Summary

Geoffrey Bawa's architectural work is well documented, but less attention has been paid to his work on gardens. This book focuses on his two most famous gardens: Lunuganga, on his own estate, and the lesser-known garden he fashioned for his brother, Bevis. Evolved over several decades, the gardens and their outbuildings and sculpture represent high points of all-encompassing tropical design. This book begins with a largely photographic overview of Sri Lanka's natural features, showing the varied palette of landscapes that inspired Bawa's sensitive treatment of architecture. At the very heart of the book is an intimate portrait of two exquisitely detailed gardens and the personalities that brought them into being. But it is also a story about the nature and landscape of an island of exceptional beauty. As such, the book has something to offer followers of Geoffrey Bawa, tropical-garden enthusiasts and to all those seeking a photographic portrait of Sri Lanka.