constructions with alien motifs. These buildings though pictorially excellent are not suitable for tropical weather with heavy rainfall and severe drought.

The emergence of houses with alien motif is a common sight in sprawling suburbs. Especially in the coastal town of Negombo, one can see Italian styled houses. In some parts of the city of Colombo, house of diverse styles ranging from American, British and Greek were constructed.

One of the outstanding features of contemporary Sri Lankan architecture is incorporation of alien features into constructions. High pillars from the classical Greek architecture are being readily incorporated into foyers of houses.

Architects and the owners of houses have paid little attention to the climatic conditions prevalent in the country when constructing these buildings. Prominent landmark buildings along the Galle road are examples for this type of architecture.

An important characteristic of those constructions is the heavy use of glass and metal frames for window and doors. Some times, ventilation aspects are overlooked to provide space for decorations and picturesque glass doors and windows.

However, there is a segment of population who follow tropical architecture, significant aspect of these houses is the maximum utilization of space. For instance, on urban house built on a 15 perches land might look and feel more special than haphazardly constructed country house on a larger land. In tropical architecture, ventilation and lighting aspects are well-looked into and as a result, the finished house is pleasant in appearance as well as healthy to live in.

It is high time that Sri Lankan architects as well as the general public ponder on adapting healthy practices with regard to constructing of their houses and public buildings. Architects should seriously consider whether it is time for them to build a Sri Lankan architectural, a tradition which carry our 'signature' to the world.