Minnette de Silva : with Shiromi Pinto and Selva Sandrapragas

This episode hosted by Dee Gibson, focuses on the dynamic and under-appreciated life of Minette De Silva, a pioneering Sri Lankan architect. Guests Selva and Shiromi discuss their personal connections to De Silva and the extensive research that led to Shiromi's novel, 'Plastic Emotions,' which explores De Silva's complex life and contributions. The conversation covers De Silva's unique approach to architecture, her bold personality, and why she has been largely forgotten despite her groundbreaking work. They highlight the gender and political dynamics that contributed to her erasure from history. The guests emphasise De Silva's innovative participatory design methods, her progressive ideas ahead of her time, and call for the preservation of her remaining works and recognition of her legacy.Summary00:00 Welcome to Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives02:23 Introducing Minette de Silva03:37 Discovering Minette's Legacy07:23 Writing 'Plastic Emotions'10:51 The Significance of Minette's Story22:04 Challenges and Controversies32:40 The Legacy of Jeffrey Bawa and Minette de Silva33:31 Minette's Erasure and Rediscovery34:09 Gendered Perspectives on Minette's Work34:41 Minette's Personal and Professional Struggles39:27 Minette's Approach to Architecture52:12 Reclaiming Minette's Narrative56:25 Preserving Minette's LegacyShiromi Pinto is a writer, editor, strategist and author and wrote the book Plastic Emotions, a novel based on Minnette de Silva. Born in London and raised in Montreal, Shiromi has written short fiction for BBC Radio 4, the Victoria & Albert Museum and opendemocracy.net. Her first novel, Trussed, was reviewed as ‘audacious’ (Bernardine Evaristo in The Independent), ‘brilliant’ (Diva) and ‘so cool that it hurts’ (The Times). After over a decade working for Amnesty International, she is now a communications consultant at writingeditingwords.com. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jul/20/plastic-emotions-by-shiromi-pinto-reviewSelva Sandrapragas RIBA ARB is an architect practicing in the UK. As an undergraduate he worked with Minnette de Silva on the “12 Villages Exhibition”  shown at the Commonwealth Institute 1987/88 After finishing his post graduate studies at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London he completed his professional practice qualifications ( RIBA Part 3 )  at the Architectural Association school architecture. He was awarded the INTACH ( Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage ) & ICOMOS Scholarship in 1992 to study the wooden Taravad architecture of Kerala. In 1997 he was  awarded the ADB/Japan Scholarship to study urban design at Hong Kong University. Title: Sri Lanka: Modern Perspectives from an Ancient Melting PotHost: Dee Gibson — Sri Lankan-born, award winning designer based in London and founder of boutique hotel Kalukanda House in Sri Lanka. www.kalukandahouse.com | instagram @deegibson2017 & @kalukandahousePodcast Themes:Modern Sri Lankan identity and cultureArchitecture, art, and designSustainability and heritageDiaspora experiences and storytellingWhy Listen:This podcast offers deep, intelligent storytelling about Sri Lanka’s evolving identity — a blend of East and West, ancient and modern. It’s for listeners who love culture, travel, architecture, and thoughtful conversation.