In celebration of the Lunuganga gardens 75th anniversary, Tree Talks podcast explores the lives of flora and ecosystems within the gardens. Bought on the eve of independence in 1948, Lunuganga is Geoffrey Bawa’s first and longest running architectural endeavour, join us as we unravel the intricacies of this living archive.
Architect Aquila Peris shares tales about the garden and his time spent there with Geoffrey Bawa as he walks along his favourite trail at Lunuganga. The garden holds many unexpected and inconspicuous curiosities; items that intrigued, inspired and even influenced Bawa’s practice. This episode is a nod to the spirit of the garden and the notions behind its creation.
After a childhood in America and completing schooling at S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia, Aquila joined the architects firm Messrs. Edwards Reid & Begg at No.2 Alfred House Road, Colombo 03 in 1983 as an apprentice designer for Geoffrey Bawa. It was an interesting time as many talented architects, designers, artists, sculptors, engineers, builders and musicians were there and contributed greatly to his designs. A few years later Aquila acquired formal training and was inducted into the inaugural first batch of the SLIA School of Architecture in 1986. In the early 1990s Aquila started designing and working on his own projects and—together with Geoffrey—designed and built his own house.
Legend for Map
- Moonamal
- Jackfruit
- Frangipani
Compendium of Species Mentioned in this Episode
Flora
Diya Para (Dillenia triquetra)
Godapara (Dillenia retusa)
Moonamal (Mimusops elengi)
Frangipani/Araliya (Plumeria Obtusa)
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Paddy
Additional References
- Edwards Reid & Begg: Serendib Serendipity: The Architecture of Geoffrey Bawa by Robson and Daswatte, 1998
- Project: Edwards, Reid & Begg Office*
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Nihal Bodhinayake
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Project: Ruhunu University (Archnet)
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Ritigala
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Project: Town Hall, Colombo (Roar Media), newspaper clipping from The Singapore Free Press and Mercantile Advertiser, 1928 (National Library Board, Singapore)
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Ruk Rakaganno**
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Dr. Philip Revatha 'Ray' Wijewardene
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Dageba: Relic depository
- Plough and harrow: Land Master
*Presently The Gallery Café was the former residence of Dr. Bartholomeusz, a project that was abandoned in 1963, was purchased and converted to the office of E.R.B. until 1998 when Bawa’s practice shifted to his residence.
**A pioneering collective formed in 1975 by Iranganie Serasinghe and likeminded artists and environmentalists amidst the deforestation of Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve. They spearheaded the advocacy for ecosystem focused environmental protection in Sri Lanka.
Credits
Produced by: Geoffrey Bawa Trust
Supervising Producer: Aneesha Mustachi
Coordinator: Dhaneesha Tharakie
Audio Engineer: Shamin De Silva
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Geoffrey Bawa Trust.