A collection of academic and design works from 2020-2024
Hello.
I am Ilam Shrestha, a graduate architect from Kathmandu University.
Being an urban-enthusiast, I am passionate about the relation of people with the city and the built environment. I am interested in community and housing development, sustainable and resilientcitydesign,policyplanning,and solving global city and planning issues. I am currently working on community well-being, healthcare and institutional projects.
I aim to further pursue my career in Urban Planning and join Master of City and Metropolitan Planning at your esteemed institution.
Instructor: Dr. Jharna Joshi, Ar. Sirish Bhatt, Ar. Buddha Shrestha
Project Year: 2021
Location: Nangkhel Village, Bhaktapur
Individual Project
& Team Survey: Ilam, Sudipti and Kritina
Background
Nangkhel is a settlement at the southern part of Bhaktapur, which has isolated Newari houses with their own front yards and agricultural fields. The settlement has developed informally, by people moving from out of the valley in search of a favorable settlement near the old town Bhaktapur, which was rich in culture, temples and trade. The people here have mostly engaged in agriculture and wood working.
The existing fabric of the settlement has limited social activity. The streets are pedestrian only and the nodes and spaces lacked gathering spaces, for community engagement and their learning and mode of work seemed to be in traditional approach. The residential people keep shifting to the lower zone due to lack of accessibility of streets and because of damage caused to settlement after the 2015 earthquake and people shifting to the new settlement area near the city. The project is to revitalize the settlement, by uplifting their socio-economic aspects through community engagement and designing learning centers.
Design
The project addresses the need of communal spaces in a settlement with individual houses existing in a cluster form. It focuses on studying and alalyzing the settlement pattern, its architectural characteristics and social dimensions. The survey helped to understand the community needs, settlement fabric, and potential solutions for enhancing community life, and holistic development within the settlement.
Nangkhel Community and Vocational Training Center is designed to fulfill the needs of the local people of the settlement and stand as a place for social interaction. It is designed to serve the people living in the settlement as a social place for interaction, civic engagement and co-operation in the community where people can meet, talk and discuss their ideas.
“Uniting Spaces, Empowering People”
Total families surveyed – 65
Ethnicity- 100% Newars
SOCIO-CULTURAL ASPECTS
Total 30 houses among 65 houses in the settlement were surveyed and informations of communal group, occupation, family, cultures were collected.
COMMUNAL GROUPS
Mainly 3 caste; Byanju(54%), Suwals(34%) and Sukubhattu(12%
ARCHITECTURAL ASPECTS
FAMILY STRUCTURE
Most families live in joint household, Some families have separated recently due to lack of space in the old houses.
OCCUPATION
Mostly agriculture. Other 8 families are dependent on carpentry and rest 5 on services
The settlement is shifting downhill in search of better transportation and infrastructure. Upper Nangkhel has traditional Newari houses with sloped roofs while new houses are of RCC.
HOUSE TYPES
The houses are made up of loadbearing brick walls with small openings. Few houses are made up of RCC.
AGE OF BUILDING
Most of the buildings in this settlement are over 50 years old and very less of them are newer RCC structure that are constructed after earthquake
FINISHING MATERIALS
Most of the older houses in this settlement are constructed with sun dried brick and plastered with mud and small pebbles.
Path leading to site
Measured house Byanju Residence
Photo of settlement houses
View of site looking towards north
The path to the settlement
View
MASTERPLAN
The community centre has pathways unveiled providing a seamless journey through architecture and nature. The design embodies a simple linear flow that effortlessly guides individuals along two main paths. The primary path, running along the X-axis, allows for easy movement on the same level of terrain, while the connecting path on the Y-axis features a stepped design, facilitating access to different elevations. Carefully curated spaces are thoughtfully arranged and separated based on their intended functions, ensuring efficient accessibility. Public and semi-public areas are distinctly demarcated to cater to various needs and maintain a harmonious balance. Moreover, our landscape and park designs take full advantage of the natural terrain, incorporating stepped seating arrangements, lush gardens, and inviting spaces for interaction and contemplation. Join us on this transformative journey where architecture and nature converge to inspire community engagement and meaningful connections.
THE DESIGN
The design of Nangkhel Community Centre is conceived as a amalgamation of the vernacular architecture with the landscape as well as the innovative modern design influences. The project is done with the aim of uplifting the standard of life and creating an interaction space for the people in the settlement. In the design the spaces are planned with 2 main lines of circulation leading to the different blocks and areas of the community centre. The site is steep so the buildings are designed with the slopes and they are standing at different heights. The landscape is designed with interplay of parks, gardens, trees and buildings.The design as a whole in upper vernacular settlement preserves the traditional architecture of the place.
The section cutting primarily through the cafe library and multipurpose hall gives the sense of volume of two buildings and space they occupy. The section shows the all the buildings and spaces which are designed in considering the slope of the with the terrain.
The first profile elevation shows the views of north elevation of reception-admin building, common washrooms and vocational training center on one side and the second shows the south elevation of wood workshop and multipurpose hall.
Contributions: Masterplan development, Riverside Landscape and Community Area design, Apartment planning, 3d Modelling and Presentations
Background
Tikathali settlement is being urbanized in haphazard way with improper street planning, agriculture fields being converted into built forms and the river bank and set backs not being followed by the local planners. There is need of proper development of housing considering the places socio-economic background of people. The current trends of housing development in Kathmandu shows improper growth with lack of open spaces, greeneries, sense of community and consideration for people lower socio-economic backgrounds.
The objective of this project is to develop social housing suitable for people of diverse socio-economic background and make it a common space for the community. Aswell, the design aims to develop the river front and design landscapes and green spaces within the housing. Finally the housing will develop a planning that would be sustainable and organized and would help to uplift quality of life of people and communities.
Design
Affinity housing is designed to create and common spaces on various levels and an environment for collective growth of the residents sharing their feelings, intentions, attitudes, experiences and social part of life.
Housing is designed with an axis along river with landscapes, major roads and riverfront and distribution of housing spaces and landscape with respect to it and perpendicular axis. The housing focuses on providing a common space for people of different socio-economic background and also hascommunity area for people around the housing fostering healthy living. Different units share common backyards, common gardens in row and detached as well common terraces on each levels of apartment and a large landscaped garden for each housing type.The approach is to design a housing which shares a common space on residence level, surrounding and community level.
One of the important features of the design is landscape and green spaces. Garden and landscapes enhances the setting of housing and its presence in housing improves the place feature and affects human mood. The approach is to build with the landscape, idea of outdoor space creation along with the planning of housing units.
The riverbank is designed with a three strip vegetation, walking and seating area in the entire housing giving that experience of living in the part of nature. The design aims in coexistence of river, plants and buildings creating pleasant urban landscape.
Understanding the SIte
The site for the project lies on the north of Godawari Khola Bridge and main street of settlement. Transportation/ black topped road distance: 5minutes walk from the site Site Features
PROXIMITY MAPPING
Rocks and soils, few green grassland, Godawari River through the site, Pathway along river.Agriculture Lands in the site.
High Tension Lines along east west of site Trees and Plants towards east
RCC houses and few traditional houses west of site. Temporary structures scattered over the site. ( For wood workshop, local shops, farming)
Social Life:
Majorly Brahmin and Cheetri, Occupation : Agriculture, Job Holders, Local Shops, Hindu Population Culture: Hindu Festivals and Ceremonies.
Family size and lifestyle: 4-6 people in family. Majorly middle economy group.
The Site Problems
Design Solutions
CONTOUR ANALYSIS
Cutting and filling taking in account of original contour heights and developing in considerations with road networks and housing placements.
AXIS DEVELOPMENT
The main axis is green axis in N-S direction along the river, offers overall view of the site along the line, walkability, andas main street and riverfront spaces
RIVERSIDE AND GARDENS
Riverside with walkways and trees. Interracting communal gardens for different housing types. Cleanling and river waste management achieving clean river.
COMMUNITY AREA
Community area as central focal point of activities. Has recreational area, community building, landscape, plaza and play area. It also has cultural zone, farmers market and stepped riverside amphitheatre and access to public with controlled entry point.
ROAD NETWORKS
The main collector road is N-S along river and it distributes E-W into the housing of width 6m and has interconnecting bridges. The slopes with the contour levels is shown above. Provision of public road is done at west of housing along the site booundary.
HOUSING DENSITY
The housing has varying density profiles encouraging alternate user experiences and addressig different population groups. The high rise apartment placed at north to avoid light blockage and allowing entire view of site along river axis. Villas at eastern side and have landscape riverside perks.
MASTERPLAN
3BHK
4BHK
Common
River Overflooding and Solutions
The following data study were done about river flooding. Firstly the river depth from site low point was measured and found out depth to be 1.5 meters from site level and 2m high at places. River area susceptible to flooding during Monsoon (Aasar- Shrawn months) and water level reaches to nearby houses. Height of river water- 0.5m - 1m of house boundary wall reaching to indoor in certain cases.
The solutions to these problems were thought out and some of them were implemented in the design:
1. Building embankments in river wall, Inasing wall levels at low site levels
2. Providing uniform width of river and setbacks from river
3. Plantation of trees and vegetation, bamboo, acacia and rosewood by river to hold soil and absorb rain run offs and developing riverfronts.Providing sectional/ frame barriers.
4. Cleanliness program and water level maintaining and installing river cleaning
APARTMENTS
The concept is mainly guided by the idea of receding terraces to maximize the amount of sunlight. The common terrace can act as an interaction space. Each terrace is connected by alternate staircase which creates the idea of hill climbing experience in the urban context. The apartment units are accessed through three service cores via common corridor. The central courtyard act as a common space through landscape elements.
COMMUNITY AREA
The human behaviour is affected by their feelings, intentions, attitudes and expectations, social context but also space they occupy. Community area is designed for multiuser interaction experience and is a space for gathering, events, outdoor-indoor activities, recreational and functional activities to create strong associations between the neighborhood context, human behaviour and social interactions.
The different surfaces of the landscape creates an ambient environment along with with the natural landscapes as shurbs, trees and grasses. The building itself is minimal and linearly designed and has inside-out spaces, indoor spaces for administration activities, health care and workouts, studying, day-care, and different events. The landscape has hard and soft surfaces with circular play area for children, plazas and greens and the intersections of the circle’s arc and openings creates the pathway for movement. There is an descending amphitheater near the riverside which creates relation with the river and acts as an space for resting aswell as outdoor rejoice.
3. THE ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL
Project Details:
Architecture School Design
Design Thesis
Type: Academic
Supervisor: Ar. Biresh Shah
Project Year: 2023
Location: Kathmandu University West Land, Dhulikhel
Individual Project
Background
This thesis explores the design of an innovative and collaborative learning environment for architecture students, addressing key challenges in Nepal’s architectural education. The project aims to reinterpret the relationship between the school environment, pedagogy, and the interactions between students, faculty, and educational methods. It focuses on designing expressive spaces that integrate technological advancements as well respects the context.
Although Nepal has a rich architectural heritage, formal architectural education began in 1994 at Tribhuvan University’s Institute of Engineering. However, over the years, the curriculum has become traditional and in need of updating. Kathmandu University introduced its own architecture program to bring change to architectural education, and this thesis seeks to further bring transformative change. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the limitations of traditional learning, emphasizing the need for adaptable, technologyintegrated environments that support both digital and physical learning. The proposed design addresses these challenges by creating spaces that promote creativity, collaboration, and interaction. By adopting a projectbased, problem-based learning approach, the design integrates creative, technical, environmental, and social aspects, providing an innovative and interactive educational experience.
Design
The school emerges as a transformative space, designed to revolutionize the educational landscape of KU’s architecture program. With an unwavering focus on the unique needs of its students and a profound appreciation for the art of design, it reimagines traditional architectural education at the intersection of architecture, institutions, and society.
Within its precincts, the school features collaborative spaces that transcend mere walls and ceilings, becoming a catalyst for engagement, creativity, and meaningful experiences. The design includes a central courtyard for discussion and leisure, while the ground floor houses workshops and digital labs for experiential learning. Studio classrooms and critique areas foster stronger connections between students and teachers, creating a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration, feedback, and continuous learning.
The site is taken in western hill of Kathmandu University, for the School of Architecture. The site has stepped terrain and is just by the University allowing the common sharing of facilities as well as interconnectivity between different departments. The site is on sloping hill and has natural vegetation and grasses and sloping down contour levels of 14m
The functional and spatial organization of the building is done by interconnecting the blocks by planning it around a central gathering space creating a space for interactions, learning and experiments. The building have open floor plans bringing activities outside the social spaces and surroundings
The site is a sloping terrain, on the top of which the entrance leads to the lobby and lounge space as well as the masters and open studios. Near the entrance we have upper level parking. The pathways then leads to the central social space which acts as a space for gathering and activities. The buildings are connected by linear blocks and bridges allowing overall circulations. On cutting the plan on Level 3 (Lvl+ 12m) we can see the studio space, lobbies and corridors allowing horizontal circulations and the stairs and lifts letting us to move vertically. The surrounding has agriculture farm lands, institution buildings and residences.
FIGURE-GROUND DIAGRAM
LAND USE MAP
ZONING
BUBBLE DIAGRAM
While working on the 3d development, I did experimentation with the physical model, as well by developing the terrain matching the site contours.
DEVELOPMENT
A Walk Through Series of Experiences
On walking down to the architecture school, the path has series of displays of the architectural journey and projects creating steps of experiential walk.
4. COALESCE PARK
Project Details:
Landscape Park Design
Type: Academic
Supervisor: Ar. Prajwal Pradhan
Individual Project
Project Year: 2023
Location: Kathmandu University West Land, Dhulikhel
Background
The site is located directly opposite the Lagankhel bus stop in Patan, an area renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals. Currently in a dilapidated state, the site presents a unique opportunity to address several pressing issues in the vicinity. The bus stop, which serves as a hub for buses connecting three districts, is highly congested, offering minimal space for pedestrians to rest or refresh. Additionally, the surrounding area lacks parks and green spaces, which are essential for urban well-being.
This small yet strategic site holds the potential to be transformed into a pocket park, providing a much-needed refreshment for people seeking a brief escape from the bustling environment. Thoughtful landscaping, abundant vegetation, and shaded areas can play a crucial role in creating a healthy, inviting, and refreshing space. The proposed park could significantly enhance the urban fabric and contribute to the environmental and social vitality of the area.
Design
Coalesce is a park and pavilion space coming together of softscapes, stone hardscapes with stepped seatings and the central plantings also a shaded pavilion giving tranquil and sculptural ambience. The design aims to create a space for social, environmental, and emotional well-being. Located in a dilapidated site near Lagankhel bus park it acts as a pleasant socializing and resting area also having a portrayal highlighting the story of Machhindranath festival.
The contextual map of Lagankhel presenting the major bus routes, vehicular access roads, pedestrian access and settlement fabric, and site and its connection with the bus stop.
5. ECLECTIC SYNERGY
Project Details:
Future Classroom Design
Supertecture National Design Competition
Location: Dhoksan, Shankharapur
Awards: Winners- All Star Team
Background
The site is of the classroom design is within the Shiladevi Primary School Dhoksan premises, located at Shreekhandapur, Bhaktapur. Supertecture, a non-profit architecture organization, organized a national design competition for extension of classroom that aims to integrate digital and innovated technologies into school learning environment. Previously, it had designed 4 extension blocks with sustainable unique materials, rammed earth, stone, brick and stone. The design proposal is to build a learning environment promoting hands on experience and digital technologies and using the 5th material Bamboo for construction.
Design
The Future Classroom has been designed in a holistic approach advancing towards future learning methods yet reaching out to an essential tinge of the local touch. The building has been designed considering the terrain as such, overcoming water stagnancy while also maintaining the roof line of the pre-existing buildings. The building has been divided into two levels; digital classroom above and outdoor playful learning space below.
The main intention of the pedagogical approach is to create a comprehensive and investigative learning aura to let the children dive into the vast ocean of opportunities and arenas as they liberally explore different topics and also acquire equally important life skills. Each day would be an adventure of its own thus stimulating that adrenaline in the kids for school each morning. With this unique approach and access to innovative technologies to the students, the design aims to uplift the educational scenario of Dhoksan and collectively contribute to societal development.
Team: Ilam Shrestha, Aabhushan Man Singh Tuladhar, Bikalpa Poudel and Dhiraj Bhandari
MATERIALITY
Sustainably, we have gone eco-friendly using materials like treated bamboos, straw bale, timber, metal, and stones. The open floor plan of the ground floor creates a team learning and playful zone with saplings and stackable seats which opens outward to a playfield embarking towards a physical development of the children.
PEDAGOGY
The learning modality has mainly focused on liberal method of education creating analytical, interactive and collaborative approaches.
6. KU HOSPITAL
Project Details:
KU General Hospiatl Design
Type: Professional Project
Project Year: 2024
Location: Kathmandu University School of Medical Science, Chaukot, Dhulikhel
Background
KU General Hospital is a healthcare project designed to expand the hospital’s capacity and facilities at Chaukot, within the premises of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences. The multistorey hospital is planned on a hilltop in Chaukot, ensuring strong connectivity to the nearby community of Dhulikhel. Additionally, its location along the road connecting to the B.P. Highway provides access to essential healthcare services for the eastern region of Nepal.
Design
The master plan, conceptual design and planning of the multi-storey healthcare facility is done understanding the need of the university infrastructures as well as with consultation with doctors. The hospital design incorporates a central core for circulation and services, flanked by two wings housing key patient-centered facilities to enhance operational efficiency. The layout focuses on optimizing patient flow, maximizing natural light, and integrating family-friendly spaces to improve the overall experience. We also designed the hospital with a community focused approach making it accessible to the whole community and connecting cities also harmonizing with the context.
Team: Senior Architect Saroj Shrestha, Ilam Shrestha and Bidhya Gupta along with multidisciplinary people
'Our future design discussions need to involve patients and caregivers, observe how these individuals use spaces, and to ultimately see things such as they do. Only when we view the environment through the patient's eyes shall we understand how to advance healthcare environments.
'
Michael Graves, Architect
Patient data of 2021, Dhulikhel
OUT PATIENT SERVICES PROVIDED
IN PATIENT SERVICES PROVIDED
DIAGONOSTIC SERVICES PROVIDED
EMERGENCY SERVICES PROVIDED
Taking community and public health data to guide the design of healthcare facilities, integrating key services like internal medicine and surgical departments is essential for ensuring efficient patient care and supporting smooth hospital operations.
The masterplan is thoughtfully designed, ensuring a clear organization of buildings in relation to the site, taking into account functional flow, primary axes, surrounding context, and existing vegetation. A 6-meter-wide access road is provided on both sides, connecting the building to two streets, allowing for smooth vehicular circulation.
The central focus is the hospital’s core building, with plans for future supporting blocks connected by bridges. Located at KUSMS and linked to the BP Koirala Highway, the site features a large circulation area with landscaping and parking. The main lobby leads to the central public zone, with horizontal and vertical curved axes guiding movement. Multiple entrances provide access to departments, while staircases and lifts facilitate vertical circulation. The design emphasizes accessibility and future expansion. The overall layout prioritizes accessibility, connectivity, and future flexibility, creating a cohesive and adaptable healthcare environment.
THE SITE
FLOOR PLANS
Function-Flow Diagram
The ground floor of the health care is designed with human centric approach and smooth patient & public flow. The building has central core which acts as a service/ staff/ public area with two distinct wings house patient centric spaces. The layout is thoughtfully organized, accommodating specialized healthcare functions such as emergency services, reception & billing, pathology, and radiology.
The zoning of different areas and circulation and their understanding helps in efficient planning and ease of movement. Dedicated access points for staff and patients, contributing to a seamless flow within the hospital’s core functions.
EMERGENCY AND RADIOLOGY | GROUND FLOOR
2450 sq.m.
IN-PATIENT CABINS |FLOOR 8
2200 sq.m.
The Inpatient areas focuses on patient wellness with dedicated single, double and deluxe cabins designed with private and comfortable area for patient care. The layout has 38 cabins for male and female. Supporting these private rooms are several utility and service areas, such as nurse stations, clinical spaces, and family support rooms to offer comprehensive care. The interior of a single cabin of hospital focuses on patient’s well-being with bed and amenities spaces for operational efficiency and comfort. . Large windows and open spaces allow for ample natural light, while maintaining privacy, contributing to a highquality healthcare environment.
Designing of health care facility was done taking in mind of;
1. Community-Centric Design
- Incorporates community health
- Transforms hospitals into community focal points
- Design according to needs of the community.
2. Patient Centric Design
- Focuses on well-being of the patients
- Using tools like health information/digital apps to improve patient outcomes
- Natural light, environment and outdoor spaces
3. Human Centric Design
- Inclusive environment
- Good flow and relation between spaces
- Integration of family spaces
The building is designed with thoughtful combination of brick, concrete and glass, which adds durability as well as sense of lighting. The building is divided into 3 parts vertically breaking up its mass and enhancing buildings rhythym. The design focuses on functionality which is primary essence while designing health care environments.
The elevation shows the facade facing KU Central Campus on a nearby hilltop, featuring a stepped design that conveys a sense of ascent and hierarchy.
Single Cabin
7. CONSERVATION OF CHHAYABAHA MATH
Project Details:
Conservation and Design Proposal
Type: Academic Project
Supervisor: Dr. Jharna Joshi, Ar. Sirish Bhatt, and Ar. Rajan Shrestha
Project Year: 2022
Location: Purano Bazaar, Dhulikhel
Team Project
Contributions: Site visit and survey, west wing plan and elevation measurements, elevation and detail drawings, site data analysis and design proposal
Background
The Chhaya Baha Math is an historic math located on the south of Pimbaha and west of Chalkhu matha having the main deity of Visvesvara Mahadeva in the sanctum. It was built by Bharati’s for residence of Hindu priests. The building is beautifully designed with traditional materials, windows and details and has 3 storey with courtyard and attic. In the current scenario building currently is in dilapidated state with the building rented to residents and unwanted modifications like plaster walls, partitions, brought to the building and some of the interior walls, post dhalins and roofs of buildings are in degraded state and in poor condition.
We documented the western wing of the building and did its condition survey. Measurements of the buildings were taken with the help of grids made by thread and plumb bobs, tapes and laser were used for taking distance, similarly interior was measured carefully. We carried out settlement study and survey of the Pimbahal area near the Math and Patan Durbar Square, UNESCO World Heritage Site to know about the building information, history of place, social status of the place to understand the urban fabric and propose a design to revitalize the building and surrounding settlement.
Design
Our design proposal aims to revitalize this historic building as well as promote Cultural Music and Dance with the proposal for learning and experiencing different musical and dance performance in this traditional and historical space.
The surveys were done based on following headings:-
History
Socio-Economic Building Information Community and Open Spaces
Our group worked on the Building Information survey, and worked on documenting 200+ houses around the Chayabaha, Math in Pimbahal to have the context information, culture and architecture around the site.
Surveyed houses
*Our team was involved in surveying from North, Ratneswor Mahadev temple to Chalkhu Pati towards south
Condition Survey
DESIGN PROPOSAL
Music and dance are the most universal performing arts that may be found in any community, and they are an important aspect of intangible cultural heritages such as ceremonies, festivals, and other customs. It reflects the local culture, and dance and music are frequently combined.
The Center of Music and Dance is done with minimum interventions, conservations and few innovations to make space for cultural performance and learning as well as conservation and revival of the monument. The building is designed with necessary changes and adaptations in response to the design program. The ground floor is an open space for experiencing the activities with open music play and dance practice in the falchas and courtyard, the cafe with traditional setting, dance performing and practice spaces in the landscape, creating stage-dabali and seating spaces. The gallery displays the traditional Nepali instruments with the interplay of spaces and creating flow within different wings of the Math.
The different zones of building is used as classrooms and studios for teaching, learning and experimenting music.
Team: Ilam Shrestha and Rojina Kafle
Elevation Drawing
DUI POKHARI, THIMI
The reconstruction of two ponds has revitalized the town, bringing vibrancy back to the community and its people.
