THE RELEVANCE OF BAWA'S RESORTS IN SRI LANKA IN THE CONTEXT OF ECOTOURISM TODAY

Abstract

The intention of writing this dissertation paper is to examine the relevance of Geoffrey Bawa’s resorts in Sri Lanka today in terms of the role of architecture in eco-resorts in meeting the ideals of ecotourism. Bawa has built some of the most representative architecture of Sri Lanka ranging across a wide variety of typologies and functions such as the Sri Lanka Parliament building in Kotte, A.S.H. De Silva house and Kandalama Hotel. The sophistication of his works can be seen as a reflection of the complexity of his background, as well as of the turmoil of the era that he grew up in. From studying Bawa’s resorts, their essence will be distilled and analysed to interpret and evaluate if his tropical modernism ideas are still relevant and applicable to eco-resorts today. Three of Bawa’s resorts in Sri Lanka, Heritance Kandalama Hotel, Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel and the Lunuganga estate have been selected as case studies. From understanding their modes of operation, architectural significance and sustainable features, these resorts will be critically assessed in terms of their roles in achieving a more ecological approach towards tourism. This will set a benchmark for future developments to integrate themselves into the local context in terms of various environmental, ecological and socio- cultural considerations and provide a sustainable model for future eco-resorts in Sri Lanka.