SKYSCRAPER BEING A PHALLUS: An interpretation on phallic skyscraper as an architectural intervention of dictatorial political ideology in post-independent Sri Lanka

Architecture can be charged with sexuality. It becomes masculine or phallic in several ways and the skyscraper is phallic, predominantly because of its verticality that reminds erected penis, other words; phallus. On hand, “Phallus” one key concepts psychoanalysis. Jacques Lacan defined concept “phallus” as not merely male organ penis but symbolic object mother's desire patriarchy. The political decisions based on economic power, which are ‘phallic’, real reasons behind skyscraper. study focuses BOC tower, built after reforms establishment executive presidency 1978, Lotus Tower, end civil war 2009. hypothetico-deductive research framework used to conduct this research, a hypothesis was developed ‘the skyscrapers Colombo Phallic only their form, also politico-ideological intentions them’. By analyzing archival data discourse analysis method, showing nature responses people towards these skyscrapers, shows Tower post-war patriarchal atmosphere tower constitutional dictatorial atmosphere. Both backgrounds “phallic”, hence become form by becoming desire/lack patriarchy Lacanian sense. further applied understand politics gender architecture.