Tropical modernism is the local evolution of the international architectural style, emulating the minimalist aesthetic of Modern architecture which emerged in the 1920s, reducing architecture to its purest form and expression, while responding to the climatic and environmental conditions of the tropics. Tropical Modernism has its origins in Sri Lanka, with Geoffrey Bawa as the leading pioneer. This movement also exhibit a considerable change in spatial patterns, affecting the socio-spatial role of outdoor transitional spaces, compared to traditional typologies, giving them designated functions to form indoor gardens, courtyards or lightweight of utility. It focuses on functionality and avoids forms of ornamentation, as it has evolved from modernism. The tropical climate subverted and softened modernism into a new form – taking the formal qualities and essential concepts of modernism, yet adapting the style with local materials and techniques, better suited to the environment.
RITU
This is a tropical modern house that combines the contemporary aesthetic with a high-performing climatic response, creating a home with an international influence, but a familiar regional charm. The project also addresses the major issue that comes with an International Style , i.e. a sense of “placelessness”, using specific cultural details, to adopt it to the Indian context. We have tried to adopt the clean aesthetic of modern architecture, while incorporating it with the hot, humid climate of the tropics.
– It has pitched roofs with large overhangs, replacing the simple horizontal lines of a flat roof.
– Large, glazed openings let in plenty of light, aid natural ventilation and are designed with proper shading, wooden screens or brise-soleil.
– White interiors incorporate warm wooden tones , stone textures and color pops to break the monotony, adapting them to the Indian context.
– Open plan with living spaces flowing out to terraces and green courts create a greater sense of wide open spaces, without obstructing the wind paths.