Each staircase designed by Jeffrey Bavoy is unique, says David Robson, a leading expert in the creative work of the world-renowned architect of Sri Lanka.
The late Bava was one of the driving forces of Asian architecture, known as tropical modernism. He combined the skills gained while studying in the UK with the traditions of his home country. From the 1950s until his death in 2003, he designed more than 100 sites in Sri Lanka, as well as several other countries, including India and Indonesia. That is why among the many staircases of Sri Lanka, those built according to the designs of Bava are especially popular.
“He used traditional materials and construction methods to create spaces that were ahead of time,” says Robson. “Each design was unique. He never repeated. "
Robson wrote a biography of the architect, published in 2002, and also oversaw a retrospective photo exhibition of Bava's works at the 2004 Deutches Architektur in Frankfurt. His latest project is a book that focuses on the design of Bava's staircases.
Here are the top 10 Jeffrey Bava stairs in Sri Lanka according to Robinson:
1
Staircase of the Lunugang estate, Bentota, 1948–98
Bava intended to create a tropical interpretation of Renaissance culture and architecture. He managed to do this in Lunugang - an estate that was built over 50 years on a former rubber plantation.
The estate has 30 similar staircases in different places of a huge garden. The steps are low but wide.
2
Raffel - House, Colombo, 1963
The steps of this spiral staircase are terracotta tiled. She walks through the center of the Bawa House, designed for the architect and his musician wife.
A curved hardwood handrail creates a smooth curve in the center of the staircase, although the staircase itself is square when viewed from above. The edges of the railing are jagged and resemble the tail of a dragon.
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru there is an interesting article about the most beautiful stairs on Earth.
3
Montessori School of Saint Bridget, Colombo, 1963
To create two curved, spiral staircases in this school, cast concrete was used. The concrete was originally gray and decorated with frescoes, but later it was repainted with orange gloss paint.
Today, only half of the school operates. The staircase has also been remodeled.
4
Steel Corporation Tower Staircase, Colombo, 1964
This tall and unusual building was the pavilion that Bava designed for the industrial exhibition in 1965. Towering 40 meters above the ground, the tower consisted of two interwoven staircases and three viewing platforms that rest on a reliable steel frame.
At the moment, the building serves as a tourist attraction.
5
Staircase at The Beach Hotel, Bentota, 1968
Robson describes this hotel as "combining the atmosphere of a medieval manor with the functions of a modern tourist hotel." The architecture of the building is old, but the infrastructure and technical equipment here are at the highest world level.
Guests can climb a wooden staircase that leads from a dark reception area to a room with decorative panels. Despite its simplicity, the author worked on this staircase for a very long time. All the nuances and subtleties were calculated. For many years of active use, it has never broken or undergone repair.
6
Jeffrey Bava Townhouse, Colombo, 1970
Bava has combined four tiny cottages to create a magnificent residence. In the 1960s he replaced one of the four modernist three-story blocks and a tower appeared in the house.
The floors are connected by a staircase that stands on the dog's paws. An elegant white staircase requires special attention when climbing and descending. Because of its color, the steps are almost indistinguishable.
7
Home for Lydia Duccini, Bentota, 1979
Bava created this unusual staircase as part of the reconstruction of a dilapidated house bought by his girlfriend Lydia Duccini.
Beginning with a three-stage basement, the staircase rises up with flights. All three parts of the stairs are located at different angles, have an unequal number and width of steps.
8
Campus of the University of Ruhunu, Matara, 1980–1985
This staircase is located inside one of 50 buildings designed by Bawa for a 50,000 square meter campus.
The staircase originates on the street, comfortable benches are placed nearby. This is a popular meeting place for all lovers.
9
Kandalama Hotel, Dambulla, 1992
Situated between a cliff and an artificial reservoir, this six-story hotel is surrounded by a lush garden. The central staircase connects all floors and areas of the hotel: reception, dining area, lounge, etc. The token of the stairs, according to most-beauty.ru, is an unusual sculpture of an owl soaring above visitors. The figure was developed in collaboration with the artist Lucky Senanayake.
10
Staircase at the Lighthouse Hotel, Galle, 1995–97
Completed two years before the death of the great architect, Lighthouse Hotel is set around a spiral staircase designed in collaboration with Lucky Senanayake. The balustrades that adorn him are metal sculptures of warriors in 17th century uniforms. A huge staircase is located under a domed glass ceiling-window, which allows the building to be lit by sunlight throughout the day.
The editors of most-beauty.ru hope that you liked our list of famous Sri Lankan staircases that were designed by Jeffrey Bava. We are looking forward to your comments.