Wednesday 16 January 2013

Geoffrey Bawa and Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel

Sri Lanka is blessed to be the home of the world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa (1919-2003). While he practiced throughout the world, he's best known as the father of Asian tropical hotel/resort architecture. If you've ever stayed at a beach resort that's filled with exotic woodwork and seems to be one with the surrounding natural environment, you can thank Bawa.

Bawa built many of the better tropical resorts in his native Sri Lanka, including a stunning complex down south near Galle, the Jetwing Lightouse.

Standing in the lobby area, looking out to the Laccadive sea.


The play of light on a hotel door. A closer look at the veranda off the lobby and the sea view.

The main courtyard, a beautiful interplay of concrete, light and nature.


Rocks were left and incorporated into the overall design. Bawa also believed in providing opportunities to artists and sculptors to design site specific works for his projects. This staircase is a commission from Laki Senanayake that depicts the fierce battle of Randeniya between Portuguese horsemen and the local fighters. Quite a ride up the staircase.

Bawa, skilled at bringing the outside in.

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