Discovering Potential – Forum

Architect Nandaka Jayasinghe is a young, vibrant individual who has entered in to the field of Architecture almost 7 years ago. The opportunity to have a candid chat on Architecture and his lifelong journey which started at ‘The City School of Architecture’ was indeed a pleasure. For him Architecture is not only the tedious academic career of 7 years that had completed, it is now his passion.

The City Sch o o l of Architecture is headed by Past President SLIA Prof. Lal balasuriya, and is directed by a distinguished panel of Architects. The Part I course of the CSA Degree was established in 1986 and the Part II course in 1991 as courses of study conducted by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA).

The school was named the Colombo School of Architecture in 1999. In 2008, the school was re-structured to have an independent management governed by the Board of Directors of City School of Architecture ( Colombo) Ltd, headed by Archt. D. H. Wijewardane President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA). The school’s name was changed to ‘ City School of Architecture’ (CSA). CSA was granted RIBA accreditation in 2011 and SLIA accreditation in 2012. CSA partnered with University of the West of England in year 2012 to award degrees.

Archt. Nandaka Jayasinghe gave information on how the CSA students are moulded in to the architects they are today; “The course is seven years long. This is for good reason! First part of the course is a full time academic course, while the final three years is part time where students get an in depth industrial training.”

He also stated that there are many design based modules of study where the students get studio time with the lecturer, where there is one on one interaction with the teacher to learn, enhance and expand their knowledge.

“CSA has founded one of the best platforms for architecture students to engage in the profession, through an industrial connection they develop at an early stage of their student career. Forum CSA is the alumni organization of the City School of Architecture, which was established in 2006” exclaims Archt. Nandaka Jayasinghe, the current presi- dent of this association. Forum CSA was an initiative suggested by Prof. Lal Balasuriya (Past President of SLIA) and successfully established by their Founding President Archt. Nela de Zoysa. Forum CSA has been established in order to act as a forum for its members. The members are made up of CSA Graduates. Forum CSA actively organize events and activities which are of academic and professional relevance to its membership and students of CSA.

“We are currently involved in producing a publication which would showcase the diversity and design excel- lence of the CSA alumni “s t ated Archt. Nandaka Jayasinghe.

Time flies when discussing about one’s passion and Archt. Nandaka was quite animated and high- spirited throughout the interview!

A core essence that CSA instills in their students according to Archt. Nandaka is that architects create spaces for people to live in and therefore, the social, cultural and emotional aspirations of the occupants are as important as their functional needs.

“We do not create the work. I believe we, in fact, are discoverers.” ~Glenn Murcutt

Devuni Goonewardene