MARITIME MUSEUM

University of Moratuwa (UoM), Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Moratuwa

Project idea

This museum showcases Sri Lanka's maritime heritage from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British eras, the Design inspired by traditional timber shipbuilding techniques. It blends ancient craftsmanship with modern construction methods and materials. Positioned to capture stunning coastal views of Galle, it offers a unique connection between history and the environment, symbolizing the future of Sri Lankan architecture.

Project description

This Maritime Museum is a visionary architectural project that harmoniously blends history and innovation to celebrate the rich maritime heritage of this historic coastal city Located in the heart of Galle Sri Lanka with deep ties to Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial legacies. the design shows traditional narratives through a modern architectural language.
The Museum is positioned near Galle Fort, ensuring easy access for the public. Its proximity to Galle Fort enhances its visibility and appeal, drawing in a diverse range of people.
This design emphasizes the creation of a dynamic, green landscape that integrates with the surrounding natural environment and it enhances the visitor experience while offering views of the coastline and Galle Fort, allowing visitors to connect with both the historical and natural beauty of the site. The landscape incorporates various maritime elements that reflect Galle’s deep maritime history.
This Museum contrasts with Galle’s historic architectural identity to preserve and respect the unique character of its built environment. Rather than replicating traditional forms, this introduces a modern, organic structure, while allowing the modern design to stand out as a representation of a newly built structure, even as time passes it clearly shows and protects the historical heritage of Galle.
The formation of the design focuses on creating distinct spaces that represent the different eras of maritime ship technologies, and The spaces are oriented to capture views of the surrounding landscape, maritime elements, and the sea.
unique visual experience, with the structure’s organic curves allowing light and shadow to interact in dynamic ways with the museum, the landscape, and the ocean, creating a sense of continuity and movement that aligns with the theme of maritime exploration.
The design of the Maritime Museum is rooted in the idea of combining architecture, society, maritime history, and the existing environment.
The concept of 'seeing through' forms the core of the design, allowing visitors to delve deeply into Galle's maritime history while connecting with its picturesque coastal environment. Through strategic design, the structure captures and frames stunning views of landmarks like Galle Harbor, Rumassala, Black Fort, and the sea entrance, creating an immersive and educational experience. This approach seamlessly integrates the region’s rich heritage with its natural surroundings, blending storytelling with visual and spatial connectivity.

Technical information

The Maritime Museum showcases innovative timber construction techniques, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship. The structure employs advanced timber joinery inspired by shipbuilding methods, ensuring strength, durability, and precision. Laminated timber beams and columns create the flowing, organic forms of the design, while timber louvers are strategically integrated to provide cross ventilation, natural light, and dynamic shadow patterns. This use of timber not only emphasizes modern construction methods but also establishes a tactile connection to Galle’s maritime heritage, drawing parallels between the materials and techniques used in shipbuilding and Modern architecture.