SPACES Nepal MAY 2017

MAY – VOL 12 NO. 12

Vol 12 No. 12 May 2017

ART ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR

HEALING BAGMATI

REVITALIZING THE RIPARIAN ZONE OF THE BAGMATI RIVER

FABLES ON THE FLOOR

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ROAD WIDENING IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY WHAT’S THE POINT?

1905 A LEGACY OF TIMELESS BEAUTY

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Contents Volume 12 NO. 12 | MAY

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26 ARCHITECTURE

38 ARCHITECTURE

82 ART

1905: A Legacy of Timeless Beauty

Road Widening in the Kathmandu Valley

Fables on the Floor

What’s the point?

A Bold New Initiative in Nepali Art

46 ARCHITECTURE Technical Support for Housing Reconstruction

90 FROM THE SHELF Art as Therapy

92 ARTSCAPE 72 ARCHITECTURE Healing Bagmati

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Contributors

Volume 12 N 12 | MAY O.

CEO

Ashesh Rajbansh

Madan Chitrakar

Khadga Sen Oli

Kriti Kusum Joshi

Samir Dahal

Shristy Shakya

Shweta Shakya

Kritika Rana

Asha Dangol

Editor-in-Chief

Ar. Sarosh Pradhan Director- Products and Materials

Ar. Pravita Shrestha Contributing Art Editor

Madan Chitrakar Kasthamandap Art Studio Junior Editor

Shreya Amatya Sristi Pradhan Advisor

Ar. Pawan Kumar Shrestha Subscription and Administrative Officer

Riki Shrestha Contributing Editor

President - Society of Nepalese Architects Ar. Jinisha Jain (Delhi) Ar. Chetan Raj Shrestha (Sikkim) Barun Roy (Darjeeling Hills) Photographers

Pradip Ratna Tuladhar Intl. Correspondent

Bansri Panday Director- Operation & Public Relation

Anu Rajbansh SR. Business Development Officer

Debbie Rana Dangol Legal Advisor

The author, Madan Chitrakar is a senior artist and an art- writer based in Kathmandu. As a leading art writer of the country, on many occasions he has taken Nepali Art beyond the borders - through his writings in many prestigious publications abroad - notably in Japan, India and Bangladesh. Two well acclaimed books Tej Bahadur Chitrakar - Icon of a Transition’ 2004 and ‘Nepali Art: Issues Miscellany’ - 2012 remain to his credit, in addition to the numerous writings on Art and Culture in English and Nepali. Presently, he is associated with Tribhuvan University, Central Department of Fine Arts and Kathmandu University, Center for Art & Design as a member of the respective Subject Committee.

Mr. Khadga Sen Oli has been working with National Society for Earthquake Technology – Nepal (NSET)for the position of Advocacy and Outreach Manager since June 2009. Mr. Oli is leading NSET functions on Advocacy, Communications and Outreach. Mr. Oli is contributing as Advocacy and Communication Expert for Housing Reconstruction Technical Assistance Program (Baliyo Ghar) that NSET has been implementing since 2015. Mr. Oli is also a Certified Instructor for Advanced Disaster Response training courses and trainer for various DRR courses. Mr. Oli has also received M.Sc. Degree in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSREE) from Institute of Engineering (IOE), TU, Nepal. His project work was on Design Of Turbine, Turbine Accessories and Penstock of Nyadi Hydropower Project 10MW. Mr. Oli has also acquired Master’s Degree in Business Studies (MBS) from Faculty of Management, TU, Nepal in 2006 and also Bachelor’s Degree in Law in 2000.

Kirti K. Joshi received Ph.D. in urban and regional planning from Tohoku University, Japan in 2007, and has been a Fulbright postdoctoral scholar at Harvard University, USA, and a postdoctoral visiting scholar at University of Indonesia. Besides urban research, his other interests include psychology and philosophy.

Samir Dahal is an architect whose interest lies in almost all things that distracts from the mundane life. He loves computers, reading and the internet: just another guy who spends too much time online.

A clueless, self-proclaimed architect jughead; will this architectural society still accept him?

Yogendra Bhattarai Kiran Rajbhandary

Ar. Shristy Shakya is an Architect/ Designer in Budhanilkantha Nargarpalika working under National Reconstruction Authority (NRA). She also entertains working as a free lancer and is always open to new experiences and challenges. She is passionate about travelling and exploring new places and their native/ historical architecture.

Published by

Shweta Shakya is 4th year Architecture student in Khwopa Engineering College.

Travels, takes photographs and writes to keep her sanity.

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Kritika Rana is a graduate from IOE Pulchowk Campus. She is currently practicing architecture at Prabal Thapa Architects. She is keen on research- based writings about architecture and the sensation of spaces. She believes in understanding the essence of space and its influence in human behavior. She is also interested in energy efficient and sustainable design in contemporary scenarios.

Asha Dangol is a contemporary Nepali visual artist. He is co-founder of the Kasthamandap Art Studio and E-Arts Nepal. He holds Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Tribhuvan University, and has been creating and exhibiting his art since 1992. He has 10 solo art exhibitions to his credit. Dangol has participated in numerous group shows in Nepal and his work has been exhibited in different countries outside Nepal. The artist experiments with painting, mixed media, ceramics, installation, performance and video.

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.

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Editorial The influence of Bagmati river is felt to the evolution through the ages. Civilization and culture evolved in and around the river system, from the Licchivi age to the Malla period, so the cities and shrines including temples, ghats, maths, bridges lie along the riverbanks.

In the festival seasons and other special occasions, the riverbanks were virtually covered with visitors, full of cultural and religious activities from sunrise to moonrise. and took the river as their starting point. The current degraded state of the river as a tremendous lack of urban planning and the unregulated urban growth has left the city with very little green public space. A concentrated and continuous effort is need from all walks of life to actually clean the river, but not hoisting few periodical campaigns.

The first ever Housing Summit with a promising theme of “Building Resilient And Inclusive Communities”, was jointly organized and supported by many different private and public bodies to address the issues like alarming growth in urbanization in main cities of Nepal and its outskirts and haphazard urban growth in the previous municipalities and rural nature of the newly added ones posing a major challenge in urbanization. NEA hosted an international symposium for TC21 of Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC). Overcoming the economical limitation by integrating traditional and indigenous knowledge with the modern technologies, trust, and motivation among stakeholders for building resilience were the predominant topics. The “Property Expo Nepal 2017”, organized by NLHDA well served its purpose as the meeting point for a wide variety of businesses that relates with development and construction to all sorts of possibilities for interior decoration and fittings. Visual displays of earthquake resistant housing and apartment designs in the form of plans, models as well as mock-up units were seen as very informative.

Enrique Peñalosa, former mayor of Bogota, beautifully puts it this way “Trying to solve traffic jams by building bigger roads is like trying to put out a fire with gasoline”. People are not sure whether these are actually needed or will it will bring more benefits than trouble as they are still suffering the road widening havoc for past couple of years. There are more confusion while comparing to historical cities in other countries as there were no such instances. Nowhere in the world has road widening solved traffic jam.

There are still places to visit and enjoy, like the timeless beauty of 1905. Legacy of the building states famous musicians and artists were invited to train court artists and has housed politicians, statesmen and diplomats in its ages. Retaining much of the design, renovation was carried out with simplistic and non-intrusive design that provided new life to the historically and aesthetically appealing neoclassical building. The large guest rooms are finished and furnished keeping minimal with strongly ornamented walls, colorful niches and recessed closets - a rare find in Kathmandu’s ubiquitous cacophonous traffic. The stay in any room becomes absolutely unforgettable pleasure. Colors play a crucial role in how we perceive a space, influence our emotions and mood shaping our behavior on a daily basis. In the exterior, a color scheme makes it easier to recognize the proportion of the building whereas in the interior it knits the entire space together.

The presence of new art forms like installation or performance art or mix of all are seen on the exhibitions quite often these days in Nepal. And the latest to arrive with a mission - is a show entitled ‘Fables on the Floor’, seeking to narrate a story or a chosen Fable in their own chosen contemporary expressions. The initiative to dig deeper in a chosen ‘Fable’ is made collectively by young talented group of artists led by Saroj Bajracharya and Bijaya Maharjan, the rest of the artists creating their niches in their own rights in the present day art scene. The spectrum of more established to well emerging artists is truly a touched pleasure.

Ashesh Rajbansh / CEO

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NEWS

KATHMANDU TRIENNALE 2017

C

ities are human’s largest creative works. From the time immemorial they have been a creative muse for people. Born and raised in Kathmandu, I have wandered around the labyrinths of my city, ever convinced that it is more than just the vast physical networks. It is about the myths and stories, the beliefs and culture, an embodiment of our principles of how we live with each other that makes the city. With the arrival of migrants from all around the country seeking a “better” life, Kathmandu has become a melting pot. The challenges of traditions and modernity clash but still amidst this chaos I still find moments of peace and nostalgia. When Siddhartha Arts Foundation (SAF) and S.M.A.K.(the Museum of Contemporary Art, Ghent, Belgium announced Kathmandu Triennial with the theme “ My City, My Studio/ My City, My Life”, I had a feeling that this was going to be more than just an art exhibition.

The 17-day event held from 24 March to 9 April 2017 was the biggest art festival since the Kathmandu International Art Festival that was held in 2012. The Kathmandu Triennale was curated by Philippe Van Cauteren from Belgium to articulate the multiple and complex interconnections of the creative process of the artists with the heritage, lives and essence of the city. It was also used as a tool for

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communication and information. The exhibition was also dedicated to all those who lost their lives in Nepal’s 2015 earthquakes.

Van Cauteren assembled over 60 artists, roughly a third from Nepal and rest from around 25 countries across four venues: Taragaon Museum, Patan Museum, Nepal Art Council

and Siddhartha Art Gallery. Whilst the art works were also staged along the streets of Kathmandu announcing that the existence of art is beyond the confines of a gallery space. The scale of the festival makes it difficult to sum up all the works with word limit.

Therefore, I will only focus on few of the prominent works.

NEWS

The Nepali artists had impersonated Kathmandu’s rapid urbanization with a nostalgia which reflected in their work. The Triennale encompassed interactive art forms like Local artist Manish Lal Shrestha’s installation at the Nepal Art Council which was a knitted work created by engaging the local community, a 1336 feet long knitted rope-like piece conceived to represent the height of Kathmandu Valley from sea level. It had a participatory element as viewers were welcomed to play submerge into the work.

Similarly, Song Dong from China created a model town of chocolates and cookies following the plan of a mandala; a spiritual and ritual symbolism in Hinduism and Buddhism, which was an impersonation of greed that is dissolving the city. The imaginary city that took five days to make was uncreated within hours.

Romanian artist Ciprian Muresan built a cardboard city, the visitors had no way around to visit the other gallery spaces without being destroyed.

Both Dong’s and Muresan’s city was destroyed by the end of the night. The debris wasn’t swiped away until the end of the exhibition because even that was considered as art.

Many art works were the reminisces of the past like Sheelasha Rajbhandari’s personal recital

through photographs, objects and texts about her grandmother which yearned for the past. Saurganga Darshandhari’s installation at Patan Museum; Mero Aama ko Thaili (My mother’s purse) consisted of a series of etchings and a handmade purse emitting a recording of jangling coins, functioning as a metaphor for the preservation of memories. Summing up the feelings of many, Thai artist Surasi Kusolwong used traditional Nepali pigments to paint a sign, hung on a slope at the Taragaon Museum, that reads ‘PLEASE STAY HERE 4-EVER’, treating the city as a living and changing social organism.

While many artists tried to portray the challenges of preserving culture and tradition in the rapidly developing city. Bidhata KC’s three storey tall deconstructed representation of Machhindranath chariot, questioned the identity of the indigenous people

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NEWS

documentation of a game of musical chairs he had recently conducted with refugees in Nepal—a simple and powerful analogy for the roles of luck and competition in deciding their fates.

of the city in context to the rapid urbanization. Machhindranath festival is one of the most important and jubilant ceremony of the city which is literally being staggered on the roads of urbanization. She explains,” I wanted to show how the indigenous people of the city are trying to sustain their culture and identity against the rapid urbanization.”

Likewise, the larger than life mural by Martin Travers in Ombahal depicted a Lakhey, the stark red masked man who dances through the old streets during festivals bringing mirth and fear among the children. Travers brought the personal story of Laxman Ranjit to the public, who was the man behind the mask. The mural occupied the façade of a five-story building with his unmasked portrait, while images of the Kumari, the masked Lakhey, the Jhyalincha and the Kasthamandap surrounded it. The portrait of Laxman’s

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wife who lost her life in the earthquake was painted inside a moon which was a solemn tribute. Even though it was a personal story it had deep roots in the society and resonated with the community.

Another local artist Kiran Maharjan made the interventions entitled Pride and Wrath – two street murals that depict images painted realistically with spray paint, which have elements of calligraphy. In a statement the artist describes his work thus: Streets become my experimentation ground, my space of clarification, my performance space and my gallery. But the love-hate relationship with the streets and city is always omnipresent. And it also becomes my way of tackling my existentialism.

Sujan Dangol’s video If we don’t know where we come from, we don’t know where we are going was a

Nearby in the hillside neighborhood of Kirtipur, another promising young Nepalese artist Amrit Karki gained permission from property owners to paint a single red line across 22 buildings, to create an enormous rectangle on their facades that resembles a frame or window into the city. In 2016 when the curator of the exhibition, Philippe Van Cauteren had held a workshop, I remember him being fascinated by Amrit Karki’s ideas and how he longed to see him rise. The red rectangle was symbolic to me personally because I saw Amrit Karki in a different light, with a changed personality. The work sparked conversation among the city.

When asked about the challenges of the project he explained, “Convincing the locals was the most challenging part. But the process behind the art is what makes it so special.”

Kathmandu Triennale 2017 proved that through an intangible and nonfunctional way, art can have a therapeutic effect on society. It also showed the crucial role of the curator in an art exhibition. Triennale Manager, Mr Nischal Oli stated, “The most difficult were shortages of time and money.

Also the weather was not favorable at this time of the month and most schools are closed at the time which has significantly affected the flow of visitors.” Almost 50,000 visitors had come to Nepal Art Council itself which is nevertheless a remarkable feat. n

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REVIEW

THE HOUSING SUMMIT 2017 -NEPAL Alarming growth in urbanization in main cities of Nepal and its outskirts have been one of the major concerns for a few years now. Recently, there has been a declaration of 159 additional municipalities increasing the total no. to 246, along with 13 sub metropolitan cities and 4 metropolitan cities including the recent addition from the previous 58 municipalities. Already toiling against haphazard urban growth in the previous municipalities and rural nature of the newly added ones pose a major challenge in urbanization and demands major changes in planning norms and new urban planning initiatives. Against this background and with a promising theme of “BUILDING RESILIENT AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES”, the first ever Housing Summit was held on 10th April 2017 at Hotel Yak and Yeti, which was jointly organized by Nepal Land and Housing Developers’ Association (NLHDA), Department Of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) and Kathmandu Valley Development Authority(KVDA) supported by Institute of Engineering (IOE) in association with Society for Consulting Architecture and Engineering Firms (SCAEF), Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA), Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), Regional and Urban Planners Society of Nepal (RUPSON), Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

The inaugural session was conducted

by Ms. Sabeena Karki, Mr. Dipendra

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by the chief guest of the SUMMIT Hon. Minister Arjun Narsingh K.C, vote of thanks by Dr. Bhaikaji Tiwari (Comissioner KVDA), and remarks by chairperson concluded the inaugural session. The two sessions running parallel to each other, apart from the inaugural and closing sessions, circled around the summit’s theme and urban planning initiatives.

THEME: INNOVATIVE CITIES Nath Sharma (Secretary of MOUD) was chaired and honorable Minister Mr. Arjun Narsingh K. C. was the Chief Guest. Honorable Er. Ichchha Raj Tamang (Chairman of NLHDA) delivered the welcome speech. There was small briefing about the SUMMIT from the coordinator followed by keynote addresses from Mr. Shambhu K.C (Joint Secretary, MOUD) and Mr. P.S Joshi (Habitat programme manager of UN-Habitat). Appreciable remarks were made by Ar. Suman N. Vaidya (President, SONA), Ar. Rajesh Thapa (President, SCAEF), Er. Hare Ram Shrestha (President, NEA), Dr. Jagdish Chandra Pokharel (Former Vice Chairman, NPC President, RUPSON), Mr. Om Raj Bhandari (Vice President, NLHDA), Prof. Dr. Trichandra Bajracharya (Dean, IOE) and Mr. Shivahari Sharma (DG, DUDBC). Some humble words

The first technical session with the theme of “Innovative Cities” included three paper presentations on interesting approaches, innovative concepts in city planning, their aspirations, new booming nodes and new urban centers. The session was chaired by Dr. Jagadish Chandra Pokharel, Former Vice chairman, NPC and President of RUPSON and was facilitated by Mr. Arjun Koirala, General Secretary of RUPSON. Mr. Chakraborti Kantha, Project Chief of DUDBC, started the presentation on the paper entitled Innovative Concepts in city planning. Introducing the concept of Innovative cities, their types and aspirations, he focused on government initiatives in urban management mentioning that government has declared 22 towns as new cities which will have direct Hulaki highway access such as Pyuthan and Surkhet.

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Mr. Bhagwat Kokhali who is an Urban Planner in Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA), started off on a second paper entitled ‘New Cities: Urban expansion of Kathmandu’.

He mainly focused on the roles of the local government in some of the most pressing issues of restructuring, empowering and reconstruction.

Presenting the chart regarding alarming rate of population growth and depletion in agricultural land, he emphasized on serious need of urban management and highlighted on KVDA’s strategies in urban management by creating nodes and urban centers in the fringe areas of Kathmandu valley to manage population and distribute them to these nodes.

The third presenter Dr. Kriti Kusum Joshi, also an urban planner, elaborated about smart cities and roles of private sectors in urban development in his presentation.

He briefed about conceptual proposal of smart city development in Panchkhal and how ancient cities can act as inspiration for smart cities. Lobbying that smart cities should be compact, people centric and there should be jobs and home for all, he also talked about people centric gated communities.

In this context, he introduced the four Ps -People Public Private Partnership (PPPP) and its importance.

This technical session witnessed some enthusiastic participation from the audience as well. Few questions like why innovation was required and why Panchkhal- a city with fertile land was to be developed as smart cities to which the presenter addressed in a very convincing manner. Dr. Joshi forwarded his thoughts on the present state of Nepal being the period of Nepali Renaissance as this is the opportunity to change and restructure Nepal as a whole.

HOUSING FINANCE, POLICY AND LEGISATIVE ISSUES

Mr. Om Rajbhandari, an EC Member Urban Development Committee, FNCCI and Third Vice President, NLHDA

was the first presenter of this session.

His paper was entitled Public Private Partnership in Housing. He stated that about 90% of the houses are built by the people and this makes public private participation an integral part in urban planning and development.

Discussion went further about the features and benefits of planned and formal housing over unplanned housing in terms of infrastructures as planned housing having high permutation over regulations, bylaws, quality control, compliance with social and economic environment etc. The increase in demand and widening gap between Public and Government and role of PPPP to bridging the gap was one of his main agenda.

Mr. Maniram Singh Mahat Executive Director, Town Development Fund presented the paper entitled Issues in Housing Finance. He discussed over the statistics of access to infrastructure in present housing systems. Stating the fact that the banks are investing 15.1% of the total portfolio and can still invest 11% more, he focused on the issues of the low income groups and their housing issues.

Mr. Gokul Burlakoti, Advocate, Senior Advisor, NLHDA, presented on Policy and Legislative issues in Housing.

He started off by defining hygiene of housing in terms of four categoriesfundamental physical needs, fundamental mental needs, prevention from disease, protection from hazards and accidents. He talked about binding laws and non-bindings laws; Binding being mandatory government laws and non binding being social and cultural laws. He forwarded some ideas regarding compliance and guidelines, suggesting that the municipal systems should have simplified laws and need for proper documentation regarding laws and policies of housing.

RESILIENT BUILDING AND COMMUNITIES

Prof. Dr. Prem Nath Maskey, IOE started the technical session on the paper entitled ‘High Rise Buildings: Issues and Concerns’. Dr. Maskey effectively addressed the most critical issue of attitude of people towards high rise buildings and apartment after the earthquake of 2015. He believes that Nepali engineers are perfectly skilled and people’s negative perception

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REVIEW

towards high rise should be changed and other technical issues to be addressed in coming years.

Dr. Tamai, a Japanese Researcher and Engineer from Miyamoto International was the second presenter for this session. His presentation was entitled ‘Planning for Resilient Communities: performance based building design’.

He insisted that in Nepal buildings are designed against collapse only i.e. neglecting the non-structural elements and doing so does not ensure the safety of the people. He startled the audience by asking a very strange question, “So what can we do?” If the answer was to do something or everything, seismic upgrade is the next step. He listed and briefed about different seismic upgrade methods- retrofitting, dampers, shear wall, braces, anchorage etc. Dr. Tamai also stressed on necessity of upgrading the design codes and using the codes designed for Nepal, preservation of historical sites and establishing and implementing strict rules and policies.

The final presenter of the session was Ms. Lumanti Joshi, project manager at LUMANTI. Ms. Joshi’s paper was entitled Community Based Planning and Housing Initiatives. Having been working on community participation based approaches in previous projects, she focused on how community should be allowed to lead in designing process with architects and engineers as facilitators. Mrs. Joshi stated that 60% of the population live in rental

accommodation, adequate housing being a big issue for the country. She discussed how high rise apartments could be an answer to cater to the housing needs, but only after managing affordability and access to loans and flexible finance.

The question and answer session instigated numerous issues such as if it was necessary to urbanize, whether the concept of smart city was internationally driven. Issues regarding traditional building materials, are they safe and if not then how to make them safe, cost evaluation and reinforcing for safer buildings were also discussed.

HOUSING INITIATIVES AND ISSUES

This session welcomed Er. Raju Neupane, DUDBC, as the first presenter on the paper entitled ‘Government Policies and Initiatives in Housing’. He listed various initiatives of the government which include revolving fund for land pooling, housing for poor and low income group which include identifying the poor, co-operative housing, People’s Housing Program under which 75,000 houses have been built and 20,000 are under construction, housing for govt. employees, old age home at each province and emergency shelters.

Mr. Om Dharananda presented on ‘Innovative Concepts in Housing’. He discussed over how innovation or newness can be used as a method or a tool in upgrading and improving

the present housing system. He also gave his perception of historical innovativeness. Further discussions were made about common housing programs, both public and private, the institutional challenges regarding housing development, the challenges of inadequacy in development strategies, political interferences, delayed projects-land pooling, procedural challenges, EIA/IEE delays.

This session’s final presenter Ms. Sangeeta Singh, Associate professor at IOE, also coordinator of the Summit presented on the topic “Challenges, initiatives and opportunities in housing development in the context of Nepal”. She focused on the key concerns in housing development in Nepal in the scenario of rapid growth of urbanization, state restructuring, disaster vulnerability and the governments’ commitments to global protocols. She discussed on some of the public and private initiatives in housing like the Janata awas, Ichangu housing, rental housing in Pokhara, proposed house pooling at Kilagal and housing regeneration at Pilachen.

The challenges in the development of housing were also discussed including policy implications, the lack of one door policy, difficulty in land assembly, lack of proper access to finance, and challenges in providing the low cost housing. She also stressed on the need to dwell upon innovative housing delivery mechanism like the cooperative, rental, social, community led housing and the concept of housing development based on leasehold property development.

The closing ceremony included reflections from Mr. Padam Mainali (DDG, DUDBC), Hon. Ichchha Raj Tamang (Chairman, NLHDA) and Dr. Bhai Kaji Tiwari (KDVA). The program was summed up by Mr. Rajesh Thapa and Distribution of Certificate of Appreciation and closing remarks were simultaneously performed by the chairperson Mr. Dipendranath Sharma. n

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A BRIEF NOTE ON

THE ACECC TC21 SECOND INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE BASED DECISION MAKING SCHEMES FOR DISASTER REDUCTION (DR).

The Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC) was established in 1998 for policy proposal to decision-makers of Asiapacific countries as a federation of civil engineers consisting of people from academia, government, and private sectors. Currently 13 federations from following countries are members of ACECC. 1. VFCEA Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Associations (Vietnam) 2. ASCE American Society of Civil Engineers (U.S.A.) 3. CICHE Chinese Institute of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering (Taiwan) 4. EA Engineers Australia (Australia) 5. HAKI Indonesian Society of Civil and Structural Engineers (Indonesia) 6. ICEI Institution of Civil Engineers India (India) 7. IEB Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (Bangladesh) 8. IEP Institution of Engineers, Pakistan (Pakistan) 9. JSCE Japan Society of Civil Engineers (Japan) 10. KSCE Korean Society of Civil Engineers (Korea) 11. MACE Mongolian Association of Civil Engineers (Mongolia)

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12. NEA Nepal Engineers’ Association (Nepal) 13. PICE Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (Philippines) The TC21 (Technical Committee # 21) of ACECC was formed in October 2015 with the theme of Transdisciplinary Approach (TDA) for Building Societal Resilience to Disasters, meant to promote local innovative schemes for rational investment and implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) based on scientific knowledge. In order to achieve this aim, TC21 has formed national teams in all member states and seeks to contribute to development of national capacity to realize TDA for scientific knowledge-based decisionmaking through case studies, comparative analyses, methodological developments, guidelines, workshops, training courses, etc. It also aims to contribute to establishment of a network for knowledge sharing and to support member states establish a national platform for propagating transdisciplinary approach for scientific knowledge-based decision-making.

It is in this context that an international symposium was hosted by the Nepal Engineers’ Association for TC21 on April 24, 2017 at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal. It was attended

by altogether 65 international delegates from 11 member countries and more than 200 expert participants from Nepal. Some of the key points that the deliberations in the symposium sought to emphasize consisted of following; Overcoming the economical limitation • Integration of the traditional and indigenous knowledge with the modern technologies; • Incentives and motivation for local communities and private sectors to invest for disaster resilient construction and reconstruction; • Schemes to raise the DR funding; Overcoming the hazardous development and living in hazardous areas• Livelihood, welfare, and financial schemes for resettlement after disasters • Mutual understanding, trust, and motivation among stakeholders for building resilience The Symposium was divided into two parts. The first session focused on Nepal, and had four papers. The Key Note Speech was delivered by the Secretary of MOUD Er. Dipendra Nath Sharma. He deliberated on the approach adopted by GON (NRA) to

NEWS post disaster reconstruction efforts, and its international context. The other papers on Nepal in the first session included that of Dr. Jibaraj Pokhrel, Vice Chancellor of NAST, Dr. Netra Bhandari, Ehime University, Shikoku Japan and Dr. Kimiro Megro, Prof. and Director of International Center for Urban Safety Engineering Tokyo University. Similarly, the second session had six presentations deliberating on post disaster lessons learnt in Pakistan, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Taiwan.

During the panel discussions, the presenters briefly highlighted the scientific knowledge based decision making schemes adopted in their context and the way forward for replications. The Panel Discussions also covered queries and comments from the audience floor, and at the end, the representative from the disaster cell of World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), Er. Ashok Kumar Basa delivered his observations on the proceedings of the Symposium and put forward his remarks. The Panel Discussion was moderated by Dr. Kuniyoshi

Takeuchi, Co-Chair of TC21, Dr. Senro Kuraoka, Secretary of TC21 and Er. Kishore K Jha, Organizing Secretary of NEA-ACECC 2017 Meet. The Vice President of NEA, Er. Uma Shankar Sah functioned as the Rapporteur.

In the opening session of the International Symposium NEA President Er. Hare Ram Shrestha delivered his welcome speech and the Convenor of NEA-ACECC 2017 Meet Er. Dhruba R Thapa presented an overview of the program. While the opening speech was delivered by TC21 Co- Chair Dr. Kuniyoshi Takeuchi, the Closing Remark was delivered by the ACECC Chairman Prof. Osamu Kusakabe.

In the morning hours of April 24 the TC21 committee members had one to one interaction with the major DRR Stakeholder Agencies in Nepal. The attendants included representations from NRA, CLPIU-MOUD and APF (GoN), CDRMP/UNDP, Academia (IOE-TU) and NGOs (NSET etc.).

Along the sides of DRR Stakeholders Meeting and TC21 International Symposium, the 32nd Executive

Committee Meeting of ACECC was also held in the morning hours of April 24 in Durbar Hall of Hotel Yak and Yeti. Its 21st Technical Committee Coordination Meeting (TCCM) and 26th Planning Committee Meeting (PCM) were held on April 23 in the same venue. Besides for the first time young engineers from the member countries met in Kathmandu from April 22 to initiate the formation process of the Future Leaders Forum (FLF).

Finally, marking the second anniversary of the disastrous Gorkha Earthquake 2015, a Technical Tour covering the vicinity of Kathmandu valley was organized by the host NEA on April 25, 2017. The tour provided an opportunity for the international delegates to have a firsthand assessment of the progress on reconstruction and rehabilitation activities, and also an opportunity to appreciate the societal resilience of the affected community. Not to mention that the two day program provided a very good opportunity for professional networking as well. n

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NEWS

ARCHITECT SPEAKS

A

rchitect Speaks seeks to present a platform for senior architects, practicing architects and emerging architects to share their experiences, vision and goal regarding the architecture future of Nepal and in global context. The platform seeks to acknowledge the dedication of all our senior architects who have been practicing and preaching architecture for many many years. It is initiated by 12th SONA Executive Committee to bring and connect all related issues and professional in a common platform of discussion. The first episode was on “Exploration on Architecture Practice and Career Guidance” where Ar. Sarita Maskey, from Government Sector, Ar. Prajwal Hada from Private Sector, Mr. Santosh Pyakurel from abroad study and Ar. Binaya Rajan Shrestha from Academic Sector presented from their respective field.

Architect Speaks Episode 2 was on “Gentrification, Connectivity and Conservation” which was held in Auditorium Hall of Thapathali Campus on 2oth April 2017, where Dr. Roger C.K. Chan, BSocSci CUHK; MSc LSE; DPhil Oxon; FRGS; MRTPI from Hong Kong University presented on his experience of Gentrification and Conservation on cities of Hong Kong.

Dr. Roger C.K. Chan is Associate Professor of the Department of Urban Planning and Design, The University of Hong Kong. He served as the first Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty from 2011 to 2016. His field of research is regional and urban development with a primary focus

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on China. One main area of his research interest is urban and regional development theories as applied in China, with special reference to urban agglomerations. Another main area is in cooperation and competition among cities and regional economic development, which includes a systematic study of the economic interactions between Hong Kong and her neighboring economic districts in the Greater Pearl River Delta region.

Cities and towns have the primary human living space. Since 2007, more than half of the world’s population has been living in the urban areas and the figure is estimated to exceed 70 percent by 2050. Currently, urbanized areas host more than half of the world’s 6.7 billion population and account for 70 percent of the world’s GDP. About 3.7 billion people now live in urban areas, and that number is expected to double in just 50 years.

Gentrification is a process in which there is not only one land parcel but collective how the variation of land value is able to transform a neighborhood. But this can only be

possible if we are ahead of the game in the need to sustain momentum of the change. Cities like Hong Kong cannot be changed into architectural museum. While recognizing that the management of cities is too important to be left to city managers, it is important not to lose sight of the need for purposive civic leadership.

Cities should be prized and utilized by national governments as engines of sustainable economic growth, cultural diversity and advanced social policy, without becoming reservations for certain group of populations. Finally, government should strive to maintain a distinction between urban and the rural in order to maintain a distinction between the urban and the rural in order to maintain the character of the city, to avoid the problem sprawl and to preserve the earth’s resources.

The program was trying to facilitate the transformation for sustainability which is possible by recognizing the linkage between local, regional and international development, not only a small open economy but as part of the world’s ecological system - cities and sustainable development. n

NEWS

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1905 A LEGACY OF TIMELESS BEAUTY (Extracted from piece provided by Ar. Prabal Thapa) MAY 2017 SPACES / 27

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Located next to the large open space of the “Narayan Chaur” Park, this treasure is slightly hidden from the main road, once in its garden it opens to the conservatory; independent from the main colonial building.

The original “1905 Restaurant” in Kantipath had been a trendy restaurant in Kathmandu for the last two decades.

It was known for its spectacular setting in a Rana era villa complete with a pond, moats and sprawling garden. It was also the venue for the uniquely popular farmers market in the valley. At the owner’s behest, the restaurant relocated to the latter area although the search for an equally attractive setting for the restaurant was not an easy undertaking.

Fortunately the Narayan Chaur property offered itself as an ideal relocation with a similar neo classical style building with garden space, a very central location and an equally fascinating history.

History of the building dates back to Rana regime where famous musicians and artists were invited from India to train court artists. One of the many artists who came to Nepal and permanently settled was Pandit Nanku Lall Mishra from Benares, a performer and a trainer. He ultimately decided to settle in Kathmandu with his family. He was the first to build this house for his residence around 1888 A.D. over the years, the building was extended and exchanged hands and has housed politicians, two former Prime ministers (BP Koirala and Tulsi Giri), statesmen, diplomats and most recently one of the countries’ leading engineer Er. Shankar Nath Rimal.

Ar. Prabal Thapa, known for his simplistic and non-intrusive design, shares indefinite attachment to the project.

Retaining much of the design and building, the renovation has provided new life to the historically and aesthetically appealing neo classical building.

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Renovation of the building started just before the Gorkha earthquake in April 2015. Hardships were followed due to unavailability of construction workers just after the quake and then further complicated by the economic blockade that followed. During restoration, major priority was to retain as much of the building’s original aesthetics and its idiosyncratic charms as far as possible. From a structural view, the building did not suffer much from the earthquake and thus did not require any major retrofitting.

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The ground floor of the building has been revamped into a garden restaurant while the upper floors have been refurbished into four spacious guest rooms with balconies offering views of the garden and the adjacent ‘Narayan Chaur’ Park. During the adaptation the need for a large space dining room was greatly felt. This was addressed and solved by positioning a 20ft by 30ft glass pavilion centrally in the garden. The transparence of the 30 seat glass diner not only offers a panoramic view of the garden but also assures an unhindered view of the historic building beyond it. The ground floor of the building comprises of additional indoor restaurant seating with open fire place and common areas for the four guest rooms on the floors above it.

The guest rooms on the upper floors are each about 450 sq.ft. in area; each having their own en suite bathrooms and individual terraces with outdoor seating. The finishes and the furnishing of the rooms have been kept minimal with strongly ornamented walls, colorful niches and recessed closets incorporated in the thick walls already highlight the buildings interiors. Brightly pigmented cement flooring in some of the rooms add a colorful experience in comparison to the white backdrop of the neo classical building.

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Additionally a meditation room in the attic of the building run by the Himalayan Buddhist Meditation center provides spiritual experience to both locals and in house guests on most evenings. Catering to the adaptive nature to nurture the minds of the inhabitants, both the garden landscape as well as the foreplay of light has been equally combined to produce a fine dining experience, along with top notch amenity and tranquil environment: a rare find in Kathmandu’s ubiquitous cacophonous traffic. n

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ROAD WIDENING IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY

What’s the point?

TEXT : Kirti Kusum Joshi

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The Kathmandu Valley has become a place many love to hate. Once it was a living example of art, architecture, design and spatial planning. It is still alive today but sick and hurt, reduced to a shadow of its former self. And then, a new Kathmandu Valley is being promised, thanks to the state-sponsored dozer-driven redevelopment based on and led by road widening. The problem? The way road widening is being rationalized is terribly misguided, to put it mildly.

Road widening is being touted as an essential intervention to solve the Valley’s severe traffic jam. But nowhere in the world has road widening solved traffic jam. The road widening saga has also promoted, whether intentionally or not, the insane idea of establishing supremacy of cars over people by demolishing buildings in already established neighborhoods that form part of the valley’s glorious urban past.

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DEMAND VERSUS SUPPLY

Between census years 1991 and 2001, 0.52 million population was added in the Valley. Over the next decade, the total population rose by another 0.83 million. In two decades, the census population of the Valley more than doubled from 1.07 million in 1991 to 2.43 million in 2011. These figures do not include floating population.

An estimated 4 million people, or probably more, now live in the Valley at any given time. Vehicle ownership has also grown up in proportion with the population.

Until a few decades ago, private vehicles were a luxury. Poor and inadequate public transportation made private vehicles a necessity.

Auto dealers and bankers stepped in to cash the situation, and with easy monthly installments, private vehicles became household goods just as televisions and refrigerators. The trend prevails.

The question is whether we can keep on supplying roads for the ever-

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increasing number of vehicles, and for how long. But more importantly, why should we?

TRAFFIC MYTH

There are reportedly around one million vehicles plying on the Kathmandu Valley roads, traffic jam is getting messier with each passing day. Intuitively we are inclined to think and have been told that traffic jams are there because of narrow roads. The whole road widening saga in the Kathmandu Valley has been developed over this tagline: more roads equal less traffic. Studies have, however, shown that the opposite is true – more roads equal more traffic.

Adding capacity to roads actually accentuates traffic jams by inducing additional vehicle-kilometers traveled.

As long as there is no restriction on the number of vehicles, roads themselves create traffic.

The argument is not that roads are unnecessary. Roads are important infrastructure. But we need to get over the infatuation with wider roads.

Instead of blaming narrow roads for traffic jams, it pays to accept the simple fact that there are way too many cars on the roads. Caught in a traffic jam, we may silently curse others for piling up their vehicles on the same road at the same time, but have we ever thought of sharing the blame?

In the language of economics, when supply of something (roads in this case) increases, price (price of driving) initially falls and consumption (number of trips) increases. With new roads or additional road capacities, people will move around more, making more trips than before. New drivers will join the traffic. People will live farther away from their workplaces, and commute long distances to jobs every day.

Roads will also attract firms and shops which generate their own traffic. In short, more roads equal more traffic.

Building wider roads actually makes traffic worse.

What happens if lanes are taken away from a road? It turns out that the amount of traffic on the road simply

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readjusts. People will switch to other modes of commuting such as public transportation. They will decide to walk, or simply avoid unessential trips.

Paris and Seoul exemplify this.

In recent decades, Paris has dramatically downsized and reduced its roads without any noticeable difference in the congestion level. In Seoul, an important highway carrying 168 thousand cars per day was demolished and replaced by smaller roads and green infrastructure, and yet the traffic situation in the city did not deteriorate.

There are tested ways for managing traffic jam but road widening is not one of them. Congestion pricing – that is, raising the price of driving on a road when demand is high – may be technically and politically infeasible in our current context. But one thing is clear that driving should not be cheap because it incurs social costs – one additional driver on the road increases commuting hours of all other drivers.

If driving is made costly, people will avoid unnecessary trips.

In lieu of congestion pricing, parking fees could be an effective measure to fight congestion. If parking is cheap, drivers will misuse it, occupying parking space for long. In central part of cities, drivers contribute significantly to traffic jam just by cruising around looking for free parking space.

In another measure, drivers could be persuaded to avoid the most congested hours. In a fitting example, Metropolitan Traffic Police Division has directed schools and colleges in Kathmandu to carry school children before office

ENRIQUE PEÑALOSA, FORMER MAYOR OF BOGOTA, BEAUTIFULLY PUTS IT THIS WAY

“TRYING TO SOLVE TRAFFIC JAMS BY BUILDING BIGGER ROADS IS LIKE TRYING TO PUT OUT A FIRE WITH GASOLINE.” hours. Simple approach such as carpooling could be used to manage traffic generated by public offices.

Narrow roads have been proved to be relatively safe because the vehicular speed is restrained. Such roads can be used for one-way traffic.

fertile farmlands and water bodies.

The built environment was organic but regulated. There were vertical and horizontal limits to how towns could grow. However, out of many concerns with which the ancient towns were built, vehicles were certainly not one of them.

The argument is not to make our cities car-free right away but to promote the notion of less cars.

Public transportation in the Valley is extremely poor in terms of quality as well as quantity despite high demand particularly during office hours. Very limited transport services are available for commuters who live outside the Ring Road. Before investing hugely on roads, more effective and rewarding results could be achieved by investing on public transportation.

The road networks in the old settlements were built for navigation on foot. This is the reality of the urban core areas, and it should be realized and respected accordingly. The winding narrow streets and alleys, on one hand, and broad squares and courtyards, on the other hand, together formed the ancient mobility system in a unique way which cannot be replicated by the tasteless grid-iron pattern of roads which are destined to get chocked with vehicles.

PEOPLE VERSUS CARS

There is no doubt that roads are important infrastructure essential for commuting, communication, and connection. Roads are the backbone of any country’s physical development, and wheels are

The ancient towns of the Kathmandu Valley served as the finest example of urban planning and design. The towns were compactly built and densely inhabited in order to conserve

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A GERMAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT CAMPAIGN HAS THIS TO SAY

“YOU’RE NOT STUCK IN A TRAFFIC JAM, YOU ARE THE JAM.”

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probably the most revolutionary invention in human history.

However, what roads do is tricky.

Depending on how it is laid, a road can connect communities or divide them. A motorway built across a compact settlement automatically divides it. There are many instances in the Valley where roads have been built over the spaces where children used to play, elders used to sunbathe, or people used to worship.

In western countries, the infatuation with private cars and wide roads is diminishing, and voices for car-free compact cities are getting louder. While cities like Barcelona and Paris are transforming roads into car-free public spaces, the opposite is being planned in the Kathmandu Valley which is already known for compact settlements.

Really, what good does road widening serve in an already dense urban area in Kathmandu?

And what about the costs – the

cost of lost houses, destruction of collective memories, defragmentation of closely knit neighborhoods, loss of tangible and intangible heritages, and reduction of roads from public space to motorways?

In an attempt to break car hegemony, Barcelona has prepared a mobility plan to reduce traffic by 21 percent and to transform nearly 60 percent of streets currently used by cars into public spaces. Another European city, Paris has also come up with concerted effort to reduce the number of private cars on its streets. The city is slashing the number of lanes on major axes and redesigning seven major squares to reduce vehicle lanes and parking.

The city plans to turn the neighborhoods into car-calmed, pedestrian- and bike-friendly zones with increased pedestrian space and greenery. If Barcelona and Paris could give roads back to their residents, why are we so adamant on demolishing houses in favor of roads?

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NO WRECKING BALL

A benevolent government, by definition, serves people without prejudice and discrimination. It protects people and their properties.

Dozers and wrecking balls are certainly not the tools that make a benevolent government proud.

The decision to widen roads in the Valley was taken decades ago when there was a different political system which specialized in opaque planning process and top-down decisionmaking. Locals want to know whether their houses encroach roads or it is the other way round. Locals have accused the government of “state terrorism” and in response, the state has dismissed locals as “antidevelopment” elements.

It is true that not everyone is unhappy about the road widening drive.

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Basically there are two groups of supporters. First are the spectators who are not going to lose anything anyway but are excited about new things happening for whatsoever cause. These people do not have sentimental attachment with the core areas, and are indifferent towards the Valley’s urban past. Second are those locals who are entitled to some windfall gains such as better accessibility and higher property prices should the disturbing neighboring houses be wiped off. A benevolent government does not rob happiness of one group to reward another.

The state has also argued that affected locals were compensated and will be compensated again if needed for the loss of their properties. But can everything be bought, and at what price? If people are not happy, a benevolent government listens to them,

not silence them using muscle power.

Living in a democratic country, people today deserve and reserve the rights to have their say in the affairs that affect their present and future. If the state and locals work together, road widening could be addressed as a technical and political matter. Plans could be reviewed and modified for social benefit.

It is basically up to the people of the core areas to decide whether they want motorable roads or pedestrianfriendly ambience. Of course, there are many services including ambulance and fire trucks that are hard to provide in the old neighborhoods due to narrow roads. But complex problems demand innovative solutions, and such solutions will come from within the communities if the state is ready to listen. n

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TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR

HOUSING RECONSTRUCTION TEXT : Khadga Sen Oli and Ram Krishna Sharma

Two years have completed after 7.8 magnitude 2015 Gorkha Earthquake struck central Nepal. That earthquake and its sequence of aftershocks caused more than 8,600 deaths and around 25,000 injuries. The Government of Nepal (GON)’s PostDisaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), completed on June 15, 2015 found that total damages and losses resulting from the earthquake sequence amounted to about US$7 billion, and reconstruction needs amounted to about US$6.7 billion. The earthquake sequence destroyed 490,000 houses - mostly traditional mud-brick and mudstone houses built and occupied by the rural poor; and rendered another 265,000 houses at least temporarily uninhabitable. The largest single need identified in the PDNA is housing and human settlements, accounting for $3.27 billion in reconstruction costs, or almost half of the total needs.

Building new houses resilient to earthquakes and all types of disasters is both challenge and opportunity.

Technical assistance is one major pillar to ensure this accomplishment.

Incorporating disaster risk reduction

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and resilience into the design of recovery programs helps build longterm disaster resilience in Nepal. Under the leadership of Nepal Government, many agencies and organizations are focusing on this aspect of safer reconstruction. NSET in providing technical assistance to the earthquakeaffected population in 33 VDCs and 3 Municipalities largely in Dolakha, Dhading and Nuwakot; and also in Kathmandu districts through USAID funded “Housing Reconstruction Technical Assistant Project (HRTAP); “Baliyo Ghar”. By supporting national campaign of ‘Building Back Safer” rebuilding for longer term resilience rather than restoring what existed before the disaster - the program provides with the potential to use recovery and reconstruction activities to reduce vulnerability to future shocks and natural hazards.

FLATTENED DISTRICTS BEING REBUILT TO RESIST EARTHQUAKES

The districts flattened by the April 25-Gorkha Earthquake have been reviving themselves by rebuilding collapsed houses. With their districts

among the most earthquake-affected, the locals of Dolakha, Nuwakot and Dhading are rebuilding their homes with earthquake resistant methods and technology. Both stone masonry and reinforced concrete houses are being built in these three districts, where the house-owners are using trained masons and contractors. Women masons are actively participating, with their contributions adding to the impressive progress of the reconstruction campaign.

REBUILDING DOLAKHA!

Bhimsen Shah Thakuri (44) at Bhimeshwor Municipality-12 Makaibari, Dolakha was one who got believed stone and mud were the main cause for collapsing his house. He was thinking of building RC structured house but because of lack of money he couldn’t. At the meantime, BaliyoGhar mobile team conducted orientation in the community. As he explored, he learned more on construction ideas and got convinced that stone masonry can withstand earthquake when done properly. He has just completed his house using trained masons to reconstruct his stone-mud house.

ARCHITECTURE House of Bhimsen Thakuri, Makaibari Dolakha (Photo: BaliyoGhar/NSET)

Under-constructed House of Buddhalaxmi (Photo: BaliyoGhar/NSET)

Buddha Laxmi Lama, 60, resident of Charikot-Charighyang, Dolakha, one of the most earthquake-affected areas in the district, is living in a temporary shelter with two daughters and grandchildren after the earthquake flattened her 2 storey house. At her age, it should be time to rest and guide the younger generations, instead she was waiting for the new house to be constructed. Man Bahadur Tamang, a mason working since 2052 B.S. has been awarded the contract to construct Lama’s house. Tamang took part in mason training in Charikot during March 2016. Lama seemed delighted to move her family into the new house soon.

WOMEN AT RECONSTRUCTION!

Bal Kumari Kafle, 63, is mason and contractor in Bhimeshwor, Dolakha.

She used to help male masons by carrying stones and mud at construction sites. At the end of July 2016, she received training from the Baliyo Ghar Program; and now she is serving as a mason. She is confident of her ability to build earthquake resistant buildings. At present, she is

Bal K Kafle and Damber K Kafle working together (Photo: BaliyoGhar/NSET)

constructing Ram Prasad Neupane’s house in Ramkot-Bhimeshwor-10, Dolakha with the assistance of her own daughter trained female mason Damber Kumari Kafle, 33.

DHADING BEING BUILT SAFER

Before even signing their participatory agreements, residents of Dhading are also rebuilding their flattened houses using earthquake resistant technology.

In rural areas, stone, mud and timber houses are being constructed, while in

urban areas and places with highway access reinforced concrete houses are being erected.

Dhan Raj Ghale, resident of BungchungKumpur in Dhading is happy to see his house being built near his temporary shelter. Top Bahadur Shrestha, one of the masons trained by the BaliyoGhar Program, is constructing Ghale’s house under the regular guidance of BaliyoGhar’s Mobile Team in Kumpur.

Shrestha is convinced that the key

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House owner DhanRaj Ghale and mason Top Bdr Shrestha (Photo: BaliyoGhar/NSET)

elements that should be applied in constructing houses. The house owner is also pleased to invest some additional money to make his house earthquake resistant.

NUWAKOT PROGRESSING AT SAME PACE

The safer reconstruction process is progressing in Nuwakot too. The pace of reconstruction is slow but steady. After the 2015 Earthquake, Nabaraj Shrestha, resident of the colony area in Trishuli was living in a zinc sheet wrapped shelter for 20 months. He built his house employing trained masons for making his house safer and better.

Now he has shifted to his new safe house.

Likewise, contractor and mason Ram Krishna Shrestha, 52, is one of the trained masons who participated in the mason training organized by BaliyoGhar with the DUDBC Nuwakot Division office. Next to his temporary shelter, he has constructed an earthquake resistant house using the knowledge he gained at the training, with the help of four other trained masons.

131 MASON TRAINING PROGRAM TRAINED 4045 EXISTING MASONS

Till end of March 2017, Baliyo Ghar has accomplished 131 Mason Trainings in the program implemented Dhading, Nuwakot and Dolakha. Total 4045 masons are trained with knowledge and skills for constructing earthquake resistant houses.

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House of Arjun Mahat (Photo: BaliyoGhar/NSET)

Nabaraj Shrestha in front of his under constructed house (Photo: BaliyoGhar/NSET)

36 MASON TRAINING TOT ACCOMPLISHED, 118 TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS BENEFITED

Till end of March 2017, Baliyo Ghar program has conducted 36 Mason Training of ToT in Kathmandu, Dolakha, Nuwakot and Dhading.

Trainings were organized to acquaint technical professionals with skills regarding safer construction and also the tools and techniques to disseminate the knowledge to working masons.

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Masons building demonstration model house at 18th Mason Training at Japhe Dolakha

Social Mobilisers on Reconstruction process in Dolakha (Photo: BaliyoGhar/NSET)

47223 PERSONS BENEFITED VIA 17707 COMMUNITY ORIENTATIONS

In order to make the house-owners aware on the need of earthquake resistant construction house to house awareness campaign was launched and 6091 community orientations were done in this period.

Orienting About Earthquake and Its Preparedness in Mahakali VDC, Nuwakot (Photo: BaliyoGhar/NSET)

194 SOCIAL MOBILIZERS TRAINED FOR EFFECTIVE SOCIAL MOBILIZATION

To enhance the skill of existing social mobilizers to further train other social mobilizers on community facilitation for safer reconstruction 6 trainings for social mobilizers conducted in program

districts. The objective of the training has been to equip social mobilizers with technical and social information so as to motivate and facilitate people to choose safer construction practices.

A mobile team consisting a technical officer and a social mobilizer were deployed to guide the community people on the proper construction techniques, choice of building typologies, materials to make their house earthquake resilient.

Through the orientations 11960 persons have been benefitted in acquiring information on earthquake itself, safety and preparedness, earthquake resistant elements in housing reconstruction government process in distributing grants in tranche and reconstruction in all. n

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PERSONALITY

A VISION OF A VITAL AND VIBRANT KATHMANDU: AR. KISHORE THAPA A NOTABLE FIGURE IN THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE AND BUREAUCRACY IN NEPAL, AR. KISHORE THAPA IS KNOWN FOR HIS IMMACULATE CHARACTER AND MULTIFACETED PROFICIENCIES. SERVING NEPAL FOR ALMOST 32 YEARS (19832014) IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE FORMER SECRETARY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF NEPAL HAS HAD A SUCCESSFUL TENURE AS THE SECRETARY OF MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CIVIL AVIATION, ELECTION COMMISSION AND WATER AND ENERGY COMMISSION. MOREOVER, HE WAS THE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT OF SOCIETY OF NEPALESE ARCHITECTS (SONA) FROM 2014 TO 2016.

Ar. Kishore Thapa has been regarded as one of the front runners in the arena of academics ever since he secured the Board First title in the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) Examination in 2031 BS. As a Humphrey Fellow, he studied urban redevelopment and affordable housing in Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University in the United States. Through several training sessions over the years, he has developed an expertise in a myriad of sectors including project management, conflict resolution, disaster management, housing and urban development. He has played a major role in the development of Nepal demonstrated through formulation of Twenty Year Hydro-power Development Plan (2010-2030), planning of Outer Ring Road Project in Kathmandu.

Q. AS AN ARCHITECT, HOW DO YOU SEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN PLANNING IN NEPAL?

Essentially, urban planning in Nepal is a misnomer as it is a subject discussed generally among architects and planners but not at the community level. Therefore, the general public is not being able to comprehend the advantages of a planned settlement and the disadvantages of an urban sprawl and spontaneous development. As a result, the entire urban development in our country is more or less spontaneous and unplanned. In the developed countries across the world, including

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our neighboring countries India and China, all the urban settlements are firstly planned and then developed.

However, in the name of democracy in our country we have not followed even the minimum urban planning norms and standards in the last 25 years.

Because of the absence of guidelines or restrictions, any person could build any type of building one desires., Not a single person is taking the responsibility for the unplanned growth prevalent for last two decades as the elected representatives were not available in the local bodies like municipalities and VDCs. Therefore, I have come to a realization that urban planning has not yet reached the general people.

Q. YOU HAVE SERVED IN NEPAL GOVERNMENT FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES. HOW DO YOU RECALL THE PERIOD OF YOUR SERVICE AND THE MOST SATISFYING PLANNING THAT WAS EXECUTED UNDER YOUR TENURE?

During my 32 years in civil service, I spent almost 10 years in building design and construction. One of the most important projects that I was involved in, was the design and construction of the terminal building of TIA, where I worked alongside Canadian architects and engineers. Even today, it is one of the most iconic buildings in Nepal, as it gives the first and last impression of our country. As the capacity of the

building was only for duration of ten years, we had hoped that it would only remain as a terminal building for so and a new one would be built eventually which unfortunately hasn’t. Hence, the building that we designed in the late 80s is still serving the people in 2017 in spite of crossing its capacity many times more.

One of the most satisfying moments as an urban planner or the project manager of Kathmandu Urban Development Project is the development of the Nayabazar Land Pooling Project. We had chosen that particular area which is near Thamel, because of its close proximity to the city centre; and despite being an agricultural land, we planned to develop a small townscape it now is. When you observe the area today, there are completely developed and planned settlements.

Q. HOW DO YOU SEE THE GORKHA EARTHQUAKE IN APRIL 2015 AND HOW CAN THE NATION BE PREPARED FOR THE SAFETY OF ITS CITIZENFOR A SIMILAR SEISMIC ACTIVITY IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

A disaster preparedness plan at the household level is of utmost importance. We should have a definite plan that can be implemented when the earthquake strikes. At the household level, a guideline to be followed should be drafted enabling us to prepare

PERSONALITY and act accordingly at the time of the disaster. A disaster preparedness plan is also necessary in community level indicating the evacuation and measures and the facilities that should be available in the assembly area when the disaster strikes. The role of each and every household and the community leaders during the disaster, management of food, medicine, temporary shelter and communication should be developed at the community level. Even if our house is safe but the community is not resilient, we cannot survive on our own.

The preparation has to take place both at the household and the community level too. At some point, we will require the help of our community as well as take a shelter in a public space.

Q. AS AN IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT, HOW IS SONA CONTRIBUTING IN THE DECISION LEVEL OF URBAN PLANNING? WHAT IS THE CURRENT SCENARIO OF ARCHITECTS IN NEPAL?

SONA has been assisting the government and local agencies in

the formulation of the building by laws as well as our architects in the implementation of the building codes.

Similarly, we have been organizing trainings and orientation programs to advocate for safer building construction practices and a more contemporary architecture that suits to our country.

We have been taking these initiatives as our organization focuses more on architecture and building design rather than urban planning; besides there are other professional bodies associated with urban planning.

In the present context, more and more architects are taking over the job of building design and construction, it was mostly dominated by civil engineers in the earlier times. We have reached a situation, where people are searching for architects rather than civil engineers to design their buildings, particularly in the urban areas. The architect’s meticulous design capability is being reflected in our buildings especially in urban areas.

We rarely see private houses in the rural areas that are designed by the architects,

but we find beautifully designed resorts, hotels, schools and hospitals there.

Q. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR A BETTER NEPAL?

For many years, we have been complaining that the mayor does not understand our problems, the building by laws, cumbersome process at municipality seems harassing. This is because we elected an individual lacking the understanding of architecture and planning and its importance as the mayor or ward chairman. I have ventured in the position of mayor because I believe that I can handle the municipality in a much better way than the conventional politicians. I attempt to revitalize our Malla era historic core city of Kathmandu, which are of extensive touristic and artistic value. I distinctively recognize the importance of several neighborhoods developed in the last two to three decades in Kathmandu, and how it can be made more resilient from a disaster point of view as well as vital and vibrant in terms of social norms and values. n

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THE Power OF Color IN ARCHITECTURE

“Color in certain places has the greatest value of making the outlines and structural planes seem more energetic�

- Antoni GaudĂ­, Spanish Architect

Strengthening the interior and exterior design

TEXT : Ar. Kritika Rana

An integral element of architecture, colors serve a more functional purpose transcending purely ornamental value. From interiors to exteriors, architects have been using an infinite array of colors to complete and finally showcase their masterpieces. Although colors are seldom appreciated in architectural marvels, a lot of thought is put into the selection of the right set of hues that make the entire design to stand out.

When we think of colors in architecture, we are instantly reminded of the vivid array of hues in our interior space.

The color scheme engulfing the walls, floor, ceiling as well as furniture and accessories transform the entire space. Colors play a crucial role in how we perceive a space, therefore colors are used meticulously to set an emotional tone. Moreover, colors influence our emotions and mood, thus shaping our behavior on a daily basis.

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Although colors are given less importance in the exterior facades, natural colors allow the building to harmonize with the natural landscape.

It is essential to think outside the box and go beyond the customary neutral palette of white, gray and brown.

Along with its mood- altering effects, colors can also be used to define the characteristics of a structure.

The rich and diverse color of the materials in a building differentiates it from an artificial single colored clay model. Furthermore, colors evidently express the essence of each of the construction materials from deep red tile roof and reddish brick walls to brown wooden doors and windows.

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HISTORY OF COLOR IN ARCHITECTURE The history of color in architecture is marked by the primitive men using colors to paint intricate artwork in their earliest form of dwellings- caves.

Natural dyes were extracted from the available organic and mineral resources ranging from plants- fruits, flowers and leaves to animals and mineral pigments. Through generations and across civilizations, colors evolved to signify symbolic characteristics as well as to beautify the abodes. As a result of the industrial revolution, a major development in the sector of color was seen. Artificial dyes were produced in large scales, thus amplifying the scope of color application in visual arts, paintings, sculpture and most importantly architecture.

Colors have been a vital element of many civilizations across the world, their architecture demonstrating a live example. The houses in the Mesopotamian and Assyrian civilizations were crafted with sun-dried bricks, whitewashed on the exteriors while painted with rich colors on the interiors. Ziggurat, an architecture marvel of the ancient Mesopotamia were massive structures built in brick.

It features a terraced step pyramid with either four or seven differently colored steps, each symbolizing a defied star. On the other hand, Egyptians employed colors in their interiors, especially coloring their statues to represent the respective deities. The Greeks are said to have used vivid hues in all forms of architecture from houses to temples.

ZIGGURAT OF THE MESOPOTAMIAN CIVILIZATION

Official statements of color can be found in the treatise of Vitruvius on architecture called “Ten Books of Architecture”. Vitruvius is famous for his assertion that a structure should exhibit three qualities of firmitas (durability), utilitas (convenience) and venustas (beauty). Book VII is dedicated to “polished finishings and the methods of giving them both beauty and durability”. Vitruvius believed that natural as well as artificial colors are in a close relation with the finishing of the surface it is

THE MOSAICS OF BYZANTINE PERIOD IN HAGIA SOPHIA

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applied on. According to him, the decoration represents one of the “appropriate principles that should govern the construction of all types of buildings” (Vitruvius, 1914), where the principle refers to venustas or beauty.

In the Byzantine period which is the continuation of the Roman Empire, a significant development was observed in the use of color in architecture. As opposed to the red brick and white stone facade previously dominant, new and special treatment of construction materials and facades came to practice.

Mosaics were central to the Byzantine culture; colored pieces of glass intricately formed the artwork. The intensity of light on the mosaics and color harmony were the chief concerns during this period. The beginning of the Middle Ages and the Roman civilization brought a major shift in the use of color in architecture limited to interiors, yet expressed in detailing.

As a result, colors began to vanish completely from the exterior facades in the Renaissance and the Baroque architecture. The twentieth century can be considered as a “dark age” in the field of color in architecture. The vibrant medley of colors became extinct from both the interiors and exteriors replaced by “white”, the governing color of modern architecture.

The postmodernism period brought a revival of color in architecture both as an aesthetic and a functional component. Colors developed as an architectural element, used cautiously to distinguish and emphasize the volumetric composition and clarity in depiction of space. Furthermore, the physical attributes of colors- temperature and intensity and the psychological effects associated were also taken into consideration. A powerful design tool, colors were used not only to draw attention but convey emotions via the medium of architecture.

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COLOR IN PERCEPTION

Each color of the visible spectrum has a unique physical attribute that can be used to our advantage. These traits of color not only define the ambience of the space but establish and reinforce spatial relations. This is where a well-defined color scheme with the right amount of contrasting and complementing hues comes to play. In the exterior, a color scheme makes it easier to recognize the proportion of the building; whereas in the interior it knits the entire space together.

The attributes of warm and cool colors are often employed to manipulate the perception of space to create a lesser or greater degree of intimacy. Cool and light colors such as blue and green recede from the eye, so they either form a background or make an architectural element appear distant.

In interior spaces, we can transform a small room into a more spacious one simply by painting in a cool color. Similarly, a light shade of blue on the ceiling or roof instantly creates an illusion of increased height- a higher room or building.

On the other hand, warm and dark colors such as red and orange advance towards the eye, thus they frequently function as highlights to draw attention to architectural elements both inside and outside the building. Moreover, painting a large room in a warm color can instill a hint of elegance and sophistication in a visually cozy and a close-knit space.

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ACCENTUATING THE LEVEL DIFFERENCES WITHIN AN INTERIOR

FALLING WATER BY FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT

IMPACT OF COLOR ON DESIGN

The major aspect of using colors in architecture is the choice of primary construction materials while designing a building. The color of these materials along with its texture play a major role in developing a characteristic design or style. For instance, making a trivial decision such as opting for off-white or warmer tone of concrete instead of a cold grey tone can make a huge difference in the design. After a careful consideration of the impact these choice have on the overall design, a designer may choose a brown shade of brick as opposed to a deep red one. Therefore, the selection of construction and miscellaneous materials for the building such as stone, brick, concrete and wood can be made as per the color and texture demand of the architectural design.

The primary use of paint in a building is to create a unity or harmony between the various colored materials used throughout. Moreover, the attributes of the surface materials used in a building contribute to the impression of hardness or softness as well as the heaviness or lightness. For instance, contemplating the “Falling Water� by Frank Lloyd Wright, the light colored smooth surface of the horizontal balconies appear to be much lighter than the dark colored rough stone surface of the vertical elements.

THE WOODEN ROOF MEMBERS PAINTED WHITE TO CONCEAL WITHIN THE WHITE BACKGROUND OF THE CEILING On the other hand, there are infinite possibilities of incorporating colors to strengthen an architectural design.

A finishing element of architecture, colors can either accentuate or mask architectural features both in the interior and exterior. Colors serve the same purpose in architecture as a painting on a large canvas. Designers habitually camouflage the structural elements in background colors while highlighting the key design components with bold colors.

but enhance its functionality. Colors help us to evidently recognize the entire space from its dimensions to scale. This is why a contrasting color scheme surpasses a monochromatic scheme in the eyes of a designer. For instance, if there are level differences within the space, the raised surfaces should be made prominent to prevent any mishaps. This can be achieved by either highlighting the depth to indicate a height or painting the raised surfaces in a contrasting tone.

Similarly, in the interiors, colors can not only define the purpose of the room

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EXAMPLES OF COLOR APPLICATION IN ARCHITECTURE

Color association also plays a major role in our experience of colors and architecture as a whole. For example, when we think of a bathroom and a living room, we naturally picturize a cool blue bathroom and warm red living room. This is because of the association of blue with water running in the bathroom and red with fire burning in the fireplace of the living room. Moreover, red is also associated with bricks as well as roof shingles which may have a deeper interpretation.

Colorful Architecture of Scandinavian Towns: The key feature of the Scandinavian towns is the residences painted in the diverse range of colors- mostly red and yellow, although they adopt the same style of design. This is because, wood has been their traditional building

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which is coated with paint for durability. Before the industrial paints, as an alternative, the pigments were originated from the earth resulting in deep sienna red (punamulta, red earth) and ochre yellow (keltamulta, yellow earth).

A massive brick wall was an expensive form of construction adopted either in public buildings or the homes of the affluent which were later plastered for a smooth finish. It is believed that most Scandinavians painted the exterior façade of their wooden homes with deep red that begun as an imitation of these majestic red-brick manors. In order to visually distinguish the manors, more exclusive pigments were adopted to bear a resemblance to the marbles, travertines and limestones of Southern and Central European facade architecture. As the pigments became cheaper in the 19th century, residences were painted in light colors such as light yellow in the latter times also as a mimic of the more prominent stone and stucco houses. The technical requirement as well as the constraint of social status resulted in the colorful residences of the Scandinavian towns.

Color Application in Antoni Gaudi’s Works: We cannot talk about the dominant use of color in architecture without mentioning Antoni Gaudi who is regarded as one

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EL CAPRICHO AND CASA VICENS BY ANTONI GAUDI

of the most important architects of the twentieth century.

Color, light and volumetric are the distinguishing attributes of the unique style that he developed with a blend of elements from Gothic Art and Art Nouveau, known as modernismo in Catalonia. Starting from his earliest works in the late nineteenth century such as El Capricho or Casa Vicens, a thought-provoking chromatic treatment was evident that developed into the highest form of expression in the later years. Diverse materials were used functionally as a treatment along with the splashes of colorful materials placed strategically to transform the visual presence of the building as a whole. In order to provide a pattern of a chessboard in El Capricho and Casa Vicens, colorful tiles were combined amidst the brick and stone.

Casa Batllรณ is one of the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, where he showcases the flow of shapes, patterns and colors. For his architectural marvel, Gaudi was able to reach the highest form of creativity especially in terms of color, probably because of the support from Josep Battlo. Casa Batllรณ was conceived not as a conventional form but to uncover a dream-like fantasy world. Boundless imagination and symbolism are concealed within the exceptional chromaticism of vibrant multicolored faรงade. The governing green and blue hues throughout the architecture represent

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the sea surface while the projecting curves of the balconies and window frames depict the foam formations of the sea. The same effect of crystal water is highlighted when the sunlight hit the ample of ceramic discs and trencadís glass coating the fascia. Moreover, the central part of the façade evokes a pond with water lilies, a reminiscence of the French painter Claude Monet’s Nymphéas with the calm ripples and reflections generated by the glass and ceramic mosaic.

On the other hand, the roof itself has been crafted with a careful consideration of the flow of the sea, representing the fish scales often seen on the surface of the sea. The diverse color choice of the prominent roof achieved with pink and teal ceramics bear a close resemblance to a dragon’s back. As for the interior part of the roof, a contrasting warmer tone to the former such as white, yellow, orange are used graciously. As for the closing of the roof, a demonstration of backbone of a dragon is induced with an assortment of green and blue ceramic tiles combined with orange and red cylindrical sections.

Antoni Gaudi is highly appreciated in architecture for his abundant knowledge of construction techniques and mostly for his successful endeavor in delivering powerful messages through the functional use of light and color. Moreover, Gaudi overcomes the challenge of using a vibrant medley of colors in architecture to appear amusing rather than harsh. Trencadís, a type of mosaic created from broken tile shards seen mostly in Catalan modernism are used abundantly in the facade as well as the roof. The color of spring, Gaudi chose green to signify the revival of nature after the harsh winter that brings along soothing and reassuring emotions as well.

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As we enter the house, which is in fact a depiction of a sea, we can observe Antoni Gaudi’s characteristic use of light and color. Alluring chromatic treatment can be witnessed in the courtyards, where the flattened and embossed vibrant ceramic pieces vary in the tone and intensity as well. As you rise from the ground to the top, the hue of the ceramics transform gradually from light tone of white to a darker cobalt blue achieving the harmony of a sea. Similarly, the abundant use of colors in the interiors can be perceived in the soft pearl-gray walls that balance the effect of trencadís that run through engulfing the columns and ceilings of the house.

Color as a driving factor for architecture can be observed not only in the earlier works or during the successful phase of Gaudi, but also in his unfinished projects in the latter stage.

For instance, in Sagrada Familia, the diverse application of color can be seen in the interior in the form of stained glass and in the exteriors with the placement of colored markers amidst the stone of the towers. Therefore, Gaudi believed that the application of appropriate- colored materials are as important as the usage of colors in a painting. n

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PROPERTY EXPO 2017 “Property Expo - 2017”, organized by Nepal Land and Housing Developers’ Association (NLHDA) was held from 25th Chaitra to 28th Chaitra, 2073 (7th April – 10th April, 2017) at the Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Ground in Kathmandu. Featuring 120 National and International stalls on the same platform, this exhibition provided a glimpse of the current scenario of realestate business throughout the country.

The event brought a wide variety of businesses together from housing companies, real estate companies, land developers, engineering and architecture consultants, construction material/ equipment companies, interior designers, furniture and furnishing material traders to banks, insurance companies, automobile and other related businesses.

The purpose of the property expo was to establish a meeting point for real-estate, land and housing developers and their potential customers in a common platform. The exhibitors showcased their products along with firsthand information to provide a set of options, so that the potential buyers can make the right selection to suit their needs.

Moreover, the volume of on-the-spot transaction of housing units, residential plots and various products allowed for a better visibility of the participating companies. The organizers therefore believe that considering the current trend of the land and housing business in Nepal, Property Expo-2017 will help give new momentum.

The representing companies presented visual display of earthquake resistant

housing and apartment designs in the form of plans, models as well as mock-up units. Diverse construction materials and technology for an earthquake resilient structure such as compressed interlocking bricks and prefab panels among others were displayed. Furthermore, the exhibition housed a wide range of products ranging from electronic apparatus, sanitary fittings, furniture, fitness equipment, building materials- steel, tiles, laminates, plywood, paint to varied interior installments for bathroom and kitchen.

The major attraction of the expo was the advanced technology of VR (virtual reality) that allowed the visitors to visually explore the housing units in 3 dimensions. The display of a number of heavy construction equipment for an effective construction such as the truck mounted ready mix concrete pump were some of the highlights of the exhibition.

With a turnout of almost 100,000, the larger portion of the visitors of the expo were the general public comprising of all age groups and from diverse professions including students. Most visitors were either looking for a new home from the selection of housing units available or were interested in the purchase of products and appliances to redecorate and refurbish their homes. Whereas, some visitors stepped onto the expo to gain information on the cutting-edge products available and advances in the present-day real-estate market.

INAUGURATION CEREMONY

The first day of the event was marked by the President of Nepal, Ms. Bidhya Devi

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Bhandari inaugurating the ‘Property Expo-2017’ on Friday, April 7. The former Prime Minister, Mr. K. P. Sharma Oli, Minister for Industry of Nepal, Mr. Nabin Raj Joshi, Mr. Pashupati Murarka, President of FNCCI, Mr. Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, President of NCC and Er. Shiva Hari Sharma, Director of DUDBC were the distinguished guests at the Inauguration Ceremony.

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari underscored the need to provide housing for everyone, stating “The right to a habitat for all citizens of Nepal has already been provisioned by our Constitution; however, we have failed to provide a home for all”. Emphasizing the utilization of local raw materials to reflect the local tradition, she said “Considering the increasing number of homeless citizens because of the earthquake and the decline in their income, locally available sources and medium should be utilized while constructing houses and physical infrastructure”.

Former prime minister KP Sharma Oli stated that as many countries have begun to build smart and green cities, the property developers should also try to minimize the pressure on the

environment. Stating the fact that the United Nations (UN) has urged to provide every citizen with an access to a healthy residence by 2030.

Ichchha Raj Tamang, the president of Nepal Land and Housing Developers’ Association (NLHDA), asserted that attractive schemes have been launched by the property developers in order to make apartments and housing units accessible to general public. Focusing on the major issue in the real-estate, he added “The property developers play a major role in contributing to the revenue of the country, nonetheless because of the limitations in the rules by the government, selling the apartments has been a challenge. I would suggest the government to consider the legalization of the provision of transaction of apartments.”

The four-day Property Expo concluded on April 10 with the first ‘Housing Summit 2017-Nepal’ hosted by the expo with support from Institute of Engineering in Hotel Yak and Yeti with the theme ‘Building Resilient and Inclusive Communities’ to discuss and address the contemporary issues.

The 6th Jagdamba Steel Property Expo-2017 is managed by SYNTHESIS Exhibition and Events P. Ltd. The platinum sponsor for this exhibition is Sarbottam Cement Pvt. Ltd., Berger(J&N) Nepal Pvt Ltd. is the paint partner, Nepal Investment Bank Ltd. is the banking partner, International Green Developers Nepal Pvt. Ltd. is the prefab partner, Rich Interior is the interior partner,Worldlink is internet partner, SPACES and Home Land are the magazine partners and propertytoday. com is the online partner. Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) and Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) are the special patrons; and Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA), Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA), Society of Consulting Architectural and Engineering Firm (SCAEF), Regional & Urban Planners Society of Nepal (RUPSON) and UNHABITAT are the technical partners.The event is supported by Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce & Industries (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI). n

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EXPERT VIEWS- ORGANIZERS

Honorable Er. Ichchha Raj Tamang President of Nepal Land and Housing Developers Association (NLHDA)

Q. WHAT IS THE MAIN GOAL OF “PROPERTY EXPO NEPAL 2017”?

Until the fifth episode, the property expo was held every year. However, because of the earthquake two years back, we could not organize the property expo in the last two years. This year, the expo was held after three years duration.

Our major goal for the property expo was to showcase the changes in the construction site after earthquake, especially for housings and apartments.

Moreover, we wanted to compare our position before and after the earthquake.

Despite the coverage in various media, diverse perspectives of government authorities and the entrepreneurs defending their projects in their own way, the reality and fact is still unknown.

In the expo, we mostly wanted the public to visit in order to gain information and they could make a purchase once got entirely satisfied after a detailed understanding. A face-to-face conversation with the public explaining them about the reality, and a communication of the same message was the primary goal of the expo. In order to check whether we are right and carry this out in an authentic way, we organized the first Housing Summit in Nepal jointly with the expo.

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THE HOUSING BUSINESS IN NEPAL?

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In the present context, technical challenges in design, construction and quality after the earthquake are the major challenge. This includes the requirement of design and shape of the building that would make it stable during earthquake. Although the structure is sound, if the shape is not right during the vibration, more damages are seen.

Therefore, ‘box’ design is stable during the mass-movement of earthquake, which is also a clear message delivered by the earthquake. For that reason, we should be aware of the design and shape of both high and low rise buildings, either 2-3 or 20-25 storey. Furthermore, the quality of construction technology, design parameters and materials used should be considered the most.

We can certainly develop an earthquake resistant building and deliver a good quality product. But to make it affordable for the general public at the same time is the second challenge. The internal migration rate is high, as people are moving from the villages to the developed and developing cities within Nepal for diverse opportunities such as education, medical and transportation. Similarly, as a result of the high earning through foreign jobs, more and more people are settling in city areas, which is also good for the development. The limited land is getting scarcer as the population is increasing and with the income generated, people are investing in properties.

The definition of property in Nepal’s context is land, house, god-silver and automobile.

As for the other developed countries, property represents academic qualification and extraordinary abilities such as dance, singing, acting,

business analysis or other qualities as per an individual human being. Rather than physical assets, they take these qualities in the form of assets. However, people acquire physical assets as per their capability in order to take care of their children and future generations.

In other countries, there is a system of facilitating the first-home buyer citizen with a home loan of 2-3% by the government depending on his monthly income; whereas the industry or business loan is 7-8%. In Nepal, however, we do not have a system as such, but an opposite one. As the interest rate for home loan is higher than of business loan, it is not affordable. Therefore, affordability for the apartments and housing is a major challenge.

The third challenge is that, there is a large number of people who are not necessarily the professional developers, buying a large chunk of land and plotting as per their wish that results in a haphazard planning which is not in accordance with the norms.

Because of the haphazard planning, if natural disasters are to occur in the future, we will have problems in creating pathway for ambulances, planning for rescue mechanism, management of transportation and traffic jams, and finding open spaces. This was evident in the earthquake, as tents had to be built in the streets because of the lack of open spaces; whereas, in the planned projects by the developers, 3-5% open spaces had been allocated as per the norms.

The fourth challenge is the unavailability of a good land for the development of new cities. The private sectors are

required to buy a land, while the government can plan housings in their own land, which they can distribute to the 10% Nepalese population comprising of the homeless and poor. However, for the remaining 90% non-homeless Nepali, the condition is such that because of the unavailability of land, people become homeless. It is very difficult for the private developers or planners to find any land because of the limitation of 17% and as there is no land available for private ownership in the city areas.

There are two concepts of ownership in the world- free hold and lease hold property, which has not been applied in Nepal yet. If the ownership certificate is registered on an individual, it is known as free hold property. Whereas, if the ownership certificate in registered on the government or state, and there is a good city developed in the land, you can buy an apartment or a house as a lease-holder. In this system, the government develops a city and gives it to the public on lease for 99 years. Both the buyers and developers, who buy a property can transfer the lease. This makes it easy for the government to receive it back as per the requirement, by providing a compensation for just the construction cost.

In lease hold property, one has to pay a minimum amount only for the cost of construction and a certain amount of lease for 99 years, payable as a tax to the government. For a 4-anna land house currently costing 2 crore, it could be available for 1 crore. Moreover, if you go farther in terms of location, it would be available for 5-10 lakh. Therefore, as this is the best way to make a property affordable, such a system, policy, guideline and act should be given utmost priority in

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Nepal, as highlighted in the Housing Summit.

The fifth challenge is the internal migration process whereby the people shift within residences- apartment, flats and housing of a city for the urban development.

In a scattered form of living, people seldom care about their neighbors and relatives are the only close ones. In the very near future, if we cannot develop the concept of lease hold and free hold property, there will be a burst because the people will not be able to afford the land price.

Furthermore, all the land will become fragmented and the agricultural land will become extinct. To prevent this disaster from taking place, we need to adopt the concept very soon.

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF ORGANIZING A HOUSING EXHIBITION IN NEPAL? WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? The main challenge of the expo was the venue itself, which was not appropriate for an expo. We have seen 10km long expos exhibiting a single sector- electrical, water supply sanitation or furniture, organized with the ownership of the state and venues are provided accordingly. However in Nepal, we could not develop an expo of that level because of the lack of a proper venue as such. Because of the large flow of viewers, visitors and buyers that we had at the same time, we could not cater to them individually and the space itself was congested.

People experienced issues with the air-circulation, bathroom facilities, drinking water, parking, dirt and dust, improper entry and exit and the lack of air-conditioning; still we were compelled to conduct an expo in a condition as such.

Because of the unavailability of a proper venue, we couldn’t encourage the exhibitors as it was a state of compromise.

If we had received the entire venue of Bhrikuti Mandap for the expo, we could have developed a detailed individual stall for exhibitors, as we have already have the products and designs to display.

However, the size, location and facilities of the venue are not satisfactory.

For this old venue, it would have been possible to develop a small street market, but definitely not an expo.

Q. WHAT NEW TYPES OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS IN NEPAL? HOW DO YOU THINK HAS THE FINANCIAL POLICIES AFFECTED THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS IN GENERAL? In terms of structural designs and quality from the foundation to structure, government norms have been established by the Ministry of Urban Development.

As for now, it is necessary to consider developing a ‘beautiful Kathmandu city’, with regards to the area allocated for high-rise buildings and group housing as well as its appearance, design and architecture. The new norms should focus on the appearance to achieve uniformity in design and color, while the interior design may be as per the taste.

The financial policies directly affect and influence the real estate. In context of Nepal, the policy makers are not fully experienced or visionary leaders. When we think of leaders, only political leaders come to our mind, which is a wrong concept. We believe that the leaders of the world are the frontrunners of development, business, economic and finance sector as well as the

social aspects. The people in the best leader category may even be an artist or a journalist.

Q. WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR NEXT YEAR’S PROPERTY EXPO? For next year’s expo along with the second housing summit, we have almost finalized the dates and will do so within the week.

We will also publish a journal regarding the conclusion of this year’s summit. In the next expo, we have visualized that we will focus on the enhancement and improvement of housing construction technology.

Along with technology advancement, to deliver in a short time at a low price by reducing the cost of human resource and labor, minimizing the duration of construction time, providing low percentage of bank financing loan and all the related issues will be addressed in the technology based expo. We will be working out timely for the next expo and international developers will also be invited so that there will be not only national but international level representation. The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), with headquarter in Paris, conducts housing conference and summit every year and Nepal is also a part of the Asia Pacific Chapter. They could not be here this year because of the limitation in time, however, they are looking forward to attend the summit as well as the expo next year. This will provide an opportunity for the Nepali developers to be a part of an international class expotechnology, product and facility wise for an easy comparison.

Q. AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE MANY POLICIES HAVE BEEN MADE. TO WHAT EXTENT ARE THEY BEING IMPLEMENTED? As a sincere developer, I believe that ultimately no one

can challenge the nature. If we do not stay true to the norms, government authorities may remain silent probably because of corruption but the earthquake will not.

Therefore, each and every developer should develop the quality of construction and design as required for the earthquake and in fact superior than the norms provided by the government for a safe structure; and we are already there because we cannot afford to take a risk. For our structures- apartment or any other building, we didn’t face any problems not even a single claim or any human casualty, which is great.

As a developer, we have been rising above the government norms and values, developing our design, structure and construction as there is no room for compromise. We did so in the past, are doing in the present and will be doing more in the future. n

Bipin Chitrakar

Co-ordinator, Expo Committee

WHAT IS THE MAIN GOAL OF “PROPERTY EXPO NEPAL 2017”? WHO ARE THE MAIN TARGET GROUP FOR THIS EXPO? WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTED TURNOUT THIS YEAR? The main goal of the Property Expo is to create awareness among the people considering purchasing a property as well as those who want to either build or are in the process of constructing their own houses.

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The purpose of the association is to display the properties that are in the developing stage as well as those that are already developed. We further wanted to transparently expose the technologies and the materials used along with their prices in the expo, so that the people can conveniently compare the prices of the available properties with the properties they would like to construct by themselves.

Our main target groups are the people who want to purchase the developer- built properties and also those who either want to build or are constructing by themselves. Especially the people who are in the process of constructing a building will definitely find a good variety of materials along with their price in the expo. After the earthquake, the Nepal government has recommended new materials and technologies which were displayed in the expo; along with providing a platform to find solutions to the technical queries that have arisen. We are expecting about 100,000 visitors in the property expo this year.

HOW IS THIS YEAR’S PROPERTY EXPO DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS? HOW BENEFICIAL IS THE PROPERTY EXPO FOR BOTH THE PARTICIPATING EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS? This year’s property expo is different because it is the first expo jointly organized by the government as well as the private sectors.

Nepal Land and Housing Development Association (NLHDA), Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) and Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) jointly organized the property expo, so that the public-private partnership is stronger and we will be able to fulfill the government goal which will

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simplify the complicated process of the government norms and standards that can be a fairly confusing nowadays.

The idea of the property expo is not limited to buy and sell, we were expecting quality visitors who would like to know more about the properties displayed in the respective stalls. The customers are presented with quality materials in a good price including the new materials introduced in the market and the finished and planned projects in a single platform.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF ORGANIZING A HOUSING EXHIBITION IN NEPAL? DO YOU THINK THIS EXPO WAS AS PER YOUR EXPECTATIONS? WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? This is my first experience of organizing a housing exhibition. However as a professional, we participated in the previous expos as an exhibitor. There were a number of challenges from the very beginning, to design and build the stalls and mostly to convince the exhibitors to participate. Because of the Buildcon expo that took place recently, the participants of the former expo were hesitant to participate in the property expo.

The subsequent challenges were to manage the stalls, facilitate the exhibitors as per their expectations, make the exhibition comfortable for the visitors and run the whole exhibition smoothly.

I had a clear vision of how the property expo should have been. In last year’s expo, we were the exhibitors as well as the organizers, but there were other companies managing the event for us. We received a number of comments and complaints and most of the people involved were not

entirely satisfied. We decided to manage the entire event on our own in order to make less room for complaints this year, none of the participating bodies complained so far.

The space and the hall itself were very limited in previous exhibitions as there were around 100 to 120 stalls constructed. This year, we planned for only 50 stalls and the passage for thoroughfare was 4m wide, so that it is comfortable for the visitors to observe the stalls as well as walk through conveniently.

We’re planning to discuss with the government that if there is an availability of a decent space on long term lease, we could help build a good exhibition space.

The materials used for the exhibition and almost 50% of the people constructing the stalls are from our neighboring country India, the main issue is that the quality is not satisfactory.

ARE THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT POLICIES EFFECTIVE FOR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS? WHAT NEW TYPES OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS IN NEPAL? All the government policies affect the real-estate market, positively or negatively depending on their advocacies.

After the earthquake, the government also realized that the builders and developers made buildings and structures are safer than the individually built one. A team comprising of government engineers along with the members of NLHDA, NEA, SONA, SCAEF and other related individuals visited the high-rise properties. Few damages were observed on the lower levels specifically on the walls and other parts of the building such as the partition walls and the windows.

In other parts of the world, land is facilitated by the government on a long term lease for the developer. As there is a substantial decrease in the load of land on the building, the price of the property will automatically become cheaper.

Therefore, the government should facilitate land availability, so that everyone can afford a shelter especially the marginal people and the low income group.

Q. HOW DO YOU THINK HAS THE FINANCIAL POLICIES AFFECTED THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS IN GENERAL? HOW IS “PROPERTY EXPO NEPAL 2017” BENEFICIAL FOR NLHDA? The Nepal Rastra Bank policies directly affect the real-estate market. When the central bank declared a ban on real estate investments about seven or eight years ago, the real estate business totally collapsed and a lot of people including the developers suffered badly. In the meantime, the mega earthquake and Indian blockade severely affected the real estate market. It is harshly affected by the government policies, as there are a number of taxes charged repeatedly in the same property. These include tax on purchase and sale of land, VAT on construction, tax on profit among others that significantly raise the cost of the property.

Therefore, the government should understand these issues and simplify the tax structures so that the property will get affordable.

Q. AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE MANY POLICIES HAVE BEEN MADE. TO WHAT EXTENT ARE THEY BEING IMPLEMENTED? Numerous policies are made every year that are subjected to change every now and then. The most interesting fact is that the apartment is the only building which

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follows all the government norms. We have to go through seven different land agencies to finally get an approval.

The construction stage is monitored completion, structure test along with a report prepared by the consultant is required which is then checked by the department that grants the building a certificate for the livability. The main delay in the construction of apartments is

Purushottam Poudyal

Co-ordinator Financial Sub-committee

Q. WHAT IS THE MAIN GOAL OF “PROPERTY EXPO NEPAL 2017”? WHO ARE THE MAIN TARGET GROUP FOR THIS EXPO AND YOUR EXPECTED TURNOUT THIS YEAR? Basically, the theme for this year’s property expo is ‘home for all’. Earlier, the customers used to think that housing is just for the rich or higher medium class people; while the lower medium or medium class people cannot afford the houses developed by the developers. Now, we are working on providing ‘home for all’ as small as 3 bedroom houses starting from 70 lakhs up to 3 crores; so we are going broader.

We are targeting almost all types of house and home interiors buyers, whether they want to build their own homes or they want to purchase from the developers. Banks like NMB and Standard Chartered are offering finance up to 25 years.

caused by the very long and tedious process of getting an approval. We have been going to the ministries to convince them to create a single road to minimize the time period of the whole process. The minister stated that the proceeding document paper will be published before Jestha 15, so we hope that these are the positive steps of the expo to bring the policy to life.

LAST WORDS: There is no question or doubt that constructing an individual house is a tedious process, and the cost of building will be considerably higher than that of the developers. This is because the developers always get a good price for materials as they always buy in quantity.

During construction, they carefully follow and monitor the design and because of the constant supervision by the

engineer, use equipment and chemicals, the quality is better which is rather difficult for an individual house. Therefore, my suggestion would be to go through the developer made properties as per the location once you have decided to either buy or build a property, as it would be better to purchase these properties rather than build your own house. n

Q. HOW IS THIS YEAR’S PROPERTY EXPO DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE PREVIOUS YEARS? HOW BENEFICIAL IS THE PROPERTY EXPO FOR BOTH THE PARTICIPATING EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS? Previously, we used to focus on unit sales. We compared the number of units sold last year to the number of units we can or will be selling this year. We covered almost all the sectors from construction material suppliers, electrical, technology, engineering, banking, finance, fire and security. However, we are catering for sharing knowledge instead of selling units in this expo.

is getting organized. Proper organization of our contractors, fabricators and friends and coordination of everything is a difficult job.

available land in Nepal, only 17% of it is privately owned.

Due to recent development in housing projects, this available land is becoming smaller and smaller. We have been persuading the government to release few more percentages of land for mass housing, satellite city development and rental or low cost housing especially to cater to the poor people. People can then get a 2 bedroom house in roughly 2.5 or 3 million.

For the customers or home buyers, they can choose the appropriate products based on their budget and requirements.

And for the developers, the expo is similar to a long term planning, branding as well as searching for available buyers for the ready units.

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF ORGANIZING A HOUSING EXHIBITION IN NEPAL? DO YOU THINK THIS EXPO WAS AS PER YOUR EXPECTATIONS? WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? The major challenge of organizing a housing exhibition

I think we need to be able to provide more integrated information, similar to a one spot solution from booking to finance and insurance. Also, we need more participants, especially for vaastu and home-automation systems that are not covered in this expo.

Q. ARE THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT POLICIES EFFECTIVE FOR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS? WHAT NEW TYPES OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS IN NEPAL? Until now, the government policies are favorable for real estate business; and as organized developers.

Nowadays, there are rumors that the government is going for a grading system of land utilization such as agricultural and residential land. Although the policy is yet to come, we are eagerly waiting for it.

In Nepal, at the time of Late King Mahendra, land ownership certificates (Lalpurja) was provided for around 17% of the total land.

Therefore, out of the total

Q. HOW DO YOU THINK HAS THE FINANCIAL POLICIES AFFECTED THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS IN GENERAL? HOW IS “PROPERTY EXPO NEPAL 2017” BENEFICIAL FOR NLHDA? Almost all home buyers purchase under the finance, so government financial policies, the policy of central buying and attitude of the commercial banks are vital for us. Normally, the home buyers are getting up to 70% of finance. In the financing segment, the government should take other countries as reference. In India, UAE and Thailand, there are preferential rates, interest and registration for the first home buyers. There are a number of facilities for people purchasing their first homes in many countries, however in our system and regulations, the

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government considers the first as well as the fifth home buyer as the same. I think that these government policies need to be worked out.

NLHDA is an umbrella organization- an association of the developers, so this event is very important for us where we can get all our customers and developers together to interact and develop more.

Q. AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE MANY POLICIES HAVE BEEN MADE. TO WHAT EXTENT ARE THEY BEING IMPLEMENTED? After the earthquake, there were some construction

guidelines and regulations which are beneficial for us as well as the people; and we are strictly following the regulations. Especially for the high-rise buildings, the Department of Housing along with the consultants from Japan and Europe inspected almost all the apartments.

On initial investigation, they assigned yellow or red stickers to them. stickers were then assigned after the completion of these repairs, we learnt a lot during the whole process.

I must mention that all our apartment projects were structurally intact and no damages occurred during the

earthquake. The residents of the apartments are safe and still living there.

LAST WORDS: Regarding the apartments, people still have concerns and worrying factors. Due to weight of the structure, cracks in partitions were seen in the first and second floor; whereas, the movement during earthquake in the higher floors alarmed the residents. Although these can be quite scary, people should not worry about the apartments because they are structurally sound. It is very sad that more than 12,000 people lost their lives; however in the

apartments no casualties were seen. Considering this, we need your support to take this matter to convince the public that apartments are safe.

Kathmandu is a small valley and every year around 5000 to 7000 houses are constructed.

If this trend or volume remains the same for 10 more years, we will not have any land left. The government should support or provide rental housing or land on lease, at least we can go outside of the valley to Banepa or Naubise to create satellite cities. n

EXHIBITORS VIEWS

Saurav Joshi

Managing Director - Furniture Land

Q. HOW VITAL ARE HOUSING EXHIBITIONS TO GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC? WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTED TURNOVER AFTER THE EXHIBITION THIS YEAR? For us, branding is more important than sales. We provided 20% discount coupons to the visitors in the expo, so that the customers can visit our showroom and make a purchase and we are still expecting customers. We are a small business, not as big as the housing companies.

We have invested about 4-5 lakh on the event and we are expecting about 4-5 times (about 20-30 lakh) turnover only from the event.

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Q. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE CURRENT PICTURE OF HOUSING BUSINESS, AND CHALLENGES? There has been a significant improvement in the sales of different products including furniture and vehicles because of the increase in the number of customers after the earthquake.

The competition in the furniture business is very high. We have been in this business for 15 years and the main concern of Furniture Land is customer satisfaction and quality products. We personally select and bring the products from China, Thailand and India to maintain quality and provide a low price. There are almost 500 furniture companies in Nepal, most companies believe in providing low quality products in a low price.

The other challenge is that the government taxes are very high- about 54 to 58%. For the products manufactured here in Nepal, the government

provides a lot of facilities.

However, for importers like us, it is a big challenge. In the present context, because of our level and the lack of technology, we have to rely on imported furniture.

Q. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? The first few days of the expo were as per my expectations; but the last days, not so much. All the stalls opened only till 3pm, even in the first day. Although the expo management was noteworthy, other facilities and factors could also add up, such as the management of food which were not satisfactory. Overall, for Nepal, the property expo did not exceed but met my expectations as compared to the other expos. Location, parking and infrastructure are the chief components of an exhibition. It is important to understand that the customers are vital for the expo as well as the participating exhibitors. n

Binod Kr. Sethia CEO, ATC P. Ltd.

Q. HOW VITAL ARE HOUSING EXHIBITIONS TO GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC Housing exhibitions are important because it provides the common people and new property owners with fresh ideas. Therefore, for the latest products available in the market in terms of quality and technology, the visitors will have a glimpse of the various options available in the building sector. Our focus is brand building and awareness and its due result in medium to long term, so our main purpose is not the immediate sales of the products displayed in the exhibition.

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Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THE HOUSING BUSINESS IN NEPAL? The housing business is a little bit slow because of the earthquake two years back and due to the credit policy of the banks in the country.

Nikhil Tuladhar

Marketing Manager - Index Furniture

Q. HOW VITAL ARE HOUSING EXHIBITIONS TO GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC I think housing exhibitions are vital because there are so many houses coming up outside the ring road in Kathmandu Valley that people still don’t know about. Hence, the expo is a good way for people to just come and see

Pabitra Lal Chuke

Chairman Eco Green Multi Purpose (P) Ltd.

Q. HOW VITAL ARE HOUSING EXHIBITIONS TO GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC? WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTED TURNOVER AFTER THE EXHIBITION THIS YEAR? We had never been able to make people understand what

The housing sector is an opportunity for land companies as well as the builders because houses are the basic necessity for everyone and mostly because of the increasing migration rate of the city there is an upsurge in the requirement of shelter for living.

Q. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? We are pleased that we participated in the property expo this year and we will definitely participate in the future expos. A larger space

is the main criteria for a successful housing exhibition, so that more companies can participate and at the end of the day make a better turnout than in the present scenario. n

what types of housings are being developed where, to make the right choice all in the same place. Moreover, housing clients at some point become our clients as well. After they buy a house, they will definitely need furniture. Therefore, in terms of exposure for both the clients and us, housing exhibitions are very helpful.

Furniture business in Nepal is rapidly increasing, especially in terms of readymade furniture as furniture making has become a lot more difficult as well as expensive. Hence, fixed furniture is gaining a lot of momentum.

furniture.

We don’t have any expectations as such, mostly because we participated in the expo for long term branding and not for immediate sales, so it is very difficult for us to quantify.

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THE FURNITURE BUSINESS IN NEPAL?

our products actually are and why they are beneficial for future prospects. Although our products can save money, we had not been successful in conveying the same to our customers and thus installing a belief in our endeavors. By showcasing our products during the Property Expo we could share detailed information of our products aiding the visitors to understand and recognize our prospects.We are optimistic of the turnover, because of the flow of inquiries and effective conversions with our potential clients.

In the retail side, as importers of furniture there are a lot of challenges. Firstly, the taxes are very high, so it becomes a lot more expensive than it should be when we bring furniture from outside.

Secondly, it is more about knowledge. People here are more used to customize furniture which they believe is sturdier. But when you look at the world trend, everyone, at least in the retail side are moving towards ready made

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THE HOUSING BUSINESS IN NEPAL? Although the liquidity crunch in the banking sector has had a negative impact on the housing business for a while, the demand of housing will never go down. As the price is always going up, the attraction to invest in the housing sector is always sturdy as compared to other businesses.

Q. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? The crowd of visitors was good

Q. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? Because the customer response was good not because on the organizing side, I think we could still do a lot better job in terms of the venue. First of all, the venue- Bhrikutimandap itself was strainful as the cleanliness and bathroom conditions were not satisfactory. Even for the stalls, it is a challenge to make an attractive stall as the whole structure including the ceilings does not look pleasing. I think the people who own the venue need to do a lot better to improve the standard of the exhibition. n

in the property expo. However, many stalls were left vacant in both the main hall and the hanger, maybe because the quoted price was on the higher side. It would have been better if all the allocated spaces were filled in with exhibitors.

Similarly, the participating exhibitors expect all the visitors to at least pass by their booth.

The management should thus plan the flow in such a way that the crowd has a better visibility of their products. Also, the food stalls should be arranged in such a way that they suffice the crowd. n

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Rohit Shrestha

Director, Arancia Kitchen

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THE KITCHEN BUSINESS IN NEPAL? After the earthquake, there is a boom in the housing and construction business.

Nowadays people are going for new buildings, we believe that the future prospects will remain upright for at least one or two years. In the kitchen business, the main challenge for us is certainly the raw materials. Since we import our products, we face problems at the customs.

Q. HOW VITAL ARE HOUSING EXHIBITIONS TO GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC? These kinds of housing events are extremely important for our business and other businesses as well not one but every kind of business related to housing participating in the expo. We cannot talk about the actual turnover immediately, because it requires a lot of study and analyzation.

Q. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? The property expo was much better than what we had expected. The flow of the people was a lot more and we exceeded our target. The participants of the property expo were top of the class and the only issue was a slight problem in the management from the organizers’ side which could definitely have been better.

the properties coming up.

The major challenge of being in the housing business in Nepal is to educate the customers, because we regularly find people who are not aware of light weight steel. We constantly talk about earthquake- the description, hazards associated, types of structures safer for the earthquake and the best possible choices of products.

However, during the marketing, we often find people who don’t know about the right products and where they can get them.

Q. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR

Akash Agrawal

Er. Shambhu Karna

Sales and Marketing Manager Panchakanya

Q. HOW VITAL ARE HOUSING EXHIBITIONS TO GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC? Housing exhibitions are extremely important for the public because as we have seen in the other countries, exhibitions are the only programs where the people can gain knowledge of the products they are looking for.

Therefore, these events are educative and informative for the public.

We are quite excited about

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this because soon after the earthquake, we launched our Light Gauge Steel Structure, a permanent structure and earthquake resistive. Hence, we are focusing on spreading awareness so that the people can understand the purpose and the benefits of Panchakanya Light Gauge Steel Structure.

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THE HOUSING BUSINESS IN NEPAL? The housing business has lowered slightly after the earthquake because the people are still alarmed by the vertical houses that were erected in the past as opposed to the bungalows. Steel as well as other structures that are safer for earthquake along with the norms that DUDBC and government agencies have set, if adopted I believe we can gain naturally after a certain days for

Marketing Manager Bath and Room

Q. HOW VITAL ARE HOUSING EXHIBITIONS TO GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC? The key element of a housing exhibition is that all the people representing their companies or brands can directly connect with the clients. The visitors get an introduction of the product and if they would like to know more or have different queries regarding the products, they can have a one on one connection.

In an earlier setting, even when the client was introduced with a very good brand, the lack of the future context and sample products was unable to justify and thus confirm the status of those products. Therefore, I believe that a platform like this where we can showcase our products is a great opportunity to connect with the clients who have a direct exposure to the products as well.

OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? I believe that housing events should be given a priority so that everyone is educated as the main purpose of the exhibition is to share information and not limited to the sales. Therefore, I think that these programs are always beneficial and only depend on how we think of it or how we take it. The timing of the program should be considering the present context and better promotional activities are required to attract two types of visitors- the potential customers and the designers. I believe the most important factor is to educate the designers as well. n

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THE HOUSING BUSINESS IN NEPAL? There have been numerous changes after the earthquake.

People are now aware of the nature and quality of the products they would like to use for the buildings that are coming up either for their living or commercial use. After the major disaster, awareness towards ecological products has ascended significantly. I believe that the product line which we now have are more eco friendly, suitable for diverse use and positive for the clients or even for the country.

I believe that the major challenge in housing business is that most of the people are running behind the cost of the products. For the construction materials, people prefer the cheapest one without considering or taking care of the quality, strength or purpose as they rarely consider how long the cheaper one is going to last.

Q. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? I believe that we will definitely get a larger number of visitors and inquiries. We felt that clients and the visitors of the expo were very

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much interested in knowing and understanding the products and they certainly wanted a good quality product to install in their homes or for commercial purposes.

In the housing exhibition, a proper co-ordination would be required because most of the aspects were being taken care of by different individuals within the organization. n

new products, technology and information should be available at the event as expo generally means to expose something new. A wide range of options are available in the exhibitions in terms of right-wrong, price and quality.

Binod Mahat

Marketing Manager Nepa Top

Q. HOW VITAL ARE HOUSING EXHIBITIONS TO GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC? Housing exhibitions should meet the needs and expectations of the public along with providing a new exposure. We believe that

We participated in the expo to create a better visibility of our brand and to assert that NepaTop is a brand that manufactures various products related to construction. Our target is a sale of around 50% and as a result of the postearthquake reconstruction phase, condition of the market, boom in the construction material sector, we are in the

for the visitors aiming to purchasing a house from a housing company, they too know what to look forward to.

We participate in exhibitions not for the immediate sales but to create brand awareness and recognition.

Pawan Sanchiti

Marketing Manager Marvel Techno Plast

Q. HOW VITAL ARE HOUSING EXHIBITIONS TO GAIN EXPOSURE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC Housing exhibitions are vital because the visitors also comprise of those who are currently building a home. It gives them an insight into the latest products and technology that have come up in the market, so that they are able to make use of the same in their homes. Alternatively,

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THE CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS IN NEPAL? There are a large number of construction activities going on. However, the construction segment might get affected negatively with the increase in the interest rates and the same is for the changing political situation. In the longer run, the construction business should do well because a number of infrastructures are to come. The construction business should be getting better, but currently

condition of growth in spite of the liquidity crisis.

Q. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THE CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS IN NEPAL? After the 2072 earthquake, there are almost 4 to 4.5 lakh houses in the 14 districts affected by the earthquakes that are awaiting reconstruction till today. Prior to the earthquake, construction and development activities had been taking place mostly in the cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar and Chitwan. The smaller cities or the places outside the city where proper development was yet to take place are now in developing phase.

The challenge of construction or any other business is the lack of a proper environment for the smooth operation of an industry. There were problems arising due to load-shedding

that significantly increased the costing of the industry. Political instability and the uncertainty about the elections is also a challenge right now. Both the existing and new investors are hesitant to invest in not only construction but all businesses, because no one can predict what is going to happen.

Q. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? In terms of participation, there was issues with the stalls, especially the difference between the stalls inside and outside the exhibition hall. In the first few days, the visitors explored the stalls within hall and then exited without reaching the hanger. Moreover, the management was not up to the mark. As for the other aspects such as the flow of visitors, the expo was as per the expectations of all. n

the liquidity crisis seems to be getting ahead.

of putting up experience and investments.

The first challenge is that there are a number of products which look the same but with a huge price difference, and the consumers seldom understand the reason for the difference in price. When the people choose the cheaper one, they do not recognize they have used an inferior product. Secondly, in the present context, the liquidity crisis is a challenge. Thirdly, the delay in the building codes post-earthquake delayed the construction as well. Lastly, amidst the competition in the business, numerous construction materials are imported through spurious channels that probably affect the local industry. They are not able to compete in spite

Q. WHAT IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RAISE THE BAR OF HOUSING EXHIBITIONS IN NEPAL? To raise the bar of housing exhibitions, we can exhibit products from all the facets that go into making a house in order to generate awareness amongst the people about these products. We could showcase products from each and every sector; from electrical, cables, cement, rods to all types of products related to a building, which would allow the consumers to get an insight. Similarly, we could have a paper presentation, seminar or talk show featuring various aspects of a building. n

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CONSERVATION

Healing Bagmati

Revitalizing the riparian zone of the Bagmati River TEXT & Photo : Oskar Frelin & Jens Hansen Holm

I

t cannot have escaped anyone who has been to Kathmandu in the last decades that the city has slowly degraded. One of the most evident examples of this is the Bagmati River. Before the rapid urbanization in the later part of the 20th century, it was a natural river meandering across the lower fields of Kathmandu Valley, linking some of the most important temple areas. Today, Bagmati resembles an open sewage more than a sacred waterway, and in many places the city has expanded and seized the riverbanks.

The river was our starting point when we travelled to Kathmandu in the spring of 2016 to do research for our master thesis in landscape architecture at the University of Copenhagen. During

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our time in the city, we investigated the river by walking along the banks.

Through interviews with locals, we gained insight into different views on the river and the challenges it faces along with the city at large. We learned that the current, degraded state of the river is a symptom of a much larger problem, primarily a tremendous lack of urban planning. Furthermore, the unregulated urban growth has left the city with very little green public space.

The urban areas within the boundaries of the ring road have become extremely dense. Kathmandu only has 0,25m2 public space per person. Seen in the light of the WHO recommendation of a minimum of 9m2 per person, this figure is alarmingly low. The lack of green public space is conspicuous, and most of the few parks have an

This photo is overlooking the confluence area of Bishnumati and Bagmati River at Teku. It is easy to imagine how beautiful the river once was with the mountainous surroundings.

entry fee. This is something that affects the everyday life of each citizen in the city of Kathmandu. In order to address these problems, we decided to make green public spaces in Kathmandu the main focus of our thesis. Our proposal is a holistic green strategy, where the river become the arena for a green transformation, connecting the city on a metropolitan scale. With our proposal we hope to inspire policymakers and stakeholders to work towards a greener and more sustainable urban development of Kathmandu.

This article will focus on our vision and proposal. To read the full thesis with our analysis of the current status of the city, and a more elaborate version of the proposal, please go to www.healingbagmati.com.

CONSERVATION

NEPALI RIVERS, SHAPING A NATION

Everyone in the rural, undeveloped regions of Nepal moves by foot. Almost everywhere the terrain is extremely rugged and the only option is to carry your own goods or have them transported by mule. The water will always find its way through the lowest point in the landscape, and people also like to follow the least demanding path; in most cases at the bottom of the valley.

The travelling along the river by foot seems to be deeply rooted in the soul of the Nepali people. For all the people who depend on the river for their livelihood on a day-to-day basis, its water is a fundamental condition of life, and its path through the landscape leads the way. The river is a common reference point and a picturesque landmark, shaping the landscape while

making its way down the mountains.

Besides creating basic conditions for life along the banks, the rivers are very important in the Hindu and Buddhist cultures. The water is used to cleanse both body and soul, and for most Nepali people, the river remains the place where you are set to embark upon your final journey.

BAGMATI RIVER

Bagmati River, like its tributaries, originates at the top of the hills that surrounds the Kathmandu Valley on all sides. The river runs through the valley that was once the bottom of a lake, and Chobhar gorge was the place where the former lake was drained in ancient times. Many important temples, shrines, ghats and other holy places used for different cultural and ritual purposes are located along the riverbanks.

The ghats and cremation platforms at the Pashupati temples. This WHS is the most important Hindu temple complex in Nepal and many people are cremated here after they have passed away.

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The river fulfills many purposes for the local population.

As a source of water for everyday use, the river is used for washing clothes, irrigation of crops (mainly outside the urban core, where the water has a reasonable quality) and water for animals. The banks are used for grassing, playing, contemplation, resting and growing crops in urban farms. The river bank also acts as a meeting place at water posts and temples.

Bagmati River is the holiest river in Nepal and a religious symbol for both Buddhists and Hindus. Many pilgrims used to travel to the Temples of the Bagmati River, visiting them one by one and taking holy baths along the way, but today this practice is mostly confined to the temples at Pashupati WHS.

CURRENT DEVELOPMENT

The river has decayed over time, from a large meandering waterway that dominated the farm landscape, to the pushed back, polluted urban flow that it is today. There is some progress being made, and the river has less plastic today than just a few years back. The government is working to put sewage pipes along the river banks, and even if the process is slower than what would be satisfying, there is hope that the Bagmati will become a clean river in the future.

But since the river is presently an open sewage, it has become the backside of the city, and currently acts a big barrier between the old settlements of Kathmandu and Patan.

Bagmati River Park masterplan.

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Orthophotos highlighting the urban development, from the 1980s to present day. The area of the river has decreased significantly as the city developed.

CONSERVATION

A NEW GREEN VISION FOR KATHMANDU As we discovered during the course of our research, Kathmandu suffers a huge lack of green public space. With the intentions of the government to clean up the river, we set out to take advantage of this initiative, and further investigate how the river space could potentially benefit the city. There is a great opportunity to push the river transformation into a green revolution that can benefit the entire city.

In order to push this green revolution forward, we drafted a vision for the future development of the metropolitan area of Kathmandu.

It focuses on three paroles; green connectivity, human connectivity and cultural connectivity. The vision uses the river as a structure and a starting point for the urban transformation of Kathmandu. The aim is to ‘give the river back to the city’ by establishing a connection between the two.

By visualizing what such a green space could look like, our aspiration was to provide arguments in favor of a river cleaning, while at the same time providing inspiration as to what green public spaces could look like in a Kathmandu context.

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CONSERVATION

Sections of the Shankhamul, Thapathali and Teku temple areas. At all the temple areas throughout the park, new canals reconnect the temples with the holy river.

BAGMATI RIVER PARK

GREENING THE RIVER

The riverbanks are densely builtup all the way from Pashupatinath Temple to where Manohara River and Bagmati River confluence. However, from this point up until where Bagmati River confluence with Bishnumati River, there is still a lot of space left untouched. This is also the borderline between the two historical cities of Kathmandu and Patan, which have gradually merged over time.

SHAPING A NEW RIVERPARK

Along this section we propose a river park - The Bagmati River Park. This becomes a ‘green membrane’ that stretches along the Bagmati River between Manohara and Bishnumati.

The park fills a void in the heart of a divided city. It will help organize the urban fabric of Kathmandu, and it will become an ‘anchor’ in the transformation of the city. The green membrane acts as a screen, shutting out the hectic city, reserving the river zone for plants, animals and people.

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The banks of Bagmati are currently not used to their full potential. In stretches they are used as landfills and treated without any respect. At the same time Kathmandu cries for green public space. There is a huge shortage of green in the urban area with few street trees and few green oases.

Kathmandu also lacks calmer areas where people can rest, relax and find recourse from the busy streets.

The Bagmati River Park – a five kilometer stretch in the center of Kathmandu.

The park will create a new identity for Kathmandu. It points out a new, greener direction for the city’s future development, while maintaining a consideration for its historical context. It will secure the preservation of historical sites, as well as protect the area from being built upon in the future. At the same time, it will bring much needed urban greening and recreational space into the heart of the city.

The River Park seeks out to fill the banks of Bagmati with trees, shrubs and plants. The unused space will be turned into a green lung that offers clean air, shade and coolness to the city. Existing areas will be improved, and the majority of the riparian landscape will be turned from wasteland into recreational space.

By uniting existing fragmented green patches with new habitat, we provide a foundation for an increase in the biodiversity of the area.

CONSERVATION

Green vision for Kathmandu

View of the boardwalk at Thapathali Wetlands before and during the monsoon (below).

The water level will flood the underlying areas behind the boardwalk, creating habitats for many species of mammals, birds and amphibians.

REUNITING RIVER AND CITY

The river has become a barrier and a void, disconnected from the city.

Many cities around the world are closely associated with their rivers and have made their riverfronts a part of their identity. The city was once founded at the banks of Bagmati, but today the old cities of Patan and Kathmandu have grown together into one metropolitan area. Between the two, the Bagmati River has been left a neglected area of untapped potential, adding nothing to the city but division and disconnection. For a long time, this space has been overlooked and misused. Left to decay, it is now perceived as the backside of the city.

RECONNECT ALONG THE RIVER

We suggest turning the backside around, creating new connections to the river. Like a membrane, people are let through and vehicles are excluded. Access to the river park will be secured through strategically placed entrances, unfolding in a network of walkways leading people through the river park, thus connecting the city to the river. We want to enhance the local attributes and differences at each entrance, creating local centers with their own specific design and program.

The River Park proposes new ways of integrating important areas along the river, including temples, sport

The current degradation of the river in the Bagmati River Park area has left the cultural heritage to decay. There are no pilgrims walking the banks of the river, despite Bagmati being the holiest river in Nepal. Trekking tourists travel to Nepal from all over the world, but none of them are seen strolling along the banks of Bagmati. The city is choking with traffic and there is no room for bicyclist and pedestrians.

areas and existing green spaces.

The different areas will be connected by a main bicycle path. Smaller paths continue along the Bagmati River and its tributaries, establishing connections with other important areas in the city. A paved temple walkway will connect the temples and promote visits from both locals and tourists. We hope that this may act as a catalyst for the revitalization of the temples. Paths and trails will once again let people walk the banks of the Bagmati River and lead visitors through the different parts of the river park.

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CONSERVATION

A visual representation of an area in the Bagmati River Park – A five kilometer long park stretching along the banks of the Bagmati in the center of Kathmandu.

In our thesis we describe and design several areas along the five kilometer stretch of the proposed Bagmati River Park. Among these we have picked out three areas which together illustrate a broad range of possible designs.

THAPATHALI TEMPLE PARK - THE NEPALI NATIONAL LANDSCAPE

Thapathali is an extension of the Tundikhel area in the middle of Kathmandu, and with its close proximity to the city center.

This area hosts many important temples connected by a brick-paved walkway. The Thapathali temple ghats are no longer in contact with the river, so we suggest to reconnect the water to the temples, through a canal along the old ghats. Since the river is wide here, an island is formed.

A stone boulder landscape that mimics the natural Nepali river landscapes will be constructed in front of the temples. In between the rocks there are groups of tall grass and walkways that will give visitors access to this significant landscape.

Further downstream there are a few healthy existing trees, which will be kept on the island, since they do not block the view to the temple. They add a calmness to the island and stand in contrast to the stone boulder landscape.

In the Thapathali Temple Park, small bridges provide access to the water. The old water post gets renovated and will continue to function as a place where people go to wash clothes and socialize.

The area offers large trees that give shade and great recreational value.

THAPATHALI WETLANDS - A RESILIENT LANDSCAPE

A monsoon-fed river like Bagmati will always have a shifting water level depending on the precipitation. Currently, there are many

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gabion walls and fortifications along the river sides to stop the flood water from eroding the shore. While this might be necessary in some places, there are a lot of benefits with a fluctuating water level as opposed to a concrete wall.

A wetland can cope with the annual fluctuation of the river, but more importantly, it is an excellent habitat for many plants and animal species.

Thapathali Wetlands is to be characterized as a more loose and wild area in The River Park. Since a large part of the area will be under water during the monsoon, a wooden boardwalk will allow for people to access the area and experience the wilderness. The wetlands will be planted with indigenous species such as Alder, Alnus nepalensis, Birch, Betula alnoides and Willow, Salix babylonica.

The Thapathali Wetland will be left as a wild landscape, where natural succession drives the development with minimum interference for the benefit of species that live in the habitat.

TEKU - POST INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE AND URBAN SPORTS

Kathmandu used to have a ropeway bringing vegetables into the city.

The ropeway had to be shut down in the beginning of the 1990s, due to a lack of maintenance. Today, the old Ropeway station building is used by the Vehicle Department. Ropeway towers and wires with old cars are still visible in the waste facility area, adding a historical atmosphere to the place.

In our design, the old Ropeway station will play a central role in the transformation of the site. It holds great potential for hosting events, markets and concerts. The ropeway station tells the story about a unique piece of infrastructure that once served the city with vegetables from the mountains in a smart and sustainable way. The history of the building is a great asset and should be used in creating a strong identity around The Ropeway Park.

CONSERVATION

The building will be turned into a new cultural center, becoming a node in this park. From there you will be able to walk the paved path down towards Bagmati and the Temples around Teku. The same path also takes the visitor into the old garbage sorting area, which is turned into a skate park.

out a direction in which we think the city should evolve. With the Bagmati River Park proposal, we show a design implementation of this vision.

A big Chautari tree is placed at the corner where the road bends around the park. This tree will become the welcoming element of the park.

The road that cuts through the area is visually blocked out with tree plantations. These areas will also give shade to the park’s visitors.

Currently, there are no directions for city development of Kathmandu, and several important temple areas are in decay (Teku Shankhamul and Thapathali). By reconnecting the temples to the water and creating a “temple walk” along the Bagmati River, we bring the cultural heritage into the design. By doing so, we emphasize the need to restore these important temples and recognize their historical importance for the city.

The old garbage ramp is integrated into the design, and skate ramps are constructed beneath it. The old ropeway towers and cars are to be found throughout the park. These elements tell a story about 20th century Kathmandu and will add a sense of authenticity to the park.

The river corridor is one of a few open spaces left in the city, and it faces a transformation upon the completion of the sewage systems.

The river could then become not the backside, but the face of Kathmandu – a green lung providing citizens with recreational space.

A staircase will take the visitor down to Bishnumati, and it will then be possible to follow the waterline on a path to take a shortcut to the Teku temples. There is a canal with water reconnecting the Teku Ghats in the same way as in Shankhamul and Thapathali.

Many cities in Asia have managed to become greener and healthier by transforming their urban rivers. They have demonstrated that it is possible to transform and renew, if there is political will and determination.

By having designed and visually communicated our ideas, we believe it will be easier for people to imagine a greener Kathmandu. In comparison to a UN or government report, a design proposal allows everyone to get involved. Our hope is that our vision and proposal for a future Kathmandu can be used as a tool and a guide, when talking about the issues of the river and how to deal with the rapid urban development of the city. We hope to inspire the people and the policymakers to take action and push the city of Kathmandu into a greener and more sustainable direction, and make the city more livable for generations to come. n A visual representation of the Shankhamul area, looking downstream from the Shankhamul Bridge. The new ghats to the right defines the new temple canal.

Between the temples and the road, there are many holy Ficus trees, and this area becomes a place for contemplation, meditation and religious practice.

OUTRO

With our investigation of the urban development in Kathmandu, and our green vision, we are highlighting the current state of the city and pointing

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ART

Fables on the Floor A Bold New Initiative in Nepali Art TEXT : Madan Chitrakar

Nepali artists today, no longer consider ‘an art should be confined to a Painting or a Sculpture’. To them the notion is too old fashioned: and is not powerful enough to convey an artist’s feelings. So is the reason there is a frequent presence of new art forms like installation or performances or a mix of all in the exhibitions today. Also is the reason, artists describe themselves as ‘Visual Artists’ – not a painter or a sculptor.

The main reason behind such multifaceted art forms is that the today’s art allows a viewer not only to enjoy the ‘Art’ visually, but is also led to experience it physically. Artists usually prefer such mix-medium while advocating certain issues or raising a voice against injustices like gender violence or inequality, or other social issues. It’s because the modern means offer more freedom in choosing the medium and an unlimited space to create. And thus the art becomes more powerful and effective.

The origin of alcohol (mixed media) BIJAYA MAHARJAN

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ART

Kritim (photography)

SURESH YONJAN

FABLES ON THE FLOOR: A NEW ART IN TOWN

No surprise that today, Kathmandu art lovers are often treated with similar art events – especially when the art has a particular theme or a mission to fulfill. And the latest to arrive with a mission - is a show entitled ‘Fables on the Floor’. But unlike others, the artists here are seeking to narrate a story or a chosen Fable in their own chosen contemporary expressions.

But before going more to the story telling on the ‘Floor’, few words may be needed on some interesting aspects of the tradition of storytelling here and elsewhere. Ancient tales are handed down to humanity, usually in oral tradition. No one knows it for sure when it may have begun. It has hoary origins. Most likely, it must have begun when men still lived inside caves and the older people began to narrate their younger ones: the tales of how they feared or survived the ghosts, monsters or the wild animals – some truths or others often exaggerated half-truths.

the legend of boudha (mixed media illustration) DAWA OMU LAMA HYOLMO

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ART

Seti Khola (acrylic on canvas) CHANDRA GARBUJA

So is the reason, every civilization or a society is replete with its own tales, legends or the stories to tell: and those tales were able to transcend local boundaries. Ancient Greek or Roman tales like Aesop’ Fables, stand as the glaring examples. Nearer home, we’ve the tales of Ramayana or Mahabharata. Since the ages, volumes have been written on it and

read: yet people continue to love and are never tired of reading or listening to it again and again. Such is the power of story- telling.

In our own context, although a small area geographically Nepal is amazingly rich with a powerful heritage of the stories of the past.

Nepal is a unique home to multiple tales or fables because she is rich in diversity of the people and the places.

More so is the historic Valley of Kathmandu – the capital city. Since a long time, the Valley has remained a treasure trove – a gold mine of multiple folklores, fables and legends.

Apparently here, as every temple –shrine or a festival has a story to

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ART

The Quietest Room (acrylic on canvas) SURESH YONJAN

tell and it explains why the city is so amazingly rich in the myths and legends. This is also because in the earlier times, three principalities of the Valley - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur vied with each other in enriching the cultural life throughout the history - all with strong references to the beliefs in the myths and the legends.

To cite a few, many of the famous festivals here like Bisket at Bhaktapur, the festivals of Red MachhendraNath and Kumari in Kathmandu or even the celebration of New Year of Nepal Era are all rooted in the respective interesting legends or the fables.

‘THE FABLES ON THE FLOOR’ – IN ART

and Anil Subba. In the emerging set there’s a presence of many promising young talents. It includes Dawa Omu Lama Hylmo, Suresh Yonzan, Chandra Garbuja and Ritu Thapa.

The amazing part of this creative expedition although bound by a common theme, they’ve enjoyed full freedom in narrating their own stories – in choosing a story to making independent expressions. While some artist decided to limit to painting or photography, some have chosen to create painting or an installation

The Story of Kanika Dorau (acrylic on canvas) ROSHAN BHANDARI

‘The Fables in the Floor’ is a unique example how the creative people have found ancient tales or the fables as a great source to explore possibilities to create an art and re-narrate the fables in their own visual language.

The initiative to dig deeper in a chosen ‘Fable’ is made collectively by young talented group of artists led by Saroj Bajracharya – a name best known for conceptual expressions and Bijaya Maharjan – a name well known for his multi talents - encapsulated in one. Meanwhile the rest of the artists too have well created own niches in their own rights in the present day art scene. Although almost all the artists represent a youthful energetic generation, it has a spectrum of more established to well emerging artists.

In the earlier category we find Prithvi Shrestha, Jasmine Rajbhandary, Saur Ganga Darshandhari, Rajan Pant, Roshan Bhandary, Sundar Lama

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ART

Conjoining the Contradictory (acrylic on canvas) RAJAN PANT

or both. Similarly, some have opted to perform along with a painting. One has taken a total freedom to make a visual narrative. Only thread that bond them was a mission to create originality. As expected from the updated contemporary visual artists, the Show ensured that it remained a visual extravaganza of new innovative forms. Obviously, all the artists did stand up to their expectations and did not disappoint a viewer.

While dwelling in individual works, it provided certain interesting insights.

A revealing fact remained that artists regardless of their modern exposures and outlooks, they’ve remained essentially attached to their roots. This is strongly reflected by their choice of stories to narrate. A glaring example is provided by the indigenous artists from Kathmandu. They unfailingly and unconsciously happened to choose ‘Fables’ from the Valley of Kathmandu.

Famous tale of ‘Birupakshe’ is chosen

by Saroj Bajracharya. Prithvi Shrestha found it fascinating to explore in an equally interesting legend of the Valley ‘Jaa –ma Guvaju’- a learned priest.

Both the artists and tales are from the Valley. While Bijaya Maharjan’ sought to narrate the story of ‘Origins of Wine’, Saur Ganga Darshandhari and Jasmine Rajbhandary both the artists have chosen stories from the popular legends of the capital city. They’ve opted to reinterpret the ancient tales in painting – the visuals of ‘Kal Bhairab’ and ‘Bhatbhateni’ respectively.

Jaa ma Gubhaju (acrylic on canvas) PRITHVI SHRESTHA

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ART

Curse (oil on canvas) JASMINE RAJBHANDARI

A rare exception is made by Rajan Pant who has been continuously been known for his iconic imageries from Terai region of Nepal, refreshingly has portrayed episodes from the great Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’ – but again in the backdrop of his favorite locale of the plains. No less impressive is the story of ‘The Legend of Boudhnath’ chosen by Dawa Omu Lama Hylmo – herself a local native of Boudhha locality. Yet another example that how we remain attached to own roots is well provided by Ritu Thapa Magar. Her profound love and respect for her cultural roots is provided by the story of ‘Goddess Mankamana’. Let’s not forget that the priest from the holy shrine is managed by her community. And the Goddess remains their chief patron deity.

Kaal Bhairav & Mother (dry point print) SAURGANGA DARSHANDHARI

While many of the artists have chosen ‘Painting’ as the main medium, some have decided to augment their message with additional installation. Saroj’s depiction of the protagonist of his story is based on the stone image located in the Pashpatinath, Kathmandu. Paintings by Jasmine, Rajan and Prithvi stand out distinct: similarly so is the Prints made by Saur and stand fresh in the crowd.

No less impressive is the Suesesh’s photographic works – leading a viewer to abstraction while searching deeper onto the Bhairabkunda Lake.

Bijaya’s narration how a clever ironsmith’s wicked way to cheat the god of death is made by the panorama of relief imageries of wine utensils. And it is supported by a painting.

Roshan has a powerful image of his character in ‘Kanika Dorau’ and it creates an impressive show of his academic skills. Performances made by Anil and Sundar have remained equally refreshingly fresh and made powerful impact in the audience to convey respective message.

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ART

Goddess manakamana (acrylic on canvas) RITU THAPA

Bell Flower (Close Encounter) (acrylic on canvas) RITU THAPA

of the changing times and man’s tastes, they remained attached to their roots and have not changed their love for their native place.

Similarly, while artists from Western region are found making expressions based on the tales of west – the best example is set by Chandra Garbuja’s ‘The Setikhola’- a story of two River sisters – Kali (black) and Seti (white).

Artists from the east like Anil Subba and Roshan Bhandary have not forgotten the stories they’ve carried since their childhood. Both have chosen interesting tales from east Nepal. Similarly, Sundar Lama and Suresh Yonzan unconsciously found themselves in the rich tradition of Lama Shamanism – the tradition of Jhankres. It all shows that regardless

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But unlike in the earlier times, today the ancient tales are no longer confined to visual narratives or serve as illuminations for the didactic lessons. Here the artists have come forward with different motives. Their sole objectives here is the creative reinterpretation of the ancient stories: and demonstrate how it can be re-narrated visually in new formats possible. Thus one would see a painted – or three dimensional objects or watching a performance done by the artist to show his point of view. They envision that a powerful narrative or a story telling is made only when a viewer experience it with their sensory organs like see, feel, hear or all at the same time. Precisely is the reason they are not here either to disseminate moral lessons or seek to convey didactic message.

But the most amazing part of this Exhibition is the spectrum of stories chosen and the participating artists. It almost embraces almost the entire geographic region of the country – spanning the stories the Far West to the Eastern end of Nepal – not to mention the stories from the cultural hub of Kathmandu.

ART

The creation of man, performance art ANIL SUBBA

In short, in many respects this show should remain a benchmark in its own rights. It should also show how diverse forms and thoughts can be harmoniously exist and assembled in a common platform: and yet be able to retain a visual unity.

Conclusively speaking, co-coordinators Saroj Bajracharya and Bijaya Maharjan deserve well deserved congratulations for making this noble vision and their tireless efforts to realize it. It has certainly added a new dimension in the making of today’s Nepali Art. n

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FROM THE SHELF

Art as

Therapy We often hear that art is meant to be very important; but we’re seldom told exactly why. Alain de Botton and John Armstrong believe art can help us with our most intimate and ordinary dilemmas: Why is my work not more satisfying?

Why do other people seem to have a more glamorous life? How can I improve my relationships? Why is politics so depressing? This book introduces a new method of interpreting art: art as a form of therapy, providing powerful solutions to many of life’s problems.

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This book argues that the problem is not primarily located in the individual. It lies in the way that art is taught, sold and presented by the art establishment. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, our relationship with art has been weakened by a profound institutional reluctance to address the question of what art is for. This is a question that has, quite unfairly, come to feel impatient, illegitimate, and a little impudent.

The modern world thinks of art as very important - something close to the meaning of life. Evidence of this elevated regard can be found in the opening of new museums, the channeling of significant government resources towards the production and display of art, the desire on the part of the guardians of art to increase access to works (especially for the benefit of children and minority groups), the prestige of academic art theory and the high valuations of the commercial art market.

FROM THE SHELF

Despite all this, our encounters with art do not always go as well as they might. We are likely to leave highly respected museums and exhibitions feeling underwhelmed, or even bewildered and inadequate, wondering why the transformational experience we had anticipated did not occur. It is natural to blame oneself, to assume that the problem must come down to a failure of knowledge or capacity for feeling.

The saying ‘art for art’s sake’ specifically rejects the idea that art might be for the sake of anything in particular, and therefore leaves the high status of art mysterious - and vulnerable. Despite the esteem art enjoys, its importance is too often assumed rather than explained. Its value is taken to be a matter of common sense. This is highly regrettable, as much for the viewers of art as for its guardians.

What if art has a purpose that can be defined and discussed in plain terms? Art can be a tool, and we need to focus more clearly on what kind of tool it is - and what good it can do for us.

Like other tools, art has the power to extend our capacities beyond those that nature has originally endowed us with. Art compensates us for certain inborn weaknesses, in this case of the mind rather than the body, weaknesses that we can refer to as psychological frailties.

A tool is an extension of the body that allows a wish to be carried out, and that is required because of a drawback in our physical make-up. A knife is a response to our need, yet inability, to cut. To discover the purpose of art, we must ask what kind of things we need to do with our minds and emotions, but have trouble with.

What psychological frailties might art help with? Seven frailties are identified, and therefore seven functions for art. There are, of course, others, but these seem to be among the most convincing and the most common. n

This is not a Book Review; this is just an effort to conveying information to the readers on rare and valuable books on art and architecture. This column aims to give a helicopter view on such books and thus presents the excerpts and illustrations either from the preface, introduction, jacket or main contents of the book from the shelf.

This book was kindly provided by Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, Kathmandu (Tel. 4227711).

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ARTSCAPE Dangol’s painting is inspired by the Lord Ganesh. Using the wash technique, the artist creates Lord Ganesh with a delicate harmony of colour and soft pleasing textures.

His handiness and fine craftsmanship makes his work sometimes the realistic illusion but leaves the beautiful esthetic experience to the viewers.

ASHA DANGOL

GOVINDA LAL SINGH DANGOL - Former Chief of Lalit Kala Campus, Govinda Lal Singh Dangol (b. 1946) holds G.D.A., from Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, India. Involved in various committee and organization, Mr. Dangol has done eight solo exhibitions in Nepal, India, Italy and South Korea. He has been honored with the First prize in the International Art Competition in Mumbai organized by I.C.C.R. in 1971, Special First Prize RUSSI (Revena) Italy in 1994, Birendra Aishworya Sewa Padak in 1995, Suprabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu in 1997 and Jyapu Ratna in 2013.

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95 Nepa Top Organization Samakushi, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4354117, 4363548, 4387901 E-mail: info@nepa.com Website: www.nepatop.com.np

23 Barahi Builders Pvt. Ltd. Ganeshthan, Chabahil Ph: 977-1-4421192, 4464991 E-mail: barahibuilders5@gmail.com Website: www.barahibuilders.com.np 98 Berger Jenson & Nicholson (Nepal) Pvt. Ltd. Berger House - 492, Tinkune, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4466038 E-mail: info@bergernepal.com 94 Bridge Tech International Pvt. Ltd. Tutepani, Satobato, Chapaganu Road Ph: 977-1-5151171, 5151822 E-mail: info@bridgetechintl.com sales@bridgetechintl.com 21 Comfort Kitchen & Interiors New Baneshwor Ph: 977-1-4107031, 4107231 E-mail: niwat@info.com.np 89 Communication Corner Pvt. Ltd. (Ujyaalo 90 Network) Ujyaaloghar(Behind Central Zoo) Jawlakhel, Lalitpur Ph: 977-1-5000171 E-mail: info@unn.com.np Website: www.unn.com.np 07 Everest Bathware Gairigaun, Tinkune Ph: 977-1-4480680 E-mail: harsh@everestnp.com 03 Fashion Furnishing Pvt. Ltd. MAitidevi, Ratopool, Kathmandu Ph: 977-01-4420661/ 4420647 E-mail: fnfurnishing@gmail.com 93 Foto Hollywood Civil Bank Building, Kamaladi Ph: 977-1-4169060 Website: www.fotohollywood.com.np

21 Nilah Water Treatments New Baneshwor Ph: 977-1-4107031, 4107231 E-mail: niwat@info.com.np 02 Parth International 4th Floor Business Park, Thapathali Ph: 977-1- 4245342, 4101504 E-mail: info@parthinternational.org Website: www.parthinternational.org 94 Pest Control Nepal House no. 1607, Baburam Acharya Marg, Old Baneshwor Ph: 977-1-4492285 E-mail: sks3p@wlink.com.np Website: www.pestcontrolnepal.com 45 R. I. P. L. International Pvt. Ltd. Teku Road Ph: 977-1-4270730 81 Rohi International Near Ganeshsthan, Kuleshwor Ph: 977-1-4271760 96 Samar Engineers and Development Pvt. Ltd. Minbhawan Ph: 977-1-4106721, 4106722, 9843930271 E-mail: 32sukc@gmail.com 71 Skylight Pvt. Ltd. Naxal (Opp to Police HQ), Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4423851 E-mail: info@skylight.com.np Website: www.skylight.com.np 04 Subisu Cable net Pvt. Ltd. 148 Thirbum Sadak, Baluwatar Ph: 977-1-4235888 E-mail: info@subisu.net.np Website: www.subisu.net.np

05 Furniture Land Store Pvt. Ltd. Blue Star Complex Tripureshwor, Kathmandu Ph: 977-1-4224797

09 Technical Associates Services P. Ltd 1st Floor, Abhiyan Building, Panchayan Marg Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 977-1-4219999 E-mail: sktulshyan@gmail.com

11 Insight Spaces Private Limited Tara Bhawan, Teku Ph: 9802015888, 977-1-4100235, 4100236 E-mail: spaces.insight@gmail.com

12 Worldlink Communication Pvt. Ltd. Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Ph: 977-1-5523050 E-mail: enterprise.support@worldlink.com.np

94 / SPACES MAY 2017

Website: www.worldlink.com.np

MAY 2017 SPACES / 95

96 / SPACES MAY 2017

MAY – VOL 12 NO. 12

Vol 12 No. 12 May 2017

ART ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR

HEALING BAGMATI

REVITALIZING THE RIPARIAN ZONE OF THE BAGMATI RIVER

FABLES ON THE FLOOR

NRS. 100/-

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ROAD WIDENING IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY WHAT’S THE POINT?

1905 A LEGACY OF TIMELESS BEAUTY