Kontribusi Geoffrey Bawa pada Perkembangan Arsitektur Kontemporer di Sri Lanka

Abstract

In the 19th century, when architectural modernization undermined the heritage and diversity of existing cultures, Geoffrey Bawa tried to minimize the growing complexity of modernism. Geoffrey Bawa was a “regionalist architect” from Sri Lanka who gave modern architecture a new identity by combining modernism with traditional architectural style in a romantic way known as “Tropical Modernism.” In the 20th century, the concept of dualism, or thinking modernly while respecting local culture, successfully developed a new identity for Sri Lankan architecture. This paper discussed the principles of the architectural design of Geoffrey Bawa and their implementation in architectural design, which in practice, is heavily influenced by culture, religion, society, and technology. It can finally be seen how Sri Lankan architecture can be recreated through the representation of naturalism and romanticism in Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture and at the same time be able to respect traditions and cultural diversity as Bawa once expressed, “Architecture cannot be totally explained but must be experienced.