As one of the 20th century’s most influential architects, Geoffrey Bawa’s contribution to modern Sri Lankan interior design is sometimes overlooked. Often collaborating with friends and colleagues, his breadth of interior and decorative work included designing and commissioning furniture, fittings, and art that inhabited his architectural spaces.
Bawa’s designs embodied the social, economic, environmental, and cultural reality of the latter part of the 20th century in Sri Lanka. Working within the material and budget restrictions of the time, Bawa and his associates took inspiration from prevalent Scandinavian styles and global designers but grounded them locally by working with local artists, metalworkers, woodworkers, fabric makers, and even fibreglass boat builders.
When discussing this approach, Bawa was once heard to say, “We did what we thought was right in that moment”. Evolving from intense, spontaneous collaboration between members of the design team and the craftspeople, the resulting pieces were useful and practical but also contained the spirit of the “moment” in their materials and ideas.
feature fabric designs by two of Bawa’s closest friends, Barbara Sansoni and Ena de Silva.
Number 11 Sofa – c1960
Designed for his home at No. 11 33rd Lane, Bagatelle Road in Colombo, Geoffrey Bawa’s black-and-white sofa was made with economical, easily sourced materials.
A proponent of practicality and thrift, Bawa made this sofa by coupling a platform for a size of mattress common in 1960s Sri Lanka with a timber-framed hardboard back rest. Typical of Bawa’s practice, he used found materials to create a contemporary seat that suited his style, proving that economy and elegance need not be mutually exclusive.
The whole ensemble is covered in checked black-and-white fabric and heavy coconut fibre cushions, and this choice of upholstery really elevates the piece. Handmade by the team at Barefoot and designed by Barabara Sansoni—artist and textile designer and close friend of Bawa—the adoption of this fabric is emblematic of the collaborative nature of Bawa’s work. This is emphasised in the later addition of matching black and white batik cushions from Paradise Road.
Bentota Dining Chair – 1967
First designed for the Bentota Beach Hotel (now Cinnamon Bentota Beach), the Bentota Dining Chair was originally finished with high-gloss black and striped fabric. Featuring a cushion covered in Jak and Ebony cotton handloom fabric from Barefoot, the chair is another example of collaboration between Bawa and Sansoni.
In 1984, Bawa reused the design for the Triton Hotel (now Heritance Ahungalla) dining room, first painted in Chinese red with small brass corner cleats on the arms and later painted green.
Leopold’s Seat – 1967
A succession of pet dalmatians—all named Leopold—served as Geoffrey Bawa’s companions, often travelling with the architect on weekend visits to his Lunuganga estate or to project sites around the country. When at home in No. 11, however, Leopold rested on a custom-made seat designed by his owner. Situated in the corner of the entry corridor, the high stone platform was covered in a plush black and white pillow akin to the Dalmatian’s own pattern. The cushion cover was originally designed by Ena de Silva, famed batik artist and Geoffrey Bawa’s longtime friend and collaborator.
The sofa, dining chair, and Leopold’s bed are on show alongside many other pieces from the architect’s practice at the Geoffrey Bawa Space, located at 42/1 Horton Place, Colombo 07. Design in the Moment: Showcasing Furniture by the Geoffrey Bawa Practice is open Wednesday through Sunday between 12 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. except for major holidays. A series of curatorial tours and public programming will take place throughout the duration of the exhibition. More information is available on geoffreybawa.com and phantomhands.in.
