Kapila D. Silva

Kapila D. Silva is a Professor of Architecture and Associate Dean for Community Excellence at the University of Kansas's School of Architecture and Design. He holds a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and completed his architectural education at the University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka. His research focuses on heritage conservation, urbanism, and the interplay between cultural values and built environments, particularly in non-Western contexts. Silva’s work emphasizes balancing preservation with development in historic areas and leveraging vernacular architecture for contemporary challenges like post-disaster housing.

His scholarly contributions include editing major volumes such as Asian Heritage Management (2013), Cultural Landscapes of South Asia (2017), and The Routledge Handbook on Historic Urban Landscapes (2019). He practices architecture in Sri Lanka and has received numerous awards for teaching excellence, including the Chancellors Club Teaching Professorship (2025–2030) and international recognitions like the Woodyard Award for International Education (2021).

Silva’s research spans theoretical frameworks for vernacular environments, UNESCO heritage practices, and the psychological dimensions of architectural spaces. He advocates for inclusive conservation strategies that integrate community perspectives and address socio-economic sustainability. His recent work explores cultural landscapes in the Asia-Pacific region and the legacy of theorists like Amos Rapoport.