Centre for Social Reconciliation and Political Literacy at Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, Sri Lanka | Masters Design Project

Site Context

The proposed project is situated at The Crescent in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo—a dynamic cultural hub ideal for engaging a diverse urban audience. Located near Vihara Mahadevi Park and the National Museum, the area is already home to art galleries, theaters, and cultural spaces, making it an ideal setting to foster awareness of social issues.

Design Process

Manipulation of Space: Architecture is the art of creating space, affording us the privilege to tailor environments to resonate with a user’s sensory experiences-touch, smell, sound, taste, and sight. By skillfully manipulating elements such as volume, texture, and materials, we can infuse a space with its own voice, one that communicates with- out the need for words. This project endeavors to harness the physical aspects of space to evoke specific emotions in individuals as they traverse through it.

Adaptability of Space: With the given nature of the project, where it deals with social issues of the people. One thing to keep in mind is the fact that social changes are ever changing and would require the space to adapt accordingly, to showcase art installations The fact that the location of the site has cultural forces and in the existing context the cultural forces are stagnate. To bring culture to life the space could also be utilized accordingly.

Final Outcome

The architectural vision for this project seeks to redefine the connection between Colombo’s National Museum and Vihara Mahadevi Park by transforming the existing Natural History Museum site into an open forecourt. This intervention unveils the National Museum’s rear facade, enhancing its visibility and presence. The design concept symbolically deconstructs the colonial structure, dismantling its rigid grid to challenge its historical dominance and create a more inclusive narrative. Spaces within the building are thoughtfully arranged to reflect Sri Lanka’s historical transitions.

The building consists of two key components: a public platform and a museum, each serving a distinct purpose. The public platform will focus on contemporary social and political issues through temporary galleries, discussion pods, and debate spaces, encouraging open dialogue. Meanwhile, the museum will explore historical narratives, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Sri Lanka’s past to promote awareness and reflection.

At the heart of the project lies a central public forum, serving as a space for social dialogue and engagement, while underground areas preserve unobstructed views of the forecourt. Visitors begin their journey at a grand ceremonial entrance, offering glimpses of the underground exhibits. The experience is designed as an immersive exploration of identity, history, and conflict. Exhibits such as Who Are We? and Labels and Titles celebrate Sri Lanka’s ethnic diversity, while the Post-Independence Memory Walk and Sculpture Installation Space confront themes of conflict and loss.

An educational wing will support expert discussions, research, and legal aid for affected communities, fostering intellectual discourse and social transformation. To effectively communicate these issues, the project will integrate artistic expressions, speeches, and performances, ensuring engagement with both the public and policymakers.

Acknowledging the site’s recreational significance, the project also includes a restaurant and retail spaces to attract visitors and enhance public participation. Overall, this initiative aims to educate, inspire awareness, and drive social change through cultural, artistic, and intellectual engagement.

Powerful installations like the Wall of Victims and Manipulated Divisions evoke the harsh realities of war, culminating in the Final Space—a tranquil area for contemplation and healing. This journey through history and emotion ultimately fosters reconciliation and activism, leading to a public space dedicated to discourse and social change, inspiring visitors toward a more compassionate and unified future.

Conclusion: ‘The Living Canvas’ is more than a museum—it is a space for reflection, dialogue, and transformation. By integrating history, art, and public discourse, the project fosters awareness, reconciliation, and social change. Through its thoughtful architecture and immersive experiences, it challenges historical narratives, encourages empathy, and inspires collective action. Ultimately, The Living Canvas aspires to be a catalyst for unity, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s past informs a more inclusive and compassionate future.

[This Academic Project has been published with text and images submitted by the student]