The Architectural Heritage of Sri Lanka


Book Description

Over the past two decades Anjalendran has established himself as one of Sri Lanka's leading architects. Born into a family of Jaffna Tamils and a student of the prolific and influential Geoffrey Bawa, Anjalendran's buildings are known for their simple directness, modern spirit, and acknowledgement of the rich vernacular traditions of Sri Lanka. His studio has provided all the detailed and varied drawings in this book. Based in Sri Lanka with an intimate knowledge of the island, its people, culture and architecture, Dominic Sansoni likes travelling with no agenda. His photographs enliven the pages of this book, adding another dimension to the drawings. An author, architects and professor of architecture, David Robson has written a number of books – on low-cost aided-self-help housing and housing for the elderly; a comprehensive monograph on Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa (2002), followed by two further books on Bawa; and a book on the life and work of Sri Lankan Architect C. Anjalendran.




Anjalendran


Book Description

This beautifully illustrated book showcases the works of one of Sri Landa's most influential architects--Anjaledran, an ethnic Tamil and visionary artist. During the past 25 years of civil war in Sri Lanka, Anjalendran has stayed on, creating architecture that has attracted interest across the entire Indian subcontinent. In Anjalendran, David Robson explores this unique man and his uncommon vision. Anjalendran's buildings have a simple directness, and although totally modern in spirit, they acknowledge the rich design traditions of Sri Lanka. Whether working with ample budgets or at rock bottom cost (like his SOS Children's Village orphanages), his work focuses not only on creative buildings, but--a la Frank Lloyd Wright--also their landscaping, furniture and decoration. Just as interesting as the architecture is the process by which Anjalendran works—:from home, never employing more than four student assistants, with no office, no secretary, no car and no cell phone. He operates without a bank account and has never signed a contract with either a client or a builder. With stunning color photographs, plan details and behind-the-scenes insights, Anjalendran sheds light on the works of this exceptional man.




Sri Lanka Style


Book Description

Sri Lanka Style showcases 30 of the finest traditional and modern dwellings in Sri Lanka. Reflecting its location and status as a hub of Indian Ocean trade from time immemorial, the tropical island of Sri Lanka has always been open to the movements and patterns of world culture. Indigenous architects and cultural traditions, colonial incursions and the vagaries of living in a tropical environment have combined to produce a distinctive Sri Lankan architectural style: thick lime-washed walls, tall windows and doors, terracotta or granite tile floors, open pavilions and verandas, courtyard gardens, elaborately carved furniture and vibrant hand-looms. The Sri Lankan homes vary from private homes to retreats and resorts, all designed by the island's most creative architects and interior designers including some by the world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa that have never been seen before. These works demonstrate the essentials of the Sri Lankan spaces open to the elements and the natural use of space and decor, contributing to a palpable sense of peace and discipline. In addition, there are practical design ideas that can be applied to any tropical locale. Photographed entirely on location, Sri Lanka Style is an inspirational sourcebook of contemporary tropical style.




The Conservation and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage


Book Description

Structural analysis of architectural heritage is a new and growing branch of engineering. Knowledge of the history of architecture, material characteristics, instruments and techniques for investigations, diagnosis and restoration are all vital aspects for the correct understanding of structural behaviour and the ability to make correct decisions for repair and strengthening techniques. Designed for use by all professionals involved or interested in the preservation of monuments, the purpose of this book is to contribute to the development of new approaches in the area. Many of the examples examined, including the Colosseum, the Tower of Pisa, the Pyramid of Chephren, the Tilla Kari Mosque in Samarkand, the temples of Angkor and Konarak, the Santa Maria Vieja Cathedral, the domes of St Peter, Hagia Sophia, the Pantheon, St Ignatio de Loyola and St Charles, are the result of projects and studies carried out during Giorgio Croci's distinguished career. The book features numerous black and white photographs and illustrations by the author.







The Sigiriya Royal Gardens


Book Description

Besides the efforts that are of a descriptive and celebrative nature, studies related to Sri Lanka's historical built heritage largely view material remains in historical, sociological, socio-historical and semiological perspectives. There is hardly any serious attempt to view such material remains from a technical-analytical approach to understand the compositional aspects of their design. The 5th century AC royal complex at Sigiriya is no exception in this regard. The enormous wealth of information and the material remains unearthed during more than 100 years of field-based research by several generations of archaeologists provide an ideal opportunity for such analysis. The Sigiriya Royal Gardens fills the gap in research related to Sri Lanka's historical built heritage in general, and to Sigiriya in particular. Therefore, the present research attempts to read Sigiriya as a landscape architectonic design to expose its architectonic composition and design instruments.




Insight Guides Sri Lanka


Book Description

Insight Guides: all you need to inspire every step of your journey. From deciding when to go, to choosing what to see when you arrive, this is all you need to plan your trip and experience the best of Sri Lanka, with in-depth insider information on must-see, top attractions like Galle Fort, Kandy and Yala National Park, and hidden cultural gems like Sinharaja, Yapahuwa and the Jaffna Peninsula. Insight Guide Sri Lanka is ideal for travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences, from exploring the villas of Galle, to discovering Sri Lanka seafood. In-depth on history and culture: enjoy special features on Region, Festivals and Wildlife, all written by local experts Invaluable maps, travel tips and practical information ensure effortless planning, and encourage venturing off the beaten track Inspirational colour photography throughout - Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books Inventive design makes for an engaging, easy reading experience About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrasebooks, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.




Insight Guides Sri Lanka


Book Description

Insight Guides: Inspiring your next adventure The lure of golden sands entices visitors to Sri Lanka, but this Indian Ocean island is also home to ancient cities, diverse cultures and accessible wildlife. Be inspired to visit by the new edition of Insight Guide Sri Lanka, a comprehensive full-colour guide, and discover all that this beguiling tropical isle has to offer. Inside Insight Guide Sri Lanka: This fully-updated new edition of Insight Guide Sri Lanka features stunning, specially-commissioned photography that brings this beautiful country and its people to life. Our Best of Sri Lanka highlights the country's must-see sights, including the old world charms of Galle Fort and the dramatic rock-fortress of Sigiriya, while descriptive region-by-region accounts cover the whole country from bustling capital Colombo to the lush tea plantations of the Hill Country and the beaches of the south. Detailed, high-quality maps throughout will help you get around and travel tips give you all the essential information for planning a memorable trip, including our independent selection of the best restaurants. About Insight Guides: Insight Guides has over 40 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides. We produce around 400 full-color print guide books and maps as well as picture-packed eBooks to meet different travelers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture together create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure. 'Insight Guides has spawned many imitators but is still the best of its type.' - Wanderlust Magazine




Funding the Architectural Heritage


Book Description

What systems can be used for the mobilisation of financial resources for the conservation, restoration, rehabilitation and integrated management of the architectural heritage through area-based regeneration initiatives? This guide aims to provide authoritative information on different funding mechanisms, financial resources and management systems utilised in Europe and in North America as a means to assist the development of good and efficient practice. Consideration is given to examples relating to three principal forms of financial measures: subsidies (grant aid), loans and tax incentives, as well as specific measures to promote sponsorship through donations by individuals and corporate organisations. Other revenue-raising methods are investigated, including easement donations and endowment funds, lotteries, concession agreements, monument annuities, the transfer of development rights and enabling development, and through the support of international organisations such as the World Monument Fund, the World Bank, the Council of Europe Development Bank and the European Union. Further consideration is given to the role of non-profit and other organisations operating for the benefit of the architectural heritage such as revolving fund organisations, charitable trusts, heritage foundations and limited liability companies.




Sacred Modernity


Book Description

Sacred Modernity tours the natural places of Sri Lanka in order to examine the relationship between nature and religion that some Sinhalese Buddhists have developed there. Working through case studies of Sri Lanka's most prominent national park, Ruhuna, and its post-1950s modernist architecture—known as tropical modernism—Tariq Jazeel reveals the ways Sinhalese Buddhists have interwoven their negotiation of nature with their continued production of a post-colonial identity. He shows how this production minoritizes Tamil, Muslim, and Christian non-Sinhala in the nation's natural, environmental, and historical order. A sophisticated study of the complexities that lie between nature and culture, Sacred Modernity also demonstrates a social science that works beyond Eurocentric conceptions, offering new contexts for postcolonial theory, cultural studies, and geography.