Chelvadurai Anjalendran

Architect

Visiting & Regular Faculty

C. Anjalendran is one of Sri-Lanka’s leading architects. A student of the prolific and influential Geoffrey Bawa, Anjalendran’s buildings are known across the Indian subcontinent for their simple directness, modern spirit, and acknowledgment of the rich vernacular traditions of Sri Lanka.

Anjalendran completed his B.Sc in Architecture in Sri Lanka (1973), and completed his post-graduate diploma (1976) and a research masters (1979) in spatial morphology at University College London.

Returning to Sri Lanka, he next practiced architecture off his mother’s veranda, but did errands of apprenticeship for the grandmaster of Sri Lankan contemporary architecture, Geoffrey Bawa, for ten years for no fee, where he learned by watching the master solve the dilemmas encountered by modern life and architecture.

Surrounded by circumstances of war, following his natural inclinations he embarked on projects which were utilitarian, but still retained an aesthetic appeal, perhaps better described as an architecture for everyday life. This is perhaps best exemplified by his veranda office which is still folded away each evening, as well as his mode of conveyance, a bajaj three wheeler, which has recently been stylishly upgraded.

For over 14 years Anjalendran did work for SOS KINDERDORF INTERNATIONAL providing care for orphan and destitute children. This work has received international recognition and demonstrates his ability to provide both, stability and tranquility, through the effective organization of space.