SPACES Nepal NOV-DEC 2005

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 1

2 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 3

NOV-DEC 2005 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

40 VALLEY

TERRACES

50 TOUCHING NEW HEIGHTS

SIMPLICITY Simply put, she is the eternal seeker in search of the beauty in even the simplest of forms. Yet her designs are sensuous and sophisticated.

70 LIVING THE ELECTRONIC LIFE

REPORT

35 MONI’S CREATION If there was but one word to describe creations emanating from this establishment, it would have to be ‘elegant’. Beautiful by any standards, the finishing is also something to be particularly noted.

Modular kitchens have become an integral part of any well designed home. With increased supply keeping up with rising demand, there is now more to choose from in the market.

The buzz word nowadays is Home Entertainment. Proper design and correct planning will ensure hours of exciting pleasure right in your living room.

PRODUCTS

ART

4 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

CRAFT

He is into the specially fine art of Pauwa painting. The artist cannot afford to be less than a perfectionist, for this art style is ruthlessly demanding.

If no ruffled feathers are seen here, give credit to the soothing and relaxed decor.This office is one in which employees would love to spend more time-such is the environment.

64 U’LL LIKE THIS

The firm of Mr. and Mrs. M.L.Kayastha and Associates is a name to reckon with in the field of Nepalese architecture. It has a history replete with numerous important works of high calibre.

14 THE PERFECTIONIST

58 SOOTHING SENSUALITY

TRENDS

62 SEEKING BEAUTY IN

TIPS

DESIGNER

It is indeed fortunate that Hotel Yak & Yeti is so centrally located for it can be seen and admired by all. Not only is this hotel one of the biggest foreign currency earners in the country, it is also an architecturally important icon.

PROFILE

20 SPIRIT OF AN ICON

INTERIOR

ARCHITECTURE

Up on a height in Sunakothi, 3 km from Satdobato, is being built a community that is destined to hold a special place in the annals of housing development.

This is Terraces-and the developers are, Valley Homes Pvt. Ltd.

68 AMAZING WONDERS FROM BERRY FLOOR It claims to be the world’s leading laminated flooring brand and its latest offering should make the finickiest customer happy.

72 FLIRTING WITH CONVENTION The controversial aspect of contemporary architecture process through relative analysis with art context makes for an interesting study.

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 5

EDITORIAL “a study of evolution of architecture of the Valley over the last 35 years”

CONTRIBUTORS PRADEEP K UPADHAYA is a Sound Engineer with a wealth of experience behind him. He is an expert on audio, acoustics and recording and his expertise has been used often in films and television. Further, Upadhyay is a free lance film maker and a trainer in the audio visual studies.

SIDDHARTH GOPALAN

SPACES has completed one year of publication and would like to thank all its well-wishers.

‘Design sensibilities of an architect are to a great extent influenced by the lifestyle, culture and politico-economic structures of a society.’ This first issue of the second year starts with ‘Spirit of an Icon’ – a landmark of Kathmandu Valley, which as Arun Saraf rightly describes, is “a study of evolution of architecture of the Valley over the last 35 years”.

This issue also features Valley Homes, where Siddharth Gopalan, Chief Architect of the housing project, as usual, has left no stones unturned while designing. Although the effort and creativity put in by Siddharth in this upscale housing complex needs to be appreciated, time will only tell whether it becomes a trendsetter or just another housing company in the long list.

In the past year, SPACES has seen a lot of good designs, which we hope has brought some improvement in readers’ lifestyle. However, incorporating a good design is not the end in itself. Implementing the design, manufacture of its parts, construction quality, supervision and constant maintenance is its life. SPACES hopes that the unfortunate incident of the roof collapse of Manipal Medical College, which claimed ten lives, will become an eye-opener to all.

6 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

is well known for his many works around the Capital, including interiors of restaurants like the Roadhouse Café and Jalan Jalan which have been the subject of much appreciation. Similarly his work in the Country Villa in Nagarkot also stands out as a fine example of his abilities. At present, he is busy as Chief Architect for a housing development project.

SHRIJAN

JOSHI

graduated from the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi. He is currently working with the architectural firm, Creative Builders Collaborative. He has a flair for writing and has written on architectural subjects for several leading magazines of the country.

KAMINI DHAKWA & SWASTI BHATTARAI are final year students at the Department of Architecture, IOE, Pulchowk. They were the second prize winners in Berkeley Essay Competition 2005. They like to call themselves ‘Almost Architects’, claim to be captivated by architecture, and find their creative outlet not only in designing but writing about it. A favorite quotation of the pair is - “Give your life to work and only then expect it to come to life”

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 7

LETTERS MANAGING EDITOR

VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE

Uday Sunder Shrestha, B.E

I completed my B.Arch in 2003 and am presently working as a lecturer in IOE, Pulchowk. I am a regular reader of ‘Spaces’ and find that you regularly feature young designers who are selected on the basis of his/ her academic achievement. I did my thesis based on the vernacular architecture of far western terai of Nepal which was recognized as one of the best among the thesis entries in IOE in 2003. My project was about a cultural centre in Mahendranagar and the design concept was derived from a strong contextual study and the climatic aspects of far western terai region. In addition, some of my other projects like the designs for a museum at Hanuman Dhoka, a residence, a garment factory at Gwarko and housing at Thecho have also ranked first in my class. After completing B. Arch I chose teaching as a career besides doing free lance work as an architect. I have particular interest in vernacular architecture and one article related to the subject has been published in Vastu. I would welcome your interest in my projects.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Prakash Bahadur Amatya ASSOCIATE EDITOR / MARKETING MANAGER Amar B. Shrestha PHOTOGRAPHY / PRODUCTION CONTROL Ashesh Rajbansh LAYOUT DESIGN

Pavitra D. Tuladhar MARKETING / SUBSCRIPTIONS EXECUTIVE Wimmy Kaur ADMINISTRATION / ACCOUNTS Sanjay Shrestha PUBLISHED BY

IMPRESSIONS Publishing Pvt.Ltd., Kupondole, Lalitpur, P.B. 227, DPO Lalitpur

Ph: 5544606. 5526040 (Regd. No 30657/061-62) COLOR SEPARATION

Kishan Datta Bhatta Lecturer (IOE)/ Consulting Architect Lalitpur

Scan Pro, Pulchowk, Lalitpur PRINTED AT

Variety Press, Kuleswor, Kathmandu DISTRIBUTED BY

bitarak.com Ph: 5529726 / 5522472 email: info@bitarak.com

HOUSING Here we were hearing more on fault and fears about housing companies.

It was really nice to read your issue on Comfort Housing. After reading your article we even went to survey and I must say the housing really lived up to your writer’s descriptions. It is really nice to see such projects coming up in the country. Hope they come up with many more. Thanks to your article I have been able to convince my parents to get a house at Comfort Housing. Thank you for such a nice article.

Suman Shrestha Bagbazaar

SPACES - guide to good living is published six times a year at the address above. All rights are reserved in respect of articles, illustrations, photographs, etc. published in S PA C E S . The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher and the publisher cannot accept responsiblility for any errors or omissions.

Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other materials to SPACES for consideration should not send originals unless specifically requested to do so by SPACES in writing. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other submitted material must be accompanied by a self addressed return envelope, postage prepaid. However, SPACES is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. All editorial inquiries and submissions to SPACES must be addressed to editor@spacesnepal.com or sent to the address mentioned above.

COVER

ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS

8 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

The lobby of Hotel Yak & Yeti has a Newari theme that runs subtly throughout and this is appropriately reflected in the flooring pattern, the ceiling, the wooden details as well as in metal artifacts strewn about in a most tasteful manner.

Photograph by Ashesh Rajbansh Canon EOS 10D SLR 16 - 35 mm/f2.8 L USM lens 1sec@f5.0

Kathmandu: IMPRESSIONS Publishing Pvt.Ltd., Ph: 5544606, 5526040. email: market@spacesnepal.com Pokhara: Sachin Udas, Maadhyam, New Road.

Ph: 521851. email: maadhyam@vnet.net.np Chitwan: Rajendra Kumar Shrestha, Saraswoti Book Store, Balkumari Kanya Chowk, Narayanghat Ph: 526031 Birgunj: Kishore Shrestha, Hotel Kailash, Adarsha Nagar. Ph: 522384, 529984. email: hotelkailash@wlink.com.np India: Deepak Sunder Shrestha, Nepal Curio House, 16 Nehru Road, Darjeeling-WB . Ph:54973 United Kingdom: Rajiv Pradhan,South Harrow, Middlesex Haz 8HA, London.

Ph: 85373674. email: rajivpradhan@hotmail.com Australia: Leela Krishna Manandhar, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW. Ph: 422811704 email: nimadidi@hotmail.com USA: Subarna Joshi, West Palm Beach, Florida Ph: 3836207, Email: subarnaj@aol.com

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 9

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

LIGHTING SEMINAR Wipro Lighting, in conjunction with their authorized distributor for Nepal, Multitec Trade Circle, hosted a Seminar on Modern Office Lighting, Lighting Controls and Cleanroom Lighting on 5th October 2005 at Hotel Radisson. Chief Guest for the function was Ar. Binod Neupane, President of SONA, who complimented the company on its range of efficient and high quality products. Arun Jalan, Director of Multitec Trade Circle, thanked the professionals present at the function. Anoop Baokar, Manager-Lighting Controls & Exports and Yogendra Joshi, Sr. Marketing Executive, Wipro, gave an enlightening audio visual talk on recent lighting developments in modern offices as well as in institutions requiring specialized lighting, such as pharmaceutical production facilities. On the occasion, Wipro introduced their new launches, namely, the Indoor Decorative Range promising elegant and energy efficient luminaries for shops,

offices and homes, as well as the designer luminaire ‘Crescent’, which claims to meet the aesthetic and functional qualities desired for modern workspaces. The Indoor Decorative Range asserts savings of up to 30% energy besides provision of non-yellowing diffuser and a two year warranty. The range includes a host of products such as ‘coral’, ‘red dot’, ‘jewel’, ‘decora’, ‘diva’ and ‘duolite’. Wipro’s new designer brand, ‘Crescent’, is said to have a unique soft edge glow further adding beauty to interiors, and is described as recess mounted mirror optics luminaires. ‘Crescent’ is available in different models, all with definite smooth contours and designer frame locks. Additionally, powder coated housing and frames ensure respite from corrosion. Use of dynamic lighting controls with the ‘Crescent’ range is claimed to result in up to 75% energy savings.

VC Shield and Durastone from Somany

Press Conference on MMC Roof Collapse

SPL Limited, makers of Somany Floor and Wall Tiles, organized a meet for architects and builders on September 17th. According to Sanjeev Ranjan, Sr. Marketing Manager, the meet was held not only to launch Somany’s new innovations in tile technology but also as a renewed effort towards regaining its leadership in the field.

Somany, with more than 35 years of experience, is a leader in the Indian tile industry. Somany is an ISO 9001:2000 and 14001 certified company and manufactures about 37500 square meters per day in two factories at Kassar and Kadi in India. In Nepal, Somany has seven authorized dealers in Kathmandu and one in Birganj, the representatives of whom were honoured with bouquets at the function held at Hotel Soaltee. The function was also availed of by Vineet Maitin, GM, and Anil K. Beejawat, President (Marketing), to introduce Somany’s new floor tiles with Veilcraft Technology as well as its new brand, Durastone-Heavy Duty Vitrified Tiles. According to the company, Veilcraft technology renders a specially treated coating that protects each tile against abrasion, scratches and stain. VC shield protection is said to provide anti ageing protection. In the case of Durastone, high load bearing capacity, acid and alkali resistance and low water absorption is claimed to make these tiles ideal for heavy duty usage. Available in 322x322mm and 318x318mm sizes, Durastone tiles have a rough surface made with projected textures thus giving a good grip.

10 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

On October 29, a press conference was organized within the NEA premises, where a field visit report was presented on the collapse of the roof structure of the Manipal Medical College at Pokhara.

The collapse on October 20 claimed 10 lives besides injuring many others. The report was based on a one-day site visit by members of Nepal Engineers Association (NEA) and Structural Engineers’ Association Nepal (SEANep).

According to the report, the space frame truss structure, which spanned approximately 100 ft by 70 ft, supported a 75 mm thick RCC slab and was finished with slate tiles. The truss was fixed at one end with a sliding support at the other end.

Although the report could not come up with any conclusive answers, possible reasons for the tragedy were blamed on either design deficiency, faulty construction, use of improper material, workmanship, supervision quality, or ad hoc design alteration.

NEA with SEANep however plans to further conduct a thorough investigation so that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 11

NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Creations in Glass

Moni’s Creation held a three day exhibition of their fine glass and bead works at the Hotel De l’Annapurna from 23-25 September. On display in the Sunken Lobby were various stained glass and glass paintings, sequin and beadworks as well as decorative candles in aromatic and gel varieties. Glass work included bookends, dividers, firescreens, lamps and napkin holders. Also available were mirrors, panels, tables and windows as well as a variety of other knick knacks like sun-catchers, wind chimes, clocks and frames. Sequin and beadworks included anklets, candleholders, glass and mobile covers, necklaces, specs holders, bracelets, coasters, placemats and tissue covers.

This was the third such exhibition by Moni’s Creations which has its offices in Maligaon.

‘LOKTA’ EXHIBITION

Folk Fusion -2005

Folk Fusion-2005 by Asha Dangol at the Siddartha Art Gallery in September was the artist’s third solo exhibition. The artist has described his works as semi-abstract, compact and figurative and has tried to ‘explore several dimensions of folk art and its mythological aspects’. The inspiration has been Newari and Mithila folk art which the artist has attempted to blend in with his own feelings to ‘create an altered pastoral realism’. Describing his 15 year journey through the art world as a period in which he has given shape to his dreams through his spirituality, ‘Folk Fusion-2005’ could be said to be the physical manifestation of the same. Asha has made use of deep blues and blacks as a backdrop in many of the works and the paintings convey a vibrancy that is concurrent with the spirit of folk art.

LANDSCAPE EXPRESSION Handicraft Association of Nepal and Nepal Handmade Paper Association(HANDPASS) in cooperation with GTZ/PSP-RUFIN organized an Exhibition cum BuyerSeller Meet on 26 and 27 September.

The event, which had 26 participating companies, was supported by Crafted in Kathmandu and Hotel Yak & Yeti.

Realizing the lack of awareness about product range, market demand, marketing channels and market trends even in the face of a potentially burgeoning local and international market, the event was organized with a view to bridge the gap between buyer and seller. The principal objective was to bring them together under one roof for business promotion and opportunity expansion. Nepali handmade paper is produced from the inner bark of a shrub called ‘lokta’ (Daphne Cannabina or Daphne Papyracea). The ‘lokta’ paper, also called ‘rice paper’, has an attractive texture, durable character and is immune to pests. The participants were from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur.

12 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

The Art Shop was host to ‘Landscape Expression’ by Pramila Bajracharya from 7th September onwards.

Inaugurated by the Japanese Ambassador this was the third solo exhibition by Pramila.

The exhibit displayed twenty nine works most of which were oil on canvas and all were untitled. Ranging from 10"x18" to 60"x24" in size, the prices varied from Rs.4000 to Rs.36000. As is evident from the name of the exhibition, all the canvases featured abstract works depicting landscapes in different hues and painted in a style that is now increasingly being familiar to art lovers as being identifiable with Pramila’s approach. It is also evident that the artist has tried her hand in the usage of lighter shades with very positive and eye soothing results.

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 13

art

“He has a shocked expression because of the blue flowers he is holding. My painting will have him holding white coloured flowers and so he will have a calmer expression.

This is all according to the texts.”

Text: A.B. Shrestha

THE PERFECTIONIST A Japanese lady sits in his studio, engrossed totally in painting a Paubha depicting the Rimpoche, Padma Sambhava (The Lotus Born). From time to time she studies a similar but finished Pauwa hanging on the wall. The Rimpoche in this painting has startled eyes that express shock and outrage. I point out the eyes to Lasta, the Japanese lady, and she explains, “He has a shocked expression because of the blue flowers he is holding. My painting will have him holding white coloured flowers and so he will have a calmer expression. This is all according to the texts.”

A

Lasta , who has been in Nepal for the last seven years is only one of the many students, local and foreign, who study the art of Pauwa painting under Lok Chitrakar at Simrik Atelier in Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur. As is evident from the above, Pauwa painting requires some knowledge about religious shastras (sutras), or texts. All Pauwa paintings are religious in nature but not necessarily based only on Buddhism according to the self taught master, Lok Chitrakar.

14 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

However, if one were to look around his studio, one would see mostly Buddhism inspired Pauwa paintings. Such as the 68x68 cm Garbadhatu Mandala, the 65x65 cm Vajrabhairaba Mandala and the 68x68cm Chakra Sambhava Mandala: all of which according to Lok Chitrakar were painted by students. A strikingly elegant Pauwa, the 39x34 cm Samantha Bhadra-Samantha Bhadri (Yam-Yum) hangs in one corner and was painted by the master himself as were the 33x47.5 cm Nilotpala, the 21x24cm Mahakala and the 27x87 cm White Tara.

However, it is not uncommon, and indeed, the norm, for many artists to work on the same canvas- so intricate are the details, and so long is the time taken.

In fact, Lok Chitrakar is currently at work on a massive 5 ft x 7 ft Amitabha which still remains unfinished three years down the line. “It might be another year before this is finished,” say Chitrakar. The painting, although large, does not have as many intricate details as is present in many of the smaller Pauwas, but

artist reveals that on more than one occasion he has had to request buyers to lend him their collections for exhibiting.

To a question about the time factor in the art, this is what Lok says, “There are no time limits whatsoever.” He points out a large (about 3.5ftx4ft ) HeVajra Manadala which still has a lot of work left to be done and a Vasundhara in which only the ink sketching has been finished. “At any time you will find me working on a number of pieces. As soon as I get tired of working on one piece and monotony sets in, I start work on another. When I get in the mood again, I go back to the previous unfinished piece. That is why I cannot say with certainty when a work will be finished.”

Explaining his craft, Chitrakar says, “Pauwa actually comes Above: A strikingly elegant Pauwa, the 39x34 cm Samantha from two words, ‘Pau’ and ‘Wa’ Bhadra-Samantha Bhadri (Yam-Yum). derived from the Newari term Patra Bhattarak, which means, Below: Lok with a Japanese student, an art teacher himself. ‘depiction of god in flat form’”. He adds, “Pauwa painting is an ancient art form “Pauwa actually comes from two words, ‘Pau’ and and the oldest one ever found, ‘Wa’ derived from the Newari term Patra Bhattarak, a Ratna Sambhav, is lodged in which means, ‘depiction of god in flat form’”.

Los Angeles County Museum in the United States. I believe it is either from late 12 th century or early 13th century.” this is explained easily enough by the artist, “ Since it is so big, I want the painting to Lok Chitrakar is disappointed that this art draw people’s attention like a magnet and form has not been given much importance so I would like to make the details large within the country itself and rues, “ There enough for long distance viewing”. In are no grants and no research done on this addition, he confides, “Many of the finer traditional art form in Nepal.” Most of his detailing has yet to be done.” Because of customers are from abroad and his largest the time consuming nature of Pauwa works, a set of 2 m by 1.5 m Garbadhatu painting, it is understandable that Lok and Vajradhatu Mandalas is housed in a Chitrakar manages to finish but four or temple in Saitama Perfecture in Japan. five Pauwas a year.

“It took me four years to finish “ he And one of the reasons for the paucity of informs. But it seems the time taken was his own works in the gallery is simply worth it as it fetched him a whopping Rs.25 because most of what he paints is sold as lakhs. It is true that many of his Pauwa quickly as they are finished. In fact the paintings have earned him a pretty penny SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 15

art

Some examples of Lok Chitrakar’s beautiful paintings. Each work is finished to the minutest detail and the care taken is really extraordinary besides being time consuming.

16 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

but of course this is only one of the reasons for his satisfaction at taking to the art at the early age of twelve. As he says, “When I started, Pauwa was not valued as an art and the work was more of a chore but nowadays there is greater appreciation of Pauwa painting as an art form and this makes me happy.” His happiness is all the greater because he was able to carry on even through those hard times, times in which many others became frustrated and left the vocation.

Lok Chitrakar has a ten year old son and a daughter who is 15 years old.

His own father passed away when he was still very young. An only son, Chitrakar was born in 1961. He has two elder and two younger sisters. Lok has participated in numerous exhibitions here and abroad and has won a number of awards including Best Artist Award in 1993 presented

by Handicraft Association of Nepal.

And even if self taught, he has taken

short courses in Finland and participated in workshops in Japan, Finland and the United States. Lok Chitrakar’s works can be seen in the Mohatta Palace Museum in Karachi; the Kemi Museum of Arts in Kemi, Finland; the Shouji Temple in Saitama, Japan; the Museum Kanzouin in Tokyo and the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum in Japan. His works also have been collected by various private collectors all over the globe.

The starting point of Pauwa painting is the making of the canvas which is referred to as ‘Patbhumibandhan’. The white canvas is stretched on a wooden frame and rubbed with ‘kamaro’ (white clay) and ‘saras’ (buffalo hide glue). ‘Kamaro’ provides the colour that covers all the minute pores while ‘saras’ acts as the binding medium.

Next come the colours. There are five basic colours: red, blue, yellow, white and black and all are mineral and vegetable based,

Above: The beginning of the art itself is the fine free hand sketching by pencil.

Each drawing is based on particular themes based on the religious texts.

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 17

art Disciples, Yakshas, Apsaras, etc.) at particular points around the central figure.

The second stage involves permanent ink sketching, after which the painter gets down to the long and tedious task of putting colour to the work. And the colours used in Pauwa paintings are truly a sight for sore eyes, so varied are the hues.

However, as Chitrakar says, “Some of the details have to be painted a certain tint according to what texts prescribe. One cannot deviate from that. But for others, we can use our own sense of aesthetics in choice of colours.”

produced in the workshop itself. Lapis Lazuli, costing about Rs.18000/kg, comes from Afghanistan and is the source of blue colour. The minerals Orpiment (costing about Rs.9000/kg) and Cinnabar (Rs.8000/kg) are available in the Solukhumbu mountains of Nepal and are sources for yellow and red respectively.

Conch Shell Powder from Japan provides the pure white colour while black colour is derived from the soot of burning pine wood. The colour gold , much used in Pauwa paintings, is produced from gold dust while additionally, the Indigo Plant from South India is the source of rich indigo colour.

The beginning of the art itself is the fine free hand sketching by pencil. Each drawing is based on particular themes based on the religious texts. In most Buddhism based Pauwas, the central figure is usually of the icon which normally is not portrayed as a singular identity. Rather, the central figure sits on a pedestal and figuratively speaking, is the central point of a figurative temple. Thus there will be a canopy above, and cornices

18 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Above: Lok Chitrakar is currently also at work on a large 5 ft x 7 ft Amitabha which still remains unfinished three years down the line.

at the four corners with various associated figures (Buddhas, Boddhistavas, Monks,

And there is no doubting the fine aesthetic sense of Lok Chitrakar. Nor his strong sense of discipline and his power of deep concentration. “Oh yes, one has to be very very disciplined in order to be a success in this field. Concentration is a given otherwise one cannot achieve the high levels of perfection required in Pauwa art,” he says. This discipline and concentration, combined with his immense talent, has made Lok Chitrakar into one of the finest of Pauwa artists in the country, if not in the world. S

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 19

‘Location, Location, Location’, so said Conrad Hilton, wunderkind of the modern hotel industry. Situated in Durbar Marg, the heart of Kathmandu, Yak & Yeti hotel is a name that reflects both the enigma and opulence of a bygone era and has been over the years an avid spectator of events in the country. Entwined with its rich architectural heritage, the hotel is an amalgam of anecdotes from the snow capped Himalayas to the extravagance of the Rana heydays.

20 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

S P I R I T

O F

A N

ICON Text: Shrijan Joshi

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 21

ARCHITECTURE

Prime Minister of Nepal for over fifteen years, Bir Shumsher was the one who started some ambitious public works and several palaces like the Fohora Durbar, Seto Durbar, Lal Durbar and the Toran Bhawan of Singh Durbar. Of all these, the most noted is Lal Durbar built in the 1890’s. Unlike most of the other palaces

of that period with the much popular stucco with Corinthian columns, the Lal Durbar with its Palladian arches and pedestals and exposed brick façade was the pride of its original owner. Now it is the splendorous mascot of one of Nepal’s finest hotels. It was the Ranas with their fascination for the neo-classic architecture stamped all over the Indian sub-continent

population. If the external façade was inspiring, the lavish interiors done up so opulently were just magnificent - a fantasy of Himalayan proportions.The Lal durbar with its magnificent courtyard and staircase and wonderful baroque ballrooms with gilded Belgian mirrors and Italian marbles imported and transported on porter’s back boasts of Nepal’s first theatre, the Naach

The memory of Yak and Yeti is synonymous with the Naach Ghar and with the six convention spaces. Originally the living rooms of Bir Shumsher, the halls today have been converted for convention and reception purposes. by the East-India Company, which popularized European-style architecture.

This entrance of European neoclassical structures in the 19th century Nepal can be looked as just another example of the cultural exchanges between the East and the West.

An early instance of globalization of architecture, it indeed must have been a wonderful shock to the cloistered local

22 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Top: The atrium with its grand staircase and corridors looking down, doubles as a special event venue.

Left: One of the chandeliers acquired and restored from various palaces around the Kathmandu valley.

Right: The Regal Hall which at full capacity can accommodate up to a thousand people.

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 23

ARCHITECTURE

Ghar with its resplendent sunburst chandeliers so pleasing to the eye.

In the early 70’s, Boris Lissanevitch, a most colourful character with a fascinating background, was invited to Nepal by King Tribhuvan. Boris was from Russia and for sometime an officer in the Russian Army.

After stints as a ballerina in Monte Carlo and Shanghai, he arrived in Calcutta, where he opened the much-acclaimed nightclub called ‘The 300’. A popular watering hole for the Allied forces during the Second World War, the club was famous for its royal patronage. With even an in-house pet, a full-grown leopard named Puss Puss, many extraordinary and colourful stories originated here. Boris ran Nepal’s first hotel, which was called the Royal Hotel, and with its establishment, Nepal was popularised as an international tourist destination - a Shangri-La. Popularly called Nepal’s father of tourism, this unforgettable personality, who always sounds larger than life, set up the Yak and Yeti bar with its huge central copper chimney. It is from this very restaurant that the hotel got its name, whereas the restaurant today is the famous ‘The Chimney’, with its exquisite Russian cuisine and its own Boris menu.

It was with this pedigree beginning that in 1973, Mr. R.S. Saraf set up the hotel. The hotel later assumed the name of Yak & Yeti. With growing tourism, the hotel was expanded to 150 rooms with 5-star amenities, and its design was under taken

by Gherzi Eastern Ltd. Bombay, India.

This central wing popularly called the Newari wing was built in modern international style with the present day lobby and atrium. The six storied structure with its top two floors cantilevering out and heavy red roof band and white plastered external surface was a marked offshoot from the neoclassic Lal Durbar. The new contemporary look definitely gave a fresh and modern feel to the establishment as a whole.

Top & Left: The majestic drawing rooms of Regency & Regal are indeed treasures.

Facing page top: A part of the new entrance lobby linking the courtyard to the old palace.

24 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

In a world that is moving increasingly towards conformity, it is design that makes the difference to the enjoyment of hotels.

In the design, a smooth continuity from the old to the new is established; the new structure was linked to the courtyard of the old palace with the new entrance lobby.

It was the concept of architect Ramesh Khosla of ARCOP to arrange the alignment of the public areas of the hotel.

A strong axis was established and to reiterate this connection, a folly was created at the entry with a structure housing an ancient copper bell over a cascading fountain welcoming all visitors.

With the brief for the extension, the image the architects worked on was that of the Tibeto-Newari culture. The total overall design environment was taken into account. It was not only the overall space, but also every detail, such as a signage, the pattern outside a door where the room number stays, the fabric design and the paint that is taken into account.

In a world that is moving increasingly towards conformity, it is design that makes the difference to the enjoyment of hotels.

Master plan

Of the three main areas that are common to all hotels, the public area, the guest rooms and the invisible service areas running vertically and horizontally all SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 25

ARCHITECTURE

around the guest but ever cleverly hidden, the entrance or the lobby is the one which is to be the most striking. It is where you walk in and the place creates a distinct impression - one whose impact should linger in your memory. It must be a space for a unique experience. The entry lobby

26 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

is a welcome relief with its huge intricately hand carved Newari door and houses the waiting lounge with its glazed roof and polished red-granite floor with Buddhist motifs running on it. The tantalizing aroma from the ‘The Sunrise Café’, with its wooden ceiling done in a south-east Asian

style overlooking the pool and garden, or relaxing over a drink and listening to the sweet melodies at the Piano lounge is just another way the lobby at Yak and Yeti creates an ambience which matters. If that was not all ‘The Pub’, with its red leather bar stools and copper lamps is another

treat waiting besides the lounge. The Newari theme runs subtly all over the lobby - may it be in the flooring pattern, the ceiling or in the intricate wooden details. Most of the rooms in this section of the hotel, called Superior, have a Nepali dĂŠcor prepared in the backdrop of the rich hues of the terracotta. Touches of local flavour have been introduced subtly with traditional carvings and mouldings placed here and there.

In the early nineties, an additional 150 rooms were added with the introduction of the Durbar wing. This extension was

Facing page top: The folly created at the entry with a structure housing an ancient copper bell over a cascading fountain welcomes all visitors.

Facing page bottom: The Newari theme runs subtly all over the lobby.

Top: Boris’s famous Copper Chimney.

Bottom: Relaxing over a drink and listening to sweet melodies at the Piano Lounge is just another way the Yak & Yeti creates an ambience that matters.

Top left: Even the lift reflects a TibetoNewari culture.

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 27

ARCHITECTURE

designed by Gherzi, Hongkong, and Arcop of Delhi, India, did the interior designing of Club Shangri-La. Here the designers used interplay of brick and plaster and the façade was designed to complement the Lal Durbar and the extension. The interiors too have a marked difference with a more Tibetan theme. With each floor having its own exclusive lounge, the rooms are done in a light yellow tone. Furnished along the line of the Tibetan theme, the rooms have an Eastern touch without the more unfortunate excesses. With this cultured form of aesthetics, the designers have sensitized themselves to the nuances of the culture. The theme further runs in brass from the cupboard handle, onto the lamp stand, and the TV cabinet. A mirror frame with Buddhist motifs reflects the beautiful black and white photographs by Thomas Kelly portraying life in the mountains, which adorn most walls.

Sprinkled here and there are small local artefacts, which give life to the spaces.

Throughout the hotel, one can see paintings of Buddhist calligraphy and manuscripts; interpretations of eastern theology in art painted by the German artist Rolf A. Kluenter. These are all from the owner’s private collections and are a

Left: The Sunrise Café with its wooden ceiling done in a South-East Asian style overlooks the pool and garden.

Below: An imprint of a giant footprintsurely not of the Yeti.

Facing page: The exquisite stucco and glass decoration and friezes enhance the beauty of the Dynasty Hall.

Although the addition of the international style of the late seventies is distinctly of a contrasting design, it has managed to honestly establish what is old and what is new.

28 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 29

ARCHITECTURE

treat for all guests. Imbibed with local flavours, the various Suites of the new Durbar Wing prepared in peach and pale yellow and furnished in contemporary style evokes a subtle Asian mysticism, which lingers in the guest’s memory. Vis-à -vis, Club Shangri-La truly has the warmth of an autumn sunrise in the Himalayas.

Most of the 270 rooms have views that look out into the beautiful Madhuban Garden - named after the legendary gardens in Vrindhavan where Lord Krishna played with his gopinis. Designed

by Bill Bensley of Arcop, Canada, the landscaped garden is a hidden gem with its weeping willow, curving water body, and 30 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Facing page top: Each floor of the Durbar Wing has its own exclusive lounge furnished along the lines of the Tibetan theme.

Facing page below: Most of the rooms in this section of the hotel, called Superior, have Nepali decor.

Left and below: A suité in the Durbar Wing having a marked difference and with a more Tibetan theme.

As Arun Saraf says, “Every stage was designed in a context, and the hotel is a study of the evolution of architecture of Kathmandu Valley over the last 35 years.”

Below: Intricate wall-mounted wood carving in a suité.

how these various parts were acquired and restored to their original glory with new functions. The first part was where the Chimney restaurant is situated, and from where the hotel began. Another phase of the evolution of the hotel is the conversion of the central courtyard into a huge atrium by providing a roof to cover it as well as bubble elevators. Of late, the hotel has been seeing further new additions and restoration of the Lal Durbar. The design was given to Spazzio Architecture Design, a Delhi based firm. The brief included a new convention, a casino, and a business centre of the hotel to be adjusted into the old structure. The overall façade of the Lal Durbar that we view today was restored recently by architect Eric Theophile and now stands as it looked before the 1934 earthquake destroyed it. It is this façade

a jogger’s track running all around including an ancient Kumari temple. The most alluring part here is a series of steps leading to a pati made in traditional Newari style with carved wooden posts and a statue of Garuda. From here, a wonderful view of the hotel, the gardens in full bloom and the crystal blue swimming pools can be viewed. A place for quiet reflection, the Madhuban Garden binds the entire hotel together. In one corner there is even an imprint of a giant footprint - surely not of the Yeti!

The original Lal Durbar over time had been separated into four parts. The story of Yak &Yeti is actually the evolution of SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 31

ARCHITECTURE

that binds all the various phases of evolution of Lal Durbar into one single structure. The interiors of this phase was undertaken by Interior Design Network International Pvt. Ltd., and great care was taken to retain the original atmosphere and old-world charm. With the addition of a casino and club, a 300 car underground parking was also built. The Bangkok based Thai firm of Bensely Design Studio were given the task of doing the landscaping with the underground parking taking the entry open space. The latest extension of the complex has been occupied by various businesses and international organizations.

The hotel has indeed come a long way.

With history always around the corner, the hotel’s pride still rests with the royal halls of Bir Shumsher. The memory of Yak and Yeti is synonymous with the Naach Ghar (currently under restoration for a new restaurant), and with the six convention spaces for a variety of needs; Yak Yeti has truly met the requirements of an international hotel. The largest of them being Regal, which at full capacity can accommodate up to a thousand people.

The majestic drawing rooms of Regency and Dynasty are indeed a treasure. The exquisite stucco and glass decorations and friezes enhance the beauty of the halls.

Originally the living rooms of Bir 32 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Shumsher, the halls today have been converted for convention and reception purposes. Even the atrium with its grand staircase and corridors looking down doubles as a special event venue. An interesting anecdote of this grand staircase of the Lal Durbar is that the originally installed marble was used to build the Shahid Gate. R. S. Saraf tells of how most of the chandeliers and artefacts were acquired and restored from various palaces around the Valley. He also tells of how some of the carving and wood work were restored from old dilapidated buildings in Dhalko Chowk of Durbar Square. All these today have found a restored life in the wonderful collections of Yak & Yeti.

As the hotel brochure reads, ‘Kathmandu’s Historic Wonder’, with all its grandeur, Yak &Yeti lives up to its claim. The Lal Durbar takes pride in its rebirth. The hotel has shown the potential of historic structures which have been adapted for reuse, fitting their original glory appropriately. A sensitive approach and care ought to be spared to all of the components, may it be the Naach Ghar or the Ballrooms. One current restoration, which is going on, is of the sunken floor of Naach Ghar to its original proportions. An example of building in historic context, one sees various concepts implemented over the

Above: The overall facade of the neoclassic Lal Durbar was restored recently by architect Eric Theophile and now looks as it did before the 1934 earthquake.

years by various designers. Although, the addition of the international style of the late seventies is distinctly of a contrasting design, it has managed to honestly establish what is old and what is new. Similarly, the other additions have tried to create their own relationships between the various forms and the historic structure. What one finds is that design with the restrictions and constraints provided by the existing fabric, overlaid with the richness of social and cultural preconceptions and desires does not have to be something which limits the creativity of the architect. As Arun Saraf has put it, “Every stage was designed in a context, and the hotel is a study of evolution of architecture of Kathmandu Valley over the last 35 years.” It has been shown how with some ingenuity, it can in turn be a liberating force. With all its interventions, the hotel has given new life to the old structures; a vitality in design and interior that would make any Maharaja proud. It is no surprise that the ambience, which has been created here, has made this hotel an icon of the Kathmandu Valley. S

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 33

34 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

CRAFT

moni’s

c r e a t i o n

‘A hobby turned into an entrepreneurship’ may be a cliché often used for such endeavors but nonetheless, one that still holds true in Sristi’s case.

T

he Naradevi Laxmi Award presented in March 2005 by Creative Statements during ‘Celebrating Womanhood 2005’ couldn’t have come at a better time. “It was a big morale booster for me,” admits Sristi Joshi Malla. A short while ago, in January, her ambitions had led the proprietor/designer of Moni’s Creation to set up a stall at the International Exhibition in Dubai. “There was a fire on February 1 st or 2nd, and three stalls were completely burned down. One was mine, the other two were of Jordan and China. I lost thirty four containers worth of my creations.” In fact, such was the magnitude of the loss that Sristi had already started to have second thoughts about continuing to run her establishment. It would have been painful to say the least, since it was established as a way to keep alive memories of her elder sister, Moni, who, along with her father, perished in the Thai Airlines crash some years ago.

The timely recognition paved the way for renewed efforts and such is her enthusiasm today, that she has already started a new line of business, that of supplying chocolates as gift items for corporate houses. She was also the recipient of the Woman Achiever Award 2004 presented by Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs of India (CWEI) during the International Women Entrepreneurs Meet and Conference in New Delhi.

Sristi won these awards not due to anything associated to work related to her academic background, but rather due to her artisanship in the art of sequins and beadwork as well as stained glass and glass painting.

And so, today, she is the Proprietor and Designer of Moni’s Creation, a firm that is as much an outlet for

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 35

her artistic flair as it is an outlet for an exclusive and exquisite display of beautiful works that seem at first sight, precious and fragile.

After finishing school from St. Mary’s High School, Kathmandu (1990), and high school graduation from International School of Islamabad, Pakistan (1992), she majored in International Business from

36 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Ithaca College, USA in 1997. She then went on to do a stint as a management trainee at the Nepal Association of Craft Producers (Apr-Sept 1998), followed by a spell as the external collaborator at the International Labour Office in Kathmandu. She has tried her hand at many things, including designing brochures and catalogues and is skilled in the use of multimedia, but it was when

she found herself excelling in courses on stained glass, candle making and glass painting (2001-2003, New Delhi), that Sristi could be said to have found her niche.

‘A hobby turned into an entrepreneurship’ may be a cliché often used for such endeavors but nonetheless, one that still holds true in Sristi’s case. Started in October 1998, Moni’s Creation was established as a small scale company

dealing with handcrafted innovative gift items and home décor in stained glass, glass painting, candles and beadwork. In the years since, Sristi has trained many others in the craft, not least of all, her brother, Pranaya, who is currently the General Manager as well as Glass Designer. The company, located at 171 Char Narayan Marg in Maligaon, has on display, a veritable collection of fine

artwork that can only be described in the most extravagant terms. Yet cost-wise, they seem to be reasonably priced.

Segregated primarily into three divisions, ‘Glass Painting’, ‘Stained Glass’ and ‘Beadwork’, the largest collection is that

Facing page & above: Moni’s Creation has on display, a lovely collection of fine artwork that can only be described in the most extravagant and flattering terms.

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 37

CRAFT

of Glass Painting. Trays, small, medium and big, cost from Rs.1200 to Rs.2000 each, and tables - wooden, round and square - from Rs.2500 to Rs.8000. A

38 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

lovely Tiffany Border Mirror is priced at Rs.4000 while bookends cost Rs.1950 and napkin holders, Rs.600 each.

Larger works like glass dividers and bigger glass paintings cost more, but the beauty they promise to add to a room, makes prices quite irrelevant.

And similar is the case for stained glass work such as the Rose and the Mini Lamp, the Blue Hanging Lamp, the Flower Hanging Lamp, and the Brown Hanging Lamp. Beadwork come in various designs. Beaded placemats (plain and twisted) cost about Rs.500 per piece.

Dainty beaded flowers cost Rs.150 a stem. Moni’s also specializes in attractive candle holders. Beaded candle holders (plain and twisted) are economical. And who can resist the attention-grabbing Candle Beer Stands ? Beaded Fish and Beaded Rose (15”x17”) and a Lotus Ganesh (12”x12”) cost a little more but are really beautiful.

Prices aside, Moni’s Creation is already a brand name to be acknowledged, and its products, possessions to be treasured. Sristi credits much of her inspiration to her mother, Chandni Joshi, presently Regional Director of UNIFEM for South Asia. She says, “My life has been guided by values instilled in me by my Mom.” These values have led Sristi to be active in the social sector and hold posts in many bodies including that of founder treasurer of HomeNet Nepal and Country Representative for SAWE (South Asia Women Entrepreneurs).

She adds, “I consider innovativeness to be my driving factor and I have learnt much from travels around the world.” In recent days she has also learnt that people are willing to listen to new ideas and if convinced, help. Her experience in a highly creative enterprise surely should enthuse other entrepreneurs as well. The company, although having a substantial number of items in its collection, nevertheless prefers customized business and continues to delight customers with designs that enchant and finishing that fulfills. S

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 39

VTERRACES ALLEY

40 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Text: Siddharth Gopalan

A concept of architectural zoning was born with a unique sloped roof streetscape with rich greenery.

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 41

prospective buyers to evolve a dream home. A concept of architectural zoning was born with a unique sloped roof streetscape with rich greenery. The wide well lit roads were planned for tree plantation in the style of French Boulevards. About 38% of the entire area was dedicated for open areas, which included fountains and green parks giving the ambience of a garden city. Tree plantation was taken up seriously, choosing some species blossoming in certain part of the year and others in the balance part, giving an evergreen and lush look. In all, more than 300 trees are to be planted at site and this is very relevant as it is happening at a time when there is merciless uprooting of trees in the Valley on the pretext of urban pressures.

The layout of the houses is in a terraced format, giving every occupant a height advantage for a clear view of the valley and mountainscape. Houses are planned in plot sizes of 10, 9, 8, 6 and 5 annas (1 anna = 342.25 sft.), with varied options of covered area, ranging from approximately 2000 sq ft to 3500 sq ft. The

Left: Two gates, specially made of cast ornamental steel , are on either side of the guardhouse which also houses a useful clock tower.

Below: About 38% of the entire area is dedicated to open spaces which include fountains and green parks.

The site measures 78 ropanis and is on a frustum of a hillock with its periphery dropping by as much as 9 metres at certain places. The major area is however reasonably plain and at a commanding height overlooking the valley and also lending a kaleidoscopic view of the entire Himalayan range. This kind of a large magnitude of area suggested a unique housing development and with such a difference in level between the low and the high point, a terraced kind of disposition was considered a good option, which is also in keeping with the valley terrain.

An exhaustive study was made on the contemporary developments in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and USA. Series of interactions were held with

42 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 43

44 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

is a spacious hall with a fireplace. The living/dining opens out to the front lawn through a veranda vestibule and will be a great asset during gatherings or even a family dinner.

At the ground level, the kitchen adjoins the dining part of the living/dining hall.

The kitchen is well sized for modern style usage and has an attached store. A covered washing area for utensils is located immediately outside through a side entry door, which also leads to a domestic help room and toilet to enable the domestic help to independently access the kitchen without interfering with the inside of the house. The bedrooms and a study are placed on the first floor with a spacious family room at its centre. The master bedroom is the largest and has an adequately sized closet vestibule to the bathroom. A spacious balcony adjoining the master bedroom is a unique feature in the design and has lent a veiled openness to the privacy of the bedroom.

The other bedroom at the same front face of the house on the opposite side is the Facing Page: The living-dining room is a spacious hall with a fireplace.

gate complex is approximately 120 ft. wide with traditional stone spouts and cascading water bodies enriched with floral planting on either side of the gate complex.

is the demand of modern day families.

At the ground level, there is an entrance foyer - convenient for leaving hats, umbrellas and the like - before entering the living/dining room, which

Above: The sloped tile roof, typical of a traditional home with exposed tile facade and certain classical embellishments.

Below: The car porch and driveway is spacious enough for two cars.

There are two gates - one for incoming and the other for outgoing traffic. The gates are specially made of cast ornamental steel and are on either side of the security guard room, which also houses a clock tower. A monitor in the guardroom gives information on security of 16 strategic locations by means of video cameras fixed at these places. A green area with a fountain seen immediately on entry gives a pleasant ambience at the entrance area, which is continued throughout the complex. The greenery was accomplished by enriching the topsoil with sweet earth, as the existing land was barren due to gravel formations at the surface.

The entry to the house is through a sliding steel gate with a car porch and driveway long enough to accommodate two cars, as SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 45

children’s bedroom, which also has a balcony and walk in closet vestibule to a well planned toilet. At the rear side is the fourth bedroom, which can either be used by guests or a grown up child and is equipped with a walk in wardrobe/dressing and a toilet. There is a study at the other side of this bedroom, which has the ambience for concentration of mind. The last floor contains a prayer room and an enclosed clothes washing and pressing room. Designed with flexibility in mind, the roof of the houses is partially sloped and the rest flat to accommodate any later day expansion of spaces. The front-sloped roof will give definitiveness to the streetscape architecture.

APART from the sloped tiled roof, which is typical of a traditional home, other elements like exposed brick tile façade and certain classical structural embellishments have been incorporated to emphasize the timelessness of such architectural innovations during the course of multihued architectural history of homes.

However for longevity of such elements, manufacturers from across the world have been resourced like the roof tiles, which are autoclaved with German technology and imported from Thailand. Similarly, the brick tiles are from special exclusive natural materials from India. The architectural elements have been carefully designed not to become outlandish and veering towards ornamentation.

The ceramic tiles used are of exquisite quality carefully chosen from Brazil, Spain and Thailand. Sanitary wares are of top end line of Cotto sanitarywares of Thailand. All CP fittings are of the best make and from internationally reputed manufacturers. The usual architectural embellishments like wood in staircase, Above: A good sized kitchen for modern style usage adjoins the dining part of the living-dining hall.

Left: The entrance foyer serves as a convenient corner for leaving hats, umbrellas etc.

46 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 47

Infrastructure facilities include a club, a medical inspection unit and a convenient shopping centre, to make the complex a self contained mini-city.

special cast iron stair case railing, architraves at the doorways of rooms, cornices inside and outside the houses are specially designed and uniquely crafted by the best of skills available within the country and in India. The houses are well

ventilated and window glazing are UV protected by the latest Rebofin technology.

Infrastructure facilities include a club, a medical inspection unit and a convenient shopping centre, to make the complex a

Top: A fine example of the detailing is in the solid stairs.

Above & Left: A spacious family room at the centre of the bedroom and study on the first floor.

self contained mini-city. Take out restaurants, childcare centre, swimming pool and jogging path are also envisaged in the future. As for water supply, the source is an underground tube well up to a depth of 306 metres (1004 ft) and two tube wells each with yield of 90,000 litres/day have been planned. The requirement has been calculated as 140,000 litres/day including requirement for internal house use, horticulture, fire hydrant system and general amenities. A water treatment system has been developed to ensure potable water. Water from tube wells is pumped into a 150,000 litre tank where it undergoes treatment and then pumped to the central overhead 100,000 litre capacity tank. From here, water is supplied to individual underground house tanks, each having 3000 litre capacity. Then, water is pumped up to 48 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 49

Right: The study next to the bedrooms has an ambience for concentration of mind.

Below: The bedrooms have adequate sized closets and vestibules that lead into bathrooms. The master bedroom opens out into a spacious balcony, lending a veiled openess to the privacy of the bedroom.

overhead tanks of 1000 litre capacity each. The water quality is of WHO standards.

A 500 KVA transformer is to be installed at the site and an underground cable system has been planned. Further, a power back up of 200 KVA generator capacity is also under installation for emergency usage. As far as security is concerned, quite an elaborate system has been designed, with video cameras at strategic locations, as well as a centralized relay monitor scheme. There are of course trained security personnel round the clock around the premises, including the gate.

With so many facilities to avail of, in addition to a location promising a munificient view throughout the year, Terraces could be said to be one housing complex that fufils the deepest desire of any man or woman-that is, the desire to live life to the fullest. Which of course begins with the posession of one’s own space within surroundings that beguile and enchant the soul. Terraces promises all these and more. S

50 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 51

§PROFILE

Touching New HE IGHTS

Text: Amar B Shrestha

“I take on very little work nowadays although my wife, Chandralekha, is as busy as ever,” says Matsyendra Lal Kayastha, Principal Architect of Mr. and Mrs. M..L.Kayastha & Associates. Sixty-one years old now, he doesn’t sound particularly tired when he says this, but possibly, M.L.Kayastha could be more than a little tired after completing almost 75 large scale projects during the period 1976 to date. This, of course, in addition to numerous private works including residences completed during the same time. The projects have been of diverse nature to say the least, as have been the clients. Projects have included hospitals, health centres, banks, government buildings, hotels, colleges, industries and commercial complexes.

Clients have included international aid agencies, the United Nations, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, embassies, metropolises, INGOs, industrialists, businessmen, doctors and educationists as well as various corporations and government ministries. “We were tremendously busy till around 1997,” states Chandralekha Kayastha, Co-Principal at the firm.

Clients have included international aid agencies, the United Nations, the World Bank, the Asian

§ The husband/wife team’s latest achievement has been the Rs. 22 crore Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh commercial complex next to the RNAC building in Sundhara. A joint venture with MEH Consultants, this project has been in the limelight in recent days.

The firm’s brief included survey, architectural, structural, electrical and sanitary design besides overall construction supervision. Started in February 1999, it was finished in September of this year. “It took us an inordinately long time to complete this project,” admits Chandralekha. Matsyendra adds, “This was by far our most challenging project. There were so many hassles along the way.”

So, after all said and done, are they satisfied with the result? Chandralekha smiles ruefully and reveals, “I went there recently to have a look. I returned completely disappointed with what the promoters have done to the inside.” Supposedly, the architects had been briefed initially that the complex would be leased only to offices and the design was done accordingly, but later on, giving first priority to economical viability, the promoters went about

52 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Development Bank, embassies, metropolises, INGOs, industrialists, businessmen, doctors and educationists as well as various corporations and government ministries.

PROFILE§ merrily leasing out the premises to all and sundry. With the result that a lot of aesthetically ugly and structurally unwise constructions have been allowed to be done inside the building.

“We won this project through a design competition,” says Matsyendra. In fact, he is proud to declare that in the course of their career, the firm has competed in, and won, many projects this way. So what has been the reason for their astounding success? Chandralekha has a succinct answer, “Sincerity”. Her smiling husband adds, “Right from the beginning we have confined ourselves to design and consultancy. We have never ventured into construction. Maybe this was one reason for our success.” Elaborating further he says, “We have done a lot of projects involving USAID and other international organizations, and there are clauses in their contract that forbid consultants from The husband/wife team’s latest achievement has been the Rs. 22 being in direct contact with suppliers. crore Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh commercial complex next to Perhaps this is their way of making sure that project costs don’t become inflated.” the RNAC building in Sundhara.

At the moment, the firm is busy with a Rs. 14 crore project, that of a commercial complex in Teku which is in the construction stage as is an OPD Service Area Extension at the Maternity Hospital in Thapathali. A Rs. 12 crore project, the Nepal Bharat Maitri Lalit Sabha Griha in Pulchowk, is under tendering stage as is a Rs 5 crore office building block of the Lalitpur Sub-Metroploitan City. If one were to only consider the above, it would seem that having their residence cum office in Kandevtasthan, Kupondole, must be a blessing. However, one will have to

conclude that it really doesn’t matter if one realizes that the couple have done numerous works in places ranging from Mahendranagar in the far west to Ilam in the east. In fact the HMG/UNFPA/ District Level Training Building Project during the period March 1998 to October 1999, involved work in twenty five towns all over the country. “I think that was the time when we used to joke that we were going on a ‘Nepal Darshan’,” laughs Chandralekha. Oh yes, the couple laugh a lot and the reason is obvious. “We are really

very satisfied with our careers,” concedes the ever smiling Matsyendra.

Another reason for their satisfaction could be the way their personal lives have turned out. Matsyendra and Chandralekha married in 1973 while they were both studying at M.S.University in Baroda. They passed out in 1975, the better half passing out as the topper among girls. Indeed, Chandralekha has always done well in studies. Sister of renowned neuro surgeon, Dr. Dinesh Nath Dongol, she did her SLC

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 53

PROFILE§ from Kanya Mandir in 1965, and B.Sc from Trichandra Campus in 1969. She won a scholarship under the Colombo Plan and went on to Bengal Engineering College in Kolkata. However, due to the prevailing Naxalite problem, she shifted to Baroda a year later and joined ranks with her yetto-be husband as well as with Jyoti Sherchan, along with whom she jointly became the first lady architect of Nepal.

Matsyendra, on the other hand, has always had some engineering influences in the family. His elder brother Kanhaiya is not only structural engineer but also, an architect. Another elder brother, Sambhu, is a structural engineer as well and holds the singular honour of being the first to receive the Mahendra Vidya Bhusan in the country. A younger brother, Narendra, is

Kayastha Residence, Kupondole.

an agroeconomist and is an associate professor in CEDA. Matsyendra himself studied in J.P. High School and passed his SLC in grand fashion, becoming Board 5th.

In college too, he continued with his winning streak and became Board 3rd in I.Sc. Matsyendra credits his father for the academic vein in the family, “He was an administrative officer in the irrigation department and used to be in close proximity with engineers which could have made him push us in that direction.”

After returning to Kathmandu the couple started teaching at the Institute of Engineering while at the same time, working in KUBA Associates, a joint venture firm of K.L.Kayastha Associates, United Builders and BDA that had come 54 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

B & B Hospital, Lalitpur

into existence for the USAID funded Rampur Campus project in Chitwan.

During the 2nd phase of the project, the Matsyendra / Chandralekha team c o m p e t e d independently in the design contest. They won, and the rest is history. From then on there was no looking back. The couple went on to win many more design contests and landed such prized projects as the AHW campuses in Birgunj, Lamjung and Pakhlihawa; the NTC projects in Naxal, Sundhara, Tripureshwor, Pokhara, Hetauda, Bhairawa, Nepalganj, Janakpur and Dharan. Matsyendra remembers, “During the great earthquake of 1988 the Nepal Telecommunication building in Dharan was used as a temporary shelter- such was its structural strength.”

Other milestones included B&B Hospital including its extension, Nabil Bank Corporate Headquarters, Harisiddhi Brick and Tile Factory, Vaijaydeep Laboratories, Nepal Bayern Electric Building Complex, Kathmandu Plaza, UNFPA/Training Health Post Project, Kathmandu Tourism

Service Centre, HMG/UNFPA National Health Training Centre Project and TU/ USAID/World Bank IAAS Development II Phase-Agricultural Manpower Development Project besides a host of other similarly large facilities like the Nepal Electricity Authority Complex at Durbar Marg, Municipal Infrastr ucture Improvement Project, Rig pe Dorje Institute in Phullahari, ‘Abenteuer Land’ Senior Citizen Home Project in Lalitpur and Maternity Hospital Development Project as well as the USAID/ Integrated Rural Health and HMG/UNFPA/ Integrated Community Health Services Development Projects.

Among their largest projects have been the Sanchaya Kosh Building (1,80,000 sq. ft.) and the Agricultural Development Bank Centre in Thimi (1,00,000 sq. ft.) Although the former is in continuous limelight because of its location, the latter is not so much in the public eye even if it is an architectural achievement any architect would be proud of. Testimony to this effect has come from political leaders who have been housed there from time to time. As Chandralekha says humorously, “ Many of them have admitted that they didn’t want to come out. So pleasant was the environment and so convenient the facilities!” The couple’s own house in Kandevtasthan, Kupondole, is marvelously designed and has a solid

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 55

PROFILE§ structure. In effect, Matsyendra is very particular about making sure that their projects are earthquake resistant.

Chandralekha adds, “Even though we consult structural engineers we make all efforts to ensure correct supervision so that there are no discrepancies.”

There can be no doubt whatsoever that Matsyendra and Chandralekha Kayastha, the first ‘architect couple’ in the country, have reached heights in their profession others can only dream about. Perhaps it was not only their self proclaimed ‘sincerity’ or their professionalism that made such a success possible, one could also infer that perhaps the times were right for such a couple who were totally dedicated to their vocation. Perhaps the momentum of progressive works in the country was itself reaching new heights and perhaps it could have been a case of being in the right profession at the right time. Of course, even if so, one cannot but admire the professional skills and the earnest hard work the couple must have put in to go so far in their careers. One is also forced to wonder, ‘Could their success be attributed to the fact that each of the pair maybe was an inspiration to the other?’

Because everybody knows, inspiration breeds motivation and motivation, success.

The couple have also successfully bred three children, two daughters and a son.

And it is no surprise to know that Megha, the eldest daughter is doing her Masters in Interior Design in Singapore; Mausam, the other daughter is practicing and teaching in the USA having completed her C.E, Masters in Fine Arts as well as in Architecture, and the son, Manish, is doing his Masters in Architecture in Singapore. Behind their house in Kandevtasthan is a vacant plot that is fairly large and presently awash with greenery.

Chandralekha reveals, “I think my son’s first project when he comes back will be to design and construct an apartment complex on this site.” One expects Manish to be as environment conscious as his mother when designing, and one supposes that the son will follow Matsyendra L. K ayastha’s axiom of architecture as ‘art to live in’.

At the same time one does hope that the son will be as innovative as the parents,

56 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Above: Agricultural Development Bank, Thimi.

Left: Boudhabari Complex, Kalimati Below: Nepal-Bharat Maitri Lalit Sabha Griha, Pulchowk.

innovativeness which is all too apparent in the design of their own house which was built in 1979. A house that is conspicuous because of the semi circular aspects starting from the entrance itself and highlighted by the tall tusk like concrete structures enveloping the exteriors. One does hear about how the Kayastha House had become a topic of discussion back then. The founder/past president of SONA and one time jurist of JK Awards for Architectural Excellence, Rotarian Matsyendra, smiles, “Yes, it is also earthquake resistant”. During his tenure as the president of SONA M.L.Kayestha was instrumental in filing a court case against haphazard roofing plans on the Louis Kahn designed Health Ministry building in Thapathali. “Imagine, this is the only example of the great Kahn’s works in Nepal. Surely, it must be preserved well, but the government was bent on constructing self designed roofs on the edifice,” says Kayastha. So how did the case turn out? “While the case was still being filed, the government went ahead anyway and built the roof !” informs Chandralekha ruefully. S

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 57

S

oothing sensuality

58 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

interior

“The employees of the FMCG office on the floor above us often remark that they would love to work in our office below,� says an Alitalia staffmember. The offices of Alitalia is located on the third floor of Situ Plaza in Narayanchaur in Naxal and the soothing environment of the premises perhaps is the reason for such envy. Such words must be music to the ears of Interior Designer Bineeta Gurung Ghimire who was responsible for the making of an office anybody would love to work in. The Managing Director of Alitalia, Rajiv Malla, is a cultured man and it was but natural that he would be all for an interior designer who knew her mind.

Bineeta, although shy and unassuming in nature, nevertheless, seemed to have some pretty strong ideas on what she was looking for when assigned the job.

Facing Page: Well, yes, the reception does have an international feel as befitting an international airline.

Above: Visitors would not mind waiting in such a relaxing environment.

Left: Note the pillar-no small amount of ingenuity was needed to make it an integral part of the conference room.

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 59

interior Although the plaza has solid structures and a fine looking exterior, circular concrete pillars through some of the rooms did make the project a bit more difficult. For example, the conference room in one corner of the Alitalia office premises was not large by any means, and this was further compounded by two substantial pillars running through it. One saving grace was the expansive windows lining the walls.

Given the constraints, Bineeta went about making the room as spacious as possible and much was achieved by putting up

Not much hype, true, but soothing and sensual nonetheless - an office that succeeds in creating a stylish impression.

almost transparent blinds on the windows through which plenty of daylight could be available. An oval table with leather chairs around it was of course a required perquisite. But then, what to do about the pillars? One couldn’t wish them away, much as Bineeta would have liked to. She however added a touch of aesthetics by planking the unwanted pillars and coloring them a deep mahogany. In the process, adding a stylish touch to the room.

Above: The reception in the bigger hall is no less eye catching.

Left:: Frosted glass, low ceiling, embedded lights and marble floors result in a most soothing atmosphere.

The lobby too had a similar problem which was dealt likewise. However, in this case since the space was much larger, Bineeta had much more room to play with. Marble floors and a false ceiling with strategically placed lights within, made for fertile ground in which to design the reception desk and seating arrangements. The 60 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Left: The MD’s office-simple but sober and dignified.

reception on the far corner is a boat shaped structure painted a dark brown, and deep black leather sofas line two walls. Simple in arrangement - but sophisticatedly welcoming in outlook. Adjoining the lobby are frosted glass doors, one of which leads to the afore-mentioned conference room,

and one to the MD’s office. Frosted glass has been used extensively, and rightly so, because they do enliven the surroundings.

The MD’s room is small in size, and here too, Bineeta has followed a similar strategy regarding wise use of expansive windows.

Minimalism reigns here as well, with just the right amount of furniture and furnishings. Indeed, the designer seems to be true to her words, “I don’t believe in unnecessary hype, I like simplicity”. The door next to the MD’s links this part of the office premises to the larger hall that is actually accessible through a main entry outside the lobby. This hall has a larger reception desk as well, and half a dozen or so working spaces, each segregated by glass dividers. Again, there is plenty of light. False ceilings give the hall a comfortable ambience and one can see that some thought has been applied to ensure smooth traffic.

Not much hype, true, but soothingly sensual nonetheless - and an office that succeeds in creating a stylish impression.

The Alitalia office premises is certainly a feather in Bineeta Gurung Ghimire’s cap. S

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 61

S

designer

EEKING BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY Text: G. Shrestha

Simple in her manners, simple in her style, and simple in her approach to life, she asserts, “I stress simplicity in my designs and I like my works to be soothing and elegant.”

“There’s enough work here for everybody,” opines Interior Designer Bineeta Gurung Ghimire. She passed out in 1993 with a Diploma in Interior Design from South Delhi Polytechnic for Women and plunged into the profession immediately, working alongside the gifted designer Tom Crees for about one year. “He is an immensely talented interior designer as well as an architect,” says Bineeta. “Oh yes, I definitely learnt a lot by working with him.

In fact whatever success I am enjoying today has a lot to do with the year I spent under his wings.” The pert designer appears to be shy and introvert in nature but at the same time, is strong and unflinching in speaking out her mind.

Perhaps this trait of hers has led to the success that has made her a very busy person today. Being born on the 27th of August is maybe another reason according to the unassuming, but spirited, designer.

Half jokingly, she says, “Being a fastidious Virgo makes me suitable for this vocation.”

But is a match between a Virgo and a Scorpio as well suited? Bineeta got married in 1999 to Scorpion Prakash Ghimire and it seems the match is after all well made since Prakash himself runs a business, Exterior Interior, a supplier of construction material including paints and flooring. The firm in Hattisar is also where Bineeta has her offices and so, is aptly

62 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

called, ‘The Designer & Flooring Specialist’. The ‘D & F’ couple have a 5 year old son, Prakritiartha.

“After my one year stint with Tom Crees, I started freelancing,” recounts the designer. “And I think I am blessed because even without approaching anybody for work, I began to get assignments.” Her first work was a Rs. 25 lakh turnkey project involving the interiors of an office on the 4th floor of Radha Bhawan in Tripureswor.

Co-incidentally, one of her current ongoing projects involves the interiors of a show room in the very same building. In between then and now, Bineeta has completed a host of projects that include 10 out of 30 Fitrite Shoe showrooms in Kathmandu, Biratnagar and Pokhara. “All the show rooms have a basic standard design,” she reveals. “Perhaps that is why I could finish the Biratnagar and Pokhara outlets in just 15 days.” No doubt she seems to be a fast worker and surely this is another trait that must go down well with her many clients.

And, yes, one must also mention that Bineeta has worked independently all this while without even the aid of an assistant.

However, as expected, the day has already come when she is starting to feel the pinch.

“I had to refuse a couple of projects recently because of the lack of time,” she

says. “I really feel bad because refusing one client is akin to refusing ten others. Word spreads.” That is why she is now thinking seriously of appointing another designer to assist her. However, it must also be mentioned that Bineeta is as finicky as she is pretty. Blame it on her star sign. And while perfectionism is certainly a priceless quality to have in this profession, it could be a little tricky as far as being satisfied with the work of others is concerned.

Bineeta does admit to this lurking risk but seeing that there is no other way out, is pragmatic, and is already planning to concentrate on giving ample training to those who will work with her.

Two of her works are quite conspicuously located-Woodland and Reebok showrooms in Durbar Marg. “The Reebok showroom was completed only very recently.” Seeing her portfolio of the large number of showrooms (including the remaining 20 Fitrite outlets yet to be done which she calls ‘projects in hand’), Bineeta could well be said to be a specialist in the field. This does not mean that she is not equally experienced in other areas. In fact, the project that is presently topping her list of ‘most satisfied works’ is the Alitalia office in Narayanchour, Naxal. The Fitrite office in Baluatar, the Vasulinga Sugar Mills office in Naxal, and the BASE

International office in Baneswar were also designed

by Bineeta. So too was the 22 room Hotel Panorama in Lakeside, Pokhara, and the DG’s office at the Health Department, Teku, besides many, many residential interiors. Bineeta has worked in many cities including Bhairawa, where she has had the pleasant experience of a client involving her right from the beginning stage of “Conceptualisation takes time and the time construction. “The client sent taken can depend on the mood,” she says me the drawings even before candidly. “After all, interior designing is a highly start of construction,” she creative process and creativity can be stifled reveals. “I could thus offer my by rushing too fast.” suggestions which were incorporated accordingly in the original plans.” Her one fervent wish Bineeta does take care to stifle the costs is that more clients would become as aware so that she stays within budgetary limits. because involvement of the interior While doing so, she is of the opinion that, designer at a latter stage could require “Just because the budget is small does not constructional changes thus incurring extra mean that the design cannot be done to costs. “I believe this particular client had the client’s satisfaction. Most costs can be faced a similar problem when work was controlled by the discretionary use of being done on his business premises.” Well, materials and time. The visualized concept as they say, experience is the best teacher. is not compromised.” According to her husband, Bineeta makes wonderful shoe Her own experience has shown that there racks! “Yes, of course, shoe racks are is growing awareness about the need for important,” laughs the lady. “You know specialists when doing interiors, but she how untidy it looks to see shoes lying does feel, as others surely do, that there around outside rooms and in the lobby.” are many architects who, besides exteriors, But she makes many more things other prefer to do the interiors as well. “It would than shoe racks. “You should see a staircase be really nice if interior designers were I have designed for a residence in Chabahil. consulted because interior designing is a It is all carved wood without handrails, and specialized field,” she says. Bineeta does there are a lot of pedestals. I think it is admire the work of many young architects one of the finest of any of my works.” including Sarosh Pradhan, who she thinks Nevertheless, the lady is not very satisfied is creative, and Siddartha Gopalan, who with what she has done till now and her she says, has a good eye for detail. Her own logic is simplicity itself, “If I become one year apprenticeship with Tom Crees satisfied then will that not make me taught her the value of doing detailed work complacent and less creative?” and this is evident in her style of working.

“I draw the plans keeping every minute Verily, Bineeta is simplicity itself. Simple detail in mind, down to the choice of in her manners, simple in her style, and furniture and furnishings-right at the simple in her approach to life, she asserts, drawing stage itself.” This could be why “I stress simplicity in my designs and I like she does not have a particular time frame my works to be soothing and elegant.” when working. “Conceptualisation takes Well, seeing that she has so much work on time and the time taken can depend on hand and so much more up her sleeves, the mood,” she says candidly. “After all, simplicity seems to be maybe a wee bit too interior designing is a highly creative simple an answer for her success. One has process and creativity can be stifled by to presuppose that the lady is modest to a rushing too fast.” At the same time, great degree. S

S

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 63

TRENDS

’ll Like This!

U

According to Architect Roma Amatya, the entrance and the living room are usually taken as the starting points while designing homes.

Architect Archana Rajbhandari agrees that this is the normal modus operandi. However, Binod Koirala, MD of U-Like Homes Pvt Ltd., has a suggestion to make, “ Wouldn’t it be nice to plan a house with the kitchen and the bathroom as focal points?” He adds, “After all, these are the rooms where most time is spent.” Well, keeping in mind the fact that homeowners are preferring more convenient and contemporary designs, and that modern customized kitchens are now

64 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

A

available in a diverse range of styles, there is logic in what Koirala says. Besides, according to him, “Since modular kitchens come in attractive colours and materials, even other décor in the house can be planned accordingly.”

This would of course imply that homeowners will have to make a selection of their preferred modular kitchen right at the beginning. Similarly, architects will have to accommodate and give first priority to the particular characteristics of the same

“Since modular kitchens come in attractive colours and materials, even other décor in the house can be planned accordingly.” when planning the kitchen. How far this is practical is for architects and interior designers to decide, but seeing that modular kitchens have become almost an integral part of any well designed home,

and also realizing that such kitchens are a substantial investment, perhaps the argument holds water. According to Koirala, “Customized kitchens definitely could be the highlight of a home and if SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 65

TRENDS

decoration using the latest Italian designs and the latest German technology. The firm claims that unlike most kitchens in the market which are readymade, its kitchens are custom made to exact requirements and taste.

According to Koirala, standardized modular kitchens come in limited designs whereas U-Like Kitchens can be created within any area, in any size, offering a large selection of unique designs and finishes.

selected early, people like us would have adequate time for installation to the homeowner’s satisfaction.” Binod Koirala has been in this business for the last five years. In 2003, he established U-Like

66 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Home Pvt. Ltd. in New Baneswar with the aim of supplying world class home appliances. By the end of 2004, the firm had started to design kitchens, introducing several innovative concepts in kitchen

He adds, “A twelve by fifteen feet area would be ideal for installing modular kitchens.

And in fact, such kitchens are more cost effective than in those cases where kitchen costs are estimated on a per square feet basis.” This is seemingly because even unused area is taken into account when doing so whereas in the case of custom designed kitchens,

this is not the case. Also, according to Koirala, since modular kitchens come in separate units, customers can even plan on a piecemeal basis if there are budget constraints, and can add-on later when conditions are more favorable. Which means that practically anyone can plan to have modular kitchens in their homes. This should come as good news to many homeowners who think that their budgets don’t allow them immediate access to such wonderful kitchens.

“We also provide free of cost designing and cost estimation to all customers,” informs Binod. This is possible because of the firm’s production team of highly skilled personnel including engineers, project supervisors, interior designers and skilled and semi-skilled workers.

U-Like Kitchens are claimed to be weather proof and suited for any climate. This is due to the use of Marine Plywood conforming to British quality specifications (BS476). The advantages delivered by Marine Ply are innumerable, especially in

U-Like Kitchens are claimed to be weather proof and suited for any climate. This is due to the use of Marine Plywood conforming to British quality specifications (BS476).

kitchens. It is fire retardant, boiling water resistant and termite proof, and makes a sturdy, durable framework for the most demanding kitchen. Membrane and post form shutters come in a wide range of sophisticated finishes to cater to just about any styling specification.

The shutters are said to be the same as those used in Italy’s connoisseur kitchens and are available in different categories: solid wood shutters comprising the best and most beautiful in Oak, Cherry, Red Alder, Beech and others. U-Like’s technical team - all trained in CAD and well tuned

to customers’ design requirements - assist with conceptualizing and designing. The firm’s efficient Kitchen Task Force also carries out stringent quality checks at every stage and executes on-site assembly, taking care to comply with the minutest detail.

Customers are encouraged to place orders, make enquiries and check job status online.

All in all, the firm asserts professional service and its U-Like Kitchens assure provision of world-class design, material and installation- custom-built to suit individual lifestyles, space and budgetary requirements. S

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 67

PRODUCTS

AMAZING WONDERS FROM

B E R RY F L O O R a subtle V-groove between boards; WoodView allows for standard chamfer, again ensuring a V-groove; WoodView4 facilitates all four sides to be chamfered resulting in an attractive V-groove; Contour allows various edges to be contour enhanced so that one gets the illusion of a multitude of boards assembled with precision; and with WoodSound the acoustic properties become identical to those of parquet. Similarly, with SoundAbsorb, there is significant noise reduction while with StoneStructure, the structure is identical to that of natural stone for engineered tiles. StoneStructure+ ensures faithful fit into the décor.

BerryLOC –Glueless Installation: Berry Floors of Belgium is a leading authority on laminated flooring (world’s number one according to some statistics) and the Berry Group claims to have invented laminated flooring back in 1977.

The company has introduced a host of exclusive new designs all incorporating the BerryLOC system ensuring glueless installation. Easier and quicker to install, advantages include unique precision fit, no installation mistakes, no dilatation joints, ease of restoration, and convenience in dismantling and reinstallation if needed.

Besides, the BerryLOC profile highlights its capacity of supporting a load of 550kg per linear meter.

The Systems: All Berry Floor laminated flooring have a choice of different systems.

WoodStr ucture system conveys structurally, real wood; WoodStructure+ creates a structure on each board that follows perfectly the wood grain; Micro WoodView enables boards to be lightly chamfered along the edges so as to obtain

68 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

The Collection: The newest range includes Chateau, Residence, Hacienda, Regency, Cottage, Loft Select, Loft Project, Casa for Kids, Casa and Tiles. Chateau is available in WoodStructure, WoodStructure+, SoundAbsorb and Micro WoodView systems and the patterns follow a ship deck layout. Chateau is designed as long boards for easy installation and for an intensification of the visual effect. Residence is a laminate flooring with extra wide boards (24.1 cm) that ideally replicates true solid parquet. Incorporating the WoodStr ucture and WoodView systems, Residence offers a structure identical to real wood and exhibits an attractive V-groove after assembly.

Hacienda is ideal for covering long rooms because it comes in lengths not less than 2 meters long. Using the WoodView4 and WoodStructure systems, the boards are chamfered on all sides, and due to their length, combined with the BerryLOC system, can be installed very quickly. Regency is asserted to be the first floating engineered flooring in the world available

in two different widths-12 and 17 cm.

Equipped with either WoodView or WoodView4 as well as with WoodStructure and WoodStructure+ systems, Regency provides for a wide creativeness in designing. Cottage assures a wide range of rustic or authentic decors and because of the WoodStructure and WoodView systems, displays real characteristics of wood besides creating a V-groove.

Loft Select is available in different systems.

Micro WoodView presents a subtle Vgroove between boards; Matlook gives the boards a matt finish; WoodSound provides for the same sound as solid parquet flooring and WoodStructure+ creates a structure identical to real wood. Loft Project has outstanding resistance, durability, and good water resistance, thereby making it ideal for heavy traffic areas and bathrooms.

Casa for Kids come in trendy colours: mouse grey, dolphin blue, frog green and canary yellow. Casa has the WoodStructure and Contour systems, making it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, hallways and small offices. Ceramic Tiles have the StoneStructure and StoneStructure+ systems affording the warmth of wood along with the beauty of tiled floor. Natural

Tiles impart an aura of the nobility of natural stone thanks to the unique StoneStructure system.

All of the above are available in various different colours and come with a 25 year guarantee period. S

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 69

TIPS

LIVING THE ELECTRONIC LIFE

HOME ENTERTAINMENT Text: Pradeep K Upadhyay

Time is short and the search for easier and faster methods of accomplishing things related to daily chores has opened up vast choices. Entertainment being one of the major parts of daily life, it plays a very important role with respect to balancing one’s state of mind - more so with the ever increasing pace of living. As the saying goes ‘All work, no play, makes Jack a dull boy’-a certain amount of entertainment is paramount to the conduct of a perfect and healthy life. With the advent of television, watching movies has never been easier. The hassle of queuing up in long lines for tickets to watch your favourite movie, or the pain of having to cough up more than you can afford when having to buy tickets in the black-market (specially on a date), is a thing of the past. One may argue of course that there is nothing like watching a movie full screen in a public theatre. True, but this section of entertainment is developing so fast that the cinema hall will one day surely be a very expensive and time consuming luxury that few can afford.

The Home Theatre: A true Home Theatre is a custom designed room with projector, large screen and surround sound system (usually built in and hidden). This dedicated environment is a mini movie theatre complete with serious theatre seats, climate control, noise control, and remote control. Here we apply the term loosely to any system that integrates TV, video sources, and surround sound.

Surround Sound: is basically a collection of speakers placed in such a way that a sound field is created that totally envelops the listeners. Typically, five speakers are used but more may be used in difficult environments. Besides the usual left and right front speakers, left and right surrounds are added to create the sound field. A fifth speaker called a centre channel is placed near the television and used when you watch a movie. This speaker helps to 70 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

make movie dialogue clearer and locks the voices to where you see the mouths move.

Normal speakers have limitations in terms of how low a frequency they can reproduce and so, nowadays, an additional speaker (called a subwoofer) is added to cater for the low bass that normal speakers just can’t play. Movie soundtracks especially contain a rich low bass content that adds a tremendous amount of atmosphere if you can hear it.

Processors: in home theatre amplifiers decide which sound must be heard where, to create a coherent, believable sound field.

Essentially, the processor contains computer code which tells it how to interpret the signals from your DVD, video or whatever. What it doesn’t know however, are things like speaker placement, room size, how loud they play and the location of the listeners. So to get your system working properly you need to tell the processor these and a few other things.

Changing a few parameters in the set-up is a far from daunting task if you can read, but it is amazing how many quality systems out there disappoint for lack of proper setup. Besides quality of components and proper set-up there are a number of factors that influence the quality of sound field a system can create. Often overlooked is the room, and the need to match components to the environment. You don’t go to sea in a dinghy and conversely you don’t float an ocean liner in a pond.

Setting up a Home Theatre: If you have invested in some home theatre kit, then no doubt the question of where to put all this stuff has arisen. Correct placement of speakers and screens relative to the room and the audience makes a huge difference to the performance and enjoyment of the system. Wiring the system and calibration of the set-up parameters is the next step.

If you are planning to build a house and want to incorporate a home theatre, then

your designer should address the following factors in the design: 1. If the room is used for other activities besides the home theatre, then obviously these have to be catered for.

2. Big openings towards sources of noise (road with traffic) should be avoided.

3. Excessive noise from HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system must be addressed in the design phase itself, since rectifying procedures after construction is done will be expensive and quite difficult.

4. Wherever practical, choose a rectangular room and place the screen and front speakers along one of the short walls (the length of the room helps the low frequencies develop).

5. A ratio of 1:1.4:2.1 (H:W:L) in the room dimensions should be maintained to avoid unwanted standing wave problems. Skewed walls will definitely also help in minimizing standing waves.s 6. Walls, except the sidewalls close to the screen, should be absorptive. However, care must be taken to balance both absorption and diffusion of sound. Too much absorption will result in a ‘dead environment’. There are several commercially manufactured products for both absorption and diffusion of sound.

7. A nice thick carpet and use of curtains and soft furnishings can absorb some of

the echo and reverberation.

8. A point of concern in home theatre owners can be transmission of sound (noise) either from other activities in the home into the theatre or from the theatre to other parts of the home. This noise is usually transmitted through the weaker points like doorways, windows and other openings. Hence, before improving the isolation quality of the wall, noise path through these weaker points needs to be addressed first. A weather strip or a drop seal on the doors and windows can be some of the options to control unwanted transmissions.

9. Sound isolation can be achieved either by massive construction, an airspace in between of the elimination of any structural connections that may transmit sound. However, due to the low frequency of bass music, proper isolation can be difficult to achieve.

10. In a larger room with floor standing front speakers it sometimes helps to hang curtains directly behind the speakers.

Additionally, for a good audio image, try to keep the area between the front speakers as clear as possible.

11. If your floor is of a hard material like ceramic tile, and for aesthetic reasons the décor is minimal, then from a sonic viewpoint you have a problem. In such cases, select some form of satellite (small wall mounted) speakers and over-engineer the subwoofer. In a larger room it is wise to use two subs. Alternatively call in a sound engineer who may be able to recommend a way to control the echo and reverberation that typically plays havoc in such an environment.

Gone are the days of ‘Sholay’ and ‘Enter The Dragon’ when the craze for the silver screen made people travel even up to Patna from Kathmandu just to hear Gabbar Singh roar “Arey oh Samba” and Bruce Lee dish out kicks and chops with his famous screech and scowls. Clearly, these are exciting times for entertainment lovers with a high-tech bent and a passion for music and cinema. S SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 71

REPORT Text: Kamana Dhakhwa, Swasti Bhattarai

Flirting

with convention through ‘

culture of opposition THE OUTRAGEOUS CONCERT OF OZZY OSBORNE, WHO EATS A BAT THROWN OVER THE STAGE LEAVING THE AUDIENCE SHOCKED, OFFENDED AND FASCINATED! WHY IS THE SCENE SHOCKING? BECAUSE IT IS UNEXPECTED AND WHY IS IT UNEXPECTED? BECAUSE IT IS OPPOSING THE THEORY OF WHAT IS ACCEPTABLE.

Breaking the shell When one form reaches unprecedented heights, another invariably seeks to challenge it! Let us begin with the end of Classicism. Renaissance, Gothic or Baroque which used ‘complexity of details’ as the element of attraction were so famous and loved, that it became beautiful convention and then invincible. But times change and along came new ideas and technology that became an impetus to oppose convention that was too complete beyond tolerance. Hence, the culture of opposition began, marking the end of classicism and the beginning of modernism- a culture of today that attempts to rephrase the idea of beauty in resisting history and pre-self.

Culture of opposition and architecture of controversy To understand the culture of opposition, let us refer to the simple example of fashion shows. We often notice anorexic models on the ramp, and we question their presence. The fact is we notice. And for the culture of opposition, ‘noticing’ means ‘everything’. A fact musicians are all too aware of, apparent in the apparels and 72 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Hence, the culture of opposition is a characteristic perception of modernism with persistent tendency to provoke controversy, questioning the accepted convention on demanding attention!

The Ronchamp Chapel

mannerisms with which they ornate themselves and their acts in. The outrageous concert of Ozzy Osborne, who eats a bat thrown over the stage!

Leaving the audience shocked, offended and fascinated! Why is the scene shocking?

Because it is unexpected and why is it unexpected? Because it is opposing the theory of what is acceptable.

According to Lebbeus Woods, ‘Architecture of Controversy’ is one such culture of opposition where the architect is at war with time, with its history and with all authority that resides in fixed and frightened forms. However, it is not the war of violence or destruction but of competition and construction. On opposing time, history and authority, art and architecture has roared such controversy and such amazing output of new vision that its popularity has grown many folds.

The Ronchamp Chapel, an icon of postmodernism that Le Corbusier built in the mountain village of Ronchamp, France, is one of his most talked about projects. Critiques often argue that planning a church has proven an involved problem for contemporary architects. The general tendency is to go back to the old, well-worn forms, because of some strange

inhibition created by the subject itself. But when some one attempts to shed the norms, he is looking for trouble. The Ronchamp was so controversial that a petition against Le Corbusier’s chapel went all the way to the Vatican! But today it stands as an icon of transition in church architecture.

Form follows function. Or does it?

Eisenmann’s ‘form follows form’ and Calatrava’s ‘function follows form’ like celebrated dictums are getting famous adding fascination to this wave of opposing culture and architecture of controversies. Controversy is such a stage of distraction that actually gifts the controversial object, a central stage which makes everyone aware of its existence.

This phenomenon actually works for the fame. In the art world, endless controversy was aroused around the Sarcastic Olympia.

Understanding Controversies of Sarcastic Olympia Manet’s Olympia was a shocking subject matter when it was painted in 1863, exhibited in the Salon of 1865. Here, the artist’s source was exemplary: titan’s Venus of Urbino.

Nudity was accepted in paintings when they were portrayed as goddesses in Renaissance art and Manet’s depiction of nudity was a model or even a prostitute and by doing so he deliberately flouted accepted social conventions.

Then there is Yasumasa Morimura’s Commentary on Olympia (1988).

He constructed an elaborate set of Olympia’s boudoir in which he posed both as the infamous courtesan and as her maid. In apparently gleeful modifications to the Manet painting, one can see serious intrusions into modern art history. And now on searching the net we can even find the George Bush version of Olympia sending diverse controversial messages.

Much captivating than George Bush as Olympia are the numerous architecture of controversy, which took bold and dangerous steps, yet succeeded in coming out as winners. Below are a few examples, which not only caused extreme furore when they were built but are still debated upon.

Architecture of Controversy At the heart of Paris, amongst the historically valued

Pompidou Center, Paris, France

monumental buildings, stands the machine like Pompidou Center designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. It not only contrasts tradition but its style opposes the very convention of hiding structural and technical parts of the building like trusses, marine funnel, vents, pipelines and ducts and imaginatively flaunts it. The design gives the open-space flexibility because the structure and service facilities were channelled along the outer walls, leaving the interior open to be freely subdivided, and suitable for the multitude of changeable institutional and public uses.

But many Parisians perceived the centre as offensive, and thus expected it to be embraced only temporarily.

The building duly caused unimaginable uproar with the overwhelming majority rejecting the rebellious form as an anarchic addition upsetting the tranquillity of the traditional setting. Little were people aware that this controversy would ultimately lead to the building’s popularity and eventual acceptance. Of course the success owes much to controversy as it does to the imaginative and flexible interior spaces.

The very fact that the most high tech architects of the time, Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers were awarded to design a cultural centre within the historical city fabric, was to uproar controversy. The architects were actually encouraged to take on industrial expression.

Early criticism aside, the fact that the Pompidou is one of the most frequently visited facilities in Paris speaks volumes of its success today. The building has become an icon to Parisian popular culture, housing SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 73

REPORT

France’s National Museum of Modern Art, a public library, an audiovisual center, a rooftop restaurant and Internet café.

Needless to say it has succeeded in gaining high social acceptance.

Pompidou Centre stands as a peculiar example of an architecture that is aimed for establishing new trends rather than following the current mode. People often change their acceptance once they start to use the building. This is because true architecture value is in the quality of space rather than exterior appearance alone!

‘The magician of light’, Ieoh Ming Pei’s design for the new entrance to the Paris Louvre is as famous as the museum itself. In designing this new entrance to the Louvre Museum that houses Leonardo’s famous “Mona Lisa”, he constr ucted the neomodern glass pyramid famous as the Grand Louvre Pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre.

While the traditionalists argued that it destroyed the dignity of the Renaissance courtyard, the progressive admirers hailed Pei’s seventy-one-foot tall transparent pyramid as a dazzling synergy of ancient structure and modern method- a symbolic link between the old and new- helping usher the Louvre into the next millennium, thus making its existence controversial. The Pyramid deliberately turns the tradition and

74 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

Grand Louvre Pyramid, Paris, France

entrance corridors. (H. H. Arnason, Peter Kalb (Revising Author), History of Modern Art). Besides its association of timelessness and brilliant ingenuity in lighting an underground space, the ensemble is a superb example of how new buildings in old settings do not always have to accommodate themselves to the style of their ‘found’ surrounding.

concept of pyramid inside out. A pyramid is supposed to be solid, dark and solitarya mesmerizing symbol of the exotic world beyond the streets and cultures of Europe.

The above examples justify the appetite for breaking conventions, resulting in a more fascinating architecture. But these architectures often stand exuding Salome’s mysterious beauty.

In contrast, Pei’s version consists of clear glass, almost immaterial, a vast skylight hovering over streams of museum visitors as they are channelled into the Louvre galleries through the below-ground

Salome was a young princess, enchanting and beautiful. Once, she danced at the Royal court for her stepfather, King Herod.

Delighted by her performance, he granted her a wish. Salome demanded for the head

SALOME in symbolist art an analogy: ‘Beauty mocks Intellect’

of Saint John the Baptist, a brilliant and intellectual advisor to the king. Her wish was granted. Thus, Saint John’s intellect was defeated to Salome’s beauty. Salome thus stands as symbolism exemplifying beauty that mocks intellect.

Analogous to Salome’s beauty, there is the architecture of fascination such as John Utzon’s Sydney Opera house which was so complicated a design mimicking the sea shells, that it took many years to configure its structural aesthetic.

like wing, sweeping upward in a curve, reaching a height of 197 feet at the Auditorio de Tenerife. This wing construction cost almost half the project cost and when Calatrava was queried regarding its function, he simply replied by saying that it had a purely aesthetic purpose. Designed in obvious violation of Berlin height restrictions, Peter Eisenmann’s Max Reinhardt Haus has not yet been built. But Eisenmann still states “it will become a tr uly prophetic building…”

Santiago Calatrava, the architect, structural engineer and an artist, made quite good use of his artistic idea of architecture into structural wonder in the fascinating leaf

Just like Salome’s beauty mocks intellect the progressive acceptance and fascination of such architecture mocks rationality in preaching extravagant beauty. S

References: Books 1. H. H. Arnason, Peter Kalb (Revising Author), History of Modern Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Photography: Fifth Edition, Prentice Hall, Inc, 2004 2. Monica Bohm-Duchen and Janet Cook, An Usborne Introduction: Understanding Modern Art, 3. Michael Rush, New Media in Late 20th-Century Art, Thames and Hudson ltd, London, 1999 4. Matthew Collings, This is Modern Art, Weildenfeld & Nicolson, London, 1999 5. Architectural Design: New Age = New Architecture, Academy Group Ltd, 1997 6. Selected by Bill Lacy, 100 Contemporary Architects: References: Drawings and Sketches, Websites www.galinsky.com www.archspace.com www.greatbuildingsonline.com http://www.eyeconart.net/history/19th%20c./ http://www.victorianstation.com/palace.html http://cs.clark.edu/~hum101/Humanities_101/ http://ah.bfn.org/a/church/28/source/2.html http://galleryofart.wustl.edu/art/imgLarge/30lg.html http://www.artchive.com http://www.defensiblespace.com/book/ http://www.defensiblespace.com/book/ http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/gehryloyola/ http://ana.makeupyourmind.nu/trigs.html http://www.artnet.com/magazine_pre2000/ http://www.buecher.de/verteiler.asp

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 75

Perfecting the art of printing VARIETY PRINTERS Pvt. Ltd P.O.Box. 9240, T.U. Road, Kuleshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Tel: 977-1-4278869, 4284265. Fax: 977-1-4278050. email: variety@wlink.com.np

76 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 77

DIRECTORY A listing of professionals featured

ADVERTISERS Aditya Hardware

71

Bineeta Gurung Ghimire Interior Designer Exterior-Interior Haatisar Kathmandu Phone: 4435419

Alcon

67

Asian Paints

03

Lok Chitrakar Artist Simrik Atelier Shri Durbar Tole Patan Dhoka Lalitpur Phone: 5528810 Matsyendra Lal & Chandralekha Kayastha Architects MLK Building Kandevtasthan Kupondole Lalitpur Phone: 5523758

CONTRIBUTORS

Avco

07

Balterio

Cover Fold

Better Homes

51

Bloom (RS Interiors)

19

Create Bath

38

Decoron

33

Exterior - Interior

Inside Cover

Glassic Studio

13

Home Furnishers

49

Hot Pot

77

Hotel Shangri-la

34

Hotel Vishuwa

18

Hotel Yak & Yeti

11

IFB

09

Kalinta

39

Kitchen Concept

InsideBack

La Décor

53

Megatech

66

Moni’s Creations

69

Multitec Trade Circle

57

Nepa Marble

77

Panchakanya Steel

Back Cover

welcome your enquires.

Pashupati Paints

55

editor@spacesnepal.com

Pashupati TMT

55

Pest Control

77

Scorpio

61

Simrik Atelier

17

Stone Carving

63

Thanka House

17

Triveni Gopal Complex

05

U-Like Interiors

47

Variety Printing Press

76

Whirlpool

Cover Fold

Wood Carving Industries

75

Wood Craft

74

If you’d like to be featured in, or contribute articles to Spaces we

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE Yearly subscription Rs. 500 only Call - 5544606

ATTENTION PROPERTY OWNERS If you have any constructed property waiting to be disposed, we will be pleased to feature it under our ‘Prime Properties-For Sale’ section in forthcoming issues of ‘Spaces’. Please note that prior to acceptance for publication, our in-house experts will first inspect the property.

Contact: Marketing Department. Phone: 5544606/5526040 email at market@spacesnepal.com

78 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES

AVAILABLE AT New Road Deshbhakta (Pipalbot) Krishna, (Pipalbot) Madan, (Pipalbot) Chitrakaar, (Pipalbot) Sandesh Griha

Himalayan Map House

Maharajgunj Baba Shakti M.S.Stationary Namastey Supermarket Baburam

Patan Joshi Stationary Gyan Book House Poudel Stationary Patan Dhoka Books R.C. Stationary Machhindra Stationery Prabhat Stationary Janapriya Stationary

Chabahil Bhaba Books Charumati Books Asha Books Student Books Kantipath Pashupati Books Mandala Book Point Samjhana Books Educational Book House Perfect Books Point Parijat Stationery Kupondole White Lotus Book Shop Pulchowk Radiant Dept. Store Lazimpat Namastey Supermarket Blue Bird D.K. Stationary Departmental Store Saraswoti Book Store Asmita Stationary Pradhan Chamling Stationary Ekta Edu. Palace Gemini Grocer Bhat Bhateni Saleways Dept. Store Bhat Bhateni Dept.

Pilgrims Book House

New Baneswor Acharya Siddhi Manjushree Rabim Stationary Khanal Books Old Baneswor Sailungeshwor

Matidevi Saugat Books Naxal Shrestha Dept. Store

Babarmahal Thamel Everest Book Stall Barga Books Pilgrims Book House Tahachal Barnes & Nobel Metro Mall Academic Thamel Books Koteshwor Book Land Depot Narayan Poudel Earth Books Walden Book House Durbarmarg Shangrila Book House Pilgrims Book House Horizon Dexo House Kritipur Nepal Book Depot Kipu Book Store Glory Book Shop Madhav Books Nayabazaar United Books Swoniga Book Store

SPACES NOV-DEC 2005 79

80 NOV-DEC 2005 SPACES