Beyond Bawa: Tropical Modernism in Architecture Today

Architecture
Design
Panel Discussion
Monday, 25th March 2019
From 6:00pm to 8:00pm (IST)
Essar House, 11 K. K. Marg, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai - 400034.
Free

Details

Geoffrey Bawa was one of the original proponents of Tropical Modernism, a design movement in which sensitivity for local context combines with the form-making principles of modernism. University of Edinburgh and Avid Learning present a panel discussion which traces the 40-year long architectural career of renowned Sri Lankan Architect, Geoffrey Bawa and examines his influences on contemporary architectural styles. Join Architect, Writer and Professor, University of Edinburgh Ed Hollis, Architect and Co-Founder, Architecture BRIO Robert Verrijt and Architect, Photographer and Joint Principal at Abraham John Architects Alan Abraham in conversation with Managing Editor at Beautifulhomes.com Sanhita Sinha Chowdhury. This discussion will examine Bawa’s architectural legacy, the styles, materials and design elements he incorporated into his projects, his regional significance and influence on modern architectural styles. Join us for a fascinating glimpse into the prolific architect’s work and legacy in contemporary times.


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Faculty

Professor Ed Hollis

Professor Ed Hollis

Personal Chair, Interior Design, University of Edinburgh

Professor Ed Hollis is Personal Chair, Interior Design, University of Edinburgh. He studied Architecture at Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities; and practiced as an architect for six years, first in Sri Lanka, in the practice of Geoffrey Bawa, at that time the ‘grand old man’ of Sri Lankan Architecture, famous for his garden of follies and ruins at Lunuganga; and then in the practice of Richard Murphy, well known for his radical alterations to ancient and historic buildings in and around Edinburgh. In 1999, Edward Hollis began lecturing in Interior Architecture at Napier University, Edinburgh, working with students both in the design studio, and in more theoretical disciplines. In 2004, he moved to Edinburgh College of Art, where until 2012, he ran undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Interior Design. In 2012, Hollis became Deputy Director of Research across Edinburgh College of Art, co-ordinating our submission to the Research Excellence Framework 2014 in Art, Design and History of Art. He is now Director of Research ECA, working across the school assisting staff in developing research interests and projects of their own.

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Alan Abraham

Alan Abraham

Architect, Photographer

Alan Abraham is the Joint Principal Architect of Abraham John ARCHITECTS. Alan is both an Architect and a Photographer. Abraham John ARCHITECTS is an architecture, interior design, landscaping and urban planning firm based in Bombay. The work portfolio is diverse and varies from luxury villas, high end residences and unique offices, as well as hospitality & institutional projects. They are currently designing several luxury villas in Goa, Hyderabad, Jodhpur, Pavna, Pune, Khandala & Kochi. Their portfolio also comprises several institutional projects across India - earthquake and cyclone proof structures in Karaikal, Vijayawada, Latur and Rajkot. The design approach of the studio is to re-connect architecture with nature, make optimum use of space, natural materials and customised furniture, lighting & landscape to reinvent & transform spaces. The studio strives to create design that inspires, and approaches each project, regardless of size & scale, with an understanding that architecture has a unique power to influence lifestyle and society. Alan has also been working on urban design solutions to improve Mumbai and make it a more liveable, green, eco-friendly city through proactive initiatives such as THE BOMBAY GREENWAY PROJECT, Winner of the International Urban Planning & Design Competition, Velo-city 2013, Austria. Alan was also felicitated in 2012 as one of Architect & Interiors India’s iGEN Top 50. Alan is also one of the founding members of Bandra Collective, a group of architects involved with the design of public spaces in Mumbai.

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Robert Verrijt

Robert Verrijt

Founder, Architecture BRIO

Robert Verrijt is from the Netherlands where he received his Masters in Architecture from the TUDelft. His Masters thesis was awarded the second prize in the Dutch Archiprix 2004. After working briefly in the Netherlands, he moved to Sri Lanka, where he joined the office of Channa Daswatte where he had an opportunity to get an insiders perspective on the work of Geoffrey Bawa. In 2006 he moved to Mumbai to start Architecture BRIO. The practice actively engages with research and seeks out collaborations with institutes and organisations. With Billionbricks, an NGO committed to eradicate homelessness, they set up a dedicated studio called Bb-Studio. The innovation design studio consults with communities, NGOs and governments to provide scalable high-quality buildings and infrastructure solutions. As part of the Bandra Collective, the firm is involved with research and design of public space in the city.

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Sanhita Sinha Chowdhury

Sanhita Sinha Chowdhury

Managing Editor, BeautifulHomes.com

With close to eight years of experience in the publishing industry, Sanhita Sinha Chowdhury is currently working as the managing editor at BeautifulHomes.com and until recently was the managing editor at Architectural Digest India.

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Collaborations

The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh

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Beyond Bawa: Tropical Modernism in Architecture Today

Press Coverage

Remembering Geoffrey Bawa

Remembering Geoffrey Bawa

Monday, March 25, 2019 Mid-Day
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Architecture aficionados, head here

Architecture aficionados, head here

Monday, March 25, 2019 Mumbai-Mirror
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Beyond Bawa: Tropical Modernism in Architecture

Beyond Bawa: Tropical Modernism in Architecture

Monday, March 25, 2019 The-Hindu
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