Does architecture synergize with photography?

"Does architecture synergize with photography?" was the question I chose to explore when I spoke at the monthly members' meeting of the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka (PSSL).

I have been a shutterbug since my childhood. But sure, my enthusiasm surged even higher after I began studying and practising architecture. So, I took some time to think about this question and realized that there are four instances where I use photography as a tool in my architectural practice.

Communication is an essential skill for any architect. From architecture school, we do a lot of verbal and graphical presentations to explain our design ideas. Photographs taken on the streets of Batticaloa during a background study helped me recognize the context, conceptualize design requirements and communicate ideas in the final crit.

Photographing existing buildings allows me to understand the interplay of spaces, materials, textures, colours, light, and shadows. I tried to capture the articulation of volumes in the Kolpetty market that allows the dynamic activities of the market and the play of light and shadow in the Jesuit chapel designed by Valentine Gunasekara. While photographing Lolu Village Resort, where I was a project architect, I documented the process and the completed project.

Can a series of photographs narrate an architectural experience? Can they explain the spatial progression of an ancient temple premises? Can one capture the indoor-outdoor connection created by Geoffery Bawa in Lunuganga? I keep asking these questions when taking photographs in different spaces and places.

Finally, do you think there is a possibility of using photographs as a catalyst for design exploration? Can you derive design inspiration from a photograph?

Leave your comments :)