Unpacking the Elective Affinities of Feminist Architecture in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's women architects have made significant contributions to the country's architectural landscape, but their work has largely been overlooked, with pioneers like Minnette de Silva and Vasantha Jacobsen struggling to receive the recognition they deserve.

Minnette de Silva was a pioneering architect who synthesized European tropical modernist forms with indigenous craft decoration, paving the way for decolonizing South Asia and creating innovative designs that reflect her experiences.

Vasantha Jacobsen's impressive work at Geoffrey Bawa's practice, including overseeing major projects like the New Sri Lankan Parliament, has been largely unknown, despite her dedication to her craft.

Shanti Jayewardene's experience in education and decolonization has been instrumental in shaping her approach to Sri Lankan architecture, and her work on Geoffrey Bawa's architecture has been a key factor in decolonizing the field.

The three women architects mentioned above have navigated the challenges of patriarchal society to create innovative and groundbreaking designs, despite the societal norms and expectations that have been imposed on them.

The elective affinities that define the work of these women architects are rooted in their experiences of nation-building, decolonization, and identity, and offer a unique perspective on the possibilities of feminist architecture in Sri Lanka.

Minnette de Silva's work has largely been overlooked, and her estate, including archives and collections, does not have a clear or publicized beneficiary, highlighting the need for greater recognition and preservation of her legacy.

Vasantha Jacobsen's dedication to her craft is evident in her attention to detail and her ability to get things done, as seen in her work on the New Sri Lankan Parliament project.

The work of Minnette, Vasantha, and Shanti offers a unique insight into the possibilities of feminist architecture in Sri Lanka, and highlights the importance of considering the social and cultural context in which architecture is created.

The archival deficit in women's histories or art and architectural histories is a familiar crisis, but one that can be shifted by following alternate forms of intellectual and material productivity, such as preserving the legacy of pioneering women architects like Minnette de Silva and Vasantha Jacobsen.