Scaping Away Cities and Towns
“I have to mention that, I’m fortunate to have received much guidance and help from the lecturers at the Department of Architecture, both landscape architects and architects alike, who were always willing to assist us in any way possible. Especially Prof. Shirani Balasuriya and Landscape Architect Susira Udalamaththa and all my internal and external tutors”
Chatting away Dulani stated that studying landscape architecture is not an easy task and that it requires a lot of energy, time and hard work. She stated that she would not have been able to achieve anything without the love, support and constant encouragement by her parents. “They were so very patient with me the past 4 years while the house looked like a tornado had passed through it, closer to my final design presentations, rushing to get printouts and any other last minute things that I needed, and caring for me while I had all-nighters on a weekly basis! It was an amazing experience altogether”
Discussing on how she balanced her studies this is what she had to contribute, “During the First year it was an overwhelming load of work. Assignments, Presentations, Design work, you name it we got it. (Dulani laughs) It was a challenge indeed. I was singing for the Church choir and the Menaka Singers. I had to Balance practices and travelling and the studies.”
Dulani Denipitiya is currently a temporary instructor at the Department of Architecture, while also working at Damith Premathilake Architects. She mentioned that it is her first step in becoming an academic. Her plan for the near future is to complete her higher studies (aiming for a PhD) and become a qualified Landscape Architect and academic and contribute to the profession and uplifting its education in Sri Lanka.
Dulani said beaming “Don’t underestimate Landscape Architecture. It not about designing a plot of flowers. It is inspiring as it focuses on everything around you. Aesthetics, Psychology of the individuals, environment surrounding the place, cultural aspects and every tiny detail.”
It was indeed a pleasure having this very real and candid chat with Dulani while she concluded saying “It is a tough journey of 4 years. I knew there was light at the end of the tunnel and all my hard work was going to pay off. No matter what you do passion and hard work will get you through. Truly.”