Architecture and Design! - V.N. Giritharan -

[ Digital Art (Google Nano Banana technique) by VNG.]

The main aspect of architecture is design. Architecture, in short, can be described as designing the built environment. A city is filled with buildings. Architecture is the creation of this environment filled with buildings. How does architecture create buildings? This is where design becomes crucial. Architecture is not just about constructing buildings. Before constructing and designing these buildings, many factors must be considered.

Initial Steps and Their Importance in Building Design!

If a client wishes to build a structure, an architect must consider the following: What is the purpose of the building? Without understanding the objective, a building cannot be designed. For example, a client might want to create a home to live in, or an educational institution, or a library. Clearly understanding the client's objective is the first step in terms of design activities.

Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre (MMC): An Excellent Example of Contemporary Sri Lankan Architecture and Urban Design! - V.N.Giritharan -

 Makumbura Multimodal Transport Hub (MMC) by Google Nano Banana AI

A crucial aspect of urban design is to alleviate traffic congestion in bustling metropolises. In this regard, the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre (MMC) located in Kottawa town  represents a significant achievement. It can be considered an excellent building designed by incorporating methods used in developed countries to reduce traffic congestion (e.g., Park and Ride), adapted to Sri Lanka's climate, and with public usability in mind. The architectural firm that designed it is 'Muditha Jayakody Associates (MJA)' led by architect Muditha Jayakody.

Architectural critics consider the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Hub to be a significant building in Sri Lanka's contemporary architecture. The design of the MMC emphasizes natural light, ventilation, and integration with the environment. It embodies the principles of tropical modernism in architecture. As such, the MMC stands as a good example of contemporary tropical architecture and is considered a significant contribution by Muditha Jayakody Associates to contemporary architecture.

Hester Basnayake, Sri Lanka's Pioneering Female Landscape Architect, and Her Ideas on Landscape Architecture! - V.N. Giritharan -

Many people are generally not as familiar with landscape architecture as they are with architecture. In reality, landscape architecture is another art form intertwined with architecture and urban planning. Sri Lanka's historical monuments, which are of great historical significance, serve as evidence of how important landscape architecture was in urban planning. For example, the contribution of landscape architecture to the urban planning of Sigiriya is evident. Similarly, the influence of landscape architecture can be seen in ancient viharas, historically important royal buildings, and temples. Today, this field is taught as a degree program at the University of Moratuwa. This post aims to briefly introduce Mrs. Hester Basnayake, one of the pioneers in Sri Lankan landscape architecture.

Urban Dwellers, Their Mental Images of the City, and an Understanding of Professor Kevin Lynch's "The Image of the City" Theory! - V.N.Giritharan

After completing my architecture degree at the University of Moratuwa, during my time working with the United Nations Development Programme and the Urban Development Authority, I was involved in several landscape and town planning projects concerning cities like Colombo and the New Parliament. One significant project that comes to mind was a study on the image of Colombo city, undertaken with town planning expert Dickson, architecture/town planning expert Sivabalan (who later passed away while working in Singapore), and architect Vairamuthu Arutchelvan, based on Professor Lynch's theory of the city image. I recall it receiving much appreciation. This article briefly describes Professor Lynch's theory of the city image.

The mental images that urban dwellers have of their city are not the same for everyone. Just as a text is determined by various factors such as a reader's knowledge, experience, and comprehension, so too are the mental images of a city by its inhabitants determined by various factors. The psychological impressions that urban dwellers have of their city arise from their experiences within that city, the memories formed as a result, the buildings in that city, important places, other people living there, the various activities taking place, symbols that serve as important landmarks of the city, and many other such factors. When urban planners reconstruct cities or build new ones, having sufficient knowledge about the mental images or impressions of the people living there is not only crucial but also beneficial for their work. Professor Kevin Lynch was the one who, in the early 20th century, attempted to understand a city by focusing on these mental images that urban dwellers have of the city they live in.

Ottawa Scenes – The Longest-Serving Canadian Prime Minister

William Lyon Mackenzie King (1874–1950) served as Prime Minister of Canada for a long period, 21 years in total (1921–1926, 1926–1930, 1935–1948). He was the one who introduced old-age pensions (Old Age Security) and unemployment insurance. The statue here is of him. This statue of his is located outdoors, near the Canadian Senate building in Ottawa. 

Ottawa Scenes – A Jazz Pianist on the Street!

I spent this past weekend in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. While wandering around the Parliament area, this eye-catching statue drew my attention. At the intersection of Albert Street and Elgin Street, right outside the National Arts Centre, stood the elegant statue of none other than one of the world’s most renowned pianists—not only famous in Canada but across the globe—Oscar Peterson (1925–2007), the son of Caribbean immigrant parents who had settled in Montreal.

He is regarded as one of the greatest Canadian jazz pianists, celebrated for his extraordinary speed and precision at the piano.

The bronze sculpture was created by Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy. The design captures the feeling that Oscar Peterson is actually sitting there at the corner playing the piano, and one can even enjoy listening to his music while standing near the statue.

It was truly an unforgettable and deeply memorable experience—etched in my mind as a lasting impression.

Ottawa Scenes – Soldiers’ Monument (1812–1815) - "Triumph Through Diversity!"

This monument, which includes seven figures, is of great importance in Canadian history. It was built to commemorate the war that took place between the United States and Canada, then under the British Empire. The statue, titled Triumph Through Diversity, symbolizes the victory achieved through the unity of diverse peoples. The war lasted from 1812 until 1815.

Canadian soldiers, British soldiers, Canada’s Indigenous warriors (Métis, First Nations), French Canadian soldiers, Scottish volunteer settlers, and members of the Royal Navy all fought together against the American invasion. To honor these seven groups, this monument—located near the Canadian Senate building—features seven figures, each representing one of these groups.

Casa Loma!

Yesterday, I went to Casa Loma, one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks, to attend a wedding. It was a wedding with a limited number of invited guests. These are some of the photos I took at Casa Loma on that occasion.

A few words about Casa Loma…

Casaloma in Night 

Casa Loma is a must-see landmark for anyone visiting the city of Toronto. It is a large mansion resembling a castle, originally built to be a castle by wealthy businessman Sir Henry Pellatt between 1911 and 1914. Constructed in the Gothic Revival architectural style, this mansion stands as one of Toronto’s most iconic architectural landmarks. The architect was E.J.Lennox.

The mansion, which contains 98 rooms, features a 61-foot-high Great Hall, secret passageways, a bowling alley, underground tunnels for servants, and areas for maintaining horses.

Following the First World War, Henry Pellatt fell into financial difficulties and was unable to pay his property taxes to the government. As a result, the property was seized by the city.

In the years that followed, this castle-like mansion was used in various ways—as a hotel, club, and research facility—before coming under the care of the Liberty Entertainment Group in 2014.

Today, it functions as a tourist attraction, museum, and venue for events. Notably, more than 650,000 visitors come to see Casa Loma each year.

Casa Loma – https://casaloma.ca/

'The Development History of Jaffna City (1621–1948)’ ('யாழ்ப்பாண நகரத்தின் வளர்ச்சி வரலாறு' (1621 - 1948) ) by Mayooranathan, Published by Ezhuna Publications

'The Development History of Jaffna City (1621–1948)’ ('யாழ்ப்பாண நகரத்தின் வளர்ச்சி வரலாறு' (1621 - 1948) )  by Mayooranathan, Published by Ezhuna Publications

A historically significant Tamil research  book titled  "'யாழ்ப்பாண நகரத்தின் வளர்ச்சி வரலாறு' (1621 - 1948) " ('The Development History of Jaffna City (1621–1948)')  by my friend Mayooranathan, an architect and historical researcher, has been published by Ezhuna Publications. Below is his Facebook post about the release:

    “In Sri Lanka, this book is priced at Rs. 4,800. Those who wish to purchase it from outside Sri Lanka may contact the number listed in this post.

    As another publication from Ezhuna, we are pleased to inform readers that ‘The Development History of Jaffna City’ by Mr.R. Mayooranathan is now available starting today.

Contact details: No. 63, Ser. Pon. Ramanathan Road, Kaladdy Junction, Thirunelveli, Jaffna.
📞 +94 77 797 5029

Mayooranathan, an architect and historical researcher

Congratulations to Mayooranathan and Ezhuna Publications!

Cityscape in Motion: Toronto from the Expressway

This photo was taken by my elder daughter Thamayanthi  while traveling along the elevated Gardiner Expressway that cuts across the city of Toronto. Seen here is the world-famous CN Tower. Next to it is the baseball stadium originally known as the SkyDome, now called the Rogers Centre, which features a retractable roof.

From the spot where the photo was taken, I liked the way the cityscape extended upward against the dark clouded background. That’s why I’m sharing it here.

Frank Lloyd Wright: The father of 'organic architecture'

[Digital Painting Technique (Google Nano Banana) assistance: VNG]

One of the theories or concepts of modern architecture is 'organic architecture'. The pioneer of this theory is an American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. He first used the term 'organic architecture' when discussing architecture that suits the environment.Architectural critics believe that he arrived at this concept through his mentor Louis Sullivan, who believed in the principle of 'form follows function' in architecture. They also believe that Thoreau's thinking on Transcendentalism played a significant role in helping him reach this concept.

Frank Lloyd Wright's thinking on organic architecture is an important concept in modern architecture, just as he firmly believed in the principle of 'form follows function'.

Le Corbusier : "A house is a machine to live in"

[Digital Painting Technique (Google Nano Banana) assistance: VNG]

Le Corbusier is one of the pioneers of modern architecture. He is a multi-talented architect and urban planner. He is a Swiss-born French citizen. Many parts of the world exhibit his architectural as well as urban planning contributions. The city planning and many governmental buildings in the Punjab province in India were designed by him. His prowess is known for art, furniture design, and writing as well.

His real name is Charles-Édouard Jeanneret. His self-talent, experience, and knowledge of subjects in the field helped him achieve success in architecture and urban planning.

"A house is a machine to live in" - this is Le corbusier's motto. This means that a house, including all its parts, is a machine designed for humans to live in.