B. Arch. Thesis by Rajdeep Saha by Rajdeep Saha

BACKGROUND STUDY Nepal, a small landlocked Himalayan country of serene beauty, situated in the foothills of Himalayas. The spectacular bio-diversity of Nepal holds eight of the ten tallest mountains in the world to the flourishing terai plains of Janakpur. The draw of Nepal is not only its adrenaline and adventure, but also its incredible cultural wealth, which can be found in its palaces, grand Hindu shrines, and ancient Buddhist monasteries.

Introduction to Janakpur

The religious and cultural hub of Nepal, Janakpur, is a submetropolitan town, situated in the Dhanusha district of province no. The city lies in Terai, an alluvial, marshy environment situated around 234 km from Kathmandu and hundreds of km from the foothills of the Himalayas. Janakpur is also well-connected to both Kathmandu & India.

Cultural Heritage of Nepal

Nepal is a multilingual and multicultural country with hundreds of ancient cultural heritages to preserve. Though Hinduism is the predominant religion in Nepal, the magnificent blend of Buddhism and Hinduism can be seen in many of the country's major cultural attractions.

Janaki Temple Complex, Janakpur

Janakpur

The nation has two listed UNESCO world heritage cultural sites namely Kathmandu Valley and Lumbini there are also 15 other cultural sites that are on the tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites. Some notable mentions are Mata Janaki Temple Complex, Nuakot Palace Complex, Sinja Valley, etc.

Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu

Tourism Infrastructure

Nuakot Palace Complex, Nuakot

Nepal has a very good tourism potential but the economy is agrarian as 31% of the population relies upon agriculture only. Even the majority of industries in Nepal are heavily reliant on agricultural products.

Janakpur

Cultural Significance of Janakpur Birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini

Contribution of Different sectors in GDP of Nepal 35

Janakpur is believed to be the capital of the ancient land of Mithila culture, known as Mithila Bhumi which translates to “the land of Mithila”. The city is believed to be Mata Sita's birthplace, who is the consort of lord Rama as per the great Hindu epic Ramayana. The city celebrates it with the iconic Janaki Temple Complex.

30 25

Janakpur in the Physical & Political Map of Nepal

20 15

Important Tourist Destinations in Nepal

10 5

Janakpur

Tourism Infrastructure in Janakpur

The highest tourist influx happens specifically during the festival of Deepavali. Holi Purnima, Jhulan Purnima, Shiva Ratri, Ram Navami, Vivaha Panchami, and Chhath puja are some other important festivals that draw thousands of tourists to Janakpur

Tourism Circuit Centering Janakpur

South-Eastern Nepal has a huge potential of developing a tourism circuit centering the Janakpur town considering the location, connectivity & transport infrastructure available in the town.

Tourism Score of Janakpur

As per the reports of the Nepal Economic Forum, the infrastructure around the city of Janakpur is moderately developed. But there is a lack of lodging facilities, no tourist guidance system, and a low English-speaking population. This creates communication problems for foreign tourists.

BACKGROUND STUDY

AIM, OBJECTIVE, DISSERTATION & SCOPE OF WORK

Nepal & Earthquake

Aim Of The Thesis

Nepal is one of the most earthquake-prone nations on earth. The principal cause is that the country is located between the Eurasian plate & Indo-Australian plate rift zone. Therefore, the country of Nepal goes through more the 50 small to massive earthquakes every year.

“Designing a Tourist Facilitation Center in Janakpur for tourists around Nepal and all over the world with scope for tourism circuit development”.

Seismic Mapping of Nepal

Nepal is seismically categorized into 3 zones, Moderate, High, and Highest. For comparison, some parts of northern Bihar come in Zone V as per the Seismic Map of India whereas Janakpur of Nepal is in the same zone, which is a High-intensity Zone in Nepal’s seismic map.

Janakpur

Dissertation

Identified Needs

Earthquake Resistant Architecture focuses on the relevant applicable strategies to Janakpur.

• Nepal needs tourism hubs in the focal points to promote its heritage • Janakpur needs a center that can accommodate all the required infrastructure and services to ease the movement of tourists and flourish tourism prospects • Earthquake-resistant design strategies must be implemented to minimize the loss during earthquakes

Objectives

• To develop a site to accommodate a tourist cum hospitality complex. • To create a journey for the tourist in the center while educating them about the culture and history of Janakpur. • To study the local style as well as the culture and heritage of Janakpur and promote it with the help of workshops, exhibits, and souvenirs. • To strengthen the facilitation center with earthquakeresistant architecture.

Seismic Map Of Nepal

Methodological Framework

History of Earthquakes

Introduction

The first recorded earthquake in Nepal's history occurred around the mid-13th Century, killing approximately 30% of the national population.

Problem Identification

Highest Intensity

Setting up Aim, Objectives & Scope of work

Nepal has constantly been hit by many earthquakes every year with an average intensity of 5.0 on the Richter scale. In the Lowest Intensity last 5 decades, 5 major earthquakes have hit various parts of Nepal. Juxtaposing the Seismic Maps of Nepal & India

Research Area Identification

Major Earthquakes In Nepal In The Last 50 Years Date 29/07/1980 20/08/1988 18/09/2011 25/04/2015 12/05/2015

Location (Epicentre)

Pithoragarh, India Kathmandu, Nepal Near Sikkim, India Gorkha, Nepal Dolakha, Nepal

Intensity 6.5 6.9 6.9 7.8 7.3

Case Studies

Deaths ~200 1091 111 8857 213

Literature Study

Regulation Study

Site Selection

Site Analysis

Requirements Formulation Area Programming

Site Zoning

Design Concept Conceptual Design

Target Tourists & User Groups

Poor Infrastructure

• Nurture the opportunity of a Tourist Centre in Janakpur • Promote the local culture of Janakpur through the Facilitation Centre • Figure out the potential users for the center & their needs • Identify the important amenities required for the tourists • Encourage community participation through economic opportunity in the center

Primary Case Studies Secondary Case studies

Identified Problems:

Lack of Visibility

Scope of Work

Troubled Tourism Economy

Risk of Earthquakes

Limited Connectivity

• • • •

Religious & Recreational tourists Heritage admirers Scholars & Students Local crafts-persons

Preliminary Design Review & Revise Final Design

PRIMARY CASE STUDIES

SECONDARY CASE STUDIES

1) Arka Khetra

1) Ajanta Visitors Centre

Inferences:

Salient Information:

•

Location: Konark, Odisha, India Architect: Nesters Site Area: 6475 Sq.M Total Built-up Area: 3640 Sq.M

Location: Ajanta, Maharashtra, India Architect: Chaya and Chaya Architects Site Area: 3,23,695 SqM Total Built-up Area: 19,700 SqM

Rationale for Selection: • To understand the space program and amenities in the tourist centre. • To study the movement of tourists inside the entire complex as well as their footfall pattern

Rationale for Selection: • To understand the space program as well as tourist connectivity circuit design in a tourist center • To study the tourist movement, flux points in the complex

Major Accessways & Entries

•

Ajanta Visitors Centre

Arka Khetra, Konark

Inferences: • Photo points are also points of attraction and give the center a modern look • Design inspiration from the local culture and use of native architectural style along with locally available materials • Around 50%-60% open space on the site to create a built & unbuilt harmony

•

A properly guided circuit should be developed for tourists Tourist centers should focus on developing attractions like workshops, cultural programs, and exhibitions Adequate parking space, Dropoff & pick-up point for tourists are essential

Inferences:

2) Auroville Visitors Centre Salient Information:

•

Location: Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India Architect: S. Ayer & S. Maini Site Area: 12, 140 SqM Total Built-up Area: 5000 SqM

• Auroville Visitors Centre

Rationale for Selection: • To understand the space program and essential amenities • To understand heterogeneous population management in the center

• •

Informal guided path for enhanced interaction among tourists Emphasize the harmony of the built structure and landscape Use of locally available materials Minimize dependence on nonrenewable sources of energy

2) Kalabhoomi Salient Information:

INFERENCES FROM THE CASE STUDIES

Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India Architect: Architects’ Studio Site Area: 6475 Sq.M Total Built-up Area: 3640 Sq.M

Peak Influx of Visitors

• Peak influx of tourists is during late morning hours (10-11 AM) and evening hours (4-6 PM); whereas the least footfall is during the early morning hours(8-9 AM)

Rationale for Selection: • To understand the interconnectivity of spaces such as museums, workshops, theatres etc • To study the visitor's movement & influx zones in the entire complex

Kalabhoomi, Bhubaneswar

Major Accessways & Entries

Inferences: • Live workshops help in easier understanding of local art and handicrafts • Use of local architectural style & elements in site design, galleries, workshops & eateries • Blending the built structure with the surroundings with a suitable choice of materials and construction style.

Construction

• Adaptation of local architecture and prevalent design style in the area to best represent the local culture, heritage, and architecture of that place • Use of locally available materials and construction techniques and inspiration from site context Site Planning

• Designed a guided path for Tourists for easy navigation on the site • Amenities like Workshop, and OAT help to understand of tourists the heritage of the locality • Modern touches like Photo Points are useful for engaging tourists Site Landscaping

• 50-60% of open green space to maintain built-unbuilt harmony • Use of local flora and climatically appropriate plants in the landscaping

DISSERTATION STUDY

CASE STUDIES FOR DISSERTATION

An earthquake is a catastrophic event of the shaking and vibration of the Earth's crust due to the movement of the Earth's plates (plate tectonics) causing enormous destruction to lives and property. Majorly, Earthquakes can happen along the plate boundary but the tremors can be felt far away.

1) Kantipur Temple House Salient Information:

Earthquake-resistant measures are applied to reduce the impact of earthquakes in terms of loss of lives and property. ‘Tourist Facilitation Centre’ is an establishment with an Importance Factor of 1.5.

Location: Chhusya Galli, Kathmandu, Nepal Architect: Bharat Basnet Site Area: 1865 Sq.M Total Built-up Area: 2740 Sq.M

From the adjacent table, it is identified that the Tourist Facilitation Centre falls in Category E. All the new construction in Category E should focus upon ‘before construction earthquake measures’ mandatorily.

Rationale for Selection: • To understand the earthquake-resistant features applicable in Nepal • To understand Nepali culture in hospitality design.

Earthquake Resistance Measures

Building Category As Per Seismic Zone Seismic Zone Sl. No. Importance Factor II III IV

1.0

1.5

Recommendations for Different Category of Buildings Building Category B

Number of Storeys 1 to 3

C D E

Measures to be adopted a, b, c, f, g

a, b, c, d, f, g

1 and 2

a, b, c, f, g

3 and 4

a to g

1 to 2

a to g

3 to 4

a to h

1 to 3*

a to h

Where, a: Masonry mortar b: Lintel band c: Roof band and gable band as necessary d: Vertical steel at corners and junctions e: Vertical steel at jambs of opening f: Bracing in plan at tie level of roofs g: Plinth band where necessary h: Dowel bars

Earthquake Resistance Measures Before Construction

After Construction or Earthquake damage Structural Measures

Structural Retrofitting

Architectural Measures

Structural Measures

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Inferences: • Use of lightweight materials such as wood in windows, railings, brackets, and lightweight roofs • Use of Horizontal Bands at different levels • Use of Cross Bracing on the wall for extra support • Wooden & lightweight furniture to reduce the dead weight of the building • Minimal use of electronic equipment to reduce the risk of fire accidents after the earthquake

2) Kathkhooni Architecture Salient Information: Location: Uttarakhand & Himachal Pradesh, India

Earthquake Resistance Measures Classification

Architectural Measures

Kantipur Temple House, Kathmandu

Simple and Regular form with a good foundation is necessary. The complex form should be split into regular forms Mezzanine floor, Stilt floor, and short and floating columns should be avoided Shear walls and bracings should be provided wherever necessary Loose roofing systems like tiles should be avoided. Sufficient gaps between adjacent buildings should be provided Using bracings to tie the masonry unit to resist the cracks due to earthquakes

3. 4.

Well-burnt bricks, Solid concrete blocks with more than 3.5 MPa crushing strength should be used Tooth joints are preferred for corners and Tjunctions as it increases the box action in the wall system Openings should be small and placed as center as possible Horizontal reinforcements such as bands, ring beams and dowel bars at various levels should be provided Vertical reinforcements should also be used in the walls

Rationale for Selection: • To understand the appropriate earthquakeresistant features for highly seismic active zones Features: • Primarily used in the construction of residential buildings, and temples • Utilizes locally available materials like stone, timber, and mud • Relies on a system of interlocking stones without the use of cement or mortar for stability Inferences: • Simple geometric plans like square & rectangle • Use of Dampeners/Base isolation on the plinth • Binding elements in walls and Corner reinforcements on windows • Use of Horizontal bands at various levels • Small openings and reinforcement around it and lightweight roof

Kathkhooni Architecture

Construction Joints

Horizontal Reinforcement

SITE DETAILS & DESIGN CONCEPTUALIZATION The site is in the southern part of Janakpur Town connected by the main road named Girija Path on the East which connects to both Janakpur Airport on the north and the Indo-Nepal border on the South. The climate of Janakpur is Humid-Sub tropical Climate. The summers are warm and winters are cold with a relatively high humidity level all around the year. Cold Climate

• The site has good connectivity for tourists in and around the country. The airport, railway station and bus station are within a 5 Km radius.

Temperate Climate Sub-tropical Climate

Janakpur

• The centre of attraction of the city such as the Janaki Temple Complex is only 4 Km from the site. • Site is connected by two major roads on the northern & eastern sides respectively.

The site lies on the north of the Tropic of Cancer, hence the duration of the day throughout the year in varies from 14 hrs. to 10.5 hrs. Climatic Data Highest Average Temp: 40°C Lowest Average Temp: 6°C Average Annual Rainfall: 1367 mm. (142 mm. in July) Humidity Levels: 50%-90%

Climatic Map of Nepal

1 km Radii • • •

District Education Office Labour Office Noccha Park

Site Analysis Diagram

2 km Radii • • •

Janakpur Airport N. Engineering College Boa Oxford School

Public Zone Semi-Public Zone

5 km Radii

Restricted Zone

• • • • •

Regular Path

Janaki temple Complex Mithila Institution of Technology Model Multiple College Janakpurdham Railway Station Banks & Financial Institutions

Bypass

Proximity Radii

Connectivity Diagram

Connectivity to the Site

S TRENGTHS

CONCEPT

• Airport, Railway Station, Bus Stop within 5 km and Janaki Temple Complex is about 3 km away

Janakpur is a culturally rich city that has developed through the centuries. Hence, the Form Generation Based on Earthquake Resistance design must focus on representing the town focusing upon its history, culture, tradition and architecture, in short, should draw influence from all aspects of “Life at Janakpur”.

• Connected with arterial roads on two sides

Form Generation

WEAKNESSES

Form generation based on Earthquake Resistance

• Empty & Under-developed surroundings

1. Regular geometric forms are adopted.

O PPORTUNITIES

2. Simple & Regular Grids are planned and columns are placed accordingly for stability.

• The strategic location provides scope for a heritage circuit near Janakpur

3. Symmetricity is maintained for better stability during the different seismic waves. 4. Complex floor plans are broken down into simple geometric forms.

• Good tourism options (in terms of locality) for tourists

Form generation inspired by Local Architecture 1. The roof profile is inspired by Janakpur Multi and single-level hipped clay-tile roof system.

T HREATS • Under-developed site surroundings may not be quite inviable for locals

Roof profile inspired by Local Architecture

2. The wood support system is replaced by steel truss support for a greater span and All Dimensions are in MM Elevation levels are from M.S.L.

30M

60M

90M

3. Brackets, inspired by Nepalese Architecture are used for secondary support.

SITE PLAN The Tourist Facilitation Centre is designed in an area of 15.15 Acres to host three kinds of users: Daily Tourists, Guests, and Admin & Staff. Journeys are designed for different types of users depending upon their needs. Privacy of different types of users is maintained, and needs are taken care of, but there are no hard boundaries among the different users. Separate entries are provided for daily Tourists, Guests and Service for effective crowd management.

User Movement Diagram Daily Tourists Guests Admin & Staffs Services

The cumulative parking space of 102 ECS including dedicated parking for wheel-chair Bound Persons, is provided as per the Janakpur City Building Bye-laws. The parking space is aligned in the N-S axis so that the parked vehicles would be exposed to less sunlight.

Applicable Building Bye-laws Max Ground Coverage: 50% Floor Area Ratio: 2.00 Right of Way • Min. Width: 3.5 M. • Min. ROC: 3.5 M. Setback • Front: 15 M. • Rest Sides: 5 M.

Guest Entry

Built-up Details

Legend

14 14

Detail at A

24 24

12 12

Detail at B

02 24

Main Entry

14 01

14 14

Existing Vegetation On The Site Scientific Name

Common Name

Canopy Shape

Canopy Size

Height

Shorea robusta

Sal Tree

Spreading

30-35 meters

Dalbergia sissoo

Sisham Tree

Oval

Azadirachta indica Curcuma longa Taxus wallichiana Ocimum tenuiflorum Mentha piperita L.

09 09

150M

Tagetes

10 22

2-3 meters 25 meters

Proposed Medicinal Plant

100M

50M

Plant Details

Orientation Centre Exhibition Gallery Museum Auditorium Community Toilet Multi-cuisine Restaurant Workshop Open Air Theatre Souvenir Shop Administration Building Guest Accommodation (Lodge) Guest Accommodation (Cottage) Residences of Site Director and Manager Staff Quarters Amenity Centre Electrical Sub-station Pump House And Water Reservoir Central Plant Room Coffee Shop Daily Visitors Parking Guest Parking Admin Parking Seasonal Flower Garden Recreational Garden

Built-up Area: 21,500 Sq.M. Ground Coverage: 35.07% Max. Height achieved: 22.05 M.

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Detail at C

Tourist Exit & Staff Entry

15-23 meters at maturity 0.6-2.1 meters 6-12 meters Upto 1 meter 0.5-1 meters 0.15-0.9 meters

Over 15 meters

Neem

Round

Turmeric

Himalayan Yew

Round/ Pyramidal

0.9-1.2 meters 0.9-1.1 meters

Holy Basil

0.6 meters

Peppermint

Spreading

Marigold

0.5-1.5 meters 0.15-0.5 meters

Other proposed Plant & Trees Cycas Nepal Cycas pectinata Calamus spp Rattan Palm

Spreading

Podocarpus

Shrubby Yew

Pyramidal

Monoon longifolium

The False Ashoka

Pyramidal

Vase

0.5-1.5 meters 4 meters 0.6-1.2 meters

13 meters 50 meters

2-3 meters

3 meters

Detail at D

Sal Tree

(Shorea robusta)

Rattan Palm Tree (Calamus spp)

Neem Tree

(Azadirachta indica)

Sisham Tree

(Dalbergia sissoo)

False Ashoka Tree (Monoon longifolium)

20M

40M

60M

12 meters

MAJOR BUILDING BLOCKS

3. Workshop

1. Orientation Centre

The Workshop is designed to have 4 different workshops that are closely related to the jobs & livelihood of Janakpur. The workshops are located as per the requirements. For example, Maithili Painting Workshop is in the north to gain maximum north light, whereas the stone carving workshop is near the service route for ease of transportation.

The Orientation Centre is the first building that a tourist visits after reaching the centre, where the security check, ticketing, and orientation program through AV programs shall be conducted. Tourists are also provided with cloakroom facilities and Audio Guides on demand for easy navigation through the site.

Elevation

Ground Floor

10M

15M

Section AA

Key Plan

4. Auditorium

The Museum introduces the tourists to the 3 galleries containing the general introduction & history of Janakpur (Gallery 1), cultural practices, performing & visual art forms of Janakpur (Gallery 2), and brief knowledge, art & cultural practices about the far east, central and western Nepal (Gallery 3).

The 150-seater Auditorium with adequate no of wheelchairaccessible seating is designed to host cultural programs like Jhijhiya and Domkach dance and local Janakpuri dramas on regular days and also to act as a substitute for OATbased events on rainy days. The Auditorium is also designed to host the guests on the site.

Ground Floor

14M

21M

Section BB

10M

15M

10M

15M

Section CC

2. Museum

Ground Floor

Elevation

Section DD

ISOMETRIC VIEW & MAJOR SERVICE BLOCKS Block A: Electrical Substation is placed such that all major buildings are within a 200 M radius to ensure unnoticeable transmission loss. Block B: Central Plant room for AHUs in the Exhibition hall, Museum & Auditorium is placed. Block C: Pump room and Water storage tower are placed. The water storage tank has a capacity of 100000 L considering the daily consumption requirement is about 49985 liters.

OAT & Green Room

Recreational Garden

Photo Point

N.B.: The built mass is emphasized by concealing the plants and landscaping elements.

Materials & Landscape Details Major building materials are burnt bricks & locally available clay tiles. Exterior Columns are made up of wood to provide a local Janakpuri style of architecture. The roofs are supported by steel trusses over which wooden brackets and eaves boards are also used for decoration. Different types of paver materials are employed in landscaping based on specific requirements. Stone and concrete pavements, along with green paver blocks, are among the varied options utilized.

GreenLawn

Pavement

Asphalt

Green Paver

Electrical Sub-station

Central Plant Room

Plant Room

The service blocks have been provided with dedicated entries from the service road and those entries are deliberately kept away from tourists’ path of movement on the site to ensure the smooth movement of users.

3D RENDERED VIEW

EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT FEATURES Uniform Structural Grids are used for column placement to ensure better stability during an earthquake. The forms are also chosen to be simple geometric forms, such as squares and rectangles. In no case, Length > 3x Breadth to ensure better stability. Wall bracings and Horizontal bands like Lintel bands, Roof bands, etc. are provided as per Nepal NBC 105:2020. Other earthquake-resistant features are as follows: • The roof is tightly fastened with brackets. The roof truss is heavily reinforced with extra struts. Typical Roof Truss Section

• Steel truss is chosen over wooden truss for better strength, durability, and greater span. Fire resistance is ensured by a double-coating polypropylene paint.

Traditional Brackets

• The openings are properly reinforced and avoided placing near the corners.

Uniform Structural Grid used in all the building blocks

• All the building blocks are less than 3 storeys as the construction is categorized as Class E Building per IS Code 4326-2013.

Lintel Band

Roof Structure of Typical Building in the Site

PHOTOGRAPHS OF FINAL THESIS JURY

PHYSICAL THESIS MODEL The physical model follows the monochrome theme to emphasize the site planning and connectivity among the built masses

N.B.: The Site Model is at a 1:200 scale, and the detailed model of the Orientation Centre is at a 1:50 scale

The physical model was showcased in Srijan 6.0 [2022] : an event hosted by the SSPA Club at the Techno-management fest of the National Institute of Technology Rourkela

The photograph features the class of 2022 alongside the external jurors, professors

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has mentored and supported me throughout this journey. Completing this thesis would not have been possible without their invaluable assistance. I extend special thanks to Miss Prajna Priyadarshinee Jena, whose unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation throughout this endeavor. I also sincerely thank my Head of Department, Prof. Nabanita Saha, and all my professors for their guidance in overcoming the challenges I faced. My deepest appreciation goes to my thesis guide, Prof. Tirthankar Sarkar, whose selfless guidance, inspiration, and mental support were instrumental in the successful completion of this thesis. I am also grateful to the departmental staff and the institute's facilities, without which this project would not have been possible. Most importantly, my heart is filled with gratitude for my parents, who have been a constant source of encouragement and support.

https://issuu.com/ar_rajdeepsaha

Let’s Connect!