SPACES Nepal MAR-APR 2009

MARCH-APRIL 2009

ART - ARCHITECTURE - DESIGN

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Singha Durbar

Green Schools - Building The Future

The Factory

SPECIAL COVERAGE THE NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION BUILDING DESIGN COMPETITION Price NRs. 100/- IRs. 65/-

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CONTENTS

The crystal fountain takes center stage at the largest and most ornate hall in the Singha Durbar.

COVER PHOTO Photographs:Ashesh Rajbansh Canon EOS-1D Mark II Camera f/5.6 @ 1/50 sec ISO 1000

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 3 March-April 2009

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THE NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION BUILDING DESIGN COMPETITION

THE FACTORY

REFLECTING TRADITIONS Bharat Basnet, an avid admirer and supporter of the culture and traditional heritage of his country, Nepal, clearly put forward two major requirements for his residence. Firstly, the design must reflect the traditional aspects of art and architecture of the country and secondly, it must be earthquake resistant.

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GREEN SCHOOLS BUILDING THE FUTURE

SINGHA DURBAR

Design of school buildings has been a highly neglected field in the whole subcontinent. At present schools not only fail to provide an appropriate educational environment inside, but are also a threat to the global environment.

Recently, MS Nepal and BASE Bardiya in collaboration with the Department of Education attempted to present alternative solutions to building schools in Nepal.

HERITAGE

The decision to construct a new National Planning Commission (NPC) building within the Singha Durbar Complex through a national design competition, was initiated a few months ago by the past Vice-Chairman of NPC, Dr. Jagadish Chandra Pokharel.

Accordingly, a Building Committee was formed which prepared the Terms of Reference and Evaluation Criteria for the Design Competition. The Committee also selected an inclusive Jury from different sectors and out of a total of 14 competitors, three designs were adjudged the first, second and third winners, besides two others who received certificates of appreciation.

Thamel, for its chameleon nature seems to be a perfect site for ‘The Factory’ - a restaurant and bar - which as the name suggests, flanks a factory theme. Located in the second floor of Mandaladeep, a building with traditional Nepali style façades, an exterior which could never give away The Factory’s interiors.

ARCHITECTURE

50 INTERIOR

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REPORT

ARCHITECTURE

Dining in a setting you would least likely to expect- a Factory

Ranas came to power in 1846, with Jung Bahadur Rana becoming the first Prime Minister of Nepal. The subsequent 104 years of Rana regime witnessed its distinct style of architectural expressions, which were a result of extensive travelling by the Ranas to the West. Most profligate of them all, the Singha Durbar, built in 1903, was claimed to be the most luxurious palace in Asia.

EDITORIAL

Architects and designers are probably aware of the recent surge in building construction works in the Kathmandu Valley. Invitation for design proposals for upcoming banks and commercial complexes and sale of multi-storied apartments and housing complexes are advertised in newspapers almost every other day. This ofcourse indicates good economic opportunities for all those involved in the building construction industry. And as with the saying, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going’, healthy competition in every field will surely bring forth positive results. However, in the context of Nepal, the appreciation and value of competitions, especially in designs, are yet to be realized. We still have calls for design proposals which are more of a commercial tender than a design proposal. From private banks and complexes to government backed projects like the ‘Shanghai Expo 2010’, all smack of either vested interests or simply ignorance and lack of vision. In this backdrop, the National Planning Commission (NPC) Building Design Competition sets a benchmark not only in terms of the amount of the prize money offered, but also due to the size and stature of the project. Taken constructively, it sets an example for such important projects in the future, yielding designs which are both contextual as well as competitive globally. This issue is hence a special edition featuring the designs of winners of the NPC Building Design Competition. SPACES congratulates the National Planning Commission, the Jury members and the Competitors for their vision, contribution and participation for making the Design Competition a success. Allaying fears of past history of design competitions being limited to competitions only, we hope that the construction process will also be successfully completed as visualized.

Education is one of the basic parameters which indicates the future – of oneself, of the family, of the society, and consequently of the whole country. While education materials and methods evaluate the quality of education, on the other hand, it is also dependent on the environment which one studies in or is taught. As writes Sonam Wangchuk in his report, ‘Green Schools – Building for the Future’, appropriate designs of school buildings help to do just that, and more so if they are energy efficient, environment friendly and cost effective as well. According to Sonam, this school is a prototype for 50,000 classrooms that the Nepal Government plans to build by the year 2012. A formidable task for such a short time span of only three years and that too within such a fragile political situation. However, as the project is labour intensive, it not impossible, especially for a country where thousands of its youth still search for their energy to be channelized towards a positive direction.

Architecture of any country can be said to be representative of its history. It indicates the country’s style of living, its culture, as well as influences of other cultures on it during that period. It is thus important that we acknowledge and appreciate this fact if we are to learn, analyze and move forward towards a better future. Nepal is a treasure of such history and in spite of the impending doom forecasted by earthquake experts, we have been fortunate to still be able take pleasure in observing these man made architectural marvels. Unfortunately, these are slowly being destroyed by the most destructive of all – man – as we came to find out while doing the article on ‘Singha Durbar’.

This palace built in 1903 AD, which as Sabina writes, ‘claimed to be the biggest and most luxurious palace in Asia and until 1973, the largest government secretariat in Asia,’ roars no more and silently awaits death.

Until the next issue…….

CONTRIBUTORS Sonam Wangchuk is from Ladakh (trans-Himalayan region in the J&K State of India). He was a co-founder and director of SECMOL (Students’ Educational & Cultural Movement of Ladakh), a pioneering NGO working on education reform and sustainable development issues in Ladakh.

Apart from software reforms in curriculum and public participation in government schools he has also used his engineering education on alternative energy, to design and build climate responsive school buildings, both for the himali regions as well as the terai plains, that can naturally maintain a more stable temperature in all seasons. Of late he has served as an advisor for MS Nepal, a Danish INGO working in Nepal. Wangchuk is the recipient of many awards, some of which are: CNN-IBN ‘India-Real Heroes Award’ in 2008; THE WEEK ‘Man of the Year’ in 2001 for his efforts to reform the education system in Ladakh; Sanctuary Asia Magazine ‘Green Teacher Award’ in 2004 and Ashoka Fellow by Ashoka- Innovators for the Public, USA in 2002. He has also been on the National Governing Council of the Sarvashiksha Abhiyan (EFA) under the Ministry of Human Resource Government of India. He is currently doing a Master’s course in Earthen Architecture at the National School of Architecture in Grenoble, France after which he hopes to contribute to education and school buildings in the entire Himalayan belt. (wangchuk@secmol.org)

LETTERS

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MANAGING EDITOR Uday Sunder Shrestha, B.E, B.Sc. PHOTOGRAPHY & P RODUCTION CONTROL Ashesh Rajbansh CONSULTANT-MARKETING &

SALES

Krishna Shrestha

EXECUTIVE-MARKETING &

SALES

Nijima Shrestha

ASSISTANT-MARKETING &

SALES

Rashmi Shakya

PUBLIC RELATIONS Prakash Bahadur Amatya EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Ar. Prajal Pradhan CONTRIBUTING

ART EDITOR

Kasthamandap Art Studio

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR - DARJEELING HILLS Barun Roy A CCOUNTS Rajesh Dali WRITERS Ar. Sushmita Ranjit Ar. Prabina Shrestha Richa Bhattarai

National Planning Commission Building Design Competition – Presentation, Review and Analysis’ – An Effective Initiation Thank you for inviting me in to the ‘National Planning Commission Building Design Competition – Presentation, Review and Analysis’ program held on 13 February, 2009. It was really a good- I must say an out-of-the box initiation taken by SPACES. These types of programs will help both types of audiences –those with technical or non-technical background.

The presentations reminded me of the old days in the Design Studio.

Through the program, the whole picture of the entire process of the Design Competition became clear, including the challenges, the initiations and the contributions of the different people involved in this project. A very sensitive decision was taken while forming the Jury Committee. Inclusion of non-technical professionals in such types of programs in the future would be a small initiation towards awareness and appreciation, since most decisions are made by non-technical people holding high level positions.

The process, briefly described by the key speakers, gave a clear picture about general people’s mindset about architecture in Nepal. Nevertheless the holistic approach seems very encouraging to the young architects, architecture students and partly to the general people.

Maybe in the future, people will stop insisting about having the same staircase in the same position as that of their relative’s house. Unpleasant, but a bitter fact of everyday life.

Ar. Amit Gurung, VSBK Project, Kathmandu.

Thank you so much for conducting such a impressive program for us architects as well as architectural students. We hope for the continuation of such programs by SPACES. Ar. Dilli Sapkota, Khwopa Engineering College, Khwopa.

Thank for organising such a fruitful event. Receiving comments, suggestions and views of the architectural fraternity and other participating contestants towards a relatively young group of architects winning a national level design competition was enlightening and encouraging.

A-Not Team, Kathmandu

We regret to have attended the presentation program of the NPC Design Competition held at Pulchowk Campus, since it was concentrated to only the first three winning entries and the rest were ignored.

Kuldeep, Kathmandu.

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News and Happenings March-April 2009

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Sparsh - Touching Waste With Love 4th January 2009, Kathmandu On the 4th of January, 2009, Raju Khadka, a third year architectural student of ACME Engineering College, Kathmandu, held an exhibition of models of buildings and other art/craft works at the Siddartha Art Gallery, which he built with a special material urban waste. Inaugurated by Dr. Horst Matthaeus, Program Coordinator of UDLE,

GTZ, the exhibition was an exploration of artistic possibilities using materials such as wheat straw, plastic recharge cards, carton boxes, X-ray films, newspaper, thermocol, bamboo dust, amrisho sticks and ice cream sticks.

Speaking at the inauguration, the curator of the exhibition, artist Manish Shrestha was of the opinion that art and architecture were inseparable and in this age of post modernism, a new world could be created by its fusion. Also at the function, Dr. Matthaeus commented that the current trend of the modern buildings constructed in Nepal were neither creative nor were they representative of any innovative character of modern Nepali architecture. In this context, Dr Matthaeus hoped that the idea of this exhibition could stimulate a search for new construction solutions incorporating appropriate local building S materials, including waste.

Talking Architecture 11th January 2009, Lalitpur

The 10th volume of Vaastu was launched amid a function attended by professional architects, academicians and students at the Institute of Engineering (IOE), on 11th January 2009. With 'Talking Architecture' as its principal theme and the editorial opening with 'Silence ‌.no more', the journal this time attempts to 'push forward the culture of talking about architecture' and also searches not only for a direction and identity, but also for solutions to problems and issues pertinent to Nepalese architecture today. Vaastu is an annual architectural journal published by ASA, the association of students of architecture of IOE, Pulchowk Campus at Laliptur. S

15th January 2009, Kathmandu Binod Pradhan, a member of Kasthamandap Art Studio, has always been fascinated by the Newari architecture among which the artist grew up in, and his earlier works reflect this very fact. His latest art works, entitled 'Sacred Spaces', too is dominated by these bahals, stupas, temples and chaityas, but are more 'simplified and

meditative' - evolving from his experiences of a retreat to Osho Tapoban and travels to India, USA, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. According to Art Curator, Sangeeta Thapa, 'Sacred Spaces, is a celebration of a new phase in Binod's artistic journey. The artist's enjoyment of his subject matter and his unrestrained palette indicate a release from many suppressed inhibitions.' The exhibition was opened by the Japanese Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Mr. Tatsuo Mizuno, at the Siddartha Art Gallery in Kathmandu on the 15th of January.

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Purwanchal Regional Art Exhibition 23rd January 2009, Dharan That the art scene is not limited to the Kathmandu Valley alone was demonstrated with an exhibition of art and crafts of various artists at Dharan on the 23rd January. Organized

by Youth Art Centre Purwanchal, the three day long exhibition collectively showcased works by 36 artists and sculptors from the eastern region of Nepal.

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NEWS and HAPPENINGS

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Fifth National Architecture Exhibition 29th January 2009, Lalitpur On the 29th of January 2009, the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Pulchowk Campus at Lalitpur, was host to the Fifth National Architecture Exhibition. Organised by the Association of Students of Architecture (ASA) Pulchowk Campus, the three day long exhibition was inaugurated by Ar. Indra Bahadur Shrestha, the Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction. The exhibition showcased works by architectural students of ACME Engineering College, Nepal Engineering College, Khowpa Engineering College and IOE Pulchowk Campus. Also at the inaugural function, a special cash prize of Nrs 25,000 / - was awarded by Mr. Laxmi Subedi, MD of New Technical Water Proofing Service & Rehabilitation Pvt. Ltd., to Amit Bajracharya of Pulchowk Campus for his thesis 'THE ParkE' (see SPACES Jan/Feb S 2009), which was adjudged to be the best among his batch. Š Mahima

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NEWS and HAPPENINGS

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Yatra The Journey 30th January 2009, Kathmandu

Pramila Bajracharya's 19 years of her artistic journey was celebrated with her solo exhibition 'Yatra' at the Art Gallery in Kathmandu on the 30th of January 2009. Inaugurated by renowned artist Uttam Nepali, art critic Mukesh Malla and Pramila's mother, Rudra Maya Bajracharya, the exhibition showcased more than 26 of her creations, most of which were her impressions on nature and her S experiences of life.

Š Kashtamandap

Harmony 30th January, Indore, India Mr. Jagdish Verma, Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry, inaugurated a group exhibition entitled 'Harmony' at the Reflections Art Gallery in Indore on 30th February. The exhibition comprised of art works of the seven contemporary artists of Kasthamandap Art Studio of Nepal and an artist from Sri Lanka.

The exhibition not only provided an opportunity to art lovers in India to enjoy the rich and diverse works of the artists, but also provided a platform for the young artists to showcase their talent and creativity.

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A Search For SERENITY 3rd February 2009, Kathmandu "Watching prayer flags flutter in the wind is such a peaceful experience. And the prayer flags, found in five colours, represent Pancha Tatva - the five elements we are all made up of. Tatva is an abstract term, like my search for artistic bliss. I don't know what I am searching for. Yet I search‌." - Chirag Bandel - artist, writer, poet.

True to his words, Chirag Bangel's fourteenth solo exhibition at Dent Inn was all this and more, consisting also of his experimentation with figurative paintings of women, which are both peaceful and surreal.

Inaugurated by Catherine Meyer, President of AWON, the exhibition also had a social cause to it with the contribution of 20% of the sales towards 'Women Education Training for Literacy', an AWON initiative in Sankhu.

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NEWS and HAPPENINGS

Paul Friedberg breathes life into Central Park 8th February 2009, Kathmandu

22 Living amidst the labyrinth of a concrete jungle, Kathmanduites have long ago felt the need of spaces that breathe. With utmost realization of the same issue, developers of mushrooming apartments and housing colonies have begun to incorporate landscape design in their projects. And taking the lead, Clean Developers Private Limited, vowing to provide one of the exquisitely designed and planned landscape in their upcoming venture, 'Central Park', a luxurious green residential apartment complex, has roped in the world renowned landscape architect M. Paul Friedberg for the project .

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Friedberg, also a scholar, educator and a writer was recently in the Valley to oversee the landscape design aspects of Central Park. He will be assisting ARCOP ,the principal architects for the project, chiefly as a conceptual designer for over 70 percent of open spaces of the complex.

'You're what you build,' said the architect in a press conference held at the office building of Clean Energy Developers at Naxal. Sharing his views about landscape architecture, he added that the recent awareness of environmental problems have led to growing interest in

landscape architecture.

Beaming furthermore on the importance of landscape architecture, he opined, 'The main aim of landscape architecture is to design a space not only for enjoyment, rest and relaxation, but which makes people reconsider their inner

selves and makes them feel mentally composed.'

Friedberg, who has won almost 100 prestigious awards has undertaken projects in countries like U.S.A,Greece,Hong Kong, Turkey, Israel, Brazil, Pakistan, S India and Japan.

HYGIENE,

ECONOMY !

March-April 2009

COMFORT,

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NEWS and HAPPENINGS

March-April 2009

with 'ASA' (Association of Students of Architecture, Pulchowk Campus) at the library hall of IOE, Pulchowk Campus on 13th of February 2009. The objectives of the program was to develop a greater awareness towards design competitions; share the experiences regarding the design approach; promote the culture of off-campus learning environment; and to help to educate and encourage aspiring designers.

While the program had speakers Dr. Jagadish C. Pokharel and Ar. Kishore Thapa highlighting on the concept, procedures, evaluation and the jury report of the competition, the first three winners made a presentation of their winning designs, each of which were followed by brief interactions on the designs with the audience.

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National Planning Commission Building Design Competition Presentation, Review and Analysis 13th February, Lalitpur

Dr. Jagadish C. Pokharel

Ar. Kishore Thapa

On the 17th of December 2008, an award ceremony was conducted to announce the winning entries of the National Planning Commission (NPC) building to be built within the Singha Durbar premises. Out of a total of 14 competitors, the first, second and third winners were ANot Architecture and Architects, SAFE Consulting Architects & Engineering Pvt. Ltd., and Ar. Prabal Thapa, who were awarded cash prizes of Rupees 2 lakhs, 1.5 lakhs and 1 lakh respectively. At the same program, a certificate of appreciation was also presented to Ar. Sanjay Lal Shrestha and ASK Group for their designs.

Realizing the importance of such competitions, a 'Presentation, Review and Analysis' on the recently concluded design competition was organized by 'SPACES'

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The design competition was initiated by the then Vice Chairman of NPC, Dr. Jagdish Chandra Pokharel. While the convenor of the Jury was Ar. Kishore Thapa, Jury members included Prof. Dr. Sudharshan Raj Tiwari, Ar. Biresh Shah, Ar. Binod Neupane, Ar. Bijay Budhathoki and Ar. Anju S Malla Pradhan.

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NEWS and HAPPENINGS

Cityscapes Soft Launch March-April 2009

13 February 2009, Lalitpur

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CG properties unveiled a prototype of their upcoming venture - 'Cityscapes Apartment Homes at Hattiban, Lalitpur on 13 February. The mock up, erected at the propose site, conveys a general foreknowledge about the apartment complex to the general public and acts as a realistic excerpt of the soon to be built condos to

give a foretaste to the buyer.

With the impartment of its lifesized model, Cityscapes promises to stand as a new paradigm of dwelling complexes, setting a benchmark for its counterparts. The apartment which will be handed over to the buyers after 30 months from construction period will tentatively cost

Arniko Award 13 February 2009, Kathamandu The Arniko Youth Award is an annual event to honour young artists below the age of 40 in the field of painting and sculpture.

The award was established nine years ago in the name of Arniko, the famous 13th century artist from Nepal who went to China at the age of 12 to make stupas for Buddhist temples. This year round, the Arniko Youth Awards in painting and sculptor were awarded to Bhairaj Maharjan and Dhan Bahadur Yakkha respectively, at a function held in the presence of Kabibar Shree Madhav Prasad Ghimire at the Nepal Tourism Board Hall.

Bhairaj Maharjan, one of the founder artists of Kasthamandap Art Studio, has participated in more than 46 international group shows and more than 25 art camps in Kathmandu, Sri Lanka and Bhutan since 1991. With 4 solo painting exhibitions to his credit, he has bagged the first prize in the National Art Exhibition in 2004, a Greeting card competition in 1994, best field work in 2D animation in 2005 and a gold medal from Arniko Yuwa Sewa Kosh 2009.

Sculptor Dhan Bahadur Yakkha, a graduate from Fine Art College in Kathmandu, has many sculptures to his credit, some of which are the metal statue of late 'Chaya Devi', a lady who actively participated in the Janaandolan - 2 of Nepal, an 8-piece life size statue in the International Mountain Musuem of Pokhara, including developing many bust size and life size sculptures. Besides these notable art works, Yakkha has participated in more than 29 group shows and art works in Nepal.

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Rupees 4900 per square feet, differing with each type of apartments. The price is also subject to change according to the alteration in market forces and values. Regarding financial facilities, Cityscapes has put forward four types of payment plans, namely - down payment plan, construction linked plan, bank financing plan and special payment plan as per management discretion. For its running and maintenance expenses, two basic systems of payments have been proposed

which is yet to be finalised.

Cityscapes, the eco-friendly apartment complex also offers a wide variety of modern infrastructure and services to make a gleeful living experience.

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NEWS and HAPPENINGS

March-April 2009

The symposium aimed to address various challenges for reducing vulnerability of World Cultural Heritage Sites and their surrounding historic urban environment to earthquakes, especially in the context of developing countries such as Nepal.

The four day symposium, inaugurated by Mr. Tatsuo Mizuno, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, was attended by renowned national and international experts in the field of structural engineering and heritage conservation from more than ten countries such as China, India, Japan, Bhutan, Canada, Australia, Korea and Peru.

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Kathmandu Symposium 16th February, Lalitpur World Cultural Heritage Sites in historic urban areas located in earthquake zones are becoming increasingly vulnerable to earthquakes due to factors such as fast pace of urbanisation and population growth. The case of World Heritage Monument Zones in Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and World Heritage Sites in Kyoto in Japan illustrate the issue at hand. The situation is alarming since both in

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Kathmandu and Kyoto, a serious earthquake is expected in the near future. If we do not take immediate measures to protect our cultural heritage from impending earthquakes, then we may lose these irreplaceable cultural resources.

To discuss these challenges, a symposium on 'Protecting World Cultural Heritage Sites and their Historic Urban

Environment from Earthquakes' was organized from the 16th to the 19th February 2009 by the Research Centre for Disaster Mitigation of Urban Cultural Heritage, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan in cooperation with UNESCO Kathmandu Office and the Institute of Engineering, Tribhuwan University, Kathmandu, Nepal and with the support of the Embassy of Japan.

The symposium was also marked with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Ritsumeiken University, Kyoto and the Institute of Engineering, Tribhuwan University, Kathmandu, for co-operation in the area of risk management of cultural heritage. Both the institutes will undertake joint research activities in the field of structural analysis of historic buildings in order to develop sustainable retrofitting measure of S earthquake safety.

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Nirakar

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20th February 2009, Kathmandu Gajendra Man Shrestha, an artist and a photographer, held an exhibition of his semi-abstract paintings at the Nepal Association of Fine Arts, Kathmandu on the 20th of February 2009. With the fish as a prominent character, this 19th solo exhibition of Gajendra was a visualisation of things beyond, as well as an indication of the power of meditation. The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Tatsuo Mizuno, S Ambassador of Japan.

Faces of Europe 20th February 2009, Kathmandu After fifteen years of his first exhibition in Nepal, Fritz Risken, an artist from Germany, held a second solo exhibition of his creative art works on the 20th February at the Nepal Art Council in Kathmandu. Inaugurated by Mr. Norbert Meyer, Consular Deputy Chief of Mission, German Embassy, 'Faces of Europe' showcased the 65 year old artist's S impressions of his travel through Europe.

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NEWS and HAPPENINGS

March-April 2009

UPCOMING EVENT

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First Cymbidium Orchid Show 2009 21-22 March 2009 Nepal is considered to be rich in orchids and is home to more than 380 species, spreading right across the country from the terai to the snowy mountains and from the east to the west of Nepal. It is reported that the terai has a more diverse species as compared to the mountains.

Similarly, the east of Nepal has been found to be richer in species than the western part of the country.

Although the orchid flowers in Nepal have been limited to traditional use, commercial orchid farming for cut flowers or potted plants started about 1015 years ago, with the major orchid genus commercially cultivated being the Cymbidium, a sympodial orchid. As of now, more than 90% of Cymbidium farming is done in the Godavari region of

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Lalitpur disctrict with the remaining 10% being done in the hilly regions of Makwanpur district. Cymbidiums are popular and one of the most expensive cut flowers both in Nepal as well as overseas. This is mainly because of its excellent flower and long lasting quality.

At present, more than two dozen Cymbidium hybrids of exportable quality are cultivated in Nepal, and although the current production is meeting the domestic requirements, its demand is increasing and efforts are being made by The Cymbidium Growers Group (a group formed

by Cymbidium growers of Lalitpur district) to export these flowers. The future of Cymbidium farming in Nepal looks promising and therefore this group is organizing the first

Cymbidium Orchid Show to promote Cymbidium business in Nepal. In addition to exhibition and sales of Cymbidium, there will also be training on bouquet making, button holes and corsage making with information on its conservation too. • Dr. Umed Pun, Himalayan Flora Enterprises, email: umedpun@gmail.com

Date:

21 - 22 March 2009

Venue: The Administrative Staff

College, Jawalakhel Visiting Time:

Day 1 (12 to 5 pm) Day 2 (10 am to 5 pm)

Booking for training: Gayatri Thapa ph: 9841312213, email: shelithapa@hotmail.com

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ARCHITECTURE

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National Planning Commission Building Design Competition

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March-April 2009

A–NOT ARCHITECTURE N ARCHITECTS

FIRST

CONCEPT

34 The idea is to have a subtle yet modern structure which blends with the environment without losing its identity. The building has a minimum footprint to ensure that a sufficient amount of land remains for landscaping, employing rain water harvesting techniques and bio- gas generation techniques. The context created by the surrounding neo-classical buildings is echoed in the NPC Building by use of excessive white colour, round pillars, horizontal lines and slope roofs, but in a different way. The transition of white neo-classical building to the exposed works in the ministry building is visually treated by the harmonious use of white colour and texture clad surface.

This building utilizes the various elements of green architecture in adherence to the energy conservation building codes. The various active and passive strategies of green elements are utilized at the basic design stage with the conceptual thought process as inbuilt design components.

PROFILE A-Not was established on 2063 BS by a group of four Architects- Damodar Acharya, Shovendra Raj Joshi, Raju Neupane and Mitra Lal Gurau.The services of A-Not covers a wide range of activities comprising of Architecture Design, Urban design and Planning, Urban Conservation and Heritage Preservation, Landscape Design and Planning, Interior Design etc. (anot_architecture@hotmail.com)

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The sciagraphy created as a result of the solar

the illumination of maximum floor area by

movement brings about a very different

natural light with a minimal dependence on

picture of the building with every passing

artificial light source in the daytime. A

hour.

wholesome lighting could not have been

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possible without glazed openings. However

The heat island effect has been curbed by

a combination of features like solar

installing heavy plantation on the west side

protective glass and metal louvers check the

of the site. There are terrace gardens proposed

glare effect and the heat intake of the

on the upper level floors, which offer thermal

building. They also facilitate views of the

insulation to the roof, which might

surroundings while availing a feeling of

otherwise conduct the enormous heat to

openness and spaciousness. In addition,

the inner areas. These roof terraces also

they help to yield a very unique and

retain water. There are photovoltaic cells

outstanding

elevation.

Moreover,

March-April 20092009 January-February

The meticulously planned floor plates ensure

the

used on the southern roofs that reduce the

pergolas used on the building exterior serve

heat gain and enable the usage of renewable

as an add-on for the elevation of the building.

energy.

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ARCHITECTURE

36

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March-April 2009

SAFE Consulting Architects and Engineers (P)Ltd

37 bring the issue of context at the forefront, study of which have produced the opportunity design, which in a best case scenario could invent architecture of modern gesture of an old

SECOND

and constraints simultaneously and directed us towards the path of situational informed

CONCEPT

Building next to such an important architectural icon of the nation like Singha Durbar, does

culture and finally could successfully address the paradox of how to be modern while remaining true to the cultural past.

After comprehensive study of the organization and its function, the functionality is divided into two major components, consequently forming the Office Block and the Auditorium Block.

The site falls in the Zone A within the Singha Durbar premises, which strongly dictates the look and the setbacks, which we believe is appropriate and should be adhered to intelligently to preserve and add to the character and beauty of the site.

PROFILE SAFE (Space Alternatives for Environment) was originally formed as SAFE Consulting Architects & Engineers Pvt. Ltd. 1993. After a very short period of providing services, the firm diversified its activities into various fields of Architectural Engineering, Environmental and socioeconomic services, project planning and management, techno-economic engineering, administration and management.The group of designers comprises of Raju Baidya, Sakar Pradhan, Bina Pradhan, Sushila Maharjan and Jayandra Dhowj Kiran. (safe@mail.com.np)

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March-April 2009

ARCHITECTURE

38

The first major decision was to establish the south edge of the site as the front and the east-west road as the main access road.

The front has the set back of 11m. The portico of the building is aligned to this set back so as to maintain clear and welldefined street edge and become more public and easily accessible.

The east and the west have a set back of 22m. The building claims the remaining square portion which is roughly 55m by 55m, with an open court in the middle. This square portion determined by zone ‘A’ zoning of Singha Durbar is further divided into two halves, where the eastern half is claimed by auditoriums and the western half by the offices. These divisions, which respond to the dominance of offices on the western side and urban development on the eastern side beyond the boundary wall, functionally separates and prevents the crowd of auditoriums interfering with the relative tranquility of routine office work.

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western side and also access to underground parking for the office is from this side. Open space on the east is to be developed into a garden to capitalize on the rows of trees at the east street which may also hint at the past glory of ‘Putali Bagaicha’.

March-April 2009

The visitors have surface parking on the

39

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PRABAL S. THAPA

THIRD

CONCEPT

40 Established in the early 1900s, the ‘Putali Bagaicha’ is one of the few remaining Rana gardens in the valley today and although only a hint of its original layout is recognizable, the garden currently is home to a large variety of unique and matured trees. The effort to conserve or preserve these existing vegetation seems legitimate. The planning has been focused to assure minimal encroachment into the garden, concentrating the building volumes towards the south and conserving the trees with enormous foliage located towards the north of the property. The garden will offer an impressive backdrop to the NPC complex. The building opens up into a courtyard housing the garden in the centre. This can be viewed from all the halls in the ground floor and the offices above.

PROFILE Prabal Shumsher Thapa graduated from the Technical University in Vienna in 1993.Since then he has worked in many prominent projects in Nepal and abroad. His project Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge has received many awards and accolades from international organizations. He had also won the 2nd Prize for “Exekutivezentrum II, Salzburg” in the open Nationwide Competition for the Police Headquarters in Salzburg in 1993. (ptarch@infoclub.con.np)

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Built on two concrete cores housing the lift shaft and the stairs, upper floors are further supported by an array of steel supports and beams. The vertical stacking of areas has been intended to concentrate the more public spaces in the lower floors and office spaces

March-April 2009

ARCHITECTURE

41

in the upper floors. i.e.,: Ground floor: houses most public areas like halls, lobby, press rooms etc.

First floor: consultants, advisors, cafeteria Second floor: offices, divisions and sections Third floor: All executive offices, VC and Honorary Members Fourth floor: library

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ARCHITECTURE

42

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March-April 2009

ARCHITECTURE

ASK GROUP

43 The proposed building design of National Planning Commission follows the fundamentals geometrical dispositions to create a SIMPLE and PURE composition. The intention is neither

APPRECIATION

of contemporary notion of Architecture. The Building form is agglomeration of two strong

CONCEPT

ABSTRACT :

to confront the surroundings in SCALE, PATTERN or TEXTURE nor to accentuate the glorification of its form to attain MONUMENTALISM. The building retains its original character in existing strong presence of the Neo-Classicalism – which was borrowed from the West by the then Rana regime.

CONCEPTUAL PLANNING - HORIZONTAL Distortion: The regular square plan is distorted into two quadrangles; the Hall and Office Block. The eastern block proposed for Auditorium will represent a prominent mass in built volume where as the western block is the Main Office Building.

PROFILE ASK Group is an architectural firm based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Innovative contemporary design is the hallmark of the firm's works. The Group's scope of services covers a full spectrum of design activities including feasibility studies, schematic designs, detailed designs and construction supervision. Extensive use of computers and the latest hi-end design software is used for exploring a variety of design solutions. The firm involves architects Sunil Shrestha, Sramanendra Shrestha, Dipesh Shrestha, Arpana Lavaju and Himal Pun. (www.askg.com.np)

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ARCHITECTURE

44

Circulation: The building is accessed from the south and the provisions of release is provided to both east and west flanks. These provisions are vital for emergency evacuation.

The spaces are arranged around the central Atrium and Foyer. Service and Circulation Core are strategically placed so that it could be functional in case of emergency.

Puncture for Light and Air: The central triangular puncture in the building is proposed for introduction of light inside the Internal Spaces.

Outdoor Spaces: Outdoor Space is distinctly divided into two characteristics zones–Green Landscape and Hard Pavement.

The eastern and northern area is proposed for Green Landscape and Spill out area for fresh air.

The southern and western area is proposed as hard surfaced drop off for Main Entrance and Surface Parking respectively.

A channel is opened from the north-west for access to basement parking below.

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CONCEPTUAL PLANNING - VERTICAL Public vs Private: The functional spaces are allocated considering its degree of privacy. The formal office spaces are proposed on the upper floor where as the public space such as Canteen, Library, and Halls are proposed on lower floor.

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45

Higher the Traffic - Closer to the Ground: The public spaces are arranged according to the intensity of Visitor Traffic. The spaces with higher traffic intensity are placed closer to ground and vice versa. This principle is vital to obtain shorter period of time for collection and release.

Disintegration of Crowd: A conscious effort is made to disintegrate the crowd vertically to separate different sets of crowds and reduce the traffic pressure in the ground floor. Three halls allocated in three separate floors have varying size and capacity. The Main Hall, which is the largest, has the capacity of 600 spectators and is proposed on ground floor. The Bikash Baithak with the capacity of 300 spectators is accessed from first floor. The Samikshya hall with the capacity of S 250 spectators is accessed from second floor

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March-April 2009

ARCHITECTURE

SANJAY L. SHRESTHA

APPRECIATION

CONCEPT

46 The design explores the unrealized potential of an office workspace. Concepts anchor around the role of National Planning Commission in this changing face of "Naya" Nepal(new

Nepal).

Till

date

the

development has been focused, or rather limited, to the capital, Kathmandu. Now it is high time to decentralize and move out of the valley in all directions. The design explores these trends diagrammatically and tries to extrapolate volumes based on them.

A radiating concentric circle has been used as graphical representation to describe decentralization. A central point in the site is taken as a focal point and the section of the circle is referenced to this very point. Axial lines denoting major access points are drawn to the focal point. Based on these lines several volumes are extracted. The volumes are arranged in such a manner as to maximize natural light and ventilation in the proposed office building.

PROFILE Sanjay Lal Shrestha graduated in architecture from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology(RMIT) University,Melbourne,Australia,in 1998. After practicing for four years in Singapore,Sanjay is now based in Kathmandu and runs the firm Outre Design with his wife Romi. Sanjay was also awarded the first prize for his design in the architectural design competition for Union Finance Company Corporate building at Naxal,Kathmandu. (odesign@mail.com.np)

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47

Major mass with office spaces of the building is aligned along south and south east, where as rooms with limited use like the halls are placed on the northern side of the site. This also gives an

A water body is placed in the western end of

opportunity to capitalize on the northern light

the site. When breeze occurs from the west,

for these huge halls. Between these volumes, a

it sweeps over the water and is deflected by

central open space is created which is covered

the mass of the halls into the atrium.

with a light roof to form an atrium which acts as a distribution centre to all the spaces in the

Several voids are introduced in the south

office complex. The atrium also acts as a spill

and south east faรงade to enhance cross

over space for the meeting halls.

ventilation. These voids that are carved out from the external building envelope also give

The building skin is designed in layers and

an opportunity to create potential interactive

attempts to incorporate green architecture for

spaces. Random placement of nature of the

the east, west and south faรงades. A series of sun

voids also enhances visual links and

shade devices, both horizontal and vertical fins, are introduced to have a better control over

encourages interaction between office spaces

quality and amount of light into the building. Sets of windows at the top and bottom helps

in different floors. The semi-open 'outdoor/

to maintain the room temperature in summer and winter as indicated in the diagrams. In

indoor' spaces act as relief points in an intense

addition the atrium space in the north also acts as a cooling agent.

modern day office space.

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48

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2. Entry Code No. A 10 (Second) The

design

demonstrates

3. Entry Code No. A 03 (Third) well

The design concept is very refreshing and

articulated volumetric composition of

original . The building has been conceived

the building and a well resolved

in volumes consisting of the large halls which

1. Entry Code No. A05 (First)

architecture character of the façade,

sit as low rise structures opening into the

The design offers significant conceptual clarity,

which gives the building a strong

garden.

which is amply demonstrated in the close match

conservative institutional character. The

rectangular volume floating over the halls

between planning of the building at Site, internal

deviation in the detailing of the

and the garden,

spaces, formal composition, and architectural

auditorium block offers a pleasant

unobstructed spaces on the ground. The

character. The volumes of the building are

surprise. The design of the entrance is very

planning of the building, massing of the built

visually distributed, yet come together well on

strong

lobby

form, architectural detailing offers a very

the site to provide a dynamic and progressive

distributes the building plan in two

sensitive relationship with the existing

built form offering desirable human scale.

distinct parts. The first part organises all

garden nature of the site. The design though

the meeting and conference spaces . The

has chosen to adopt a construction and

The façade character of the building is

second part has organised all the day to

structural system, which can be difficult to

modernistic and progressive which should offer

day work areas of the NPC around a well

construct. The office spaces are also planned

a strong contemporary institutional image. The

proportioned atrium, offering light and

very tightly, to be practical in Nepal.

design should complement and contribute to

ventilation deep in the building. The

the existing architecture character of the Singh

expression of architectural character is

Jury Members:

Durbar Master Plan and carry it forward.

very formal and authoritative, which, in

•

Convenor : Ar. Kishore Thapa,

and clear. The main

a

The office spaces is a long offering covered yet

the opinion of this Jury, does not respond

•

Prof. Dr. Sudharshan Raj Tiwari,

However, certain aspects of the planning have

well to the national objectivity of seeking

•

Ar. Biresh Shah,

to be resolved further. A conflict is seen in the

openness, inclusivity

in

•

Ar. Binod Neupane,

two entrances at the south west corner and the

diversity as key characteristics for

•

Prof. Ar. Bijay Budhathoki

southern side, which needs to be resolved. The

institutions of forward looking Nepal.

•

Ar. Anju Malla Pradhan

and unity

March-April 2009

Jury’s Comments

49

S

location and design of the library seems indifferent, which has to be improved. Aspects of eco- friendly building design have been explicitly considered in the design. The jury is of the opinion that effective development and incorporation of the proposed eco-friendly concepts will enhance the design further.

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INTERIOR

50

THE

FACTORY Ar.Prabina Shrestha

An escape is what most people seek in their dinning experience... an escape from the hohum monotony that makes the ordinary act of eating an adventure in itself‌ and a successful restaurant design idea can always promise that.

Thamel for its chameleon nature seems to be a perfect site for 'The Factory' - a restaurant and bar- which as the name suggests, flanks a factory theme. Located amidst the hubbub of Thamel in Mandaladeep, a building with traditional Nepali style façades - its exterior could never give away The Factory's interiors.

spacesnepal.com

According to architect Siddhartha Gopalan, factory being universal, it is an appropriate theme for a restaurant, as it is understood by every one and is not country specific.

March-April 2009

INTERIOR

51

Dull, drab, monotonous and cold are the

to its bare bones with just the beams covered

the red wall even more vibrant and the liquor

usual reactions attached to the word

with metal casts which cover the pillars as

bottles more enticing.

'factory'.

well. Even the floor finish, done with a

But

according

to

architect being

mixture of cement plaster and marble dust

The theme continues in the spacious seating

universal, it is an appropriate theme for a

looks unapologetic, for it all adds up to the

area as well. The tables with legs of metal

restaurant, as it is understood by every one

theme of the place.

pipes and the table top, which in spite of

Siddhartha

Gopalan,

factory

having a smooth finish looks coarse and

and is not country specific. The trendy eatery owned by a very young bunch of guys -Max,

The lofty space which seats about a 100

rugged, giving a feel as though they had been

Manish and Nirmal - is anything but dull,

people at a time flanks a bar near the entry.

previously used in a real factory. While

drab or monotonous.

The bar, done in a bright red color, which

dangling ropes gracefully replace curtains,

along with the yellow diffused light on the

the box like Dj booth and the very industrial

The first obvious giveaway of what the space

bar stools, lends warmth and vibrancy to

looking cash counter all make the factory

has to offer would be the signage on the

the space, taking away the stern character of

theme even more authentic.

staircase leading to The Factory. The signage

a factory. The metal pipes on the walls are

done in a stencil font commonly used in

made to look as though they are sticking

The coziest spot of the factory would be the

factories for packaging generates curiosity.

out from the walls and the mirror on their

lounge area - aglow with red cushions. The

The doors then open up to a space which at

end gives visual continuity. These pipes have

walls behind the sofas gleam with diffused

a first glance looks undone. The ceiling is left

also been used for indirect lights, which make

lights, which yields tender emotions. The

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March-April 2009

INTERIOR

52

Siddharth Gopalan is a young architect whose is adept both in architecture and interior designs. His ability for innovative embellishments using available common mundane materials and high standards of meticulous detailing has won him a place of position among architects.

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March-April 2009

INTERIOR

sofas are actually concrete slabs projected

area generates a very sedate and relaxed

from the walls. Cushions are also reading

atmosphere. The cutoff cans made to

material

quotations

protrude from the walls with light

imprinted on them which are also done in

glowing behind them counts for an

stencil font. Wire mesh figurines made by

original design idea and innovative use

the artist, Gopal Kalapremi, surround the

of materials.

with

various

53

space, giving it more life.

The most innovative design ideas are bred Lighting is very important in creating a

through a will to break out from the

perfect ambience for a restaurant and

normal. The factory has taken up the

Siddartha has generously used indirect or

challenge to distinguish itself from other

diffused lighting to create such an ambience

restaurants around town and it certainly

in The Factory. The indirect soft lighting

delivers what it promises - an entirely

beaming from the beams and also imbued

different dinning experience in a setting

along the cast-in-situ sofas in the lounge

you would least likely to expect - a factory. S

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March-April 2009

INTERIOR

Reflecting

54

Traditions

Bharat Basnet, an avid admirer and supporter of the culture and traditional heritage of his country, Nepal, clearly put forward two major requirements for his residence. Firstly, the design must reflect the traditional aspects of art and architecture of the country and secondly, it must be earthquake resistant.

He wanted his abode to be traditional but not resembling a typical newari house. ‘I

Ar.Prajal Pradhan

wanted my house to reflect not only the tradition and culture of the Kathmandu Valley but of Nepal as a whole. I requested

‘Just by looking at Bharat Basnet you can tell what he would

the architect to build an architectural

want to build’, exclaims architect Sanjay Thapa.

intermixture of various places of Nepal,’ says

An awe inspiring perspective.

spacesnepal.com

Bharat Basnet, full of appreciation and

March-April 2009

The wooden gate hints of the traditional world beyond

respect for the country’s architectural

55

heritage.

The basic concept of this residence is inspired by the typical vernacular design of a village house, which is an assemblage of a main house, a courtyard, a guesthouse, a kitchen, an animal shed and a shrine or a family temple. ‘The main concept was to annex various functions to form cluster of various blocks’, says the architect Sanjay Thapa, ‘Had the blocks been scattered along the site the design would have been less amusing.’ The architect also envisioned a design, the scale of which is human friendly, for producing psychological and visual comfort. ‘Such a scale mitigates the complexity and also goes along with the local environment.’ says the architect.

The Design One gets the hint of the traditional world beyond as one gets the sight of the wooden gate from the road that leads to it. An awe inspiring perspective ,as one enters the premises, that of traditional facade, the pati

The entry porch with wooden posts along with the guest room block with interestingly carved windows forms an enclosed entry court magnetic in nature.

or the shed that protrudes towards the gate, comfortingly scaled entry court, the green lawn and the family temple at the farthermost end interrelating harmoniously with each other greets with grace. The glimpse also gives the basic concept and also the purpose of the design.

The

protruding

pati

quickly

attracts

attention at the first sight. The setting of this place encourages to sit and relax while relishing the views of the surrounding and enjoying the fresh air produced by the vegetations around. The entry porch with wooden posts, the pati and the guest room block with interestingly carved windows on it forms an enclosed entry court magnetic in nature which also evokes a secured feeling.

REVISE SITE PLAN-Model

The interior spaces give the feel of rustic spacesnepal.com

INTERIOR

March-April 2009

The entry lobby, the living area and the dining is openly linked with rustic and simple interiors to maintain the traditional theme.

garden and is idealistic for domestic works

56

like washing clothes etc.

Bharat Basnet’s residence is an exemplary building regarding the aspects of preservation of cultural values and earthquake resistance.

The house is more than a dwelling place for him. ‘My house is not just a place of shelter for me and my family but also a medium to attract the attention of government and general public so as to encourage the preservation of traditional and cultural values of art and architecture’, says Basnet.

Considering the seismic vulnerability of Kathmandu Valley, framed structure design has been adopted. However, the RCC is concealed in such a way that the house looks like as if it was built in a load bearing traditional way. Bharat Basnet, well aware of possible bestial devastation that future earthquakes may bring forth, directed the designers to use earthquake resisting technology. The purpose of the effort is also to inspire others to adopt such a technology. simplicity. From the surface treatments to

allowing greater quantity of sunlight and

the furniture design, everything is kept simple

increase field of view. One can enjoy beautiful

Bharat Basnet urges everyone to preserve our

resembling the practice in some villages of

views from every bedroom.

cultural and traditional valuables. ‘The

the hills. Every element in the interior is

buildings represent our culture. This is our

selected by the owner himself so as to give a

The attic floor consists of a library space and

identity. We’ll stand nowhere if we lose it,’

bucolic feel and to successfully maintain the

a moderate sized terrace. The library room

beams Bharat Basnet. Not happy with the

traditional theme.

is more like a purposefully segregated space

present trend of high rise modern structures

avoiding disturbance and intense activities.

he further adds, ‘Tourists come to see the

The entry lobby is enclosed by the living area

The quality of space makes it an ideal place

unique and beautiful architecture which

at south, which is a spacious room suitable

to read with peace being an ally.

reflects our culture. If everyone starts building

for family or large gatherings. To the nearest

modern structures resembling the west,

proximity of it is the openly linked dining

The design consists of many courtyard spaces

what’ll be the difference between their place

area. In the northern part lies the staircase

ideal for performing various activities. The

and ours? What’ll they come to see?’

with a part of landing extended as an

courtyard at the east, surrounded by a

overhang. This design idea illumines the

temple, a long veranda and a large lawn area,

Bharat Basnet’s love for his cultural heritage

staircase area.

is suitable place for social gatherings or simply

has brought about such an amazing

to bask under the sun during winter days.

building. The need for more of such buildings

The upper floor consists of a master

The courtyard reflects a typical village

have been felt at the present which serves a

bedroom and 3 other bed rooms. The

environment bringing the occupants close

dual purpose of preserving the traditional

traditional bay window in the master bed

to their place of origin. The backyard court

values of art and architecture and at the same

room overlooks the courtyard below. The

at the eastern side is more of an open space

large window size of the bedrooms helps in

extending views beyond the vegetable

time puts an effort to minimize the possible S destruction caused by earthquakes.

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INTERIOR

March-April 2009

The backyard court on the east, linking kitchen and family temple, is ideal for a refreshing cup of tea in the warm morning sun and other domestic chores.

57

The master bedroom with traditional bay windows overlooks the courtyard below

Ar.Sanjay Thapa is a postgraduate in architecture from Harvard University Graduate School Of Design, Cambridge.

In his 14 years of architectural career he has not only undertaken prominent projects in Nepal but also in U.S.A and India. In 1997,he was awarded with the research grant by Nepal Academy of Science and Technology for research on fire resistance roofs and walls for rural areas.

He was also been a lecturer at the department of architecture in Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus from 2000 to 2005. Currently, as a Director of the design firm Archiplan, he is handling an entire spectrum of tasks related to design and administration.

A part of the staircase landing extends as an overhang illuminating the staircase area spacesnepal.com

March-April 2009

REPORT

This is terai by winter! The way the teachers dress tells a story!

58

Green Schools BUILDING THE FUTURE Text: Sonam Wangchuk Images: Sonam Wangchuk / MS Nepal

We often complain about the standard of education in our schools and normally our concern is limited to the quality of teachers and textbooks. How many of us think of the other factors which might influence the performance of our

performance of our children?

Recent

academic researches in Denmark indicate that a temperature reduction from 25° C (considered ‘hot’ in Denmark!) to 20° C resulted

in

an improved

academic

performance of between 10% to 20% among primary level students.

children?

The present schools not only fail to provide Design of school buildings has been a highly

inside as the outside, which can be a freezing

an appropriate educational environment

neglected field in the whole subcontinent

7° to 10° C. It hence becomes a difficult choice

inside but are also a threat to the global

whether it is in India, Nepal or Bangladesh.

as to whether to keep the solid tin or wooden

environment. Baked brick kilns are a big cause

While school buildings in the mountains are

window shutters open or shut - if you shut

of pollution and deforestation. Iron sheets

terribly cold and unusable for many months,

them it becomes dark and if you open them,

imported from India or the proposed plastic

schools in the terai on the other hand are

it gets cold. Then in monsoon, when the

sheets (UPVC) imported from China are not

unbearably hot in summer. With school

raindrops clatter on the tin roof, it becomes

only very energy intensive in production and

buildings in the terai that are open on most

very difficult to hear, let alone understand,

polluting in transportation, but will also

sides and have tin roofing (galvanized iron),

what the teacher is saying. Summer, winter

definitely make these two countries richer

it is hotter inside the class rooms during

and the rainy season - unfortunately these

with Nepal’s hard earned foreign exchange.

summer than the outside. In fact it becomes

are the only three seasons that the terai has.

so hot that the schools change their timings

It is amusing to think that although humans

Apart from the above softer issues, one thing

to start at an unearthly hour of six in the

invented shelters to protect themselves from

Nepal must be very cautious about when

morning which virtually means that many

the challenges of climate, this does not seem

constructing new school buildings is

of the little ones reach the school before they

to be so in the case in our schools.

earthquake safety, especially with the entire

are even fully awake.

Himalayan belt falling in Zone 4 of earthquake risk. The recent experience in

At the same time, although we associate the

We often complain about the standard of

China where an unusually large number of

terai with the killing heat waves, we often

education in our schools and normally our

children were killed by collapsing school

forget that the terai actually gets really cold

concern is limited to the quality of teachers

buildings only shows what can happen in

in winter too. And when the cold breeze

and textbooks. How many of us think of the

Nepal.

blows through all the openings, it is as cold

other factors which might influence the

spacesnepal.com

REPORT

March-April 2009

This prototype comes at a time when Nepal Government is set out to build 50,000 new classrooms by 2012, under the Education For All (EFA) programme. The school that hopes to replace Chinese

cement as stabiliser. This mix is then

59

compressed in a press machine with a force of 15 tonnes. The resulting bricks are as strong as country fired bricks and are not affected by

plastic and Indian iron

rainwater

unlike

ordinary

earth

blocks. The roof is made of parabolic

sheets with Nepali soil and labour is also expected to

channels using another highly cost effective and labour intensive technique called ferrocement. The ferrocement channels are made with a rich but thin layer of cement

solve several other

and sand with chicken mesh wire as

challenges.

reinforcement. They are cheap, locally made and have a life of roughly 90 years, compared to 30 years of tin roof. The cost of a CSEB/

With these issues in mind, MS Nepal and

4. Earthquake safe – technology used and

ferrocemment school building of 100 meter

BASE Bardiya in collaboration with the

approved in many earthquake prone

square plinth area comes to roughly NRs 9

Department of Education (DOE) attempted

regions in India and Iran

lakhs,

to present alternative solutions to these

5. Fast to build –

complex issues facing school buildings in

in just 20 days.

Nepal. A prototype of the new school was thus built last September (2008) in a freed

6. Generates

the school was built

employment-

which

is

comparable

to

the

conventional tin and UPVC plastic roof school. A significant part of the cost goes

labour

intensive process

Kamaiya village called Janta Nagar in Bardiya

7. Community Empowering: promotes

district. In November the Education Minister,

participation, pride and ownership in

Ms. Renu Kumari Yadav and the Danish

community.

towards

earth

quake

safety

features,

otherwise it would easily be cheaper than the conventional school.

Since earth and labour are two of the most abundant resources in Nepal, the technique,

Ambassador HE, Finn Thilsted, visited Bardiya on the occasion of the inauguration

A cost effective solution

if applied on a large scale, can save the country

of the school building.

The school is built with cost-effective local

millions of dollars worth of foreign currency.

materials like Compressed Stabilised Earth This prototype comes at a time when Nepal

Block or CSEB, which is local earth/soil

Government is set out to build 50,000 new

mixed with some sand and five to six percent

Flying tin or plastic sheets to the mountains!!! Can we afford this? …Economically as well as ecologically?

classrooms by 2012, under the Education For All (EFA) programme. The school that hopes to replace Chinese plastic and Indian iron sheets with Nepali soil and labour is also expected to solve several other challenges.

The main features of the new school building are: 1. Cost Effective- built with Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB) using local soil and labour 2. Climate Responsive (bioclimatic) - cool in summer, warm in winter 3. Environment friendly-

low carbon

emission, low transportations needs

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REPORT

Diary of a school in 20 days!

Day 2 Work starts late with a lot of confusion. For better efficiency, masons were served free food so that they would not have to worry about cooking, etc. In return, work continued daily for one hour more. Four courses of blocks laid above the plinth beam and the door frames were also put in place.

Day 1 Inauguration day today - exciting, colourful and full of ceremonies.

Work moves fast.

Day 3 Work progresses normally. RCC ring beam at window sill level laid by noon. With this, three ring beams have already been cast – one at foundation level, another at plinth level and the third at sill level. Window frames also placed in position.

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Addition of roughly 5% cement as stabilizer on top of the sieved soil.

Good soil for CSEB

How is it earthquake safe?

The building is designed as per earthquake safety norms. It has six horizontal tie beams starting from the foundation level ring beam.

The others are at plinth level, window sill level, lintel level, roof level and finally at rooftop level. These are made of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) cast inside U shaped CSEB blocks. It also has numerous vertical reinforcements - one at every 1.5 meters length of wall and also on each side of all openings like doors and windows.

Ring beams for earth quake safety

Apart from this, the ferrocement roof

The block making process

channels which are tied to the walls at various

in the terai that the temperature a few meters

points are three times lighter than an RCC

below ground remains constant and

slab roof.

comfortable at 25° C in all seasons. When it is 42° C in summer this is a source for coolness

And how is it Climate Responsive?

The

school will

be

and yet at the same time can also be a heat source for the winters. Hence to benefit from relatively

this treasure, the building has loose earth

more comfortable in all seasons. The roof is

skirt piled up around it in order to better

well insulated with low cost locally available

connect it to the underground. This helps

insulation materials like rice husk ash. For

the building to keep cool in summer and

better shading in summer, the building has

warm in winter.

a green roof with green grass and creeper

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plants covering the whole roof and shading

In addition to this, the building has most of

it from direct sunlight. It is a thermal asset

its glass windows on the south facing wall,

Day 4 Satprem Maini, the French architect and earth expert who heads Auroville Earth Institute in South India visits site. Rained heavily disrupting work. Window frames bigger than specified, hence dismantled and sent for resizing.

Day 5 Still raining cats and dogs......no...... elephants and rhinos. Work disrupted for few hours. Managed to put all window frames back and added five courses of blocks.

Day 6 Many villages in Bardiya and neighbouring districts are under flood. Hundreds of people are displaced. Work resumes slowly nonetheless at 12 noon when the rain somewhat ceases. Somehow manage to reach almost lintel level.

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which gets all the sunrays in winter but none in summer, as the summer sun stays overhead except during mornings and evenings.

Therefore the east and west walls have only ventilations and no windows in order to prevent overheating in summer. To protect the building from the autumn sun and rain there are ferrocement shades provided over all the windows.

The heavy thermal mass in the earth walls act like magic. The hot afternoon heat travels inwards and reaches inside the classroom with a time lag of some 12 hours i.e., after midnight when there are no children.

Similarly it captures the cool of the night in its mass and makes the classroom cool and comfortable during the day.

Ferrocement rendering with bitumen paint on top of the rice husk ash used as insulation before laying turf for the green roof.

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REPORT

Day 7 Sunshine is back. Lintel beams laid with pre-cast U blocks. Lintel level ring beam cast around all the walls of the whole building. Before pouring concrete in the ring beam, electricity pipes with cables also laid in the same space.

Day 8 Window shades (pre-cast in ferro-cement) fixed over lintel beams. Building looking more complete now on the south side. Work starts on the two-semicircular earth block arches on the verandah.

Day 9 Walls above the arches filled and raised to roof ring beam level; concrete filled in the roof beam U blocks and left for curing for three days.

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The Auram 3000 machine used to produce the environmentally friendly earth blocks

Since most of the material is local, there is

luxury that only the rich can afford. This is

very little transportation involved. As

because most earth techniques require

mentioned above, the building being

intensive human labour which is very

climate responsive, saves energy in cooling

expensive in the west, but luckily not in

and heating of the rooms year after year.

Nepal.

Is CSEB new in Nepal?

Secondly, the problem might to some extent

Attempts were made to introduce it in Nepal

have been that the earth blocks in the past

decades ago, however it does not seem to

were much simpler in design and softer than

have picked up. The reasons seem to be partly

the present ones designed and promoted by

the prejudice in our minds against earth as

Auroville Earth Institute in Tamil Nadu, India.

How is it environment friendly?

an inferior and ‘backward’ material as

The machine AURAM 3000 used in Bardiya

compared to cement which is considered an

produces blocks with 15 ton force and can

Unlike conventional bricks the CSEB blocks

‘advanced’ material. Interestingly, exactly

produce different forms, from plain blocks

need only curing in water and no fire. Hence

the opposite is the case in countries like

to hollow interlocking blocks for earthquake

in the process, eight times lesser carbon is

America, Australia and in Europe, where

safety, U blocks for ring beams, coping blocks

emitted as compared to country fired bricks.

earth made houses are often considered a

for the roof top and even tiles for the floor.

Day 13 Earth skirt (berm) put around the south side of the building over the waterproof cement plaster laid earlier up to the window sill level, with a layer of turf over it. Remaining channels lifted up by sunset – this time round with women power.

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Day 14 Valleys between ferrocement channels filled with concrete mortar and base for rooftop ring beam cast.

In situ casting of ferrocement overhang shade completed. Work on ramp for wheel chairs started.

Gentle slope maintained outside building for rain water. Finishing touches to black boards. Installation of electrical fittings completed.

Day 15 Roof top level ring beam laid on top of ferrocement channels to bind the channels.

Parapet walls built with the last three courses of blocks. Coping blocks laid over the parapet walls to protect the walls from rain water. Bottom joints of ferrocement channels plaster from inside the room. Finishing touches given to the wheelchair ramp.

Day 10 Working on finishing (pointing) of the outside walls. East and west parapet walls built. Supporting bars and chicken mesh net for ferro-cement overhang shade laid.

Day 12 Critical day today. The 8.5 m long, 800 kg each, elliptical ferrocement roof channels were lifted needing some 30 people. By evening, 14 channels were successfully lifted and placed.

Day 11 Pointing work inside rooms completed.

Waterproof layer plaster on outside wall upto sill level laid. First coat of cement mix cast in situ on ferrrocement shades.

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63

Finally, choosing techniques that are labour

under the EFA programme. As for the schools

intensive

interesting

in the Pahar and Himal areas, designs for

dimension. Although where funds are

solar heated version of the building which

available, it can generate local employment,

would not need any heating during the

even the shortage of funds can at times be

winters, are being worked upon.

adds

another

1

an opportunity rather than a problem - for and

As Nepal is setting out to construct roughly

contribute voluntary labour (Shramdhaan)

50,000 classrooms in the next few years it

as their share. This participation makes the

would definitely be good to test various such

community proud and empowers them to

prototypes before plunging into one. The

ensure not only the quality of the school

whole Indian subcontinent is crying for good

building construction but also as to what

school designs, if we are able to come up

happens inside the building afterwards.

with an effective design, Nepal can become

the

community

can

participate

a model for the whole region.

2

S

Currently the Bardiya model is being considered by the DOE for adoption and

1. Even the floor tiles are of CSEB 2. Compressed earth bricks with 6% cement

replication in many more districts in the Terai

Day 16 Today is the 2nd of October, the birthday of Gandhi and is the closing and handover ceremony of the school. Although it has only been 16 days, two days are added for making the rammed earth foundation and laying of the foundation ring beam (completed two months ago). Counting another two days for remaining work of floor tiles (hampered by the floods) and a final waterproof plaster on the roof, that makes it 20 days – built by 17 masons and roughly 30 community volunteers.

for more information www.ms.dk/greenschools spacesnepal.com

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64

The State Hall

Singha Durbar Sabina Tandukar

From the deepest gorge of Kaligandaki, to the highest

architectural expressions, meant to pierce down the

peak of Sagarmatha, Nepal, like the changing rays of

humble architecture of the valley. These expressions

the sun, has been the power centre to many kings and

were a result of extensive travelling by the Ranas to the

rulers. Each dynasty in the opulence of its power has

west.

marked its presence through the architecture that boasted of their sovereignty.

The palaces maintained axial configurations and scale which dominated the human proportions, and stood

The exposed brick and sloped roof architecture of the

almost at the centre of the vast expanse of the

Malla dynasty to the white stucco palaces with

landscaped areas, adding to much of its grandeur and

imported architectural style, each speak aloud of the

monumentality.

existence of the ruling dynasty.

These palaces unanimously known as 'white elephant'

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Ranas, one of the dominant rulers of our country,

have given visual dominance to the medieval architecture

came to power in 1846; with Jung Bahadur Rana

of the valley. This might be the intentional character

becoming the first Prime Minister of Nepal. The 104

given by those builders to flaunt their superiority among

years of Rana regime witnessed its distinct style of

the commoners or please their British counterparts.

HERITAGE

Singha Durbar, which March-April 2009

literally means the Lion’s Palace, was built in 1903 A.D at the expense of 5 million History "Once a Maharaja, with his queen, was enjoying the breathtaking view of the valley, when he caught sight of a really beautiful palace complex and asked his queen about it. The queen answered that it was known as Bagh durbar. The King then declared that his palace would be even more famous and

Nepali rupees (1900 AD value) and was

Singha durbar was occupied by successive Rana prime ministers until 1951. After this, the

durbar

became

the

government

spread over 50

secretariat which boasted of housing every

hectares of land. It was

the fateful day of July 4th, 1974 when the

a private residence

would be called "Singha Durbar". Thus goes

of the Maharaja

the myth………….

Chandra Shumsher.

65

ministry within the same compound until a fire gutted it. Most of the vast building was severely damaged.

Since then the whole area is gradually being rebuilt. The main concept of the rebuilding

The Maharaja was none other than Chandra

project is to bring together all those ministries

Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, one of the

which had to be removed to the rented

most educated and intelligent Rana prime

spaces.

ministers, who being a prolific builder was a great social reformer, best known for abolishing slavery and sati pratha.

Most probably influenced by the English style of living, he set himself into building a durbar, lavish in decorations and most profligate of all.

Singha Durbar, which literally means the Lion's Palace, was built in 1903 A.D., at the expense of 5 million Nepali rupees (1900 AD value) and was spread over 50 hectares of land. It was a private residence of the Maharaja Chandra Shumsher. This great social reformer, ironically, is said to have used slave labour and confiscated guthi land dedicated to temples of Kathmandu to build the Durbar. He is even claimed to have cleared huge tracts of pristine forests of Terai and sold them to the British for their railway line in India to generate cash. The most amazing fact about Singha Durbar is that it was built in three short years. The palace, in 1904, claimed to be the biggest and most luxurious palace in Asia and until 1973 was the largest government secretariat in Asia.

Chandra Shumsher, after living for few years in the palace declared it the official residence of all prime ministers of Nepal after him and sold it for twenty million Nepali rupees. With the profit, he built nine more palaces in Kathmandu for his sons.

Influenced by the English style of living, Maharaja Chandra Samshere set himself into building the most profligate of all durbars in the Valley. spacesnepal.com

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March-April 2009

With opulent use of ornaments, the external faรงade corresponds well to baroque style of architecture.

66

Palace architecture Standing in axial configurations with the

Narsingh Rana and Kishore Narsingh Rana.

Dharahara (Bhimsen Stambha), Singha

With the courtyard planning, the system

Durbar

seems to relate well to the micro climate of

is

an

absolute

example

of

monumentality in palace architecture.

Kathmandu valley. The magnificent faรงade of well proportioned archways, between

With the ideas of faรงade as an entity with the

which rise double Corinthian colonnades,

space of its own right, an entity in which the

gives a tremendous sense of place and

play of light and shade over the columns

splendour. The louvered windows painted

makes a clear boundary difficult to discern.

green on the backdrop of these white

With opulent use of ornaments (stucco, and

palaces are its salient features that provoke

marble finishing), and the external faรงade

sensuality and amplify the rhythmic

characterized by a dramatic central projection

harmony.

"Singha Durbar" corresponds well to baroque style of architecture, the style which initially

Set in vast expanse of manicured lawns, it

emerged in Italy. The term was probably

contained numerous gardens with exotic

derived from Spanish "barueco" to indicate

plants, a deer park, a polo ground, playing

an irregularly shaped pearl.

field, tennis courts, neo Grecian statutory, streams, fountains and vast verdure with

The palace with 7 courtyards and 1700 rooms

finely spaced trees.

was designed by the engineer duo, Kumar

The scale of the palace dominates human proportions, which probably was intentional to flaunt their superiority or to please their British counterparts.

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The exquisitely carved Italian marble staircase leading up to the first floor with carved details on the marble floor and walls reflecting majesty and grandeur.

State hall The largest and the most ornate salon in the

porters. The crystal clock is one of only two

palace, this rectangular, double height space

produced and the presence of an exquisite

endowed with the excellent lighting designs

water fountain shows the rich and often

and crystal keeps one wondering at the skill

pompous Rana lifestyle. The fountain with

of the Nepali craftsmen and at the

its soft melodic tripling sound must have

tremendous feats performed to get the

aromatized the evening of festivities and

materials in to Kathmandu, at that

ceremonies. It was in this hall that King

backward era.

Mahendra gave a great banquet for Queen

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67

Elizabeth II and Prince Philip when they The majestic hall had Italian marble floors,

visited Nepal in 1961.

coloured mirrors from Belgium, crystal chandeliers from Murano and stained glass

This glamorous space opens up to an

doors from England. The floral patterns in

imposing terrace that overlooks the fantastic

the

graceful

garden and a driveway. A small staircase

embellishment. The furniture was shipped

outside leads to a space created for women

all the way from Europe to Calcutta and

to sit and watch the function below. The

transported from there to Kathmandu by

rooms seem dead today.

walls

and

ceiling

gave

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March-April 2009

The crystal clock kept in the State Hall is said to one of the only two produced till date.

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The majestic State Hall had Italian marble floors, coloured mirrors from Belgium, crystal chandeliers from Murano and stained glass doors from England.

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The hall next to the ante room is smaller is size but no less in grandeur even with what remains of the art and artefacts collected from all over the world.

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The glamorous State Hall opens up to an imposing terrace that overlooks the fantastic garden and driveway.

has ridiculed the beauty of this baroque palace.

Renovation works have been done in many parts , however, still many works needs to be done if it is to be preserved, as the building now is weak in all aspects, inviting another disaster like the 1973 fire.

Conclusion These palaces were built to stun the visitor into submissive admiration. The absurd prodigality of this ensemble, with its marbles, painted ceilings, silver furniture and huge expanses of crystal lighting, all

Renovation works

conspired to produce one emotion in the beholder- awe.

It took three years to renovate and conserve

battens were strengthened by the use of tie

the remains of the fire in 1973, that almost

rods. The decorations in the ceiling of the

destroyed the entire palace.

top floor were redone. Amusingly, trucks of

As the spires of a gothic cathedral stands for

bird droppings were removed from the

the realm, values or goals of Christianity;

The front portion was conserved and

building during the renovation process. The

the gothic columns convey the notion of

renovated; and the remaining part of the

Corinthian columns with their floral

democracy; these post Victorian palaces in

courtyard was built over the old foundation.

composition and sharp flutes have somehow

Nepal only did justice to the individual

However, whole of seven courts were not

lost its splendor. Frequent lime washings have

supremacy of the builder but failed to

rebuilt due to seismic causes. Around 1998,

flattened the sharp edges of the flutes and

represent Nepal - its culture, its religion and

the roofing was changed and the wooden

the green moss that grow after every rainfall

its people at large.

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Google image of Singha Durbar premises

Acknowledgement Prof. Dr. Sudarshan Raj Tiwari Ar. Mani Rai Ram Prasad Belbasi Prakash Man Maharjan Dhan Bahadur Thapa Magar Shantalal Shrestha Mahendra Bhetwal

References Storrs, Adrian: Singha durbar, Nepal Traveller22 The Ranas of Nepal Architecture of the Western World Ching, Francis D.K.: Form, Space and Order Rana Palaces of Nepal www.googlee/baroque.com

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