Geoffrey Bawa : the complete works /

Robson (architecture, Univ. of Brighton) here writes definitively about important South Asian architect Geoffrey Bawa. A Sri Lankan trained in London, Bawa developed a personal synthesis of traditional local forms and modernist plans. His site-specific, sustainable, and energy-conscious designs include courtyard and tower houses of local materials, schools, factories, offices, hotels, a university campus, and his country's New Parliament buildings. Robson outlines Sri Lankan history and architecture, then traces Bawa's aristocratic early life. In chronological segments, he analyzes 49 buildings, illustrating each with drawings and photographs (500 total, 250 in color). Bawa, who is now seriously ill, recently received a special Aga Khan Award for Architecture. This fine book is only the third about Bawa and appears to be the most comprehensive. Recommended for large architectural and South Asian collections.-David R. Conn, Surrey P.L., B.C. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.