A major exhibition that draws from the archives of the practice of influential architect, Geoffrey Bawa, kicked off today in Colombo.

The ‘Geoffrey Bawa: It is Essential to be There’ exhibition is the first of its kind and provides a deeper look to the legendary architect’s work.

The event is organised by the Geoffrey Bawa Trust and is organised under four thematic sections; exploring relationships between ideas, drawings, buildings and places, the exhibition explores the different ways in which images were used in Bawa’s practice.

Over 120 documents from the Bawa archives, most of which have never been shown publicly previously, will be on view, including a section on unbuilt work and Bawa’s own photographs from his travels.

The exhibition is held at The Stables, Park Street Mews, from 11 am to 7 pm daily. Admission to the event is free.