Architecture of Sri Lanka
The architecture of Sri Lanka displays a rich variety of architectural forms and styles. Shaivism has had a significant influence on early Sri Lankan architecture, during the reign of King Ravana, then Buddhism has also had a significant influence on Sri Lankan architecture, since it was introduced to the island in the 3rd century BCE.[1]
Traditionally, Indian and Chinese architecture have been the most significant forms of foreign influence on Sri Lankan architecture and both have played a prominent role in shaping it.[2] Architectural influences from Southeast Asia have also influenced the development of Sri Lankan architecture and vice versa.[3] Techniques and styles developed in Europe, transported to the country via colonialism, also played a major role in the architecture of Sri Lanka later on. Many buildings survive from the Dutch[4] and British[5] period of occupation.
Ancient architecture
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Cave temples
The earliest evidence of cave temples is found in the temple complexes of Mihintale.[6] A unique feature in these caves was the use of a drip ledge carved along the top edge of the rock ceiling which stopped rainwater running into the cave. With time, doors, windows and walls of brick or stone were added. The roof and walls were plastered white and finished with decorative paintings, these are evident in the cave temples of Dambulla. Chipped material of the rock packed underneath the clay-finished floor.
Cave complexes of
Dagobas or Stupas
The dagobas or stupas are distinctive for many reasons. They are probably the largest brick structures known to the pre-modern world.
The structure
The construction of a dagoba was considered an act of great merit. Dagobas were built to enshrine relics. They were constructed according to strict specifications. Entrances to stupas were laid out so that their centre lines pointed to the relic chambers. There was only one relic chamber initially, but a number of additional relic chambers were introduced when the stupas were rebuilt.
The dagoba is admired today for its structural perfection and stability. Engineers who examined Jetavanaramaya in the 1980s said that its shape was ideal for the materials used. Stupas such as
An ornamented vahalkada was added to the stupa around the second century; the earliest is at Chaitya. The four vahalkadas face the cardinal points. They are ornamented with figures of animals, flowers, swans and dwarfs. The pillars on either side of the vahalkada carry figures of lions, elephants, horses or bulls, depending on the direction of the structure.
Construction
The bricks were bonded together using a clay slurry, called butter clay or navanita mattika. This was composed of finely crushed dolomite limestone mixed with sieved sand and clay.
The stupa was thereafter covered with a coating of lime
Stupas in other countries have been struck by lightning, but not in Sri Lanka. Mahavamsa speaks of lightning protection for the stupa. The conical metal cap and its vajra at the top of the dagoba were supposed to have earthing properties. The Mahavamsa also refers to laying a sheet of copper over the foundation and applying arsenic dissolved in sesamum oil on this sheet. This would have kept out white ants and helped prevent plant life from growing inside the stupa.
Colonial Period
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With the arrival of Western colonists to Sri Lanka, they established their own forms of architecture to the island. This is evident in the architecture of the period as well as in forms on influence in modern architecture.
Very few buildings of the
Many
Many important historic buildings were built by the colonial governments. These were often built in a European architectural style that was in fashion at the time, such as the
Post Independence
In the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, architects like Geoffrey Bawa and Minnette de Silva were leading trends in what is today known globally as ‘Tropical Modernism’. The style emphasizes bringing together elements from different times and places in order to create something new and original, with a local aesthetic. Bawa has had a tremendous influence on design and construction in Sri Lanka and many of his trademark embellishments have now become typical in Sri Lankan homes and buildings. The boundaries between indoors and outdoors are often erased, moved, or made more subtle, in Bawa's work. Older Sri Lankan influences, like reflecting pools, colonnaded passages, and terra-cotta-tiled roofs, are fused with the modernist emphasis of flowing spaces and clean lines.[7] His work has also been a significant influence on architecture across South and Southeast Asia.[8][9] Today, tropical modernist architecture can also be found in Brazil, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Ghana among other places.[10][11][12][13]
Bawa's legacy is felt in the work of many Sri Lankan architects, who continue the traditions of Tropical Modernism. Architects, like Channa Daswatte, continue to design in this style, paying close attention to how the designed environment interacts with the climate and the needs of the users.[7]
By the 2000s and 2010s, there was also a presence of
have postmodern architectural designs.By the 2010s the idea of Sustainable architecture has appeared in Sri Lanka, the 186m(610 ft) tall Clear Point Residencies building which is expected to be the world's tallest vertical garden and use harvested rainwater, recycled bathroom sink and shower water with a drip irrigation system to water the plants. The plants naturally cool the buildings and clean the air thus reducing the need for air conditioning.[19]
See also
- Architecture of ancient Sri Lanka
- Forts of Sri Lanka
- Das Buddhistische Haus, a Buddhist temple in Berlin, Germany that is based on Sri Lankan architecture
References
- ^ "LANKALIBRARY FORUM • View topic - Home and family in ancient and medieval Sri Lanka". Archived from the original on 2012-02-21. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
- ^ The Oxford History of the British Empire: Volume V: Historiography, pg 248
- ISBN 9004056602.
- ^ "Dutch Empire / Ceylon (Sri Lanka) | Colonial Architecture Project".
- ^ "British Empire / Ceylon (Sri Lanka) | Colonial Architecture Project".
- ^ "The Ancient Cities travel".
- ^ a b Chen, Jennifer (27 September 2012). "Tropical Modernism in Sri Lanka". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
- ^ Beyond vernacular kitsch? The Sunday Times Online
- ^ Legacy of a master The Sunday Times Online
- ^ "Building blocs: How Ghana's architecture was reimagined with a little help from communist Europe".
- ^ "Tropical Modernism is back in Puerto Rico | Architecture | Agenda".
- ^ "Tropical Modernism Makes a Comeback in Hawaii". 23 March 2018.
- ^ "Tropical Modernism: The masters of Brazilian Modernism".
- ^ "Selected Projects". Kahawita De Silva & Associates. Archived from the original on 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2011-12-04.
- ^ "Design Awards". Kahawita De Silva & Associates. Archived from the original on 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2011-12-04.
- ^ "Home". altair.lk.
- ^ "Home". krrishcolombo.com.
- ^ "ITC Colombo One Hotel & Residences | Projects".
- ^ "Gizmag - "Clear point residencies"". 18 February 2014.