• In conversation with Vijitha Basnayaka on crafting a sustainable future

In a world grappling with the urgent need for sustainable practices and a growing awareness of the environmental impact of our choices, Sri Lankan architect Vijitha Basnayaka has quietly been leading a counter-movement of modern architecture that focuses on sustainable practice. With 35 years of architectural practice under his belt (and 23 years as an educator), Basnayaka’s commitment to site-specific, sustainable architecture is not just a professional ethos but a lifelong mission.

The Sunday Morning Brunch recently sat down Basnayaka at his ancestral home, an old-world villa which he has transformed multiple times in harmony with his architectural philosophy, for some insight into his architectural approach. Basnayaka shared insights into his approach, the launch of his new book ‘Ini: A selection of buildings by Vijitha Basnayaka,’ and his vision for the future of architecture. 

Forming an architecture counterculture

Basnayaka’s architectural practice is a testament to his core tenets: site specificity, sustainability, and climate change awareness.

“All our mainstream architecture is based on the modern movement of architecture driven by the design of cubes and concepts developed in an office and then tried out on site,” Basnayaka shared of the prevailing modern architectural paradigm, which prioritises cubic designs and often disregards site-specific elements like water and wind movements, existing flora, and neighbouring structures. 

His site-specific architectural movement emphasises natural materials, like the clay used in parts of his home, and working around the space you’re building on, not just in terms of things like flora and fauna, but in terms of light, water, and wind movement. This commitment to natural materials and spaces is grounded in his belief that sustainable architecture must begin with the materials and space itself.

Collaboration is another cornerstone of Basnayaka’s approach. He believes in the power of collective thinking and problem-solving: “We always believe in group work and looking at various projects; we put our clients also as the design team and work with them without trying to force our ideas on them. We try to do things which actually will help the client and solve the problems that arise when trying to do a building.”

Environmentally-mindful architecture

The environmental cost of modern architecture also cannot be overstated, and mindful, site-specific architecture can have a strong impact when it comes to protecting and minimising environmental harm. Basnayaka highlighted that architecture contributed significantly to global warming through the extraction of raw materials, production, construction, and demolition: “Around 40-50% of global warming is because of architecture. Raw materials, production, construction, and demolition – they all use a lot of carbon dioxide.”

Basnayaka’s advocacy for site-specific architecture stems from its profound importance. It takes into account the unique characteristics of each location, such as existing trees, water bodies, and terrain, rather than imposing a generic design: “We need to work with the space and materials we have at hand to create.”

Basnayaka’s reverence for the environment extends beyond his architectural designs. He believes that every structure should seamlessly integrate with its surroundings, minimising disruption to the ecosystem. 

In his pursuit of environmental sensitivity, Basnayaka has revitalised the use of natural materials like clay, debunking the myth that they are inferior to modern alternatives: “Clay is actually a very durable material. Our ancient palaces, even our Kandyan palaces, are all built with clay. It’s a myth that clay is a bad material.” 

His insistence on the use of clay not only reduces the carbon footprint but also promotes sustainable practices that are rooted in centuries-old traditions.

An integral part of his approach is also preserving existing structures and materials whenever possible. For example, one house he constructed was on a triangular piece of land and he built to the shape of the property while also building around existing trees instead of demolishing them, a marked departure from the typical modernist approach which, in Basnayaka’s view, is the imposition of a cube-based design onto a site while tearing down everything adjacent to it that does not fit that vision. 

‘Ini’: A chronicle of collaborative design

Basnayaka recently launched ‘Ini,’ a book that offers a glimpse into his collaborative design process. The book showcases 10 projects that epitomise his architectural philosophy. ‘Ini’ has been in the works since 2009, when one of Basnayaka’s friends and former lecturers, C.J. De Saram, told him that he should write a book about his approach to architecture. 

“A lot of my friends and students said the same, so I thought, ‘Why not get together and write it’. A lot of the photography was all done by volunteers – students and friends,” said Basnayaka, adding that he had been working on ‘Ini’ since 2009. “We would write a chapter, criticise it, meet again, and rework it. It took a very long time.”

This collaborative spirit mirrors his architectural approach, emphasising shared wisdom and perspectives. The final book chronicles 10 of Basnayaka’s most impactful building projects (it was meant to cover 15 projects, but in the end, this was cut down to 10 in order to complete the book). 

“I’m very happy to have published it, but now, people have to read it! The introduction is in both Sinhala and English where we discuss our concepts and what we’re thinking about architecture and what we see as the future of architecture,” Basnayaka said, noting that he was concerned that many people did not read coffee table books and instead glanced at them casually. However, he hopes that the themes of ‘Ini’ and its visual presentation will inspire people, especially young architects, to consider new paradigms of architecture. 

Continuing a mindful architectural movement

Young architects hold the power to shape how we, as the general public, and as humans, see architecture, and Basnayaka stressed that this imparted a responsibility to young architects to be mindful of the impact of the architectural movements that they advocated for. “Young architects can actually make a difference,” he said, urging young architects to move away from the traditional model of architecture. “Do not connect your fees with the construction cost and look to make a percentage from bigger constructions; always connect your fee with advice you give.”

When choosing sites, Basnayaka also encouraged architects to look beyond the “fantastic site” and consider those damaged by human activities. He believes that regenerating such sites through careful planning and sustainable construction can have a transformative impact: “Go for a site that has been damaged by human activities and try to make it an interesting site by planting trees and building around it to regenerate the site.”

With an increasingly warming planet, Basnayaka underscores the importance of site-specific strategies – architecture plays a significant role in climate change. “We have to be very careful about the present situation. Even architects and the general public are not concerned about global warming, happily building more and more buildings with irresponsible materials and practices. It’s high time to think about how to conserve the environment.”

Basnayaka’s dedication to sustainability extends to addressing the global challenges of our time. He recognises that architecture plays a significant role in climate change and has adjusted his practice accordingly. He no longer builds houses that exceed 2,000 square feet, a conscious effort to reduce resource consumption and carbon emissions. His decision to build smaller, more efficient structures serves as a model for architects worldwide as they grapple with the urgent need to mitigate climate change.

Sustainability is holistic

In a world where architecture often clashes with the environment, Basnayaka’s work and philosophy serve as a guiding light. His commitment to site-specific, sustainable architecture, his insistence on environmental sensitivity, and his inclusive approach have redefined the role of architects in the 21st century. His legacy is not just a collection of buildings but a blueprint for a more sustainable, harmonious future – one where architecture is a force for positive change.

Environmental stewardship, collaboration, and a commitment to addressing global challenges are not confined to the realm of architecture. They are principles that can and should inform all aspects of our lives as we navigate the complex and interconnected challenges of our time. Basnayaka’s work and philosophy show the potential for positive transformation in every space we inhabit, and to embrace the responsibility of leaving a legacy of sustainability and beauty for generations to come.

PHOTOS SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA