Bawa: The Sri Lanka Gardens

by David Robson, Dominic Sansoni (Photographer)

The story of two talented landscape designer brothers and their exquisite gardens set in the lush landscape of Sri Lanka The work of architect Geoffrey Bawa achieved a unique fusion of vernacular style and modern construction incorporating the lush tropical landscape of his native Sri Lanka. Although his architectural work and its influence have been well documented, less attention has been paid to his work on gardens. His most famous garden is the one he created for himself at his estate, Lunuganga, and it is rivaled by Brief, the lesser-known garden of his brother, Bevis. Evolving over several decades, these two gardens and their outbuildings and sculptures represent high points of tropical design, in which architecture and landscape are intertwined. The Sri Lanka Gardens is the story of two brothers and their exquisite gardens. It begins with an overview of Sri Lanka’s rich horticultural tradition and the cultural background that inspired the Bawas’ sensitive treatment of architecture, and then records the familial relationship between Geoffrey and Bevis Bawa, and their distinctive individual differences and inspirations. David Robson takes the reader on a tour around Brief and Lunuganga through rich photo essays and revealing descriptions, while glorious images reveal the aesthetic considerations and architectural mastery of the gardens’ creators. 303 illustrations, 235 in color

Genres: Architecture

176 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2009

Reviews

[Frank Ashe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next time I'm in Sri Lanka I must visit these gardens.

[Mrugank Kamdar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant epilogue to the supremely talented Bawa Brothers and an engaging ode to their creation.