Spatio-visual patterns in respect to visual experience : an exploration of architecture of of Geoffrey Bawa

Abstract

The spatial qualities enhanced through his architectural approach are often talked of due to the positive emotional responses from those who experience the spaces. It has been said that spatial progression in Bawa’s architecture is a dis-tinct feature in which spatial experience is heightened to its best possibility. While such interpretations are apparently accepted, very less quantitative evidence is to be found that confirm the fact Bawa’s architecture acquires those qualitative attributes. Thus there is a lack of research evidence to discuss if Bawa’s architecture is actually space specific with having different spatio-visual patterns which are unique to each design or he has unconsciously or consciously occupied similar spatio-visual pat-terns in his architectural approach which is similar in every design yet is not identi-fied. This paper utilizes Isovist analysis and Visibility Graph Analysis to seek scien-tific evidence to identify existence or non-existence of similarity in spatio visual patterns in Geoffery Bawa’s architecture by analyzing selected domestic architecture in Colombo context. This analysis reveals consciously or unconsciously Geoffrey Bawa has maintained a similar design frame in creating visual experience and visual connectivity in his urban house designs.