portfolio emil shrestha 2018
CONTENTS Academic Works
Botanical Expository Center 2014 3 Thesis | Year V-II Thecho Conservation 2014 5 Conservation Studio | Year V-I
Professional Works
Culturally Revitalizing Naxal Area 2017 7 Naxal, Kathmandu Karki Residence 2017 13 Bhanimandal, Lalitpur Jomsom Mountain Lodge 2016 17 Jomsom, Mustang The Earthbag Classrooms 2016 22 Shree Ugratara Secondary School, Ghumarchowk
Other works
An Oddity 2018 25 UNBOX 2017: Rethinking Containers Volumezero Design Competition Shelter Initiative 2015 27 Earthquake Relief Programs
Botanical Expository Center 2014 Thesis | Year V-II
Botanical Expository Center is an institution to cater conservation, display, research and education of botanical species. It is a collective of artificial biomes, herbarium, research center and botanical gardens altogether. Designs were proposed at the existing National Botanical Garden, Godavari and guided by the inferences collected from the studies on the plant ecologies, artificial biomes, botanical gardens, exhibition spaces and curatorial practices in herbariums. Planning in the 23.43 hectares of land focuses on managing the existing site features, aiming for less intervention in the nature as much as possible. Artificial biomes and glasshouses are placed on the open spaces, subjected to adequate solar benefits and in close proximity to the natural streams for easy irrigation purposes. Research center and herbarium is set close to the abortorium, aside from the general visitor’s places, in order to favor the scholars’ friendly environment. While the visitor center is perched on top of a hill, close to the entrance, which overlooks the other complexes and garden spaces.
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SITE PLAN (area 23.43 ha) 1. parking 2. ticketing/ main entry 3. visitor’s center 4. research center 5. artificial biomes 6. administrations 7. glasshouses 8. arboratorium 9. lake
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Forms for the buildings are derived from the triangular transformations of leaf foliage guided by the functional interior spaces.
Conceptual sketch of the Visitor Center
View of the Visitor Center from the main entrance
the visitor center viewed from the lawn
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Research Center
south elevation
west elevation
north elevation
master plan
east elevation
view from the north east
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conceptual sketch of the geodesic biomes
interior view of the tropical biome.
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Thecho Conservation 2014 Conservation Studio | Year V-I
Thecho is a 16th century village which lies in the southern fringe of Kathmandu, the capital of the country. The conventional blend of tangible and intangible heritages (in the form of religious, ceremonial, socio-cultural and commercial activities) is seen interwoven in the streets, streetscapes, squares and monuments of the township which is being threatened by the trend of modernization. The old traditional buildings, monuments, open squares are left to peril, in the processes of adapting modern infrastructures and living standards. The class was divided into groups of five, each assigned with an individual region of the town. Site studies were conducted which included data collection, surveying, measured drawings and mappings. The documentation processes were followed by data analysis and programs formulation for the conservation of the region. I was actively involved in the measured drawings, mapping processes, data analyzing and formulating programs. The concepts for the programs to conserve and revive the area are based on redefining the housing accommodation, improving the open public spaces with modern infrastructures and promoting cottage industries for economic developments. Programs to restore and renovate traditional houses adapting the modern facilities and sustainable techniques were proposed. Likewise, the programs to promote the traditional agriculture-based cottage industries as a livemuseum were proposed. The building construction codes were also reviewed.
built structures water bodies open squares/roads greeneries LAND USE PLAN
residentials commercials cultural others
new constructions traditional old buildings old vulnerable buildings collapsed structures monuments
temples/shrines pati/public resthouses wells jatra (chariot procession route)
BUILDING USE PLAN
right: old traditional buildings intervened with concrete structures to add more rooms. left: the inner town streets are often used for household activities.
BUILDING TYPES PLAN
MONUMENTS MAP
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Kwa: lachhi open square 2
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1. pond 2. pati (community building) 3. public restrooms 4. Bramhayani temple 5. stone water tap 6. chaitya 7. rain water collection reservoir
front elevation Bramhayani Temple
Nhuchhe Tole open square
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proposed plan street elevation - east
grnd floor
1st floor
2nd floor
front facade
3d view REVIVING TRADITIONAL HOUSES
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Culturally Revitalizing Naxal Area 2017 Naxal, Kathmandu
Planner/Architect Apple Engineering Professional Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. Naxal area is an old settlement dating back to the ancient Lichhavi period (400 – 750 CE), which has been trying to adopt and fit into the modern urbanization trends. The urban influences and transformation has presented various corporate institutions and better residential options in the region. This has made the area one of the socio-economically vibrant and important region of the city. In this process, the historical cultural values and heritages of the area has been overshadowed and threatened. The area features tangible heritages like ponds, temples, stone water spout, patis, old traditional buildings and others. The native of the region, the Newars have their own intangible heritages like languages, festivals and ceremonies. An interesting transitional harmony in between the two sects of Hinduism: Shaivism and Vaishnism, during the reigns of the cult powers in Lichhavi period, can be noted from the monuments found in the site. Also, the religious harmony in between Hinduism and Buddhism can also be noted from the co-existence of chaityas, monasteries, temples and shrines in the site. This project is an approach for identification, conservation and promotion of the cultural, historical and religious sites located in the Naxal area. Preparation of plans, proposals and schemes to assist the conservation and promotion of the heritages along with programs to uplift the living standards of the locals were proposed to the government. A detailed site studies was done where literatures were followed for the historical evidences and community discussions, interviews and surveys were done for the data collection. Different heritage sites in the areas were measured to prepare the drawings. Mappings and documentations of the monuments were done to make inventories. I took the lead in the site studies under the guidance of the head planner. All the collected data were analyzed to formulate the plans and proposals. I actively participated in the team discussions, decision makings and report preparations. I was solely responsible for all the graphical representations in the project.
the area of study
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built structures open spaces water bodies road networks
land use plan
corporate business zone mixed corporate-retail business zone retail business zone residential zone old settlement areas institutional zone
socio-economy plan
heritage map bottleneck problems parkings stops
existing traffic map
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old traditional houses map
type A
type B
type C
typical kind of chaityas found in the area existing drawing of the Naag Pokhari premises
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proposed plans and programs
An inclusive proposal was devised incorporating both the natives and the immigrated population. The proposals look to create an adapted site area of the original heritage into today’s growing urban demand. The focus here is to preserve the original spaces while at the same time create new spaces for all residences, keeping in mind the forecasted changes in the demography of the area. The focal point of the proposal aims at the identification, conservation and promotion of culture within the site area. An important factor vital to the success of the proposal is to create a sustainable socio-economic plan to uplift and enhance the livelihood of the people. As mentioned before, the inclusion and participation of both the natives and immigrated population are the key to creating a harmonious society that can address the growing urban demands of the area. With the revitalization of the ancient town tourist attraction becomes an option as a source of income to generate interest in area’s development. This would include the upgrading of urban infrastructures, built environment and the social lifestyle of the people. The proposal looks to revitalize the Naxal area valuing its traditional lifestyle as a neighborhood and the roles of its historic settlement while focusing on the conservation and preservation of its living heritage. A total lifestyle environment which would include the provision of all basic necessities and infrastructure required of an urban district. A proposal to reduce and bar vehicular movement while increasing pedestrian and cycling in the area will look to promote a healthier built environment. The pedestrianization of the streets also add value to the street vendors on the area with more customers flowing through the area. Public parking close to the vicinity of the trade and festival area is also an option proposed; this will further help in promoting and valuing open spaces in the area. An important note is the identification of heritages by the concerned authorities and undertaking conservation approaches with a focus on monuments with a focus on studying their impact and influences on neighboring units is required. This is something that is currently lacking and will require continued supervision and revisions. A strict and proper implementation of the existing by-laws and even amendments to the current laws were suggested to govern the reconstruction and operation of the heritage zone. It was recommended that a local level coordination committee be formed from each concerned stakeholder to oversee the conservation of this heritage zone. 10
proposals for Nandi Keshar Mahadev Temple complex
3d view of the proposals for Nandi Keshar Mahadev Temple complex
proposals for reviving the stone water tap
3d view of the proposal to develop a cultural corridor and open plaza around the Naag Pokhari premises
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conceptual plan of the cultural corridor and Naag Pokhari open square
conceptual section of the street Conceptual framework for the implementing mechanism and strategy
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Karki Residence 2017 Bhanimandal, Lalitpur
Prabal Thapa Architects The residence is designed in about 20% of the total site area of 750 sq.m. This is to have open spaces around the building for gardens and parking. The building is set to the north west of the site, where less intervention to the existing features of the site is required. This helped in preserving the existing trees, ponds and the existing service quarter. In addition to this, the placement helped to avoid the traffic noises from the road in the living areas. The building is planned in a semi courtyard setting which orients to the south for the passive solar benefits. The ground floor features a shared spaces of living room, kitchen, dining and a work studio. Whereas the upper floor features private spaces of bedrooms and a family room. The utility rooms in the house like stores and bathrooms are set to the north to provide adequate sunlight to the habited spaces.
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The building is designed with eco-friendly sustainable building techniques, where applicable. The roof and the floors of the building are insulated and the openings are double glazed to reduce cost on the extra measures for thermal comforts. To self sustain the house with water usage, options for rain water housing is presented in design along with the waste water treatment provisions. I collaborated with the senior architect in the firm in the design processes. I was sole responsible for all the drafting, 3d model makings and graphical representations of the drawings.
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Site plan
1. parking 2. building 3. porch 4. waterbody 5. overhead water tanks 6. solar panels 7. roof garden 8. skylight 9. service quarter 10. waste water treatment 11. well 12. garden 13. kitchen garden
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east elevation
west elevation
north elevation
ground floor plan
south elevation
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view of the residence from the garden
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Jomsom Mountain Lodge 2016 Jomsom, Mustang
Prabal Thapa Architects, Kathmandu Jomsom is known for its notorious winds blowing in the North South directions and subzero temperatures in the winter months. Design of the hotel complex is centered around these climatic factors. The design focused on reusing the salvaged construction materials from the remains of the old hotel structures in the property. The resort is a twenty-minute walk about 150 meters above Jomsom bazaar. The location away from central Jomsom is justified by developing the over 10 hectares property and landscaping it with orchard farming for aesthetics as well as strategic reasons (wind shields). Measures of soil rejuvenation, berm landscaping, bio-swale irrigation and strategic plantations (permaculture) are proposed to improve the soil conditions. Water required for irrigation can be obtained from waste water management exiting the resort and ‘ram pumps’ (requires no electricity) as an option can be installed at the Kali Gandaki River. The project was an opportunity to learn and practice site responsive designs. I participated in the design processes, 3d model making and drafted the drawings. The drawings were further rendered for graphical presentation.
view of Jomsom town with site location and buildings to be demolished Jomsom Airport
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top: main entrance to the complex middle: view of the main courtyard bottom: deck extended from bar and lounge
winter wind
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summer wind
SITE PLAN panoramic view
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Due to the prevailing climatic conditions, necessity of enabling the access to the public areas like restaurant, bar and reception without having to exit the building was seen. A courtyard system was found to be an appropriate solution for circulation, which is also the common archetype of the region. This solution also enables all guest rooms to face south (important for passive solar strategies) which is also the view in direction of Mt. Nilgiri a 7000m peak. Temperate comfort in the rooms and common areas is crucial, this in the long run will undermine the success of the property. Strategies of heat conservation, like the use of passive solar energy, added insulation layers at ground level and the roof as well as insulated glazing have been a focal point to incorporate in the design. The lounge room bar and dining rooms are proposed to be heated using the rocket stove principle placed in the center, which will also double up as a seating area. Placement of the new complex, the entrance and parking areas have been planned aside from the existing structures to enable demolition work of the existing buildings and new construction to proceed simultaneously. The foundations of the existing building are to be used for terracing and landscaping.
Ground Floor Plan area 2010 sq.m.
south elevation
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sectional elevation along y-y axis the complex viewed from south east
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deluxe room plan
suite plan
ROOM SECTION
top: bedroom view bottom: drawing room in suites
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The Earthbag Classrooms 2016
Shree Ugratara Secondary School, Ghumarchowk Project Architect/ Co-ordinator From The Ground Up Foundation Shree Ugratara Secondary School was one of the two schools in the village which was affected by the Gorkha Earthquake of 2015. The damaged building of the school was knocked down to build a new structure to house the primary classes. The earth-bag construction techniques were adhered on the remaining footing of the old structure. Salvaged materials where applicable and new materials where necessary were used in the construction. The building spreads out for two classrooms with a porch on an area of 110 sq.m. The excavated earth for half of the building footprint was used for earth-bag walls. These walls are further rendered with daggacement plaster to protect the earth-bags. RCC bond beams on top and bottom of the wall provide structural integrity and the timber structured roof with salvaged corrugated GI sheets cover the structure. I was responsible for design, drafting, 3d model making and site supervision as an architect. As a project coordinator, I was involved in the inception of the project, community discussions, procurements and labors/ volunteer management. I was also involved in training and guiding the local labors to understand the construction drawings and building construction techniques. I had opportunities to try carpentries, masonries and welding during my stay in the site. I collaborated with an artist from UK to paint the murals on the building wall.
The building orients east with a porch in the front that extends to playground.
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FLOOR PLAN 110 SQ.M.
1. earth-bag building 2. previous building footprint 3. playground 4. water tank 5. toilets 6. creeks SITE PLAN
conceptual section
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top right: local pine timber structure for roofing on the mud rendered walls. middle right: RCC bond beam casted on the stone footing with damp proofing membrane bottom: excavated earth screened and filled in the polypropylene bags, then stitched with GI wire to make the earth-bags. These bags were then laid on the barbed wires and tamped. top left: Small patches of dagga-cement mud plaster on the chicken wire mesh to observe the shrinkages when dries and to learn the workability with the composition.
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An Oddity 2018
UNBOX 2017: Rethinking Containers Volumezero Design Competition In Architecture, urban spaces have always played a crucial role in characterizing the progression of the mankind through different eras. Many modern urban developments have flourished around the old traditional urban centers. Kathmandu Valley, which houses many UNESCO World Heritage sites dating back to the ancient times, share the common story. The traditional Architecture of the Valley expresses the enigmatic composition of brick and wood, which were the basic building materials available at that time. Recently, around the historical sites, where the remnants of the past still exist, the new construction practices try to imitate the traditional styles disregarding the scales, proportions and the ancient values. These practices raise questions on the expression of the contemporary times and the essence/values of the original traditional architecture. AN ODDITY is an expression of this time, where the discarded containers are reused and adapted to the present needs as a pop-up gallery in the traditional settings. The pop-up gallery would serve as a contemporary urban fabric catering various forms of public activities alongside the historical remnants. On the other hand, the disruptive physical presence would provoke an interesting dialogue with the existing glories from the past, as both features the collections from their respective times. The contextual conscience of the project is certain to excite the orthodox thinking on the architectural practices in the valley. The participation was in a collaboration with a colleague. I was equally involved in the design processes, 3d model makings, drawings, 3d visualizing and graphical representations.
top: The form stretches out to fit in the open square in the KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. bottom: A corridor of gallery space is featured inside to house the contemporary arts
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corner ball socket is knotted to the fixed plate on the container. this connects the retractable with the containers.
wheels fixed on the bottom of the containers provide easy mobility in the site.
Site installations
The containers are connected by the steel retractable. Removable lateral and vertical arms provide the structural stability. While the movable diagonal arms connected to the ball-sockets ease the movement of the arms in feasible directions.
corner ball sockets connect the free moving diagonal arms as well as the lateral and vertical arms which stabilize the structure.
the ball sockets on the sides and top connect the arms, which ease the movement of the arms in possible directions. the sockets can be tightened to hold the arms in a fixed direction.
Alignments and placements
The steel framed retractable covered in canvases allow the containers to be aligned in different layouts to fit in the site. The adopted layouts would cater a corridor of gallery spaces inside while various open public spaces are formed outside.
Rendered view in the PATAN DURBAR SQUARE, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE the structure boldly lays in front of the historical palace, catering different public activities.
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Shelter Initiative 2015
Earthquake relief programs The quake that hit the central region of the country on 26th April 2015, caused several loss of lives and damages of physical structures. Various government and non governmental institutions and individuals operated rescue and relief operations in various affected areas. In the same context, a small group of colleagues and friends was formed which aimed to help the victims in the aspects of sheltering and accommodation. We went to few affected villages and studied the status quos caused by the quake and formulated plans and schemes to help the victims build makeshift shelters. We collected donations and construction tools for the purposes. We extracted and used the salvage materials (where applicable) from the affected structures to build the temporary shelters. In the process, we received overwhelming community participations in the villages. After working for couple of weeks, we learned that the victims weren’t capable of reconstructing their houses for next 5/6 years at the least. We did thorough studies of the affected houses and recommended best repair and maintenance possibilities for structurally safe houses. We proposed various designs, which are easy to build utilizing the salvaged materials and costs low. We also guided and suggested the affected families in the aspects of low cost earthquake resistant building construction techniques. I as a team leader was responsible for coordinating the volunteers, procurements, community discussions and monitoring the relief works. I equally participated in the field works as well. I along with few other colleagues later, formed From The Ground Up, an organization to work on the sustainable building construction practices in the affected villages.
top left: children helping to extract the salvaged bricks. top right: volunteers using the salvaged timber for the structure and bricks for the flooring with drain bottom: the makeshift shelters were covered with polypropylene sheets to protect from rain.
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Proposed design for reshelter programs
plan
section
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