Balmond Studio – Transforming design DNA at Sri Lanka Design Festival 2016

Many believe architectural design defines a building, however for the world-renowned Sri Lankan architect, artist and engineer Cecil Balmond, architecture is much more than that. It is a means to radically alter human experience. 

Cecil Balmond OBE is one of the most influential and daring designers of our time and is behind some of the most phenomenal architectural projects across the world, such as the CCTV Tower in Beijing and ArcelorMittal Orbit, as well as the iconic Serpentine Pavilions in London. Balmond Studio is bringing Cecil’s design aesthetic and methodology to the world, including his native island Sri Lanka. The Colombo studio is led by John and James Balmond – a duo with a mission to turn the nation into the design hub of South East Asia. 

Currently leading some of the most incredible architectural projects in Sri Lanka such as the JKH Waterfront, Balmond Studio has much to contribute to the collective body of creative knowledge in Sri Lanka.  However, this goes beyond design. The strategy involves sharing their ground-breaking research and cutting-edge philosophy on interior/architectural design with institutions at a grass roots level, as well as the general public of Sri Lanka. It is a process of education, increasing the understanding and visibility of non-linear design and emergent form. 

Taking a step closer to their goal, Balmond Studio is collaborating with the country’s most influential platform for design –Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) this November. Balmond Studio will be translating SLDF’s 2016 theme ‘Transformation’ into a visual interpretation at the Sri Lanka Design Festival Interior Design Exhibition.   

The idea of ‘transformation’ is one that is well in sync with Balmond Studio’s design approach. For the studio, design isn’t fixed. It’s an interrogation. A search. A philosophy of practice as experiment. It is fluid and ever-changing, possessing infinite potential. Balmond Studio is constantly creating new design models to tap into the possibilities. Extending this vision to a public spectacle at Sri Lanka Design Festival, Balmond Studio is crafting the spatial experience for visitors to the festival premises at SLECC, Colombo. 

Balmond Studio’s team of creatives, led by James Balmond, are designing an entrance façade and an AV installation that aims to change experience as the crowds enter SLECC for Sri Lanka Design Festival. Furthermore, to create syncopated narratives on multiple scales, Balmond Studio is also designing a fabric roof wall that will run through the span of SLECC. Balmond Studio’s collaboration with SLDF also extends to the intellectual and academic, with the studio’s creative director James Balmond participating in the SLDF’s Design Katha conference series. James’ session at Design Katha promises to be especially relevant to all design professionals, focussing on the link between design and human consciousness. 

Balmond Studio and its collaboration with Sri Lanka Design Festival embodies how creative businesses are capable of harnessing the idea of transformation into the future. SLDF’s 2016 theme ‘Transformation’ aims to being inspiration for all major industries in the island to embrace change and harness its momentum as we enter an age of shifting dynamics. SLDF’s main organiser AOD works closely with Balmond Studio to progress interior design education in Sri Lanka with the much needed integration of industry knowledge. 

AOD will be hosting SLDF from 3 to 6 November and the event is supported by a series of influential creative businesses like Balmond Studios and several leading names from major industries. SLDF participants for the interior design exhibition include Raux Brothers, Fairway Holdings, Dulux, Anim8, Asoria, Swedish Trading, Clove Republic Colours &  Shades, Dankotuwa, Delmege, Don Carolis, Euro Pantry, Exel Holdings, Fine Furniture, JAT Holdings, Koncept Centro, Space & Lalin Design, Light & Shade, Masterpieces, Ranjana’s Ceramic and Techwood. For more information, reach the SLDF Secretariat at 011 5867772/3 AOD - 29, Lauries Road, Colombo 4.

For more information, contact the SLDF secretariat on 076 777 0306, 5867772-3 email [email protected] or walk in between 9am-5pm to the Sri Lanka Design Festival Secretariat at AOD, 29, Laurie’s Road, Colombo 04.

An earlier article published on 26 October erroneously stated that John Balmond would be speaking at Sri Lanka Design Festival. It is James Balmond who will be speaking at Sri Lanka Design Festival 2016 to share knowledge on a public platform. The error is regretted.