El Croquis 212 Palinda Kannangara

Description

The award-winning Sri Lankan architectural firm led by Palinda Kannangara is known for an experiential architecture that hinges on simplicity and connection with the natural environment. Its work has been recognised for a personalised approach, contextual sensitivity, experimental material use, and a minimalism reflective of the Sri Lankan ethos. Started in 2005, Kannangara’s practice often works on small-scale projects which connect with the region, climate, and landscape using locally available materials and technology. This issue features twelve works, including several houses, a wellness retreat, holiday bungalows, an artist’s retreat, and staff quarters for a wind power plant.

Palinda Kannangara (born 1970, Kolonnawa, Sri Lanka) has a background in mathematics and architecture. He majored in mathematics for his BSc (1996), however his primary calling was elsewhere. In 1994, he joined a study course conducted by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects. As a student, he trained under Sri Lankan modernist architect Anura Rathnavibushana, who had worked with Geoffrey Bawa for 16 years. He established an independent practice in 2005, a year after receiving his Charter. His studio is now located in Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
Palinda Kannangara Architects is an award-winning Sri Lankan architecture firm known for its experiential architecture that hinges on simplicity and connection with the natural environment. The firm’s work has been recognized for its contextual sensitivity, experimental use of materials and a minimalism that reflects the Sri Lankan ethos. The practice, now more than 15 years year old, has deliberately remained small and personalized. Its design and work process is always deeply connected to the site.