Geoffrey Bawa (1919–2003), a prominent architect whose career spanned fifty years and encompassed over 200 projects, is recognized as one of the most significant architects of the twentieth century in Asia. His architectural style harmoniously integrates modernism with the rich architectural traditions of Sri Lanka, creating a unique body of work that includes private residences, educational institutions, hotels, factories, and the National Parliament building.
To celebrate Bawa’s lasting impact both locally and internationally, the Vitra Design Museum, in collaboration with the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, has launched a comprehensive retrospective exhibit titled “Geoffrey Bawa: Architecture for the Senses.” This exhibition showcases more than 250 items, including drawings, models, furniture, historical videos, artworks, and photographs by Bawa himself. Additionally, the exhibit features new works by photographer Iwan Baan that highlight the lived experiences within some of Bawa’s most renowned structures. Designed by architect Lina Ghotmeh, the exhibition aims to create an immersive atmosphere that reflects the sensory richness of Bawa’s architectural philosophy. It officially opened on September 25th, drawing a crowd of over 450 for the opening talk and attracting more than 500 visitors on its first day.
Mateo Kries, Director of the Vitra Design Museum, remarked, “Geoffrey Bawa’s contributions hold a distinctive place in modern architectural history. His works, deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s diverse architectural heritage, present a compelling counter-narrative to the predominantly Western architectural discourse. As interest in Bawa’s work is being revitalized, this exhibition seeks to broaden his recognition.” Co-curator Johan Deurell added, “Bawa’s nuanced engagement with the cultural, political, and environmental contexts of his work, his profound understanding of sensory architecture, and his collaboration with local artisans highlight his vision of building harmoniously with nature, making him a lasting source of inspiration for contemporary architects and designers.”
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While Bawa has often been regarded as a pioneer of Tropical Modernism, the exhibition aims to explore a more nuanced understanding of his contributions. By focusing on his collaborative spirit, ecological considerations, and the cultural relevance of architecture, it positions Bawa as a trailblazer in socially responsible and sustainable building practices, which are increasingly pertinent today.
The exhibit features an extensive array of items, including models, documents from the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, and artworks by Ena de Silva, Laki Senanayake, and Barbara Sansoni, as well as archival photographs by Sebastian Posingis and Dominic Sansoni, alongside newly commissioned images by Iwan Baan and films by Kavindu Sivaraj and Ruvin de Silva. Collectively, these pieces offer a modern perspective on the significance of Bawa’s architecture and its integration with the surrounding natural landscapes.
“Geoffrey Bawa: Architecture for the Senses,” a collaborative effort between the Vitra Design Museum, M+, and the Wüstenrot Foundation, in partnership with the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, will be on display at the Vitra Design Museum in Germany until February 28, 2027. Following this, it is set to travel to M+ in Hong Kong, where it will be exhibited starting in June 2027.
The Vitra Design Museum is recognized as one of the foremost design museums globally, dedicated to exploring and presenting design across various eras while examining its intersections with architecture, art, and everyday culture. M+, located in Hong Kong, is committed to the collection, exhibition, and interpretation of contemporary visual culture, including visual art, design, architecture, moving images, and the visual culture of Hong Kong from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The Wüstenrot Foundation focuses on preserving and enhancing both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, aiming to inspire innovative thinking and practices through the development and dissemination of practical models.
