A fresh take on ‘tropical modernism’
View(s):Contemporary ideas and local accents at SLDF’s interior design exhibition
By Purnima Pilapitiya
This year’s edition of the Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) comes to the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) with a host of new, progressive ideas amalgamated with familiar local resources. When the design festival kicks off this November, the four-day event will cover all aspects of design and architecture. As always, the foyer of the SLECC will host their interior design exhibition. This time around, the team behind SLDF along with local giants in furniture and interior design will work under the theme of “future tropical modernism”.
Although the term “tropical modernism” arose in the 60s following the Modernist movement in the West, the use of natural light and space, terra cotta roofs and reflecting pools are the signature of any Geoffrey Bawa building. Said to be the marriage of colonial and Sri Lankan architecture, the style is one that resonates rustic luxury with its own exotic yet close to home identity.
SLDF hopes to enlighten their audiences on this still popular style of architecture and interior design in a more contemporary context, where factors such as the availability of space and other practical concerns have become a luxury to many. Backed by veterans in the interior design and hospitality industry, the event will have curated spaces brimming with ideas fusing nature with interior design, the curious use of colour and lighting together with local and international design studios.
SLDF is open free of charge to the general public at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) on November 3, 4, 5 and 6. Participants for the exhibition will be Raux Brothers, Fairway Holdings, Dulux, Anim8, Asoria, Swedish Trading, Clove Republic Colours& Shades, Dankotuwa, Delmege, Don Carolis, Euro Pantry, Exel Holdings, Fine Furniture, JAT Holdings, Koncept Centro, Space &Lalin Design, Light & Shade, Masterpieces, Ranjana’s Ceramic and Techwood. For more information, reach the SLDF Secretariat at 011 5867772/3 AOD – 29, Lauries Road, Colombo 4.