ART ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR
June 2014 – Vol 10 No. 06
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10th Year - Anniversary Specials
Architecture
Galleries at Patan Museum
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April 2014 / 3
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Contents june 2014 Vol 10 No.06 SPACESNEPAL.COM
News
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Architecture Galleries SPACES magazine and Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT) in cooperation for the mission to safeguard the precious and endangered architectural heritage of Kathmandu, invited various dignitaries to Patan Museum’s Architecture Galleries which recently opened its doors to the general public. His Excellency Mr. Asko Juhani Luukkainen, Ambassador of Finland, His. Excellency Mr. Ranjit Rae, Indian Ambassador for Nepal and Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya, the legendary household names in the Nepali entertainment industry, popularly known as the MaHa Jodi visited the gallery.
Feature
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Architecture
Redesign Redefine The overall interior design that balances with the concept of mixing nature with elements such as concrete and glasses was not an easy option .What the client had in mind, we incorporated it on paper and the overall interior design. We stayed with simple. Even though this was going be a 5-star plus establishment it had to be simple. The wow factor had to be there but not too much.
Lost art There is a ray of hope in this dark scenario of unaccounted number of Nepal’s precious antique paintings, woodcarvings, sculptures and other artifacts that have been stolen and smuggled out of the country. Though in the form of a few committed lovers of arts who are on a mission to make the general public and international organizations aware of this problem through exhibitions of the replicas of the lost and stolen arts of Nepal.
From the Shelf This well researched book is replete with photographs of Jarunhiti, the traditional water tanks, which were widely used by the Newar Community of Kathmandu. Compiled by a team of Japanese and Nepalese photographers, archeologists and an ethnographer, this book provides a clear analysis of the cultural crisis in which many traditional values are vanishing from the country.
Book
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Feature
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Lomanthang Nepal opened Upper Mustang to foreigners in 1992. In 1994 tourist traffic was still negligible, perhaps owing to steep entry permits or lack of information. Revisiting Lo Manthang with a group of artists from Kathmandu, we’re here to attend the annual Tenchi festival when monks, over three days of festivities dance and perform Buddhist rituals to ward off evil spirits and ensure a prosperous year.
NSET completes 21 years of Action NSET celebrated 21st year of its institutional mission as ‘A day to reaffirm the Commitments to Earthquake Safety’ at its premises to enhance seismic safety of Nepal and the region on Wednesday June 18, 2014. On the occasion, NSET President Mr. Shiva Bahadur Pradhanang unveiled the annual report of NSET, ‘Safer Society 2014’.
MOU with NSET National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET) and Impression Publishing Pvt. Ltd (SPACES magazine) signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together in part of the Activity 2; enhancement of Public Private Partnership for Earthquake Risk Reduction under the program ‘Promoting Public Private Partnership for Earthquake Risk Management (3PERM) program.
64 ARTSCAPE: Dancing Meera 68 Store watch: Kitchen Concepts 71 Market: Decentralized Sewage Treatment 70 Open Space 8 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
june 2014 / 9
Editorial
As SPACES celebrated it’s 10th Anniversary at the Brick’s cafe honoring it’s notable writers and contributors to the magazine - the rain gods played hide and seek initially with the event planned in the outdoor garden space. Nevertheless after the sky cleared, it was heartening to hear our special guest for the evening, well known journalist Kanak Mani Dixit reflect and mention that ‘SPACES had made an impact in the last 10 years and held a standard in Architectural and design issues that have made people think and reflect.’ He further went on to elaborate that for Nepal, even though modernity made in roads only after 1950, we need to reflect on the quality of space that we are developing presently and our understanding and actions on the evolution of our rich heritage that took centuries to develop. He touched on the relentless political chaos that has led to suffering in all spheres within our country - from Public Health to Architecture and Urban Planning, and to plans and good visions that areyet to be implemented. Interesting the day of our event was also the celebration on the Loktantrik - Ganatantra Diwas! He related his journey from the Presidential Palace to the Bricks Cafe that evening. Starting with the inauguration of the open space behind Shital Niwas (Presidential Palace) – and the value of open space and the deconstruction of the houses to accomodate the road expansion drive, he went on to increase our perception of the environment around us which was very well received. This month SPACES with Kathmandu Preservation Trust (KVPT) in the context and mission to safeguard
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the precious and endangered architectural heritage of Kathmandu, invited His Excellency Mr. Asko Juhani Luukkainen, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal as well as the Indian Ambassador HE Ranjit Rae to Patan Museum’s newly opened Architectural Museum section. It was encouraging to see that beyond the political challenges and leadership crisis that we presently face within our country – our rich heritage, Art, Architecture and Culture still stands out to bind us together, retaining our true values and uniquness as Nepalese. In this issue we also highlight an artistic journey coupled with the spectacular landscape of Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang. As writer Ramyata reflects on her foot loose journalistic escapades to remote parts of Nepal first in 1994 and now 20 years later in 2014 again with a group of artists – it is without doubt we get a feeling that there is so much that we can get inspired from within our country. The annual Tenchi festival and the landscape is simultaneously absorbed as an inspiration for these Nepalese artists to observe the monks. Over three days of festivities, dance and performance of Buddhist rituals were performed to ward off evil spirits for a prosperous year; look at the Art they have produced! Continuing on my escapades and discovery of special and sacred places within the country – it was indeed a special moment to reach Lake Tilicho at an altitude of 17,600 feet this month. The challenging journey within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) soon became a blur when I saw this pristine lake sitting there amidst the high mountains in all its serenity. The beauty of our country still remains unexplored for many of our citizens. It is with this thought I urge all our readers to get out of their urban - comfort zone and go discover nature in your country. You will be pleasantly surprised and inspired. Namaste !
Sarosh Pradhan / Editor in Chief
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Contributors
Volume 10 NO. 06 | June
Mr. Kailash Ramkhelawon has over 15 years of international experiences in the construction industry. He was involved in projects for some major European brand names such as IKEA and M & S and has work experiences in countries such as Ireland, France, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, etc. He worked previously as guest lecturer for design colleges, external consultant, and now is part of IEC College and has his own interior, architect office doing projects from concepts till completion. He was involved in many feasibility studies and master plans. He is holder of a degree in Civil Engineering and BA in Architecture, Interior from Ireland.
Ms. Bhubaneswari Parajuli is an Architect, Sociologist and Environmentalist by profession and has been working as Gender, Social and Environmental Management Specialist with NSET since April 2008. She has over 20 years of professional experience in mainstreaming gender and environment in development planning and disaster risk reduction. Ms. Parajuli holds a Bachelors Degree in Architecture from the Bengal Engineering College, Calcutta University, India as well as Master in Sociology/ Anthropology from Tribhuvan University, Nepal and Master in Environmental Management from Griffith University, Australia. Ms. Parajuli is the member of several professional associations including, SONA (Society of Nepalese Architects), NEA (Nepal Engineers Association), NEIAAN (National EIA Association, Nepal), ANAA (Association of Nepalese Alumni from Australia), and NEC (Nepal Engineering Council).
MS. Ramyata Limbu, a veteran Nepali journalist, has worked as a correspondent for various national and international publications. She co-produced the award winning independent documentaries “Daughters of Everest” which followed the first team of all women, Nepali Sherpa climbers to ascend Everest and “The Sari Soldiers” about the conflict in Nepal told through the stories of six women. Ramyata is the Director of the internationally acclaimed Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) and has also worked as a political officer for the United Nations Mission in Nepal.
CEO Editor-in-Chief Creative Manager Editor-Features Senior Correspondent Contributing Art Editor Contributing Editor Photographer Intl. Correspondent
Ashesh Rajbansh Sarosh Pradhan Deependra Bajracharya Veneeta Singha Pujan Joshi Madan Chitrakar Kasthamandap Art Studio President - Society of Nepalese Architects Ar. Jinisha Jain (Delhi) Ar. Chetan Raj Shrestha (Sikkim) Barun Roy (Darjeeling Hills) Pradip Ratna Tuladhar Hemant Kumar Shrestha Bansri Panday
Chief - Administration Marketing Officer Admin Officer Office Secretary/Subscription Accounts Legal Advisor
Anu Rajbansh Debbie Rana Dangol Ashma Rauniyar Pramila Shrestha Sunil Man Baniya Yogendra Bhattarai
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Regd. No 30657/061-62 CDO No. 41 SPACES is published twelve times a year at the address above. All rights are reserved in respect of articles, illustrations, photographs, etc. published in SPACES. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher and the publisher cannot accept responsiblility for any errors or omissions. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other materials to SPACES for consideration should not send originals unless specifically requested to do so by SPACES in writing. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other submitted material must be accompanied by a self addressed return envelope, postage prepaid. However, SPACES is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. All editorial inquiries and submissions to SPACES must be addressed to editor@spacesnepal.com or sent to the address mentioned above.
Cover Photo: Architecture Galleries at Patan Museum © Ashesh Rajbansh
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NEWS
Architecture
Galleries at Patan Museum
J
une 9th 2014, SPACES magazine and Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT) in cooperation for the mission to safeguard the precious and endangered architectural heritage of Kathmandu, invited various dignitaries to Patan Museum’s Architecture Galleries which recently opened its doors to the general public. Patan Museum is well-known for displaying the traditional sacred arts of Nepal in an illustrious setting and the new gallery section is believed to initiate a significant wave of awareness of the ancient architecture.
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une 9th 2014, SPACES magazine and Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT) in cooperation for the mission to safeguard the precious and endangered architectural heritage of Kathmandu, invited His Excellency Mr. Asko Juhani Luukkainen, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal, to Architrcture Galleries of Patan Museum which recently opened its doors to the general public. Patan Museum is well-known for displaying the traditional sacred arts of Nepal in an illustrious setting and the new museum section is believed to initiate a significant wave of awareness of the ancient architecture. Space’s Magazine CEO, Mr. Ashesh Rajbansh; Editor in Chief, Mr. Sarosh Pradhan along with the Country Director of KVPT, Dr. Rohit Ranjit were present for the reception of His Excellency Mr. Asko Juhani Luukkainen,
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Ambassador of Finland whose courteous presence in the museum was aimed at increasing awareness level and responsiveness; as the sites are in need of urgent restoration. After his visit H.E. Mr. Luukkainen said he appreciated the initiative being taken and added that the key to preserve the heritage sites of Nepal is by raising awareness of its value amongst the general public. The Patan Royal Palace Complex, which contains in it Tusa Hiti and Bhandarkhal Archaeological Garden, dates back to the 12th century. The complex that has survived at least five major earthquakes is currently being renovated by the KVPT. The complete restoration of the east and west wing is said to be completed by 2015. KVPT has been involved in two decades of heritage conservation work in Nepal.
The palace, which has been turned into a museum recently, was constructed by King Siddhinarasimha Malla during the 17th century. The newly restored gallery will enshrine the south and east wing as part of the building’s historical narrative, along with other elements of cultural and religious significance. The gallery’s exhibits cover a long span of Nepal’s cultural history and many rare objects and structures are among its valued treasures. The meaning and context within the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are explained in these architectural structures, objects and traditional crafts for which Patan has always been well-known for, since ancient times.
NEWS
MaHa on
Nepal’s Heritage Awareness
H
is. Excellency Mr. Ranjit Rae, Indian Ambassador for Nepal, along with Mr. Abhay Kumar,Head, Press Information and Culture of the Indian Embassy in Nepal visited the Architecture Galleries of Patan Museum on June 20th 2014. SPACES magazine’s CEO Mr. Ashesh Rajbansh, Editor in Chief Ar. Sarosh Pradhan has been endeavoring to raise awareness by dedicating columns on the preservation and restoration of architectural heritage of Nepal since a decade back through the editorial articles published in the magazine. Mr. Prithivi. B. Pande, Chairman of Nepal Investment Bank Ltd., Mrs. Pratima Pande, Director of KVPT and Mr. Rohit K. Ranjit, Nepal Program Director of KVPT were present along with SPACES team to welcome His Excellency’s visit to Architecture Galleries of Patan Museum. After an hour of conversation at KVPT office, His Excellency seemed to be fascinated by the ancient history of the culture, tradition and most specifically the striking architecture
of temples and palaces. Further mesmerized by the newly opened gallery which displays the traditional sacred architecture in an illustrious settings that takes visitors back to the old architectural residence and palaces settings of the Malla Kings of Kathmandu valley, he congratulated KVPT for the genuine exertion of preserving and restoring these national treasures. These architectural structures showcased in the museum accompanied by written commentary explaining their spiritual and art historical significance as part of the cultural heritage of Nepal shows the fine distinction of mixed traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism which are explained through exquisite craftsmanship that have been practiced for centuries in Nepal and is still being practiced today. After the tour His. Excellency. Mr. Ranjit Rae along with Mr. Abhay Kumar specially thanked SPACES magazine for the invitation and for the awareness initiative undertaken by SPACES and KVPT.
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adan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya, the legendary household names in the Nepali entertainment industry, popularly known as the MaHa Jodi (MaHa Duo) are the most admired actors of Nepal and has become synonymous with the Nepali comedy as well as for the activist contribution to the societies of Nepal. Recipients of many honors and medals of appreciation from national as well as international organizations, they are involved together for public SPACES Magazine and Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT) have a high esteem for the duo’s social contribution,
they were invited to Patan Museum’s recently opened Architecture Galleries for generating awareness on preserving and restoration of Nepal’s architectural culture. While the duo were the first celebrities of Nepal ever to visit the newly opened Architecture Galleries of the museum, they also mentioned that visits from prominent Nepalese citizens and international celebrities will help the positive changes towards preservation of intricate Nepalese craftsmanship. The legendary duo further stated that the new architectural museum is splendidly renovated showcasing the wealth of Nepalese craftsmanship.
june 2014 / 15
NEWS
Flying Featherlite
F
eatherlite is one of the leading furniture manufacturing & marketing organizations in India that provides complete office furniture solutions. It is now in Nepal introduced by Parth International. The company is chaired by Mr. Mahesh Murarka and Mr. Raj Kumar Agrawal. Mr. Manohar Gopal, chairman of Featherlite, inaugurated the showroom on 14th June 2014. Featherlite’s core expertise lies in manufacturing and marketing highly cost effective customized office furniture such as modular workstations, chairs, desks, partitions, conference tables etc. It already has as its customer base, the corporate giants like Mercedes, Caterpillar, Cognizant and more; and the company foresees itself as a leading brand name here. Featherlite has set its bar high, acquiring various quality certifications such as ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2004 (Environment Management System), OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Standards) and BIFMA – Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association – PLATINUM. It announced that the research based products that spells comfort and satisfaction are now available in the market.
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june 2014 / 17
NEWS
SPACES Magazine’s
10th Anniversary celebration S
PACES magazine celebrated its 10th Year Anniversary on 27th May, 2014. The magazine was established in 2004 with the intention of acting as a catalyst for creating and increasing awareness about art and architecture of ancient and contemporary Nepal. SPACES has taken on as its responsibility to make the general public and elite groups aware of the rich architectural, arts and cultural heritage of the fast urbanizing Nepal of today, by presenting accurate information and authentic pictures. A pioneer in this field in the country, this magazine’s progress would not have been possible without the
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invaluable cooperation, feedback and encouragement from the subscribers, advertisers, social groups and business organizations in Nepal. They were all offered heartfelt gratitude by SPACES magazine during the ceremony. The event was concluded by the CEO and Editor in Chief, Ashesh Rajbansh; Ar. Sarosh Pradhan and the guest of honor, Kanak Mani Dixit. During the event, SPACES reiterated its resolve to help conserve Nepal’s historic and natural settings, arts and interiors – new or old, for many years to come. Many delegates said that
SPACES could compete with similar magazines published abroad and that it has introduced Nepal in a positive way to those around the world, who are passionate about arts, architecture, heritage and nature. The celebration was held at Bricks Café, Kupondole. Thimi Dhimey Pucha, a Newari traditional band from Thimi, and Ar. Pragati Manandhar enthralled the crowd with their melodious songs and performances. The evening concluded with dinner amidst memorable ambiance highlighted by rain that arrived without invitation.
june 2014 / 19
NEWS
#metadata #m
etadata, an art exhibition of paintings was held from June 6 – 19, 2014 at Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babar Mahal, by Artist Subash Thebe. The exhibition was organized by Kathmandu Contemporary Arts Centre (KCAC) and inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. Andy Sparkes, the British Ambassador to Nepal. Sponsored by Nepal Britain Society, the exhibition was a celebration of 200 years of Nepal Britain Relations and commemoration of 50th Anniversary of Nepal Britain Society. Thebe is a UK based artist. He was born and raised in a small town, Dharan, in eastern Nepal. He graduated from Middlesex University London in 2011 in Fine Arts. After seeing the works of Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kiefer and most notably Jason Martin, he began to explore abstraction and created paintings inspired by classical music, which were eventually named after the title of the scores. Thebe has been intellectually and artistically engaged by the Wikileaks exposure.
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As a consequence, his series #metadata is a personal quest to understand the complexity of mass media, general perspectives united with governmental regulation of information. This exhibition is thus layered and instigated by the question: what happens when you observe others’ observations? “My grandfather lost his life in WWII in the Battle of Monte Cassino, Italy, when my father was just a toddler and later he himself became disabled in the army. I never wanted to pursue the British Gurkha military tradition of my community. Unconsciously, may be I was choosing everything opposed to war and violence as I always loved art and paintings,” said Thebe. The experiences he under went made Thebe more aware of the world we live in and he grew a definite interest in history and current affairs, which he believes are subject to abuse since ages. “The mainstream media is at the foremost of exploiting history even before it takes place let alone before it is written. They are distorting
history in front of our eyes. Ernst Fisher said that in a decaying society, art, if it is truthful, must also reflect decay, and unless it wants to break faith with its social function, art must show the world as changeable and help change it. It is this ‘decaying’ that my paintings illustrate,” affirms Thebe. He elaborated that he intends to investigate if art has a moral obligation to address social issues apart from giving pleasure and more importantly, is it capable of bringing about any changes? While the exhibition is mostly concerned with geopolitics and the west, it allows the viewers to be aware that in a world inundated by information, it is increasingly important for us to be aware of the fact that news is but a controlled projection of a perspective. It cautions us about what is offered and to consider the data behind the data; and beware of middlemen who should not be allowed to shape our thoughts and encourages us to be more discerning of the facts behind the presented facts.
june 2014 / 21
NEWS
NSET
completes 21 years of Action
N
SET celebrated 21st year of its institutional mission as ‘A day to reaffirm the Commitments to Earthquake Safety’ at its premises to enhance seismic safety of Nepal and the region on Wednesday June 18, 2014. With a successful two-decade journey to commemorate, NSET’s more than one hundred staff came together for the celebration that included the musical performances on national anthem, an earthquake song, national song and also various cultural programs. The formal program was facilitated by Mr. Surya Narayan Shrestha, Deputy Executive Director of NSET. Special representatives from the INGO\NGO sector, government officials, DRR stake holders and media personnel also joined the ceremony alongside NSET staff’s family members and friends. Mr. Varun P. Shrestha, Executive Committee Member of NSET welcomed all the guests and highlighted that the gathering was mainly to review the past and get guidance for future endeavors. The program started with the national anthem recited by NSET Cultural Group. Mr. Amod Mani Dixit, the Executive Director of NSET, in his keynote speech stressed that the success
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of the DRR sector, especially the earthquake resistant communities’ campaign has progressed, thanks to the mutual coordination between Government and non-government organizations. Within these two decades, NSET has contributed to making society safer. Mr. Dixit further mentioned while NSET has been able to achieve much in terms of initiating and institutionalizing earthquake risk management efforts but the need is huge there still remains a lot to do. On the occasion, NSET President Mr. Shiva Bahadur Pradhanang unveiled the annual report of NSET, ‘Safer Society 2014’.
Among from the guests, Mr. Sanat Kumar Basnet, Ex-chief of the Armed Police Force, gave an engaging speech where he highlighted the very need to work in ERR/DRR and appreciated NSET efforts towards reducing risks. He mentioned the need of systematic approach of scientific studies and research in hazards and risk and further stated that such initiatives are now bein institutionalized also in Nepal. Deputy Director of Department of Education, Mr. Shiva Prasad Upreti thanked NSET for its work on earthquake awareness and expressed his happiness with NSET partnered efforts in education. He noted that the technical expertise of NSET was vital to the school retrofitting program and expressed his eagerness in continuing to work with NSET in the DRR sector. Likewise, Director General of DUDBC, Mr. Shambhu KC, discussed the collaboration with NSET across 24 municipalities for building code implementation. While it’s very challenging to implement the building code, with the help of NSET, he is quite confident that the mutual objectives can be met in the near future. NSET President Mr. Shiva Bahadur Pradhanang in his concluding remarks thanked all guests and partners for their encouragement and the support to NSET. The 21st NSET Day program was then followed by informal gathering and reception dinner.
NEWS
NSET and Impressions Publishing Pvt. Ltd
signs MOU
O
n the 3rd of June, 2014, National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET) and Impression Publishing Pvt. Ltd., publisher of SPACES magazine, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together in part of the Activity 2; enhancement of Public Private Partnership for Earthquake Risk Reduction under the program ‘Promoting Public Private Partnership for Earthquake Risk Management (3PERM) program. The MoU signed between NSET and Impression Pvt. Ltd, states that SPACES magazine has agreed to work with NSET to publish the earthquake preparedness related articles, messages, slogans and other disaster related issues as much as possible. The magazine will also gather the contents related to earthquake risk and preparedness and consult with NSET before having them published. NSET will also help SPACES magazine by providing related articles, knowledge sharing message on earthquake and disaster risk. The MoU also states that both parties will participate in the events related to awareness raising, construction technology and other related exhibitions to be organized by SPACES magazine, NSET and other partner organizations. Both the
parties will review the final draft of the articles or other publications material before they are published and will evaluate the program periodically and make amendment if felt necessary. Both parties will discuss and collaborate with each other to develop program on the disaster risk reduction, while NSET will provide earthquake orientation session to the staff members of impression Publishing Pvt Ltd / SPACES magazine or any group that SPACES magazine may find suitable for knowledge sharing and knowledge dissemination. The special provision between NSET and SPACES magazine is working in consultation with each other to identify ways to implement the areas of collaboration with each other to identify ways to implement the areas of collaboration of the memorandum of understanding. The decision to participate in any other activities will be based on resources available to the respective organizations. The MoU does not prevent NSET and SPACES magazine from collaborating with other organization. The MoU was signed by Mr. Ashesh Rajbansh CEO on behalf of Impression Publication Pvt. Ltd and by Mr. Surya Narayan Shrestha, Deputy Executive Director of NSET.
june 2014 / 23
Interior
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Interior
Redefine Redesign by Kailash Ramkhelawon
The main concept behind these few projects, which we have had a chance to be involved with were mainly based on nature. We emphasized all design elements: such as furniture design, space planning, accessories and design elements based mainly on the concepts received from the client.
june 2014 / 25
Interior
M
y colleague used to say, “If the client is happy then I am happy!” When approaching different projects, the best way is to treat each client as an individual case. Usually at an initial meeting, clients know clearly what they are looking for. During our initial meeting with this client, he made it quite clear that he was not looking for any usual typical tropical design, which everyone can see in all interior design magazines. He approached us with a clear idea of what he had in mind. His main request was for open space, integration of nature with traditional architecture. During the process of proposals and conceptual sketches the client’s mind changed drastically as he was getting different ideas while travelling mainly to Thailand. Someday during the design process we would get several emails from the client suggesting us to incorporate different features, such as adding a little water feature in front of the master bedroom.
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This project was quite challenging for our design team, as we had to cope with several client requests coming in once a week. Even with all these challenges we managed to deliver several design proposals and the client was getting what he paid for. At the end of one meeting I remember he said “Well done, lads, this is exactly what I had in mind.” What the client had in mind, we incorporated it on paper and the overall interior design. The false ceiling was quite an issue, as we wanted it to be quite simple and for it to not overpower the whole design. We stayed with simple. Even though this was going be a 5-star plus establishment it had to be simple. The wow factor had to be there but not too much. For the master bedroom suite we decided at an earlier stage to stay with neutral colours and limit all the accessories and interior design to the minimal.
Interior
The addition of an external open shower, which can be seen behind the bathtub, was a clever way to incorporate nature into the design. The landscaping was properly done so as to merge nature and design. All bathroom accessories such as lights and all plumbing fittings were imported from Germany. In terms of plumbing and electrical fittings our specifications were quite clear and didn’t compromise on quality. These fittings don’t come cheap but all these added a chic approach to the overall interior design. We decided to go with full height windows in the bathroom to bring in maximum natural light into the room and during the afternoon, the sunset yellow reflects into the interior giving it a warm atmosphere.
ALL PICTURES ARE COPYRIGHTED LYNCH PHOTOGRAPHER
The design idea behind one of the restaurants was that it had to be chic. After several meetings and discussions we finally agreed on a very colourful strong palette. Using hard wood as the flooring added a warm atmosphere to the
overall interior. Furniture design for the restaurant was kept at a minimum but all seats were covered using premium Italian leather. We didn’t add too much accessories in the restaurant as that would have made the overall interior too heavy and bulky. Simple low and high porcelain flower vases were positioned in such a way so as to channel the customers from the main entrance to their seats. For the main walls next to the main entrance we came up with a design feature, which was a sheet of aluminium with names of food carved onto the sheet. This was a nice approach as during the evening the light behind reflects on the ceiling and surrounding walls. The overall interior design that balances with the concept of mixing nature with elements such as concrete and glasses was not an easy option, but at the end of the project, we managed to deliver on fast track, an overall interior design with an appealing look. june 2014 / 27
feature
Lo Manthang
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feature
the windswept corner
text Ramyata Limbu photo Sajana Shrestha
Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang - As a footloose journalist in the early nineties,I’d seize every opportunity to travel to remote parts of Nepal. Yet, my fondest memories are of a trek to Upper Mustang in 1994. Accompanied by six friends, at various stages in our twenties, we flew from Pokhara to Jomsom, walked four days from Jomsom to Lo Manthang and continued our trek down to Beni where we hitched a ride to Pokhara on a Chinese dumper. The Pokhara-Beni highway was under construction then and at the time was a dusty, dirt road. Youthful exuberance infused the trip. We were in peak physical condition, and, in good natured camaraderie, constantly trying to out walk the other fuelled by mugs of local beer brewed from barley. Nepal opened Upper Mustang to foreigners in 1992. In 1994 tourist traffic was still negligible, perhaps owing to steep entry permits or lack of information. Other than locals, the few Nepalese we met along the way were government or Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) employees and a visual anthropologist conducting research on the region. Memorable highlights of the trip include a pony ride to the Tibetan plateau separating Nepal and China, past the famous Choser caves, and, an audience with Mustangi Raja Jigmi Palbar Bista. A friend had been to college with the Raja’s nephew and the latter had graciously invited us to tea. Flash forward - May 2014. I’m revisiting Lo Manthang with a group of artists from Kathmandu. We’re here to attend the annual Tenchi festival when monks, over three days of festivities dance and perform Buddhist rituals to ward off evil spirits and ensure a prosperous year. The former Mustangi Raja presides over festivities in the courtyard adjacent to the palace walls. He looks frail and is advanced in years and locals inform us that this might be his last appearance at Tenchi. Now that Nepal’s a republic the former Raja june 2014 / 29
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has no state responsibilities but tradition warrants the royal family’s presence at cultural festivals. “There’s no tourism if there’s no culture,” says Jigme Singi Palbar Bista, 58. The former crown prince operates a tour company and is building a resort, currently a concrete structure, on the city’s periphery to cater to demands for high-end tourist accommodation. A family foundation supports Tibetan language classes in local government schools where otherwise subjects are taught in Nepali. Local youth are encouraged to learn traditional music and art, and to wear local attire although the bulk milling around Lo Manthang’s public square appear more comfortable in jeggings and sneakers. The Tenchi festival is a major draw. Tourists, both international and domestic, appear to outnumber locals as the latter conduct brisk business in the eateries, souvenir shops, and cafes that advertise Italian coffee. In the evenings, household chores done, 30 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
and guests taken care of, residents of Lo Manthang and surrounding villagers flock to the courtyard to watch school children perform cultural songs and dances. Older folk enjoy watching films of spiritual leader the Dalai Lamaas he propagates principles of Buddhism and non-violence. Since the dozen or so hotels are packed and rooms are scarce we’re staying at the home of Yangzom Bista, a seventyyear old grandmother who often takes on visitors for extra cash. “Life’s so much easier today,” she says as she serves the artists butter tea. A son in the US calls frequently to inquire about her health, an older daughter runs a lodge near by while another daughter owns a souvenir shop, one of several that line the cobbled lane just outside the royal palace. Her oldest grand-daughter, the first to attend high school, is considering going to Kathmandu for further studies. Yangzom perpetually sniffs on tobacco – a habit she’s picked up in her youth while trading long winters in India. Her daughter Chimmi, 27, sells curios purchased during her winter sojourns
to Kathmandu, when most of the population descends to the lowlands to escape the cold. “I make a good profit and tourists are happy to take home souvenirs that remind them of their trip,” says Chimmi. The artists are equally enamoured with this spectacularly vast, arid, and windswept corner of Nepal and are impatient to paint. “The monasteries, chhortens, and caves add a new dimension to my work,” says Bipana Maharjan who specialises in print making. Contemporary artist Erina Tamrakar is struck by the omnipresent stones and has found a place for them in her paintings. Sunita Rana’s landscapes capture the vast spaces while Bidhata KC’s canvasses highlight the architecture intrinsic to this arid region. The women of Mustang find a special place in Puja Maharjan Rajbhandari’s work. Closed to foreigners before 1992, Upper Mustang on Nepal’s northwest frontier bordering China ranks among the top tourism destinations in the world today. Its ancient caves, monasteries and archaeological sites have seen an influx
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The workshop ‘Fragments of Mustang’ is part of an ongoing project initiated by the non-profit organization Manang Youth Society to promote various regions of Nepal through the medium of art. Simultaneously, it seeks to expose Nepalese artists to the diversity of Nepal and provide a distinct platform to showcase their work. Paintings from the workshop will be exhibited in Kathmandu in autumn.
of tourists with 3344 visiting in 2013 compared to 483 in 1992. Once a base for the resistance movement of Khampa guerrillas against China’s full control over Tibet, according to a tourism brochure, it ‘remains one of few areas in Tibet’s original sphere of influence where Tibetan culture continues to survive’. “Given the history of the area, the strategic interests of countries in past and present, we have learnt to balance relations so that it benefits the region,” says former crown prince Jigme Singi Palbar Bista. Chinese motorcycles, blankets and beer flood the local market. In Choser, an hour’s drive from the Chinese
border, an ambulance donated by the Indian government is on standby to ferry people to the nearest Nepali health facility in case of medical emergencies. The American Himalayan Foundation since early 1990s has been supporting the renovation and rehabilitation of monasteries and archaeological sites nearly 1000 years old. A road connecting Lo Manthang with the rest of Nepal has eased transport of goods and people, reduced prices of supplies, and allowed quicker access to medical aid; but there are concerns that it will put off tourists intent on adventure. The local government, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), and tourism entrepreneurs are working on a master plan for an alternative trekking route that would bypass the road and encompass more villages that presently fall off the beaten track. “Only 20 percent of the population benefits directly from tourism,” says Santosh Sherchan, head of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) in Upper Mustang. “Diversifying economic benefits among the local population and ensuring that out flung villages have a stake in the tourism pie is a major challenge.”
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Architecture
DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
OF A ZONAL HOSPITAL IN NEPAL
Seismic Zoning Map of Nepal withthe lowest governanceunitin differentseismic zones
by B. Parajuli, G. Jimee & R. Guragain
National Society for Eathquake TechnologyNepal (NSET)
Keywords: Non-structural mitigation, Comprehensive emergency response, Functionality of hospital
34 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
SUMMARY Nepal is prone to almost every type of disaster. Earthquakes remain of the highest concern, as seismic faults pass through the country. Despite the very critical role in disaster, hospitals in Nepal are not prepared to respond to the predicted disaster situation. Seismic vulnerability assessments of 19 major hospitals showed 80% of the hospitals will be out of function in a major earthquake. Bheri Zonal Hospital, the largest referral government hospital in the mid western region, is amongst those most vulnerable to earthquakes. The cause of non-functionality of the hospital is not only attributable to structural components, but also non-structural and functional components. Realizing this, a comprehensive emergency response plan was developed, followed by implementation of key activities. This documentation highlights the processes and methodologies adopted in making the hospital safer, enabling it to cope with disaster as a replicable model for other health institutions.
Architecture
1. BACKGROUND 1.1. Hazard and Seismic Risk of Nepal
1.2. Vulnerability and Nepalese Hospitals
Nepal has one of the highest risk profiles of natural hazards in the world. Complex geology with active tectonic processes, rugged and fragile geophysical structure, very high peaks, high angle of slopes and variable climatic conditions, combined with the existing poor socio-economic conditions, unplanned settlements, rapidly increasing population and low level of awareness, make the country vulnerable to almost all types of hazards. Though floods, landslides and epidemics are the most recurrent, earthquakes remain a major concern, as Nepal is located in a seismically active area. Nepal is divided, by level of shaking hazard, into three major seismic zones from south to north (Figure 1), separated by major thrusts and faults. These zones are elongated in a general east-west direction, with the middle part of the country slightly more prone to shaking than the northern and the southern parts. A study (UNDP/ UNCHS/MPPW, 1994) has identified 92 faults in Nepal.
The seismic record of the country suggests that a major earthquake, on par with that of 1934, occurs approximately every 75 years, indicating that a devastating earthquake is inevitable and likely in the near future. The risk of disaster is more acute in the urban centers including Kathmandu, the capital. A number of earthquake risk assessment studies have been conducted for Nepal and Kathmandu Valley (UNDP/UNCHS/ MPPW 1994, Adpc 2000, JICA 2002). Comparative vulnerability studies of earthquake prone countries (UNDP/BCPR, 2004) ranked Nepal, in terms of relative vulnerability to earthquakes, as the 11th most vulnerable in the world. Another study puts Kathmandu Valley as the worst performing city (Figure 2) among 21 cities around the world, in terms of potential earthquake risk (GESI, UNCRD/GHI, 2001). Hospitals play a very important role in a disaster, as they must provide health services even more efficiently than when in a normal condition. Despite this important and critical role, hospitals in Nepal are not prepared to respond to
The first recorded major earthquake in Nepal’s history dates back to 1255 AD. Later records of several devastating earthquakes include those in 1408, 1681, 1810, 1833, 1866, 1934, 1980, 1988 and 2012 A.D., with those dating back to 1934 still in the living memory. The earthquake of 1934 A.D., also known as Great Nepal-Bihar Earthquake, was the most destructive.
such disaster situations. The Municipal Earthquake Risk Management Program (MERMP) estimated that 60% of buildings would be damaged, with 5-7% of the population injured and requiring hospitalization (NSET, 2004). However, seismic vulnerability assessments of 19 major hospitals (NSET/MOH/ WHO, 2004) have predicted that 80% of them will be out of function in a major earthquake. The cause of nonfunctionality of the hospital is not only attributable to vulnerable structural components, but also to non-structural and functional components. Major damage to non-structural components and a lack of a proper organizational frame work within a health system, with clear roles and responsibilities delegated to hospital personnel in disaster response, results in serious casualties, severe functional impairment and major economic losses, even when structural damage is not significant (PAHO 2004, USAID/NSET 2009). The absence of these aspects in Nepalese hospitals calls for the immediate initiation of hospital safety programs for emergency response.
Kathmandu 200
Figure 2: Relative Seismic Vulnerability in 21 cities around the world
Tokyo 30
San Salvador 40
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2. PROJECT 2.1. Introduction
European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) supported a project to assist Bheri Zonal Hospital (BZH) in emergency response. It was implemented jointly by Action-Aid Nepal (AAN) and BZH, under the DEPECHO V program in early 2010 with technical support from National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal (NSET). BZH was selected on its high vulnerability condition, exposure to a number of hazards, larger health service area coverage, and larger population to be serviced. BZH, a 150 bed hospital, is located in Nepalgunj Municipality, in the mid western region of the Terai plains, an area vulnerable to flood, fire and epidemic, in addition to a very high seismic hazard. It is the largest referral government hospital and provides services to more than 100,000 people per year (BZH, 2010). It has the regional responsibility to provide uninterrupted health services during emergencies for two regions. This project focuses on awareness and capacity building, in making the hospital safer and enabling it to cope with the pending disaster. This was a pilot
project primarily developed to design and build a replicable model that can be used in future hospital safety-related programs, whilst also demonstrating and advocating for a higher level of hospital safety in the country, as per the first Flagship Program, a consortium developed by the donors and endorsed by GON for Disaster Risk Management in Nepal.
2.2. Objective
The overall goal of the project was to strengthen the mass casualty management system in BZH,to ensure the prompt and sufficient performance of the hospital after a disaster, building an effective, efficient and inclusive response mechanism. The specific objectives to achieve this goal were: • • •
To assess the seismic vulnerability of structural & non-structural components of hospital buildings To mitigate non-structural vulnerability in the hospital building To prepare a disaster response plan for the hospital, for a mass casualty incident
•
•
To develop an effective methodology that introduces disaster awareness and promotes action for disaster risk reduction in hospitals To develop an approach that can easily be replicated in other health institutions
2.3. Major activities 2.3.1 Assessment for functionality of the hospital (Structural, NonStructural and Functional)
A detail vulnerability assessment was conducted, with the following study results. •
•
Retrofitting of the main block was found technically feasible; however it required large-scale intervention making it economically unviable. Two new RC frame buildings were recently constructed for the Maternity Ward and Operation Theatre to be shifted. Another RC frame building was under construction, for emergency and other important lab facilities following building code.
Figure 3: Spatial Plan for Emergency Response Scenario -1
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•
•
Non-Structural items, such as hospital equipment (X-Ray Machine, Sterilization Unit and Incubator etc.), contents (Rack, ceiling fan, refrigerator etc.) and critical facilities (Water supply system, electricity system etc.), were seismically highly vulnerable. Recommendation to prepare a detail emergency response plan and implement mitigation measures including fixing of equipment and contents to structural elements, and enhancing the security of water pumping units and generator housing, considering the enhancement of overall functional safety of the hospital.
An orientation and interaction program was organized in the BZH on disaster preparedness planning ,welcoming a larger audience including hospital management and other district level stakeholders. After the presentation, preparation of the disaster response plan began with the formation of three committees, that of Steering, Planning and Implementation, and Finance.
2.3.2 Preparation of Emergency Response Plan with Spatial Map
With the initiative and coordination of a hospital planning expert from NSET, the Planning Committee drafted the Disaster Response Plan of BZH. The hospital declares emergency when it receives 30 to 100 multi mass casualties or more than 10 to 15 all serious. The Plan included recommendations for
various activities related to procurement, management, and safer construction that would support the Plan over all, each prioritized according to importance. This included the drawing up of a spatial plan, with evacuation flows and designated emergency areas for different types of disaster patients, for two types of scenarios (Fig 3).
2.3.3 Non-structural mitigation
As suggested by the assessment report, non-structural mitigation measures were carried out in June-July, 2010 as the first phase of the project. Two staff from the maintenance division of the hospital worked together with a technical expert in implementing the non-structural mitigation works.
2.3.4 Implementation of key activities to support the plan
Works listed as Priority I such as putting sirens in four key locations around the hospital complex, construction of two emergency exit gates, two channel gates to guide the patient flow, clearing and planting of grass in the garden area to maintain as a lawn for allocating an overflow of patients, making and fixing of sign boards for quarters and the main entrance gates of the hospital, were carried out.
2.3.5 Strengthening of critical life line facilities As suggested by the vulnerability assessment, lifeline facilities, including the generator and pump house, were
strengthened by demolishing and reconstructing the housing and providing shelter for the generator. They were constructed incorporating earthquake resistant elements, to ensure they remain functional post-disaster.
2.3.6 Training and Drill
Orientation training and emergency response drills were conducted in November 2010 to test the plan based on possible real-life scenarios, in order to improve emergency management. It was an operations-based exercise to validate plans, policies, agreements and procedures, clarify roles and responsibilities and identify resource gaps in an operational environment. About 50% of the volunteers for drill patients were final year nursing students.
2.4. Fund Required
The total cost of the project was NRs 8, 88,085.00 (US$ 12,000) which included the implementation of hospital assessment, preparation of disaster risk management plan and implementation and supervision of selected actions of the plan as discussed in 2.3. This was a small project with small amount of fund involvement. However, the functionality of the hospital was greatly enhanced as it can now serve even during major disasters. This signifies the feasibility of improving non-structural aspects of hospital for reducing the overall seismic risk.
3. APPROACH The following approaches were adopted in the implementation of the program at BZH, to ensure functionality during a disaster:
3.1. The Holistic Planning Process
The planning process of developing and implementing the emergency response plan of BZH is given below.
3.2. Formation of Committees
The project involved multi-stakeholders and diverse of expertise. Therefore, the following three committees were formed to ensure a universal level of understanding, transparency and ownership of the project viz.
Decision to make the plan and discussion of procedure after interaction with the hospital management and other stakeholders
Presentation of the plan and recommendations for consensus building and review
Implementation of recommended activities on priority basis
Formation of committees
Recommendations of activities to promote effectiveness of the plan
Orientation programs
Development of framework referring other plans in Nepal and international practices
Preparation of the draft plan after rigorous consultation and analysis of hospital resources
Test of the plan (Drill), personnel and procedure
Review of the plan & Amendment in the plan
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Steering Committee- to provide overall guidance and direction to the project whilst also establishing links with other initiatives related to emergency response at the district and national level. It guided the planning committee on existing emergency response frame works and preparedness activities in other sectors. It also facilitated in sharing the lessons and outcomes of the project with other concerned stakeholders during implementation, and after completion. Planning/Implementation Committeethe main working body responsible for preparation of the disaster preparedness plan; to identify the key elements to implement and the eventual implementation of some of the priority activities of the plan. It was responsible for inviting the steering committee to meet regularly and provide a brief of their activities. Financial Committee- primarily for the purchase of quality materials and to maintain financial transparency whilst implementing financial activities.
3.3. Prioritization and Phase-wise Implementation of Works
BZH had been built over 50 years prior to this study and required large-scale intervention to ensure functionality through disasters. This included structural and non-structural mitigation and other preparedness planning. It was not possible for one organization to complete all required works in one wave of implementation. Hence the overall works were prioritized on the basis of effectiveness towards improved functionality and cost, and a phase-wise approach was applied in implementation.
4. METHODOLOGY The various methodologies carried out in BZH to improve its functionality during a disaster, in the preparation of the disaster response plan and implementation of priority, nonstructural, mitigation activities to support the plan, are as follows.
4.1. Coordination and Interactions with Various Stakeholders
The involvement of various stakeholders requires extensive interaction, to ensure 38 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
3.4. Transfer of Knowledge and Technology
Transfer of knowledge and technology is very important for the sustainability of any program. This became a key element of the BZH project. Two staff from the maintenance division were involved throughout in non-structural mitigation works under guidance from a technical expert. The acquired knowledge made them capable of carrying out such works in future without external help. Moreover, the local masons involved in building the pump and generator housing with earthquake safe technology, learned the practice of earthquake resistant construction from the earthquake technician on site.
3.5. Awareness Raising on Hospital Disaster Preparedness at Various Levels
Awareness is the first step for any action, including the disaster preparedness planning of hospitals, and is required at all levels of involvement, from the highest decision makers to the lowest implementers. Hence, different types of awareness raising tools were used. They included presentations for the top level management of the hospital and district level stakeholders, involvement in the three committees, involvement of technical staff in implementing the mitigation measures, and knowledge and technology transfer through construction training and practice.
3.6. Integration with the Works of Other Stakeholders
There were many stakeholders working together in the BZH program including BZH itself, Action Aid-Nepal
all knowledge is shared and maintain a universal level of understanding and consensus. A series of interaction sessions were organized among AAN, HI, BZH, NSET, and DUDBC, inviting comments, inputs and suggestions on the activities to be done. Inputs and suggestions were also continuously gathered from the various committees. The works were completed incorporating pertinent feedback from the interaction sessions, presentations, and various committees.
(AAN) with its partner organizations, Handicap International (HI), Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) and NSET. The works were integrated right from project conception stage to save time and money. The works designated to each stakeholder were integrated. Some of the elements were shifted from one to another’s work, without having any cost implications.
3.7. Comprehensive Hospital Preparedness Planning
There are primarily three factors that make a hospital able to provide the required services in a disaster. They include the structural safety of the hospital buildings, non-structural safety of lifeline facilities, equipment, contents and architectural components, and the organization of hospital personnel in disaster response, critical for the functionality of a hospital during and after a disaster. All three aspects were incorporated in developing a comprehensive disaster response plan in BZH.
3.8. Planning Process as an Awareness Raising Tool
The planning process was used as an awareness raising tool. Most of the members in the various committees were from the BZH itself. The involvement of all committee members, particularly those of the planning committee involved in the preparation of the disaster response plan,raised awareness amongst all concerned on the functionality of the hospital and the necessity for preparedness.
4.2. Reference of Relevant Documents Several documents were available on the functionality of hospitals during a disaster and suitable disaster response plans. All were thoroughly reviewed and the most relevant referred, as mentioned in the reference.
4.3. Application of HICS
As organizational structure, with clear roles and delegated responsibilities, is one of the most crucial elements in managing an incident. A system known as the Incident Command System
Architecture
INCIDENT COMMANDER Medical Superintendent or HOD Surgery or HOD Medicine
SAFETY AND SECURITY OFFICER On-Duty chief of Hospital Police Bit
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER Health Assistant or Assistant Medical Recorder
LIAISON OFFICER Administration Assistant
OPERATION CHIEF HOD Orthopaedic or HOD Surgery
PLANNING CHIEF House Keeping Head or Supervisor of HK
LOGISTICS CHIEF Store In-Charge Assistant Store Keeper
Medical Care
Resources
Service
Security
Situation
Support
FINANCE/ADMIN CHIEF Finance Officer or Store Keeper
(ICS), has been recognized as the most effective incident management structure for organizing an effective response mechanism in major disasters. Applied to hospitals, the system is called Hospital Incident Command System (HICS). HICS was applied in BZH (Figure 4) to manage emergency operations in response to events affecting the facility and/or surrounding community. ICS has been used in Nepal in the past by national institutions such as Nepal Army (NA), Nepal Police (NP), Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS). The organizations involved in disaster response therefore speak the same language and have a universal understanding and consistency in response mechanism works.
Infrastructures Staging
Figure 4: HICS of BZH with 5 basic components
5. LESSONS LEARNT The development of the disaster response plan and its successful implementation at BZH was a learning experience in many respects. There were several aspects that satisfied the set goals and can be replicated in other health institutions in future however, there were also areas requiring improvement. The following are some such points as gleaned from the works of BZH.
5.1. Planning Possible, Even in Busy Operating Hospital
The very objective of developing the plan was to not disrupt the day-today function of the hospital in any way. Though challenging, planning for disaster preparedness is possible even amongst the activity of the day-today in busy hospitals like BZH, with intense involvement of the medical staff working around their schedule. Most of the members in the planning and implementing committee were not only just the staff of the respective units, but also departmental and unit heads. Managing time and bringing them together proved difficult; however development of the disaster response plan was successfully completed.
5.2. Involvement of Hospital Staff in Planning and Implementation was Effective
As mentioned earlier, active involvement of hospital staff, ranging from the top level Medical Superintendents to the lowest level maintenance technicians, proved very effective. All the members of the committees were made well aware of hospital disaster preparedness planning and their involvement, particularly of the members of the planning committee, in the preparation of the plan has also developed a sense of ownership of the plan. Involvement of the staff from maintenance units in implementation of non-structural mitigation measures was also a good opportunity for the transfer of knowledge and technology.
5.3. Integration with Other Programs was Cost Effective Integrating some of the activities of the disaster preparedness plan with other programs was cost effective, though coordination in terms of time management was challenging. For example, incorporating construction of a ramp in the program of DUDBC made the program more cost effective
whilst achieving a more accessible route for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, thus making the plan more functional
5.4. Application of New Concept is Challenging and Requires Patience
Earthquake safe construction technology following the National Building Code is not practiced in many parts of Nepal. Nepalgunj Municipality is not an exception. Incorporation of earthquake resistant elements in the construction of generator and pump housing was difficult as the contractor and masons were hesitant, initially refusing to apply the new concepts. Similarly, implementation of nonstructural mitigation measures in various departments and units were not initially welcomed. It was difficult to convince those involved that simple things, with little cost implication, also matter in ensuring the safety of non-structural elements.
5.5. Regular Practice of Triage is Important
Applying triage, prioritizing victims according to severity of their injuries, june 2014 / 39
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was not very effective in the drill. The terminology of triage itself was new to many staff. Triage is not a onetime business. It must be practiced regularly. The most effective application is therefore in the emergency department, where it can be practiced on a regular basis. Moreover, there may arise a situation in which the hospital receives disaster patients who have already been triaged in the field and sent to the hospital for further treatment, as in the drill. The security forces (Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Nepal Armed Police Force) who generally reach the incident site first for rescue have started doing field triage before sending them to hospitals. Many courses like Medical First Responder (MFR) and Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) have recently been introduced for those for cesable to build their capacities of on-site medical support and rescue of victims. Medical staff must also be aware of this process.
5.6. Continuous Training for the Staff Needed
Just knowing the plan is not enough to act during a disaster. Almost all the staff had attended the orientation training on the hospital disaster response plan; however aspects of the drill still did not go as anticipated. Understanding the importance of disaster management and hospital functionality is essential. Managing the disaster situation is not additional work for hospital staff; rather it is a part of their hospital duty. Hence every staff member must be aware at
least of his or her role and responsibility once a state of disaster as been declared in the hospital. This requires rigorous training in regular intervals. In addition, top-level hospital staff should be trained further in courses such as HOPE.
5.7. Linkage of Disaster Store with Emergency Store Necessary
A separate disaster store was established to house medical and logistic supplies to be used in the wake of the disaster as part of the disaster preparedness plan, a critical factor in effective mass casualty management. However, this practice risks the necessary medicines reaching their expiration date and not being available when the disaster eventually hits. This also risks the possibility of medical equipment not being sterilized in due time. The disaster store must be regularly stock piled and re-stocked with necessary medical and logistic supplies. This risk can be avoided if the medicines and equipment for more common emergencies are taken from disaster store, maintaining its minimum stock and re-stocking immediately. Linking the emergency store with the disaster store ensures the medicines and equipment are regularly rotated.
5.8. Mass Casualty Management is Not All Technical
It is generally thought that in the midst of injuries and demand of medical facilities, it is solely a medical and
technical matter. However, it was realized that managing a mass casualty incident is not all technical. Every minute detail plays a significant role in making disaster response effective. For example, if the key of a gate designed to control and guide the influx of people is not available, or the gate keeper closes or opens the wrong gate, the scenario would change drastically. Management is a key factor. Effective response comes down to a thorough understanding of each individual’s job and working in a team.
5.9. Drill as a Learning Experience for Nursing Students The drill provided a learning opportunity for nursing students. Entering into the medical profession, they were able to see the gaps and challenges that they will soon face and identify areas for improvement. They each shared appreciation for the unique opportunity.
5.10. Drill to be conducted on Regular Basis
The drill in BZH was a first of its kind in the history of the hospital. Though it was a good learning experience for most of the staff, the single practice session is not adequate. There were still many things to be improved. The drills provide an opportunity for on-site practice of possible scenarios whilst strengthening the mass casualty management system. The drills must therefore be continued at regular intervals, to update the response accordingly.
6. CONCLUSION Developing and implementing an emergency response plan that ensures complete functionality of a hospital through a disaster is a new phenomenon in Nepal. Developing the hospital disaster response plan for BZH involved a variety of novel activities, from the decision making process to plan development to implementation and eventual testing. Being a pilot project, several approaches and methodologies were adopted. Reviewing the whole process, it was found to be a rewarding learning experience for all; however, several concepts and key elements in the plan were still new to the hospital 40 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
personnel and were not able to be sufficiently familiarized and internalized within the constraints of the program, leaving definite space for improvements. As gleaned from the works of BZH and the lessons learnt, all approaches and methodologies were found to be highly effective and can be replicated, with project-specific alterations, in other health institutions in Nepal in future. Sensitization, interactive dialogue, and wide participation in planning and decision-making, were the key elements of the project’s success. However, some approaches were quite
challenging, including the involving the personnel of an operational hospital through the whole planning processes and in implementation, convincing those implicated of the importance and need of non-structural mitigation, and coordinating different stakeholders for the integration of programs. Learning and improving is a continuous process. The BZH program has highlighted areas requiring further intervention, largely in developing a more effective disaster management system in hospitals. Hospital management should immediately begin regular practice of triage, periodic seismic training for
Architecture
all hospital staff, and updating and maintaining the medicinal and logistic disaster stock-pile, as they were not up to the satisfactory level. With every day pressures to provide for a high flow of patients, management often does not prioritize the need for regular drills and they are often postponed or canceled. It is therefore essential that the additional workload involved be formally inbuilt into the hospital’s quarterly and yearly programs, with monitoring and reporting mechanisms developed for higher authorities.
The BZH experience has established two distinct feasible interventions. NonStructural Mitigation is important and can be applied without disturbing the day-to-day operations of hospitals like BZH. Emergency Response Plans are extremely important, especially in cases of weak buildings. The September 18, 2011 Himalayan Earthquake proved that time is running out for the type of work conducted at BZH to be applied in other hospitals. GON and other stakeholders should pay due attention, that they are losing precious time.
PHOTOGRAPHS Glimpses of activities of BZH: Orientation on disaster preparedness, Earthquake resistant construction technology process and Non-structural mitigation measure in hospital.
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Architecture
The Architecture of
Foreign Architects in Nepal
text Ar. Biresh Shah
In a country where the role of the modern architect is being acknowledged only now, the exposure to the variety of architectural production realized by these foreign architects offers significant learning for the new architects in Nepal.
Š Kai Weise
Robert Weise’s designs, like the Hotel Yellow Pagoda, re-introduced local architectural scale and forms.
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Architecture
N
epal opened up for modern development only after 1950. Thereafter and as the experience of constructing modern building types was rather limited in Nepal, a wide range of foreign architects have worked and contributed to the architectural design of the country. Their involvement with projects in Nepal within the last fifty years has followed diverse streams and the production of architecture by these foreign architects, therefore, corresponds to the nature/characteristics of these streams, established by the scale, complexities, funding and intent of the projects. Together, this body of work illustrates a rich and diverse range of architectural ideas and responses in Nepal, as the requirement for modern building types has transformed with the pace and nature of modern development.
Š Biresh Shah
The work of foreign architects can be categorized in the following four broad streams.
The Family Planning Centre, designed by Louis I. Kahn, remains the most famous and controversial projects in the country after it was covered by a metal roof in 1995.
The 1st Stream: Foreign Practitioners in Kathmandu As the Valley opened up for modern development in the 1950’s, and after the end of the Rana regime, a number of technical assistance projects arrived from various countries and international institutions. For the early architects like Robert Weise, who came with Swiss assisted projects, the Valley must have been a great sight to behold - the ancient cities of the Valley set between large expanses of lush green paddy terraces, meandering rivers, and the surreal baroque garden palace compounds built at the turn of the last century. Weise was among the first of these foreign architects who made Kathmandu their home and set up their practices for extended periods. Along with Weise, the other major architects who stayed to make significant contributions were Carl Pruscha, David Dobereiner, Gotz Haagmueller and John Sanday. Besides them, many other foreign architects have worked towards the design and construction of numerous communitybased projects throughout Nepal, like schools and hospitals/health centers,
which were funded by sources outside the country. And we need to learn more about this specific body of work. Their architecture evolved from their personal experiences of the Valley, as they put to use their training in the western universities in realizing their specific architectural ideas. Charmed by the rich traditions here, they developed design ideas rooted in the context rather than promoting stereotypes from their countries of origin. Weise designed residences, hotels and office buildings. He is credited with the re-introduction of local architectural scale and the sloping roof forms, evoking two very significant characteristics of the traditional architecture of the Valley. His office also was one of the earliest private practices to hire Nepalese architects returning to Nepal after completing their education abroad. Weise designed several prominent architectural landmarks like the Annapurna Hotel, The Yellow Pagoda Hotel, the Nepal Army Headquarters, besides a large number of single june 2014 / 43
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The 2nd Stream: Work of Internationally known Architects
The second stream belongs to the works of internationally renowned architects, who were contracted by international aid agencies or organizations to design specific buildings or complexes in Nepal. Most of these were single project involvement within a limited timeframe, and rarely demonstrates innovative efforts by the architects in a new challenging context.
The Narayanhiti Palace designed by American architect, Benjamin Polk.
residences and projects in the Tribhuwan Unversity Campus in Kirtipur. Pruscha came to the Valley on a UNDP assignment to produce the first urban development plan for the Valley in the late 60’s. During the time he spent here, he also supervised the preparation of the first inventory of cultural monuments of the Valley. His significant contribution was in the design and construction of the Tara Gaon Hotel and the Institutional building CEDA for Tribhuwan University. The Taragaon Hotel was designed to provide lodgings for foreign consultants coming to the Valley on extensive stay. The complex constructed almost entirely in exposed brick with wooden windows evokes the spirit of the small traditional town form, using an entirely new architectural form, the exposed brick vaults. The resulting built-form is modern, yet feels so much part of the tradition of the Valley. Recently this building has become part of a huge hotel complex. The building has recently been subject to some temporary modifications which totally disregard its original architectural quality. The author initiated the documentation of this building with the help of the students of the Tribhuwan University, since the original drawings had been lost. This was possibly the first instance of a modern building being documented in the Valley for research and restoration purposes. 44 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
The Center for Economic Development and Administration (The CEDA building), an independent center of the Tribhuwan University, was designed by Pruscha in the 70’s. The building, again in exposed brick, is set into the terraced agricultural landscape as a series of geometrical forms which offer a complex composition to create strong public spaces. In this building the architect has again pursued a fresh architectural idea through the design of a modern composition of forms set in a primordial landscape, which evokes his deep understanding of the Valley. Gotz Haagmueller, an Austrian Architect, came to Kathmandu to work with the GTZ-supported Bhaktapur Development Project in the 70's and has made Bhaktapur his home since then. Although most of his work has been in the area of restoring several heritage buildings of significance, he has used his long experience and knowledge of traditional architecture of the Valley to establish design innovations in adaptive re-use of historic buildings in Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. His important projects are the Patan Museum, the Keshar Mahal Gardens and his own house in a traditional courtyard in Bhaktapur. These projects demonstrate the wide range of contemporary design possibilities in restoring old buildings for contemporary use.
Kenzo Tange prepared the Master Plan of Lumbini, Buddha’s Birthplace. He also designed the most important buildings in the Master Plan. After the Second World War and as South Asia embarked on a process of modernisation, Tange's Lumbini Project is the only project in modern Nepal by an internationally renowned architect which offers a comparison in terms of scale and scope of other Prestige Projects by prestigious foreign architects in South Asia, like the Capital Complex of Dacca and other large important complexes. However, being located in an obscure southern region of the country, the project failed to generate the enthusiasm that it perhaps deserved. It also took a long time to get off the ground. Subsequently when it did pick up momentum, it fell prey to speculative development, both within the Master Plan area and outside it. Its contribution to contemporary architecture thinking has been very limited too. Among the most famous and controversial projects in the country is the Family Planning Centre (funded by the USAID), designed by Louis I. Kahn. This project, among Kahn’s last projects, was designed in a largely governmental institutional area. Kahn even prepared a Master Plan of the entire area, which was followed only partially. Kahn designed a symmetrical composition of exposed brick piers interspersed by vertical strips of wooden windows. The building was topped off by a one-store high exposed brick parapet with deep punctures enclosing large roof terraces (possibly meant to be ‘courtyards in the sky’). In 1995, the current resident of the building, the Ministry of Health,
Architecture
decided to put a metal roof over the terraces to create more floor space. The local architecture community protested by taking out public protests. A media campaign was launched, and simultaneously a legal case was filed in the apex court by the Society of Nepalese Architects. However, the bureaucrats of the ministry prevailed, since rules to protect contemporary building as cultural assets were feeble. Tadao Ando, the renowned Japanese architect, designed a Women’s and Children’s hospital in Butwal, which was supported by a Japanese Charity Organisation (AMDA) in the 90's. Benjamin Polk, the American architect, designed the new Narayanhiti Royal Palace. Some of the leading Indian architects also made their mark. Achyut Kanvinde designed the Rampur Agricultural Campus and Habib Rahman designed buildings in the TU Campus. Barring Polk’s Narayanhiti Palace, which sits almost in the middle of the City restructuring that took place under King Mahendra, none of the other projects really captured the imagination of either the public nor the architects. In the design of the new Royal Palace building at the top of a newly created boulevard, Polk achieved a rare resolution of the issue of cultural identity and monumentality in a modern project without being very extravagant or resorting to kitsch.
Among the works of 'Invisible' Consortium Architects, the International Terminal Building is perhaps an exception in terms of its sensitivity towards the city.
The 3rd. Stream: Works of Foreign Design ‘Invisible’ Consortiums in Public Projects The third stream of work by foreign architects relates to the construction of large and programmatically complex building complexes, which were built as technical assistance projects. The bilateral agencies which executed these projects brought their own consortium of architects/consultants to ensure a certain standard in design and construction.
Most of these projects required the design and construction of building types which had no precedence in the Valley. Therefore functional design, ease of maintenance, limitations of construction technology in a developing country and minimizing use of energy, were the principal design considerations in these projects. Generally, architectural scale and materials which fit in easily in the landscape were considered, besides which, setting a new quality of construction standards was also an important objective. At the behest of JICA, consortiums of Japanese architects were brought in to design the Teaching Hospital Campus, the Sano Thimi Tuberculosis Centre and the Disaster Mitigation Centre among others. The Japanese projects achieved a high standard of programmatic and technical resolution as well as construction quality, while remaining largely indifferent projects architecturally.
The government architects from India executed a number of buildings in the city like the General Post Office building, the telecommunications buildings, and hospital projects like the Bir Hospital, the BP Koirala Institute of Medical Sciences in Dharan, and more recently, the New Trauma Centre in the Bir Hospital. The General Post Office and Telephone Exchange Building were among the very first buildings constructed between the mid-60’s and early seventies, dedicated to the development of institutions related to modern communication. Designed by the architects of various Departments of the Indian Government, they demonstrate the modern architect’s preoccupation of translating modern functions into new architectural expression. Although it would be difficult to establish these projects of having any exceptional architectural merit, they demonstrate a certain rigor of design and detailing as well as an acknowledgement of the civic context. The new Trauma Centre, which occupies a very prominent urban site on the Tundikhel, is the latest addition in this category of buildings. While no one doubts its resolution of a rather complex programme, its gesture to the city as a large architectural addition is at best feeble. The Chinese Government on the other hand brought in its own government architects to design the Birendra International Convention Centre and the new Civil Employees' Hospital. Both these projects were grant projects from
The architecture of the Chinese project grants, the Birendra International Convention Centre and the new Civil Hospital, although occupying important and visible sites, are indifferent to making any connection to the city.
june 2014 / 45
Architecture
The Taragaon Hyatt Regency, designed by a group of Japanese and Indian architects, claims to have integrated the essential and formal characteristics of the traditional built environment but in fact is quite far from this claim.
the Government of China; their design and construction being undertaken by Chinese consortiums. While both projects occupy very important and visible sites, their architecture is quite indifferent to making any connection with the City. Exception perhaps is the International Terminal Building of the Tribhuwan Airport, which was an international loan project with international consultants and constructed by international contractors. The linear building, which is sited at the top of a sloping topography, is seen as an extension of the series of terraces in the foreground landscape. The use of exposed brick as the major façade material further integrates this rather large building with the city. A similar design attitude can also be observed in the design and construction 46 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
of Foreign Embassy compounds in the city. These include the US Embassy compound, the Japanese Embassy and the Ambassador’s Residence, the German Embassy, the Chinese Embassy, the Russian Embassy, the Danish Embassy, the Norwegian Embassy and the new Indian Embassy (now under construction). Internationally, the architecture of Embassy buildings are a significant opportunity for the country to demonstrate its cultural identity. The architecture of foreign mission also offer an opportunity to contribute to the landscape of a city by inserting a fresh architectural vision to an established architectural context. Most of the embassy buildings in Kathmandu, designed by architects from their respective countries, do not seem to be very successful in this regard. Perhaps
Architecture
the concern for security, functionality and specific national norms/standards were a greater design concern for the designers. However, the design and construction of the Norwegian Embassy is an exception. While the architectural concept was developed by Norwegian Architect, Kristin Jarmund, the design development of the project leading towards construction took place in Kathmandu in collaboration with Nepalese consultants. The project was constructed by a Nepalese contractor as well. The design idea consciously seeks to fit and contribute to the city fabric, while offering us a glimpse of modern Scandinavian aesthetics. The 4th Stream: Architecture For Private Sector Commercial Projects The last stream of works by foreign architects relates to large construction projects requiring master planning and advanced technical/design services in large-scaled commercially driven projects promoted by the Private Sector. For reasons of economy, as well as working practicality, a majority of the architects have been large architecture offices from India. Initially these
architects were employed in large hotel projects like Soaltee, Taragaon Hyatt Regency, Radisson, Yak and Yeti and the Fulbari Resort. However several highend resorts outside the Valley have also been designed by non-Indian architects as well. The Taragaon Hyatt Regency Hotel, which opened its door only a couple of years ago, is arguably the most important new hotel in Kathmandu today. Designed by a group of Japanese and Indian architects, it claims to have integrated the essential spatial and formal characteristics of the traditional built environment. What has been achieved seems to be quite far from this claim. The two most important parts - the traditional built form and the scale and spatial composition, have been ill considered in this design. The hotel has been planned along two very strong axes perpendicular to each other (reminder of a baroque plan), thus preventing shifting vistas, a significant aspect of the traditional space. The other aspect is the massive scale generated by a sloping tiled roof of almost twentyfive feet high pitch.
The Trauma Centre, recently built through technical assistance and funding from India, occupies a very prominent urban site on the Tundikhel, but its gesture to the city as a large architectural addition is feeble.
june 2014 / 47
Architecture
In the last five years, as investment intensified due to booming property markets in the construction of multistoried residential apartments and modern shopping centres, the influx of large architecture firms from India has intensified. The superior experience and capacities of these foreign architecture consortiums makes them the natural choice of private sector investors for undertaking large complex building types, which have to be completed within limited time frames. In this category of work, the foreign architects
have worked for Clients based in Nepal, financed by Nepalese Banks, constructed by mainly Nepalese contractors and approved by Nepalese authorities. Therefore, the level of interaction with local stakeholders has been much greater in these projects than in previous technical assistance/ grant projects. But this also pits the national architecture professional community in direct competition with this category of foreign architects, which is an issue that needs debate.
Conclusion
Foreign architects, in the past fifty years, have realized their architectural intentions and visions in Nepal through a variety of channels. In a country where the role of the modern architect is being acknowledged only now, the exposure to the variety of architectural production realized by these foreign architects offers significant learning for the new architects in Nepal . Arguably these architects come from a background of modern architectural training and practice much older than ours. But we need to document and attempt to understand their work and contributions within our developmental context. This can be of significant value to us to establish firmly our own pursuits and directions in architectural design, as well building capacity to undertake architectural challenges in the future.
The architecture of foreign missions, like the Norwegian and US Embassy, significantly demonstrate the country’s cultural identity.
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Architecture
june 2014 / 49
Journey
Journey to the
Deeper Khumbu text/photo Ashesh Rajbansh
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Journey
N
epal, the majestic country obsessively gifted with abundance of nature that the world couldn’t get enough of it. Due to the difficult terrain and unviability of road transport means, the only option that remains to reach the unreachable places is by air travel. Flying has always been a passion, inspired by birds for broader coverage of view, needed a machine aid for going to extreme places, and nothing can better a helicopter flown by exceptionally talented pilot.
june 2014 / 51
Journey
Excitement and expectancy risen so high that no normal place can calm it down and bring back to normal, though a slight concern was there since a lot was dependent up on weather, wind and of course the tackling power of man and his machine. The weather in Kathamndu looked glim and we’re already skeptical for the journey that might become majestic or vise versa. Still we flew towards Lukla in early morning and by the time we reach there, the sheer persistence and luck favored so well that the weather was just as we imagined and waiting for us to come by. We landed in Lukla for a while for additional weather information for the flight ahead. After confirming the 52 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
weather is going to remain calm for the rest of the morning, we flew towards Yeti Mountain Home Kongde Resort, one of the highest hotels in the world at 4250 meters. YMH Kongde holds unparalleled views over the entire Everest range including majestic views of five of the world’s highest mountains, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyo, Gyajung Khang (the highest under 8000m), and Ama Dablam. Resting there for around 45 minutes and looking down at Namche and Khumbu valley, we flew deeper towards Everest region. Mountains, glaciers, ice falls, rivers and many, and they are not just lying there for nothing. It is the richest region of world for the kind with concentrated gathering like dancing in a group. The human development can’t
Journey
match it, words fall long short describing it, imagination can’t reach there, people from all corners of the globe are pulled there and many don’t even bother by the risk of death due the extreme climatic condition. What more can we think of, there is a mythical saying that gods used to stay and dance there for thousands of years and one can hardly resist that saying though there’s no such physical evidence as such. Want a lifetime achievement award for all your hard work thought out your life span, then go there in a helicopter for 2 – 3 hours.
Its much much more than I could ever imagined, and I’ll stay with defend my saying all though my life. The precision machine that I flew on was one of the Air Dynasty helicopter and the daring and very caring expert captain of the ship was Mr. Anil Pun with flamboyant mountaineer Mr. Tashi Tenzing Sherpa leading us all throughout the flight to the zone of gods. I feel my life is now blessed and nothing to complain, it was a lifetime achievement award for me for all positive things that I do, I got it early, you please don’t wait any longer. june 2014 / 53
Journey
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Journey
june 2014 / 55
Art
The Lost Paintings of Nepal
Only replicas remain by Pujan Joshi photo courtesy Ekaram Singh
A
n unaccounted number of Nepal’s precious antique paintings, woodcarvings, sculptures and other artifacts have been stolen and smuggled out of the country since the 1950s when the country opened its doors to tourists. The the ftsand smuggling reached its peak during the 1970’s and 1980’s. The pillaging of the ancient national treasures is still taking place, thanks to the apathy of the law makers and law keepers and lack of awareness amongst the general public. The priceless national treasures that were created out of devotion and for the purpose of worshipping now stand in museums and in private collectors’ hands as mere decorative items with commercial value attached to it. There is a ray of hope in this dark scenario though in the form of a few committed lovers of arts who are on a mission to make the general public and international organizations aware of this problem through exhibitions of the replicas of the lost and stolen arts of Nepal. By showcasing the replicas of the treasures, they are attempting to make the general public realize the value of what the country has lost through its ignorance and carelessness. It also goes to discourage the international art community, individual collectors or others from buying the original art pieces.
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Art
Ekaram Singh
Ekaram Singh is such a pioneer who recently organized an exhibition of the lost and stolen paintings titled, ‘Restoration Art Archeology lost painting from Nepal’ in Kasthamandap, Basantapur. It was a perfect location for the exhibition, due to its historical and cultural significance. It was built around 12th century as a resting place for merchants and travelers of the Trans Himalayan route between India and Tibet and was locally known as Maru Sattal. Legend has it that the whole structure was built from the trunk of a single Sal tree. The earliest replica painting in the exhibition dates back to 1015 AD. The exhibition was initiated by Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and inaugurated by Honorable Bhim Acharya, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; Guest of Honor,Hari Kumar Shrestha and Tulsi Diwas,a Nepalese literary figure and folklore expert. Mr Singh spent 16 years researching and painting and categorizing the
replicas of the 25 lost and stolen paintings which were displayed in the exhibition during the World Heritage day. The wall painting of Tika Bhairav from Chompi depicts King Ravan, a devotee of Lord Shiva receiving the immorality drink (Amrit) from Lord Shiva who requested Ravan to safeguard it and avoid the Amrit coming in touch with mother earth. As Ravan was crossing Chompi, a sudden heavy flood hindered his path and he was compelled to put the vessel on the ground and the vessel got stuck in the earth. After asking for forgiveness from Lord Shiva, he established Kaleshwor Mahadev Mandir and returned to Lanka. Today Tika Bhairav is said to be the place where Ravan put down the vessel of immorality at Choampi. Another interesting wall painting depicts witchcraft practices which were taught on a day known as Gathey Mangal. Some of these priceless paintings are found abroad in museums, global auctions and private collections. june 2014 / 57
Art
Paintings:
Rastriya Sanskriti Niti, a government body, has made a policy to safeguard such heritage. “If the government takes action and research initiatives, then awareness regarding this issue will spread and benefit us all…… Such lost and stolen arts of Nepal, if found, should be returned to their respective devotional places rather than being stored away in museums,” said Singh. It is also reported that many museums worldwide now have kept such stolen paintings in their storage rooms out of embarrassment and some get damaged in the process. It is reported that UNESCO is working on requests to bring back some of those paintings back to Nepal. Singh received his degree in Sociology, Nepali Culture and Archeology from Tribhuwan University. He has written articles, illustrated arts for children’s book of Nepalese Folk tales, short documentary films on Nepali culture, archeology and history; and conducted Nepali art courses for many decades. He was inspired to start this research work when he 58 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
came across a Nepali art in an auction magazine. He added that the research on the history of these arts is complex as it involves various studies that cannot be completed in a lifetime but hopefully the next generation can.
Art
Royal sitting posture of Jitamitra Malla of Bhaktapur (1681 AD) The last three Malla rulers of Bhaktapur were Jitamitra Malla, Bhupendra Malla and Ranjit Malla. These rulers played key roles in building the palaces and temples in Durbar Square.
Licchavi King Narendra Dev After the downfall of Soma Dynasty, the Licchavi period began in the history of Nepal during the time of Gautama Buddha. The Licchavi King Narendra Dev initiated friendly relations with China, and his successors laid the foundation of friendship with India by entering into matrimonial alliances with the Indian royal families. The Licchavi rule spanned over a period of about 630 years. Narendra Dev, who was in Tibet in exile, was later crowned as the King with help from the Tibetans. This painting displaysNarendra Dev being crowned at a public ceremony.
This painting dates back to 888 Nepal Sambat of King Prithivi Narayan Shah. King Shah, who united Nepal is shown sitting on the throne of the Malla kings after gaining victory over the Malla regime during Indra Jatra, a festival that is still practiced once every year in Kathmandu.
june 2014 / 59
Art
A Sati practice painting dated 1840-1870 AD. It is with a private collector of the Jucker Collection. A Newa Buddhist Manuscript dated 1015 AD. It is displayed at The Cambridge University Library, United Kingdom.
Bisket Jatra, a festival that still continues to date in Bhaktapur. The painting is said to be in an Australian Museum. It portrays the history of military protection during the festival with old rifles controlling the crowd.
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The painting of Mani Mandap Ganesh dated 1762 AD where King Ranjit Malla, King of Bhaktapur takes a vow to ensure prosperity for the people of Patan when crowned as the King of Patan.
Art
june 2014 / 61
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june 2014 / 63
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Jarunhiti T
his well researched book is replete with photographs of Jarunhiti, the traditional water tanks, which were widely used by the Newar Community of Kathmandu. It however, is disappearing day by day and Nepal is on the verge of losing a valuable part of its cultural heritage. Compiled by a team of Japanese and Nepalese photographers, archeologists and an ethnographer, this book provides a clear analysis of the cultural crisis in which many traditional values are vanishing from the country. It explains that the rapid changes in the society, politics, social and cultural behavior of the local people and other factors are responsible for the deterioration.
Akira Furukawa explains that this book started out from the collection of Mr. Amrit Bajracharya’s photographs of Jarun. As he began following changes in the use of natural resources such as forests and water in Himalayan villages from 1989 to 2002; he felt the necessity of studying traditional methods and facilities of water use in two ancient cities - Kathmandu and Patan. The problems of water shortage and pollution in Kathmandu Valley arose from abandonment of traditional water supply systems, as a result of urbanization and introduction of modern water supply systems.
It is estimated that there are more than 25,000 wells in Kathmandu and dozens of deep wells. The Coca Cola Factory in the valley alone draws out water from almost half of the valley. It has the deepest dug bored hole in Nepal measuring more than 1200 meters deep. It is not known how much of the underground water volume has been affected by this huge extraction of water. The famous water garden at Balaju with 22 stone spouts went dry decades ago. Even the waterfalls at the north of Nagarjun Hill have ceased to flow and the result is a dry forest now.
The Jarun represents the notion of rejection represented by the caste system. Jaruns were created amidst such rejections and inclusions in the 1500 year history of Nepal; but have been falling into obscurity and abandoned for the last 50 years, which seems to hint at the future of Hiti and wells also. In order to harvest water during historical times, the people built different structures for proper use of water. They dug ponds for storage of water, constructed banks (Ghats) on the river for washing and bathing, raised small barrages to divert river water to irrigate farm, excavated wells (Inar) for exploiting underground water. Side by side they made a large number of stone spouts in sunken areas, rectangular and other aesthetically shaped basins (Gahiti, Gairidhara); and the smallest units of the aqua architecture created by our ancestors, the Jarunhiti. Jarunhiti is a simple aqua architectural piece. It consists of a stone channel holding a few gallons of water and is either free standing or built into the walls of a house, temple or monastery. The stone container is drilled for a spout with a stop spigot to release water. The source is always dependent on a well or stone spout nearby. Independent or free standing Jarunhiti are scattered almost everywhere but are conspicuous in the high roads leading to the greater cities like Kantipur, Bhaktapur and Patan. The book also describes how locating such Hitis and mapping of them gives an interesting picture of the ancient trade routes and high roads. Unfortunately, before any detailed study could be done, most such Hitis have faded into oblivion and only a few examples of such Hitis and routes can still be traced.
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Book
Another interesting point the book explains is that the second variety of Jarunhiti is linked with Mandafalecha, commonly known as Sorakhuttepati, meaning 16 legged rest house. These points or Pattis were the customs collection points during the olden days; therefore they were located at the entry and exit points of the towns entitled to raise customs dues. Sadly, its original architectural form has been lost along with the Jarunhitis. Human beings are the only creatures in the world that intentionally perform benevolent works for the benefit of others, Jarunhiti is one example offered by the Newar society.
The book was kindly provided by Mandala Book Point, Katnipath, Kathmandu Tel: 4227711
june 2014 / 65
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Artspace
Dancing Meera by asha Dangol Her paintings of the Meera series are based on the ancient story of Meera, the beloved of the Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology. In this continuance of her series since 2005, she has tried to capture the happiest moments of the divine lovers in symbolic forms of a female figure and a peacock against the backdrop of nature in its vibrant colours in her distinctive style.
Shashikala Tiwari Shashikala Tiwari, 64, is a renowned name in the field of Nepali contemporary art. She did her Bachelors in Fine Arts from M.S. University, Baroda, India. She has done multiple solo exhibitions in Nepal and abroad and has participated in numerous group shows such as: Asian Art Exhibition - Fukuoka, Jahangir Art Gallery - Mumbai, Asian Art Biennale - Dhaka, Exposigao International de Arte - Banco do Brasil and International Artist Conference in Japan. She was chosen as the Best Artist of the Year by Nepal Association of Fine Art in 1981 and 1984, and has received several other awards in the country. 70 / SPACESNEPAL.COM
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Kitchen Concepts has recently launched new reputed brands like Faber’s chimney which has a suction capacity up to 600 m3/hr – 1200 m3/hr, a built in Hub with three and four burners which varies from glass and steel plated, three ranges of cooktop, Sleek’s dish washer, Faber’s built in oven with capacity of 58 liters, inbuilt micro wave oven with grill and convection with capacity of 25 liters and a built in standard fridge that can be adjusted within a cabinet.
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Installations of kitchens are carried out by trained carpenters under strict guidance and supervision. Personal supervision from the owner is not required and usually a kitchen is installed within a time frame of five days. Kitchen Concepts offers a warranty of at least a year. Sleek SS304 accessories guarantee lifetime against rust. It also offers after sales support for adjustments and improvements.
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Sp ac es OPEN
The School of Creative Communications is a unique blend of creativity and communication. We provide a platform for those who dream of nurturing one’s creativity through communication. We offer training programs on art, photography, writing and languages. We have been conducting SCC Explore Photography workshops since its establishment in 2009. We have been organizing SCC Blue Bag,sharing program with scholar once a month. It is located at Kupondol, Lalitpur, Nepal. (Link road to Bagmati river)
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The changing faces of Kirtipur from historical city to a modern concrete city is witnessing old traditional houses on the verge of extinction. The city has become the concrete jungle which is the result of unplanned rapid urbanization. The concerned authority should be aware of its negative impact.
About Photographer:
Shiddhartha Pant, currently studying management and one of the team member and alumnus of SCC, is very passionate about photography.
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Zero Discharge
connects
02 JK White Cement 14 Kuleshwor, Naya Basti, Kathmandu Ph: 977-9851050650 prashant.chaturvedi@jkcement.com www.jkcement.com
21 Skylight Pvt. Ltd. Naxal (Opp to Police HQ), Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4423851 info@skylight.com.np www.skylight.com.np
03 Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Limited New Baneshwor, Kathmandu Ph : 977-1-4782333 www.sc.com/np/en
21 MD Furniture Maharajgunj (Opp. U.S. Embassy) Ph: 977-1-4721484 mdfurniture@snet.com.np www.mdfurniturenepal.com
04 Beko Putalisadak, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1- 4422190 www.beko.com.np 05 Furniture Land Blue Star Complex, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4224797 sales@furnitureland.com.np www.furnitureland.com.np 06 Subisu Cablenet Pvt. Ltd. 148 Thirbum Sadak, Baluwatar Ph: 977-1-4429616 info@subisu.net.np www.subisu.net.np 07 Technical Associates Services Pvt. Ltd. Thapathali, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4219999 ta@ta.com.np www.tas.com.np 09 Index Furniture Metro Park Building, 1st Floor, Lazimpat Ph: 4415181 info@indexfurniture.com.np www.indexfurniture.com.np 11 Deluxe Trading Company Putalisadak, Kamaladi, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4245317 deluxe@mail.com.np 13 Mercantile Office System Pvt. Ltd. Hiti Pokhari, Durbarmarg Ph: 4440773 / 4445620 raj@mercantile.com.np www.mospl.com.np 17 Bombay Dyeing (Thanvi & Sons) Share Market Complex Putalisadak, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4242046 thanviandsons@gmail.com 19 E3 Security Solution Pvt. Ltd. Kumaripati, Lalitpur Ph: 977-1-5008730 / 5554961 info@e3solution.com.np www.e3solution.com.np
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32 Nagrik - Nepal Republic Media Pvt. Ltd. JDA Complex, Bagh Durbar Ph: 977-1-4265100 / 4261808 circulation@nagariknews.com 33 Yeti Polychem Pvt. Ltd. Dillibazar, Kathmandu Ph:977-1- 4421501 / 9851004448 61 Hisense - Navin Distributors Pvt. Ltd. 1st Floor, A.T. Complex, New Plaza, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4430785 balterio@navindistributors.com www.balterio.com 54 Bestbuy Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Kupondole, L.P. Ph: 977-1-5523289 / 5545481 info@bestbuynepal.com www.bestbuynepal.com 54 Communication Corner Pvt. Ltd. (Ujyaalo 90 Network) Ujyaalo Ghar (Behind Central Zoo) Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Ph: 977-1-5000171 info@unn.com.np www.unn.com.np 55 Exterior Interior Hattisar & Bhatbhteni Supermarket, 2nd Floor Tangal, Kathmandu Ph: 4435419 / 4436876 extint@wlink.com.np 61 Atc Pvt. Ltd. 336/21, Ganesh Man Sing Path-2, Teku Road Ph: 977-1-4262220 atc.wlink.com.np 61 Congratulation Note to Welcome Advertising and Marketing P. Ltd. by SPACES 62 Worldlink Communication Pvt. Ltd. Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Ph: 977-1-5523050 sales@wlink.com.np www.worldlink.com.np 63 Kitchen Concepts Pvt. Ltd. Teku Road (Near to Bakery Café) Ph: 977-1-4221858 nepalkitchen@wlink.com.np
65 Halesi Décor Pvt. Ltd. Chabahil, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4464888 / 9851050798 66 Media Nine Pvt. Ltd. Narayan Chaur, Naxal, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4410440 / 4426655 marketing@media9.com.np 67 Yeti Airlines Tilganga, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1- 4464878 reservations@yetiairlines.com www.yetiairlines.com 68 Bira Furniture Patan Industrial Estate, Lalitpur Ph: 977-1-5522253 contact@birafurniture.com.np www.birafurniture.com.np 69 Buddha Air Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Ph: 977-1-5542494 www.buddhaair.com 69 Bricks Café Kupondole, Lalitpur Ph: 977-1-5521756 info@brickscafee.com.np www.brickscafe.com.np 69 Chaitanya Spa Wellness Healing Spa Pvt. Ltd. Bakhundole, Sanepa Ph: 977-1-5547774 info@chaitanyaspa.org www.chaitanyaspa.com 71 Starnet Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. Shankhamul, Pragatimarga, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4781945 info@starnetenterprises.com www.starnetenterprises.com 73 International Electronics Concern (P.) Ltd Harati Bhawan, Putalisadak, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4421991, 4422107 market_iec@wlink.com.np www.iec.com.np 77 Marvel Technoplast Pvt. Ltd. Heritage Plaza - II, 2nd Floor, Kamladi Ph: 977-1-4169122 info@marvel.com.np www.marvel.com.np 78 Berger Jenson & Nicholson (Nepal) Pvt. Ltd. Berger House - 492, Tinkune, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4466038 info@bergernepal.com www.bergernepal.com
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