Aprile Maggio - Gruppo Torsanlorenzo

grazione dei colori ha determinato un ambiente vivace, dando un identità distintiva a molti stabilimenti commerciali,
tenendo conto dei bisogni fisici e psicologici degli utenti e aiutando l’efficienza nell’ambiente di lavoro.
Questo è evidente nel suo disegno del Seylan Bank Headquarters, che è considerato un punto di svolta per l’arredo
d’interni, le è inoltre valso la distinzione di essere premiata per l’Eccellenza del Progetto dall’Istituto degli
Architetti dello Sri Lanka per molti anni consecutivi.
Nela conduce i suoi lavori di architettura in una maniera che si armonizza con quello che c’è intorno, leggendolo
come parte integrante del paesaggio urbano. Il suo amore per la natura è al culmine nel suo lavoro, dove si può
testimoniare il flusso degli spazi esterni in quelli interni e vice versa. D’altra parte, dove non si possa fondere con
l’ambiente, lo usa come una sfida, trasformandolo in più in una peculiarità.
Con i numerosi viaggi intrapresi, viaggiando praticamente attraverso il globo, studiando lavori di interesse architettonico,
la sua esposizione a differenti culture e la sua partecipazione in molte conferenze internazionali pertinenti
l’Architettura e il suo interesse per la musica classica contemporanea e per l’opera hanno aiutato Nela nel
diventare un Architetto versatile.
Con l’affermarsi della sua società, Nela è stata responsabile della creazione di molti lavori spettacolari. Come principale
della società, lei è completamente commissionata da ogni singolo cliente, imprimendo il suo tocco personale
su tutti i progetti gestiti dalla società. Un leader, nel vero senso del termine, è la forza trainante di questa fiorente
organizzazione.
Nela de Zoysa, the principal of Design Corp., displayed her artistic creativity from a very early age, when she took
to painting at the Melbourne Art School, under the direct guidance of Mrs. Cora Abraham. Nela excelled in painting
by winning many awards and exhibiting her works both nationally and internationally. Her flair for fine arts
was not confined to painting alone, but extended to sculpture and pottery, diversifying further into classical music
and photography.
Encouraged and guided by her father, renowned Architect Dr. Justin Samarasekera, founder member and gold
medallist of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects, Nela took to Architecture. Before long, she developed competence
in this field.
Nela’s aesthetic sensitivity was further enhanced when she decided to pursue her academic education in
Architecture. Her academic career began at Syracuse University - New York, and extended later to the University
of Moratuwa, in the field of Architectural Conservation. She then embarked on a professional career at the Sri
Lanka Institute of Architects successfully completing the Institute’s Part I, II and III examinations. A Chartered
Architect, she is a member of many institutes around the globe.
Her experience in this profession spans well over 25 years in her father’s firm, Justin Samarasekera Associates.
Her potential for creativeness and her sharp sense of aesthetics, elevated her to the post of Director of this firm.
Here she functioned, as it’s Principal Designer for over 12 years. In 1993, she went on to form her own firm,
Nela de Zoysa Design Corporation, to bring a fresh approach to Architecture at the turn of the 21 st century.
Nela’s vast experience covers the areas of Design, Design Development and Construction Management, and ranges
from Banks, Educational Buildings to Commercial Complexes, Hotels, Sport Complexes, Personalized Housing,
projects of Renovation and Conservation and Interior Design.
The highlights of her career include the ARCASIA Gold Medal ~ 1999/2000 for her Architecture and Interior
design work on the BMW offices, showrooms, workshop and stores complex. This was considered the best design
amongst countries spanning from Pakistan to Japan, by the Architects Regional Council of Asia. This makes her
the first woman Architect, to win this Gold Medal, for Sri Lanka, while she also happens to be the first women
Architect to win an International Award, for Sri Lanka. In addition she received the SOUTH ASIAN ARCHI-
TECT COMMENDATION AWARD ~ 2000 for the Priyanthi Stephen House also being the first Sri Lankan
woman Architect to win this award. She is also the winner of the “Woman of Achievement Award” for
Architecture ~ 1993, bestowed on her by Zonta International for her contribution to Architecture.
Her distinctive ability to enhance the “qualitative” aspects of a space by the apt use and bold integration of
colours, has brought about a crisp ambience, giving a distinct identity to many Commercial Establishments, by
catering to the physical and psychological needs of the user and helping to boost efficiency, in the working
environment. This is evident in her design of the Seylan Bank Headquarters, which is considered, a turning point
in Interior Design, in Sri Lanka. This rare and vital talent, she imposes on her Architectural works, has thus given
her the distinction of being presented with awards for Excellence of Design from the Sri Lanka Institute of
Architects, for several consecutive years.
Nela treats her architectural works in a manner that it harmonizes with that of the surroundings, reading as an inte-
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