I always take photos and measurements when I visit famous buildings. When I was measuring as I usually do in Lunuganga, I noticed that it was difficult to stop measuring. Because each building arrayed separately, however, they were strongly connected each other. So once someone started measuring one building,
it would be unavoidable to measure the next buildings
On one place, the bench was gradually changed into stairs, on another place, big outdoor markings on the ground were gradually changed into small interior tiles. There were no clear border between architecture and surroundings and there was a strong organic connection between them.
Bawa's idea about boundary is interesting when it is compared to Japanese traditional architecture. The idea of making a good harmony with surroundings is common to Japan. However, in Japan, there are clear boundaries between buildings and surroundings. I think,in some aspects, designing a beautiful sharp boundary is the key concept of Japanese architecture. In contrast, Bawa's boundaries are vague and elusive, but so attractive.
Moreover, every small detail of the Lunuganga were carefully designed by Bawa. So, when I was walking in the Lunuganga, I felt as if I were walking through Bawa's brain. It was exciting to enjoy Bawa's design or ideas throughout my body however, on the other hand, it was tiring. I felt that his ideas and intentions were everywhere even from natural tree or leaves, it was too much and there were no room to think freely.
Although, there is no doubt that the Lunuganga is the masterpiece. I am convinced that the Lunuganga is the ideal place where architecture and surroundings perfectly mixed designed by only one architect.
At the end, I would introduce statements which was written about the the Lunuganga. This was written by Yukio Futagawa, a photographer who passed away just a year ago. I felt his words captured the essence of Bawa's architecture.
"The site is filled with a diversity of sceneries of such quality that any view of it is compatible to an artistic work of painting These sceneries are pieced together to make a sequence of moving images that narrates an endless story.
The Lunuganga is "paradise" born out of the passing of time on the earth and the architecture and landscape design that are bound to be incorporated such flow.
Today, this function that the architect has always wished to accomplish here is still alive in a quiet, never-ceasing progress."
