EDITORIAL
THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY
APPRECIATING THE CONNOTATIONS OF RESILIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE IN DESIGN
Architecture in its most foundational aspect is rooted in persistence. Be it building or style, the profession in essence is the literal building block of civilisation and culture, persevering as a corporeal form through history.
Likewise, the eponymous painting by Salvador Dali alludes the same in a surreal manner – where the dreamlike scenery and melting watches emphasised the advances in science and distortion of space and time, while hinting at the inescapable ravages and effects of time.
Memory is an intimate aspect of architecture – intertwining the remembrance of the building along with its architect. As such, it is important that resilience is forged into every building and urbanity that is created, in order to protect the memory of spaces, places and their people.
In remembering and preserving the ethos and experiences of learned personalities in the field, we make sure that their hard-won discoveries are passed on to be celebrated and built upon by future generations.
Consequently, it is with great pride that this issue commemorates the unseen works and thoughts of eminent practitioners such as Tilak Samarawickrema, Ashley de Vos and the inimitable Geoffrey Bawa. Their dedication to the craft and its linked intricacies have created an unmistakable impact on today’s formation and evolution of local architecture.
We also explore the challenges to resilience in practice and philosophy in modern times of crises. The fragility of our economic and natural ecosystems has vastly damaged the continuity of the profession in Sri Lanka – with 2022-23 recording high levels of migration and brain drain.
It is with this in mind that we also explore the persistence of lifespans through projects based on renovations and refurbishments – and ultimately in the rejuvenation of spatial longevity.
Along with celebrating past memories, this issue seeks answers on how to protect future architectural legacies and communities, and encourage talent to be retained within the land, while also honouring its vanguards in remembrance and practice.
