SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 1
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FEATURES
JULY-AUG 2005 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5
ARCHITECTURE
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THE ARCHITECT’S ROLE IN MASS HOUSING
Architects are not only responsibile for ensuring that housing complexes follow applicable bylaws, they must also be harbingers of positive change and be more involved in bringing about improvements in existing laws for the public good.
36 THE BOLD & THE BRAVE Rajesh Shrestha, principal architect of Vastukala Paramharsh, is admired by many for his bold designs which are becoming more conspicuous due obviously to the increasing number of projects. To say that Rajesh and Vastukala Paramharsh are busy would be an understatement.
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CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT IN MASS HOUSING
It is up to engineers to guarantee sound construction of houses and well planned physical infrastructure in housing complexes. The concept of construction management enlarges the role of engineering firms and provides for a better system promising better and more efficient results.
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FROM ‘COMPETENT’ TO ‘CREATIVE’ ENTREPREUNERSHIP
CE Constructions is taking on a pioneering role in construction management which should lead the way towards a better managed system for engineering firms..
INTERIOR
54 THE EAGLE’S LAIR Up on a height on Shivpuri stands Shivpuri Heights Cottage which could well be called an eagle’s lair. The owner, Steve Webster, is no eagle but he does have soaring vision.
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STAMP OF INDIVIDUALITY
Located in an alley in Chhauni is a house that is as different as wheat from chaff with its own distinct individuality. This is Dinker’s home and perhaps it reflects his personality.
PROFILE
58 ORGANIC TO THE CORE Meet Gangadhar Bhatta Halabe, the first architect of Nepal. He is as individualistic a man as you will find anywhere and his life story is to say the least, intriguing.
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EDITORIAL ‘If you drop a frog into a pan of hot water, it will jump out. But if you heat the water gradually, the frog will swim in a state of euphoria and will ultimately be cooked to death’ – CHARLES CORREA, ARCHITECT PLANNER. How often have we heard about the poor frog, contemplated about its sorry state for a while, and forgotten about it – not realizing that one fine day, we ourselves could be the frog itself? Organic to the Core. See pg. 58 Cities grow due to possibilities of better opportunities and facilities, and the freedom to dream catalyzes people to move in search of better living conditions. In Kathmandu’s context there is an added factor for the influx from rural to urban areas – the unstable political and security situation of the country. The rate at which the city is growing is certainly alarming, and now, the government’s plans for an outer ring road surely indicates the not too far off future of the Kathmandu frog. Wonder what its affect will be on the already stretched out infrastructure of the Valley? However, at the same time, there are other projects where planning has been top notch and in which systems are implemented to further improve infrastructural development. It is heartening to observe the fine results of well planned housing colonies that have utilized systematic means to fulfil the ever increasing demand of the basic ‘roof over our heads’ necessity. This issue features one such successful company in which architects, engineers, developers and marketers have had equally important roles to play. Although the architect is usually the principal player in designing houses, the vision of the owner influences the end product. In this issue are featured two residential houses, which are reflective of the personal individuality of the different homeowners.
Stamp of Individuality. See pg. 50
Water, the life giver, is almost always in short supply for residents of Kathmandu. With the onset of summer, this crunch is felt even more. This difficult trend will no doubt increase with the inevitable rise in population, and the existing water supply, if not improved, will be further divided between consumers – the frog story being repeated again. One way of easing the pain has been featured in this issue – water harvesting – which we hope readers will take seriously enough. We all need to play our part, in whatever position we are in for a better future. May we all come to our senses in time.
The Experimental Expresssionist. See pg. 16
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GOOD LIVING
JULY-AUG 2005 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5
ART
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THE EXPERIMENTAL EXPRESSIONIST
This artist commands respect in the art community but this respect has not been easily earned. Long years of frustration and struggle have moulded him into a master of experimental expressionism.
CRAFT
23 GLOBAL VILLAGER ‘Crafted in Kathmandu’ is the brainchild of an Ashoka Fellow who is as well known for his original ideas and unambigious writing as for his social entrepreneurship.
TRENDS
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ALL ABOUT SWIMMING POOLS
Who would’nt like to have an inviting swimming pool in his house? Well, it not need be a fantasy anymore, what with swimming pools coming in all shapes and sizes and at affordable prices.
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Refined comfort in the Eagle’s Lair. See pg.54
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WATER PROOFING
A leaking roof or damp corners in a house is a miserable experience for any homeowner. Proper waterproofing methods with appropriate materials is indispensable to ensure freedom from such misery.
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MARKETING HOUSING
If we are to take Comfort Housing as an example of a hugely successful venture then we also have to give due credit to its innovative marketing strategy.
28 AN EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNITY LIVING Comfort Housing’s pilot project in Sitapaila is one of the more successful housing complexes in the country. Equally successful has been the experiment in community living.
REPORT
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WATER HARVESTING
Not much needs to be said to convince that water has become the most precious of our natural resources and so it is but natural that water harvesting is the need of the hour.
PRODUCTS
76 SOLAR CHULO With increasing awareness about the need to harness natural energy resources, innovative manufacturers are tapping into this market and the Solar Chulo is one such innovation.
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PRESENTATIONS WITH ÉLAN
Technologiocal advances have made it possible for architects’ visions to be given a three dimensional look and Nodes is playing an important part in this revolution.
NEW DESIGNER
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FUTURISTIC FERVOUR
He is a young designer with a flair for the technological and his prize winning thesis is, as expected, quite forward looking and futuristic in concept.
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CONTRIBU U TORS Bijay Bahadur Rajbhandary is the Managing Director of CE Constructions Pvt. Ltd. He is also a Director of Ace Institute of Management as well as of Comfort Housing Pvt. Ltd. He has worked as Assistant Project Manager for Jaynes Corporation as well as for Structural Services Inc. of New Mexico, USA. From 1985 to 1989, he was the Project Manager/Engineer of Lumbini Development Trust.
Vishal Tater, MBA (Aus) is the Director of HG Enterprises which has been dealing for a long time in water proofing materials manufactured by renowned companies.
S.D.Roy of Emerald Pools, a division of Ekalabyya Enterprises, Kolkata, is an expert in the design and construction of swimming pools.
MANAGING EDITOR
Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, Ph.D, has 17 years experience in water and sanitation and was awarded the Third World Academy of Sciences Award in 2000 as well as the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Environment Award in 2004. Dr. Shrestha is the founder member of Environment and Public Health Organization and Forum for Urban Water and Sanitation. Presently he is the chief technical advisor for Water and Asian Cities Program under the auspices of UN HABITAT.
Uday Sunder Shrestha, B.E 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
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Rajesh Shrestha received his B.Arch degree from Delhi’s School of Planning and Architecture in 1988 and was associated with various firms as well as with Bhavan Bibhag before establishing Vastukala Paramharsh in 1991. Among his many works, the HISEF building in Haatisar and The Great Lotus Stupa in Lumbini are specially noteworthy.
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bitarak.com Ph: 5529726 / 5522472 email: info@bitarak.com 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 e d i t o r @ s p a c e s n e p a l . c o m or sent to the address mentioned above.
COVER
ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS
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The stamp of individuality is written all over the interiors of Dinker Shrestha’s house in Chauni. The flight of wide wooden steps gliding up to the roof is one of the major features and supposedly, incurred a pretty penny. The execution of the concept took up a lot of space and specially heavy on the purse strings was the uniquely designed wrought iron railing. Photograph by Ashesh Rajbansh Canon EOS 10D SLR 16 - 35 mm/f2.8 L USM lens 1/20sec@f8.0
Kathmandu: IMPRESSIONS Publishing Pvt.Ltd., Ph: 5544606, 5526040. email: market@spacesnepal.com Pokhara 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 Kingdom: Rajiv Pradhan,South Harrow, Middlesex Haz 8HA, London. Ph: 85373674. email: rajivpradhan@hotmail.com Australia Australia: Leela Krishna Manandhar, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW. Ph: 422811704 email: nimadidi@hotmail.com USA USA: Subarna Joshi, West Palm Beach, Florida Ph: 3836207, Email: subarnaj@aol.com
LETTERS FEATURE HIDDEN TALENTS Your coverage of the art world in Nepal is praiseworthy. In the last issue it was interesting to read about the ‘talented seven’, that is, Kasthamandap Art Studio. Such young artists must be encouraged so that they are motivated to continue dedicating themselves to art. I feel your coverage of artists is quite good and detailed. Please also feature hidden talents in the country. Sameer Sigdel Naya Baneswar, Kathmandu
IMPRESSIVE I am very much impressed with Spaces, which is very informative and useful for all of us. I would like to contribute articles in the fields of architecture, urban design and city planning in future. Thanks a lot. Bijaya K. Shrestha, Ph.D. Department of Architecture Nepal Engineering College
BE MORE SELECTIVE Spaces is just great and I would like to compliment your whole team on bringing out a Nepali magazine of international standards. At the same time I must suggest that you be a little more selective of subjects and do more research so that the articles are more informative. I like the way in which senior architects are profiled. Keep up the good work. Tanuja Shahi Jyatha, Kathmandu
INTERIORS The article titled ‘God is in the Details’ in the last issue of “Spaces” was quiet interesting as was ‘Neo-Impressionists of Kasthamandap’. Since I have more interest in interiors could you feature interesting interiors of residential buildings? Your features on preservation are also noteworthy. Ashra Manandhar Kalimati, Kathmandu SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 11
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT EXPO-2005 With the objective of bridging the gap between engineers and society through technology and development, Nepal Engineers’ Association organized the Engineering and Development Expo2005 from May 6th to May 8th 2005 at Birendra International Convention Centre in Kathmandu. The Expo was undertaken keeping in mind the fact that information dissemination on state of the art technology and development related activities to the community and society is one of the prime responsibilities of Nepal Engineers’ Association (NEA). Expo-2005 was the third one so organized by NEA. However, the latest one was more significant because of the involvement of 14
different engineering professional societies with NEA for the first time. The organizers aimed to provide an opportunity for the introduction of new engineering technologies, products and concepts besides providing a forum for information exchange and investment opportunities for private sector in infrastructure development. The Expo also had the goal of creating a forum for identifying investment opportunities in utility services besides giving a platform for interaction between professionals and decision makers to introduce conventional and innovative technologies and innovative investment concepts. Expo2005 was also meant to disseminate information
about development projects in private and public sectors. The organizing committee, under the convenorship of Er. Hare Ram Shrestha, consisted of a 17 member board that included nominees from the different professional societies, two assistant member secretaries
(Er. Jasman Lalchan and Er. Nagendra Adhikari) and one member secretary, Er. Pradeep Chandra Pokharel,. The four member advisory committee had as members, Engineers Dinesh Chandra Pyakuryal, Varun Prasad Shrestha, Kishore Shakya and Binod Shanker Palikhe. S
Fighting Insecurity with Dia Safes. Home Furnishers, which is well known for its byline-the American Standard Show Room, launched the Dia Safe range of fire proof safes and filing cabinets on 20th May 2005. According to Rajendra Shrestha, proprietor, Home Furnishers has acquired the exclusive distributorship for the Korean built Dia Safe range. The manufacturers, Bumil Safe Manufacturing Company of Korea, have been in the business since 1963, and have extensive experience in the production of high quality fire resistant safes, fireproof filing cabinets and burglar safes. It claims to be among the largest safe manufacturers globally and Dia Safe is their latest brand which they say has incorporated the latest technology. Bumil Safes are said to be tested annually in compliance with stringent test methods as
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different types of fail safe systems ranging from simple lock and key with combinations to those with finger print identification modes. Price varied from Rs.10,000 to Rs.80,000 apiece depending upon size and sophistication.
required by international organizations like UL, JIS, SP and KS. The requirements include a fire endurance and explosion hazard test. In addition, UL certification also requires a burglary test. At the cocktail reception, most of the available designs were put on display. The array included safes in small sizes to larger ones and
Also on exhibit were filing cabinets in elegant colours and smooth designs. The invitees included architects, engineers and people from other walks of life. To enliven the proceedings, a lottery was held in which one Dia Safe was given away to the winner. Home Furnishers seem to have judged the situation of the country well, and obviously hopes to get a good response from the market, keeping in mind the prevailing insecurity. S
SYMPHONY OF FORMS 36 year old Aditi (Sadhu) Chakraborty had her first solo exhibition at The Art Shop in Durbar Marg from mid May to mid June 2005, titled, ‘Symphony of Forms’. On display were 30 oil paintings, each of which did ample justice to the title due to the distinctive combination of geometrical forms in fine conjunction with non geometrical ones. Bright colours in most of the paintings, in addition to the distinctively modern looking figures, certainly embellished Aditi’s works with bright ebullience. The artist has done well in creating canvases with intelligent blending of colours but she herself claims to love working with textures more. Some of the exhibits also featured the artist’s skill with monochromatic work, where she has used shades of a single colour to create paintings that attract favourable attention. Many of the paintings demonstrate Aditi’s desire to be different and the juxtaposition of forms, shapes and texture endows her work with a novel freshness. Varying in price from Rs.2000 for the smaller sized ones to Rs.25000 for those larger, ‘Symphony of Forms’ has succeeded in bringing to the forefront a talented and enthusiastic artist. S
INTERACTION ON OUTER RING ROAD PROJECT An informal interaction was held recently in the Sarosh Pradhan and Associates premises in Chauni in which the outer ring road project was discussed. The interaction was attended by Kishor Thapa (Project Director, Outer Ring Road Project), Architects Bibhuti Man Singh, Arun Dev Pant and Sarosh Pradhan as well as social entrepreneur Anil Chitrakar. The discussions were held on the initiative of Sarosh who has been assigned to conceptualise and present an overall view of the project as it will look when complete. Such interactions will surely benefit and provide expert guidance to policy makers while planning infrastructural developments in the Valley. S
Samay Chakra
From 10th May to 8th June 2005, Ragini UpadhyayaGrela displayed her latest collection in the Siddhartha Art Gallery at Baber Mahal Revisited titled ‘Samay Chakra’. Fourty-one of the exhibits were named ‘Time Wheel’ and three drawings were called ‘Arrested Time’. Obviously, all pictures showed time in different aspects with many that included passages of history. For instance, at least three of the exhibits had pictures of kings and other historical figures arrayed around what the artist had conceptualised as symbols portraying the march of time. As expected of the artist with an affinity towards those slithery reptiles, snakes were incorporated somehow or the other in many of the pictures. For example in some of the exhibits one could see that the clock
hands were visualised as snakes. The media used has been described as ‘Unique Print Etching with Mixed Media’ and most of the works have been claimed to be unique, surely an added bonus to connoisseurs looking to add to their collections as well as to new buyers in search of fascinating art. A screen painting on wood panel, also called ‘Time Wheel’ was by far the highest priced exhibit on display, costing Rs.5,00,000 (see picture above) while the others ranged from Rs.9000 to Rs.27000 each. Ragini is now well known as an artist who likes to work in a different milieu from all others, and as an artist who is bold enough to experiment with abstract figurative dimensions hereto unexplored. The artist also seems to have a healthy self esteem and this is aptly symbolized by the first exhibit, “‘Time Wheel’ of Ragini”. Yes, it is quite surprising to see pictures of the artist herself arrayed around a time symbol. S
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NEWS & HAPPENINGS
THE SPLENDOURS OF LALITPUR Surja Bajracharya, the only woman stone sculptress of Nepal, is part of the Bhinchebahal Stone Craft Group and along with the group’s, her works were also on display as were of many others’ at the Lalit Boudha Art Exhibition in Aksheswar Mahavihar. Held from 9th to 13th June, the exhibition commemorated the 21st anniversary of Boudha Vihar Sangh. The focal point of the exhibition was the 23 feet chaitya in the inner courtyard crafted by Raj Kumar Shakya and brothers, Rabindra and Rajendra assisted by 26 other artisans. According to organizing committee secretary Bikash R. Dhakhwa, “Almost five kilos of gold were used for plating and the total cost of metals used was almost Rs.35 lakhs.” He also informs, “The chaitya has been sold and is to be installed somewhere in northern Tibet.” Rajesh Awale’s cast metal Guhya Samaj and Dattatreya graced two corners of the courtyard. One corner had on display copper metal sheet embossed statue of Padam Sambhav, crafted by Raj K. Shakya and his two brothers. Almost 400 works by about 100 artists, mostly students of the Aksheswar Vihar Organization and their family members, were exhibited. Inside one room, attention was drawn by a six-foot fibreglass Shakyamuni Buddha by Raj Shakya, late Ashok Bajracharya, Rajan Shakya and Sabin R. Baidya. A life sized gilt figure of the king and a huge bronze Sahasvabhuja Lokeswar by Rajan Shakya graced the room as did a copper Maitreya Bodhi Satya by Gyanendra Shakya. Surendra Shakya’s fine sketch of the king was ensconced in a beautifully carved wooden frame by Rajib Shakya. Shree Tuladhar’s colourful wooden Swet Bhairab adorned a corner. The next room displayed pauwa paintings including two by Ujay Bajracharya, a 23-year-old
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painter who also teaches the subject at the Painting and Sculpture Training Organization located in Aksheswar Vihar. The third room had, besides stone crafts, a large wooden Chaitya by Indra M. Bajracharya as well as Buddha’s Life Story hard black stone by Jaya R. Bajracharya. Santa K. Shakya’s huge copper Sahasvabhuja
Avalokiteswore stood at one end of the room. The first floor exhibited a graceful iron Mandala by Lumbini R. Shakya as well as some of his elaborately designed chairs. Noteworthy crystal works were the Rice Pot and Sankha by Raj and Rajib Shakya. The focal pieces of the room were a copper Megha Sambhar, a red Bajra Yogini and a large Swet Mahankal by Rajesh Awale, Kalu Kumali and Raju Maharjan. Amit Shakya’s Sahasvabhuja Lokeswore was colourfully detailed. The outer premises displayed dolls and specially eye catching was the Rato Machindranath festival exhibit. At the main entrance, a huge metal 1000 headed Buddha, Avalokeswor, and a mammoth Mandala greeted visitors. This exhibition of Fine Buddhist Art was intended to animate the fine arts tradition Lalitpur is world famous for. In Dhakhwa’s words, “Lalitpur has always been a mine of fine arts. Places like Ekha-che, Nagbahal and Okubahal have been ancient centres for sculpture and crystal works. Bhinche bahal for stone craft; Jombahal for woodcarving, and Bubahal, for silver crafts. We hope such exhibitions will help to keep this priceless heritage alive.” S
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Th e
ART
EXPERIMENTAL EXPRESSIONIST Text: A.B. Shrestha
‘A show such as Kiran’s comes like a whiff of fresh breeze (or is it tornado?) in the midst of so much rotten art exposed around us’
J
ED PERLE, well known writer on arts and artists, when assigned to write an article on Cezanne, had this to say, “I found it incredibly daunting to write about such a monumental figure- a painter whom several of his great successors saw as both the father and mother of modern art.” Kiran Manadhar is no less a monumental figure in the contemporary Nepalese art scene and it is equally daunting to write about ‘peintre nepalais de renom’ as they call him in France, where the little master 16 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
has earned more than a little fame and fortune. Going through Kiran Manandhar’s thick collection of memorabilia, there is one clipping published in 1989, wherein he laments at the lack of ‘art critics worth the name’ in the country. Today his refrain remains the same but simultaneously, he does point out, “It is rather sad that artists cannot absorb criticism and maybe that is why critics are shy of reviewing works in a more professional manner. If the
review is negative then the concerned artist may well criticize the reviewer as one who has no knowledge of art!” BRICKBATS AND BOUQUETS After well nigh 33 years in the profession Kiran is at that stage where he has earned the right to make such judgments. He himself has always received rave reviews throughout the world. Well, maybe not always. One review by Ranjit Hoskote in The Times of India during Kiran’s exhibition at the Taj Art Gallery in
Bombay, was perhaps an exception, but cruelly scathing nonetheless. In it the critic had panned the artist’s works as ‘trite’ and concluded with, ‘It is not clear how mere vigour or verve of the brushwork can salvage Manandhar’s quite chaotic work. It comes across as so much energy dissipated in the achievement of the superficial.’ Well, one such blistering criticism could well have undone an artist, but nice to know, didn’t seem to have dampened Kiran’s enthusiasm in the least. One of the reasons could well be the trials and
tribulations the artist has had to go through to reach where he has today and which has made him a toughened man. He says so himself, “I had to struggle hard for almost twenty years before I could taste success.” He adds, “I have slept for weeks on railway platforms and in fact had even become used to the noise of trains passing by.” Those were painful times during his ten year stay in Varanasi. Leaving aside the rare bad review, Kiran’s works have generally been SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 17
complimented profusely by critics and the artist especially remembers a review in the September 9, 1988 edition of the Times of India where the eminent art critic, Dnyaneshwar Nadkarni, was all praise for Kiran’s works at another display at the Taj Gallery in Bombay. The critic wrote then, “Young Nepali painter Kiran Manadhar makes a highly impressive debut’ and ‘A show such as Kiran’s comes like a whiff of fresh breeze (or is it tornado?) in the midst of so much rotten art exposed around us’. 18 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
Kiran’s artistic voyage started in 1972. He expresses indebtedness to wife Sarita mostly for her sacrifice, to Dr. A. S. David, an Israeli American who once worked in the National Planning Council, for his supportive encouragement, and to sister, Tara, who lives in France, for her continual assistance. Kiran also doesn’t forget to mention that it was Norma Khobrak who presented him with a book on Picasso, which he says, ‘inspired him to be a modern painter.’
MODERNISM - THE NATURAL WAY The key word here is ‘modern’. Kiran’s works are doubtless, modern, and he admits to being influenced by William de Kooning, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollack, Emil Nolde and K. S. Kulkarni. Another word frequently used to describe him is, ‘vigorous’. No doubt, no doubt. Just listen to him. “I go mad when I am working. I paint with brushes, hands and feet. When I am working, nothing else exists for me. It is only the canvas, the colors and me.” It is a delight to watch the
stockily built master at work. He virtually flings himself body and soul onto the canvas. No brush is big enough it seems and speed is of the essence as if he fears the momentum and the inspiration might be lost if he hesitates even slightly. He uses his thick hands and stubby fingers with great passion and digging out great globs of colour, his hands become his instruments of creation. The artist also says, “I stop only when I become exhausted.”
ART
Maybe that is the reason the artist feels that all of his paintings are incomplete. Just as he does not plan on painting certain subjects in certain ways, there is no plan to stop at a certain point. Kiran deserves to be called a ‘natural’. And in fact, since he has been labeled an ‘abstract expressionist’, one can assume that he has to let his emotions be displayed as naturally as is possible, otherwise the vibrancy associated with his work would probably be missing. At the SAARC Painters Camp in Kufri, India, in 1989, Kiran’s modus operandi had been thus described- ‘Kiran paints very fast. He starts with the abstract forms but later discovers in
them, the faces, figures, animals and birds through the swift strokes of the brush. He scatters or flings colours on to the canvas in order to explore the physical qualities of colour’. Kiran prefers not to mix colours on the palette, instead allowing them to mix on the canvas itself. He also prefers passionate reds, strong blues and bold blacks besides other similar robust and contrasting colours. Presently, Kiran is unto experimentation and this is another significant indication of his mastery of the medium, for less than that, and no artist would be so confident as to dive into such deep waters.
Facing Page: Acrylic on Lokta paper and jute- an example of Kiran’s new experimentation. Above: Vigorous strokes and bold colours including brave use of black is symbolic of the artist’s style.
Above Right: Some paintings from ‘Couleurs de Montagne’ (Colours of Mountain) collection.
COURAGE TO BE DIFFERENT One remembers the realistic painter, Max Ferguson’s words, “It’s crazy when you find eighteen year old students who can’t do a decent model drawing and they are onto abstract expressionism. It’s like flying before you can crawl.” Experimentation is certainly not for the novice. Not even for the well established unless blessed with courage such as demonstrated by Kiran. Just the fact that he has set the minimum price of his paintings at Rs.10000 here, speaks volumes about his stature built on confidence. “The highest price I have received for any of my works is 10,000 Euros,” he discloses. “Of course I price my works according to the market. In Nepal too SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 19
there is a growing market of discerning buyers, but here I take care to price my works within reasonable bounds.” About realism vis-a-vis abstract, he has a significant point to make, “Look at your hand-is it the real one or are the nerves, tendons and blood vessels beneath, the real hand?” One thus can immediately realize that the abstract painter sees more, feels more, and this is reflected in his paintings. As he says, “The painter is like a surgeon, dissecting the outer superficial aspects to show what is beneath.” Kiran has exhibited solo more than 150 times all over the world, including Pakistan, India, France, Germany, Japan and Finland. The weathered artist has also won numerous accolades including the 20 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
Rastriya Pratibha Puraskar in 1996, the Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu in 1999, two times Best Prize in National Art Competition in 1983 and 1986 as well as best prizes in competitions in France in 1991 and 2000. In 1980, Kiran Manadhar had been awarded the first prize in the Annual Art Exhibition in Banaras Hindu University from where, in 1981, he completed his Masters in Fine Arts. A life member of the Bombay Art Society, Kiran is also a Fellow of Cite’ International des Arts, Paris, France, besides being a member of the Association des Arts Plastiques, Draveil, France, and the founder member of Junkiree Artists Group
The master at work- Kiran is in his element attacking the canvas with his customary vim and vigour and even his hands become tools of creation.
ART and Gallery Palpasa in Kathmandu. Till recently he was a member of the Royal Nepal Academy, from which post he tendered his resignation some time ago citing dissatisfaction at the way members were appointed. Kiran is today the president of the Artists’ Society of Nepal. SEARCHING FOR BALANCE Born on 15th June 1957, Kiran was the only son whose father, Purna Man, a mechanic with the ropeways, wished to make into an engineer. For some time, Kiran was inducted as a refrigerator mechanic at Ravi Bhawan, but as the artist says, “Even in the wirings I saw only art.” Today, his own son, 19 year old Sagar has already had two exhibitions of his paintings and is in his 2nd year at Banaras Hindu University studying, what else, fine arts. A daughter, Karuna, is 22 years old and is doing her MBA from Shanker Dev Campus in Kathmandu, but Kiran says
with pride, “She’s a fine singer and has already cut an album called, ‘Karuna’”. The artist spends a lot of time in France, on an average, six months in a year. He has doubtless experienced sweet success abroad but at the same time makes it a point to keep his feet on the ground, and manages to keep an even keel on his life by being very much involved in family, societal and national matters back home. Thus, he has conducted numerous workshops and informs that he is planning to organize and promote Nepalese sculpture. While in Nepal, the artist devotes himself as much to family and social matters as to his paintings and having his atelier at his home in Chauni must therefore be a blessing.
Above & Below: Kiran’s works encompass a wide and diverse variety of subjects and style. Each work is a visual delight and resounds with passion and fervour.
Kiran now seems to have taken on the responsibility of mentor to younger Nepalese artists and in fact quite a few of them have been tutored by him. The long haired experimentalist, whose atelier contains quite a large number of his works done on lokta paper, canvas and jute, believes that besides the lack of authoritative critics, the art world is also not as strong in the marketing department. As he says, “Abroad, before a new artist’s works are exhibited, the art dealer arranges for a critic from a reputable journal to actually see the artist at work so that the critic can understand the artist better. This kind of attention to detail is one of the reasons why art critics’ words carry so much weight with buyers, connoissieurs and collectors.” Kiran Manadhar loves classical and jazz music, bright and contrasting colours, Nepal and France. Kiran values his independence and likes to work freely in natural light. He declares that he is ‘fearless in use of colours and styles’. He admits that he has faced a lot of depressing times in his life, many to do with career. He lives six months with family and six months without. So how does one classify Kiran as a person? How does one define his lifestyle? Well, maybe, just as one would define him as an artist - an experimental expressionist. S SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 21
22 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
GLOBAL VILLAGER Text: A.B.Shrestha
“Our strategy is to convince customers that by purchasing our products, they will be aiding heritage preservation efforts.”
His newest brainchild is a project called Himalayan Harvest, the goal of which is to market internationally, locally available agricultural produce. For instance, the famous mustard oil produced in the traditional mills of Khokana in Lalitpur District. “I am planning to market this oil with three price tags,” says Anil Chitrakar, Fellow of Ashoka International and founder of ‘Environment Camps for Conservation Awareness’, ‘The Kathmandu 2020 Movement’ as well as of ‘Crafted In Kathmandu’. “The best quality oil meant for human consumption will be the highest priced, the next best, meant for massage use will be cheaper and the third grade, to be used for lighting lamps, will be the cheapest.” Himalayan Harvest will also be marketing other produce such as lapsi and coffee. Without doubt, its future rides on the reputation, fame and entrepreneurship of Anil Chitrakar. ACHIEVING THROUGH INNOVATION One cannot pinpoint exactly whereto the reason for his fame lies. He is only forty-one, yet he seems to
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 23
CRAFTS GLOBAL VILLAGER
have accomplished a lot in his young life. Most people know him through his writings published regularly in many well-known magazines, which catch one’s attention not only because of the lucid style but also because of the originality of the ideas. Others know Anil Chitrakar as an adroit entrepreneur who started ‘Crafted In Kathmandu’ three years ago with the self proclaimed objective of supporting artisans and craftsmen living in and caring for Kathmandu. “I believe that the lowest salary of the 200 odd artists and craftsmen I provide work for should not be less
GOING GLOBAL The fact that almost one and a half shipping containers containing ‘Crafted In Kathmandu’ products will be leaving soon for an annual Summer Sale in Manhattan, New York, should further substantiate the claim. The Ashoka Fellow has registered a company called Worldwide Market Square in the USA through which he has ambitious plans to market all over the globe. Clearly, Anil has smelled the intoxicating aroma of big international business and it looks like he has liked the fragrance. At the moment however, the large eyed, swarthy ‘mentor’ follows a three
pronged marketing strategy: 1. Exploit local festivals to sell items like masks, incenses, musical instruments and so on, 2. Promote aggressively to expatriates, tourists and higher income nationals and 3. Export. He elaborates, “Actually our strategy is to convince customers that by purchasing our products, they will be aiding heritage preservation efforts.” The concept seems to have clicked as ‘Crafted In Kathmandu’ appears to be surfing waves of success today. “Because of this, prices become the least of the concerns and so we manage to get very good mark-ups.” Of course, as Anil adds, “The concerned artists and craftsmen gain the most from our efforts.” A CONSERVATIONIST AS WELL Anil Chitrakar conducts what he terms, ‘heritage walks’ almost thrice a week within the valley and as everybody knows, writes mostly about heritage conservation, societal changes and historically important subjects concerned with traditional arts, crafts and festivals. This naturally qualifies him to be termed a ‘conservationist’ and presently, Anil is out of the Left: Pottery, handloom fabrics and straw products are an integral part of Nepalese craftsmanship.
than Rs.10,000 a month,” declares Anil. “Only then can I claim to have made a difference and at the same time provide the motivation to keep them honing their traditional skills.” This is obviously why he says that ‘Crafted In Kathmandu’ is not just any handicrafts business. Anil likes to call himself a mentor to the artists and craftsmen of Kathmandu, who though highly talented, do not have the business savvy to get the deservedly high prices for their works of art. On the other hand, while he himself holds an engineering degree in mechanics, Anil has evolved into an international marketeer of sorts.
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Below: These silver dragons are much more than plain ‘handicrafts’ and are fine examples of exquisite filigree work.
Above left: ‘Lokta’ or Nepali rice paper are available in many shades and hues. Above right: An example of the fine sense of harmony in the use of colour. Left: These wooden utensil items are obviously not meant only for kitchen use.
country almost two weeks a month, giving talks and lectures in various symposia worldwide on these very subjects. Of late, he was the key-note speaker in the Barcelona Forum in Spain and his next lecture will be at the Social Entrepreneur Forum in Singapore, the topic of which is most appropriately titled, ‘How to initiate societal changes through business activism’. As an Ashoka Fellow, the ‘mentor/intellectual’ had recently talked about, ‘how to move from corporate social responsibility to social entrepreneurship’ at a symposium organized by the TATA company in Jamshedpur, India. About his Ashoka Fellowship, Anil informs, “One has to be an initiator of new ideas that affect societal changes, besides being a successful entrepreneur, to qualify for
an invitation to become a Fellow of Ashoka International.” According to him, the exclusive body is currently involved in some 1600 social entrepreneurship projects in about 55 countries globally. He further informs, “Ashoka International is the first organization to start the social venture capital concept.” GLOBAL LEADER - LOCAL EFFORTS Born to Prem Lal and Ganesh Devi in Bhimsenthan, Kathmandu on March 21st 1961, Anil’s life has been an eventful one. He admits that events really started taking a much better turn in 1993 when he was invited to the World Economic Forum in Davos, as one of the 100 Global Leaders for Tomorrow, the roster of which also included Bill Gates. Around the same
time he was also awarded the Rolex Award for Enterprise. Both these prestigious awards were in recognition of Anil’s role as founder of Environment Camps for Conservation Awareness (ECCA) that today has a training centre lodged in 7 ropanies in Bhaktapur. “The idea was to conduct periodic camps where conservation experts would teach on the subject to college students who in turn would teach school students,” says Anil. “School students, in their turn, would create awareness in their mostly unaware parents who then would adapt newer ideas/technology towards conservation efforts.” ECCA was founded in 1987 when Anil was working at RONAST where he did a three-year stint in the energy technology division, and under whose auspices he got the opportunity to study energy planning at the University of Pennsylvania in the USA. During the tenure of Keshab Sthapit as the Mayor of Kathmandu, the articulate social entrepreneur/ intellectual was invited to be on the board of the City Planning Commission where he worked for five years and was involved in the Metropolitan Infrastructure Project SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 25
CRAFTS GLOBAL VILLAGER
looking after the Social and Heritage Department. Before that, for seven years, Anil worked at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and was Head of Nepal Office when he quit. Anil remembers, “IUCN played an important role in guiding conservation and preservation policies. Even the curriculum of environmental text books were changed on our advice.” While on the board of the City Planning Commission, Anil initiated the Kathmandu 2020 Movement which envisaged creating a public vision as to how they would like their city to look in the year 2020, and more importantly, how they would contribute towards fulfilment of the vision two weeks from today. ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL Anil Chitrakar has no doubt risen to where he has due to his own intelligence, innovativeness and energetic endeavours, but he does give credit to wife Rosha for her
steadfast involvement and able support in his various activities. Married for the last 18 years, they have a son, 14 year old Pratik and a daughter, Pratistha, who is nine. Interestingly, while most of his ancestors followed the traditional Chitrakar occupations of artists and later, photographers, Anil’s maternal grandfather, Krishna Lal, who died at the age of 93, served three kings as the Kazi of the royal palace. Such a background could have helped Anil by providing a stable platform from where he could spring to glory.
Above Right: Proof if proof was ever needed to demonstrate the excellence of Nepalese craftmanship. Above Left : Silver jewellery with intricate designs highlight the artistry of our silversmiths. Above : Leaf plates (lapate) are used during Newari feasts. The above are machine made but many feasts use hand made ones.
26 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
In turn, Anil’s ‘Crafted In Kathmandu’ is helping artisans by providing for their skilled works, a larger and more profitable market. The recently concluded co-branding agreement with Hotel Yak & Yeti to have their products on perennial display in the hotel’s lobby, named the ‘Art Walk’, is an added feather in his cap. And while his versatility restrains one from attempting to categorize him in any single category, one cannot forget that the physics major from ASCOL, who won a Colombo Plan to study mechanical engineering, surely also has a mechanical bent of mind. If proof of this were needed, suffice it to say that Anil has also become ‘mentor’ for a scientist, Babu Raja Shrestha, whose solar powered lamp, the ‘Solar Tuki’ won a $20,000 award at the recent Development Market Place event in Kathmandu. Anil says proudly, “It is a marvellous piece of engineering and has also been short listed for an award in a similar event in Washington.” S
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 27
ARCHITECTURE
AN EXPERIENCE IN
COMMUNITY LIVING
ACCORDING TO OM RAJBHANDARY, CEO OF COMFORT
HOUSING, THE CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY LIVING GOES ON BEING PUT INTO PRACTICE DAY AFTER DAY. IN FACT, HE HIMSELF IS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY, AS IS HIS BROTHER, ENGINEER BIJAY RAJBHANDARY, RESIDING IN TWO OF THE HOUSES. Text: G. Pradhan
28 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
A
ccording to first time visitors, stepping into the premises of Comfort Housing in Sitapaila, Kathmandu, is like stepping into another world. There are 76 independent and well designed residential units arranged in tidy rows over 45 ropanis of land. Homes are built on areas ranging from 1900 sq. ft. to 2800 sq. ft (prices range from Rs.32.45 lakhs to Rs.52.75 lakhs per unit). All the houses are three-storied and have four bedrooms each. A small lawn in front and a modest backyard in each house provide a green belt for both sides of the road.
swimming pool, PABX and 24-hour security guards are other added benefits. Adjoining the pool is a small but well stocked canteen.
A children’s playground though provided for on the premises, seems to be rather inadequate in size. A provisional store in the community hall building is surely a great convenience for local residents but how far it can sustain business is not sure since not all community members shop regularly there. A squash and badminton court within the hall obviously assists in facilitating the good health of the commune members but again, that Other infrastructure include a tarred depends on the enthusiasm of the inhabitants, which, at least in the case 23 ft. wide outer road and 20 ft. wide inner road made of interlocking of the squash court, is reportedly, not much. Another improvement concrete pavel blocks. A water treatment plant (where water is deep that could be done is in the parking lot near the gate. One feels that a bored from a depth of 84 meters, shade could have been helpful in and undergoes special treatment), providing some protection to provides potable water to all the vehicles from the elements. residential units. Each home has a 2000 liter RCC reserve tank and a As for the residences, ceramic tiles 100 liter PVC overhead tank. The have been used extensively in the complex has its own 125 KV dining rooms, lobbies, balconies, transformer to ensure safety from kitchens, and toilets. The staircases voltage fluctuations and there are have marble and marble vitrified tile around 30 street lamps around the combinations. The bedroom and complex. A generator provides power for the street lamps in case of living room floors are done with power failures. A community hall, a cement plastered with neat punnings.
Right: Comfort Housing’s CEO & CE Construction’s Managing Director have made these two houses in the Sitapaila complex, their homes. SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 29
ARCHITECTURE
The exterior is finished with water repellant paint while the internal walls and ceilings have plaster of paris under emulsion or washable distemper paint. It is obvious that all efforts have been made to live up to the claim in its brochures, which state, ‘ most efficient and fully functional architecture has
been incorporated for a distinct outlook’ and as far as quality is concerned, ‘uncompromised, most durable, good looking and overall- a perfect product.’ This ambitious and innovative project was started in Nov/Dec 2001 and
Above: Wide pavel block interlinking roads are a major attraction of Comfort Housing in Sitapaila. Below: The provisional store in the community building has a welcoming look and it certainly adds to residents’ convenience.
completed in Oct/Nov 2003, by which time Phase I had been handed over to its proud owners. By all means, no small achieveme nt. However, the story does not end here. According to Om Rajbhandary, CEO of Comfort Housing, the concept of community living goes on being put into practice day after day. In fact, he himself is a member of the community, as is his brother, Engineer Bijay Rajbhandari, residing in two of the houses. Om is chairman of the Community Management Committee consisting of 11 residents. Weekly meetings discuss ways to better living standards in their community and lay down rules and guidelines to assist in making the community safe and pollution free. 30 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
Top: The swimming pool behind the community block perhaps helps in fostering better community living. Above & Right: Gardens behind the houses improve the colony’s environment. The temple near the main gate serves residents’ spritiual needs.
Visitors’ parking is outside the gates and all vehicle owners are urged to make their vehicles pollution free. Members have agreed to keep the whole area smoke free and declared it a nohorn zone. Speed limit is 15 km/hr, and after 10 p.m., residents are requested to respect the ‘quiet hours’ rule. Insurance facilities are also provided for by the Management Committee. All in all, it must be said that Comfort Housing has indeed succeeded in their mission to ‘facilitate the development of a viable urban community by providing high quality and affordable housing in a suitable and enhanced living environment.’ S SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 31
i
i WITHIN THE PAST FEW YEARS, PRIVATE DEVELOPERS HAVE TRIED TO PLAY A CERTAIN ROLE IN DEVELOPING PROPER RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
The Architect’s Role in Mass Housing
Text: Architect Rajesh Shrestha, Vastukala Paramarsh, Kupondole
A bird’s eyeview
A
s is the case everywhere, the race for survival and search for opportunities always brings about an influx of people from rural to urban areas. Unfortunately, limited resources, lack of information and financial constraints force people to purchase a piece of land to build their house with only a mere accessible road. Even the affluent section of the migrant/ 32 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
city dwellers, in search for planned plots, are forced to be satisfied in the localities developed by land brokers without proper infrastructure facilities planned. This is due to a very low supply of planned residential plots developed by the government and private developers in comparison to the demand. Usually, in under developed
countries, formal sectors (i.e. government & registered developers) are unable to cope up with the pace of urban growth thus resulting in the creation of urban slums throughout the city. Kathmandu Valley’s urban growth has also followed the same path. The pace of urban migration into the valley is in geometric progression. This is
Site Plan SITAPAILA I
not only due to the economic opportunities or available resources and facilities within the valley but also due to the prevailing security condition outside the valley. The end result is transformation of the virgin agriculture field even outside World Heritage sites into pockets of urban slum making Kathmandu one of the ugliest and unplanned capitals in the world. Looking back about 5-6 years, apart from the settlements developed during Malla and Rana period, only a few residential areas have been properly planned viz. Kuleswore, Galfutar, Gongabu etc. by government agencies. Also several land pooling and GLD programs have been launched. However, recently, within the past few years, private developers have also tried to intervene in developing planned residential zones. Such areas have been developed either as vertical, i.e. high and low rise apartments or as horizontal housing colonies in the form of row or semi-attached or detached housings. Some have also opted for a combination of both the vertical and horizontal types. Housing Development In developing such housing projects there are three key players- the architect, the construction expert and the marketing expert. Good co-ordination is required SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 33
among all three throughout the project. Similarly, there are four stages in the process of developing a housing colony. First is the land acquisition; second, the design process; third is the construction; and the fourth, marketing. Architect’s role, if hired as a consultant, is normally restricted to the design phase. However, if the saleability of the project is considered from the initial stage, architects role starts right from the land purchase till the completion of the project. During acquisition of land the architect’s involvement becomes essential and important in the following areas: Orientation of the plot with respect to geographical north. Gauging proximity to the city. Judging type of development in adjoining areas. Evaluating existing infrastructural facilities and developments foreseen in the future. Appraising land profile and subsoil
condition with relevance to development and construction cost. Assessment of approach road and state of traffic congestion, presently and in the foreseeable future. The second stage is the designing stage. Apart from being a good designer, the architect also needs to be a good co-ordinator to harmonize with service consultants. Following points needs to be considered while designing: Preparation of Master Plan Proper zoning of various components of Master Plan. Orientation of individual Plots to geographical north. Right: The kid’s room on the first floor is comfortably furnished and imparts a warm feeling of security.
DN
Dining Area
Living Room
Lvl + 0'-6"
19'-2"x12'-8" Lvl + 1'-6"
Right: Ground floor plan-Type A.
UP DN
DN
Lobby
Below : The entrance with wrought iron table and brass decoratives beckons the visitor towards the open kitchen and dining areas.
Lvl + 2'-6"
Evaluating existing land profiles and prevailing conditions at the site. Individual House design Ensure that the design does not promote congestion Provide privacy to house owner as well as to neighbours. Plan for adequate lighting and ventilation to guarantee proper air circulation. Correct placing of functional areas and organizing efficient circulation. Proper space utilization and suitable room sizing Assure aesthetic appeal. Infrastructural facilities Proper placing of road and access way with appropriate width and turning (cul-de-sac) areas to ensure smooth flow of traffic. Planning appropriate storm and sewerage drainage system along with disposal out of the site premises without creating adverse impact to the existing environment as well as arranging fire-fighting capabilities on site. Arranging source of water, distribution network and filtration process to ensure safe drinking water. Ensuring uninterrupted electrical supply with stabilized voltage, emergency electrical supply, telecommunication, cablenet, etc. 34 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
ARCHITECTURE
Design of Community facilities Setting up community building, temple, guardhouse and other facilities.
During construction of the project, careful supervision is required as any mistake and change becomes a multiplier factor and hence the project cost would spiral out of control. It has, hence, become a practice to build a mock-up of the type designs. During construction, the architect is involved in the following process. Above: A corner of the drawing room. Top: Well planned interiors have assured aesthetic use of available space even beneath the stairs.
Ensuring the construction as per design Cost control methods Quality control Feedback on construction methodology and construction schedule
Below: First Floor Plan-Type A building
DN
Balcony
As far as marketing phase is concerned, architects are normally not involved. However, our experience in mass housing shows that “a flexibility on minor interior changes makes the house more suited to the individual needs.�
UP
Lounge Lvl + 12'-5"
Balcony
Terrace Lvl + 10'-8"
UP
Hence, the role of an architect during marketing phase is to make the product more saleable by: Being prepared to make minor changes required as per individual needs Establishing costing parameters. S SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 35
ARCHITECT
R
AJESH SHRESTHA is the principal architect of Vastukala Paramharsh the firm he established in 1991 - after having worked with Design A Consultancy in Delhi, ASTRA and DOME Consultancies in Kathmandu, and four years with Awas Bibhag. With over 56 successfully completed projects (worth over Rs. 150 crores) under his belt and with on-going construction of 21 projects (Rs. 110 crores) as well as 15 (worth Rs. 47 crores) in the designing stage, Rajesh and Vastukala can be said to have ‘arrived’. This is, of course, an understatement, but as the 43-year-old bachelor architect says, “I have risen from a humble background and feel that each day and every project is still a struggle.” Rajesh’s father is a retired bureaucrat who lives with his wife and only son in Pulchowk. The architect has two sisters who are both married. He also admits frankly that his bachelor status allowed him to take a lot of risks in his career. Risks like quitting the government job, investing in one of the first large scale housing projects, Comfort Housing (P) Ltd. and rising to the 36 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
challenge of designing a multifunctional private hospital in Chabahil - Om Hospital and at present, Neuro Hospital. The Housing has been an outstanding success and has garnered a lot of appreciation while the hospital gained him huge experience. As he recollects, “The hospital has been by far my most challenging project but all that effort resulted in a lot of valuable experience.” However, Rajesh and Vastukala’s turning point towards fame seems to have been two works done in the year 2000, that of the Great Lotus Stupa in Lumbini and the HISEF building in the Capital. Regarding the Stupa, Rajesh informs that the clients initially had plans to make only the stupa but expanded it to include the huge meditation hall on the architect’s advice. The HISEF building situated in Hatisaar has generated a lot of attention with both admirers as well as critics evenly divided. The admirers, which include primarily younger architects, are all praise for his boldness while the detractors’ main bone of contention is that a lot of structures have been unnecessarily created.
Vastukala has wide and diverse experience, but presently, after being so closely involved with three highly successful housing colonies, it can claim to be specially proficient on this particular subject. From a layman’s point of view, the HISEF building flaunts the designer’s identity and serves as a signature of his work. In fact there are many other examples of Rajesh’s works that are easily identifiable because of this fact. Anyway, criticism has never stopped this SLC Board 3rd (1979, AVM school) from being daringly innovative in his designs. The fact that there were more lucrative fields for the asking didn’t stop him from choosing architecture as his subject under the Colombo Plan scholarship after he had finished I. Sc from ASCOL in 1982. As he says, “Choosing this particular subject was a very conscious choice because I have always been interested in architecture. And that year I was lucky because there were five architectural seats.” He passed out with B. Arch from SPA, Delhi in 1988. While working in Awas Bibhag, Rajesh also volunteered his time to the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Nepal (INSAN), where he did a pilot project in Biratnagar that involved design for low cost construction. Because of this, he was invited to be an Ashoka Fellow. As a
member of this elite organization, Rajesh is conscious of his responsibility and promises “I will develop low cost housing projects in the future.” Of course, by this he means at least five to six years down the line, because he knows that there is still a lot left to be done to be more solidly established so that he can do more for society. This is not to say that Vastukala Paramharsh is on shaky ground at the moment. On the contrary. The firm today is on rock solid ground and has 1 senior architect, 5 architects, a model maker, a 3D model maker, 3 draft persons, 5 civil engineers, 2 civil overseers and 3 administrative staff on its payroll with Rajesh heading the management team of four that includes Radha looking after Administration and Finance, Deepak, after Project Management and Q.S., and Dinesh whop looks after Co-ordination and Electrical. The firm’s list of completed, on going and in-design projects include commercial and office complexes, apartments, hospitals, hotels and resorts, schools, religious buildings, factories and warehouses, three housing colonies as well as a substantial number of residences. He adds, “We also designed the St. Xavier’s Campus auditorium and I think it is the first one to have a roof using folded plate concrete slabs”. While Rajesh’s first two works in Nepal were residential designs, the third was the wellknown Peanuts Left: Vastukala Paramharsh has an ever increasing staff which of course is natural keeping in mind the large number of projects on hand.
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 37
ARCHITECT showroom in New Road and the fourth, Hotel Nepa in Jyatha. No doubt Vastukala has wide and diverse experience, but presently, after being so closely involved with three highly successful housing colonies, it can claim to be specially proficient on this particular subject. Just to give a better idea of its exposure, it is interesting to note that the first Comfort Housing project in Sitapaila consisted of 76 well planned houses on 42 ropanies of land, the second, that in Budanilkantha, 42 bigger houses on 29 ropanies and the third, in Ichangu VDC 68 houses on 42 ropanies. As a developer-architect Rajesh is in a unique position to advice the government on housing issues and in fact admits that he has given the same when asked for. However, one does feel that concerned authorities should take the initiative to make more use of the architect’s expertise so that building bylaws concerning housing projects could be further streamlined to better serve the public. For instance, the architect rues the fact that there are no proper laws for highrise apartments within ring-road where
the land value is extremely high. “I feel the authorities are not taking this subject seriously.” He further elaborates on the example of Comfort Housing’s plans for an apartment complex in Ichangu that has been stalled because bylaws require a setback of at least six meters around the building. “The land is not rectangular so six meters of open space cannot be allotted uniformly all around.” In his opinion, “Why six meters? If it is meant for allowing access to rescue vehicles, then four meters should be sufficient.” About housing colonies, he believes that the bylaws requirement of a seven-meter access road is not always practicable as most of the existing roads are below six meters. “Government first needs to broaden these roads to setup the norm.” The architect-developer’s experience justifies his view that developers should be categorized according to their past work and that they should have a say in urban development issues such as land pooling and even issues of long term importance like the outer ring road projects. As he says, “If not well planned properly in advance, such projects will give rise to speculators scrambling all around and will ultimately lead to creation of more urban slums.” It is not only such subjects which worry Rajesh. He is equally concerned about the devastation of
38 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
Above : Om Hospital in ChabahilRajesh’s most challenging project. Below: The conspicuous HISEF building in Haatisar-attracting a lot of attention.
traditionally built buildings and has an ambition to resettle residents amicably from densely populated traditionally structured localities such as the one in Maru Tole, so that he can design and restructure the historically important neighbourhoods. As he says, “You cannot expect people to preserve if their localities and homes are uninhabitable. They have to be made more habitable without destroying heritage values.” Nonetheless, the fact cannot be hidden that Rajesh Shrestha is admired more for his invigorating boldness and in fact one can expect to see an increased number of his signature trademarks all over the city in the years to come. As if to emphasize this, the architect says, “What I am really interested about now is to design a museum and an international airport.” This, more than anything else, is an indication of what heights Rajesh and Vastukala have reached today. And one can be sure that the museum will be no ordinary one and that the airport will have a generous smattering of high tech structures that the architect says he is excited about using. Rajesh Shrestha is sufficiently bold and brave enough to do just that. S
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 39
i i
ENGINEERING
Construction Management IN MASS HOUSING
H
ousing projects are usually an outcome of a feasible collaboration between planners, architects, financial institutions as well as developers and builders. There can be different types and combinations of dwelling units in housing projects. Housing projects in Kathmandu that have been currently completed or are in the completion / under construction stages have provided superior infrastructure facilities in comparison to existing facilities in most part of the city. 40 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
Text: Er. Bijay Rajbhandari CE Constructions Pvt. Ltd.
AN IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS IN PROJECT ANALYSIS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF PROJECT LIFE CYCLE IS COST BENEFICIAL AND WILL PREVENT DEVELOPERS FROM SURPRISES DUE TO IGNORANCE AND NEGLIGENCE.
Urbanization indexes like density, building coverage, open space and infrastructure facilities as outlined in the town development bylaws, are incorporated in housing projects. This, as a result, offers an elegant outlook and owners can enjoy appreciated property value within short period from the purchase of the property, compared to that of individual property where investments are much higher. Residents of housing projects can avail of instant and long term social and economic benefits. The product delivery will be on time and be cost effective with agreed quality. However, this can only be possible if project management norms are incorporated right from the inception till the delivery of the project. An implementation of project management tools in project analysis at different stages of project life cycle is cost beneficial and will prevent developers from surprises due to ignorance and negligence. Due to efficient project management the categorical benefits for residents fall under four broad divisions: Land – Project site selection is usually done by a group of experts which include planners, developers and financial institutions who have experience in this field. These people will analyse the project from different perspectives. The decision arrived at by this team of experts itself will play a key role in the success of the project. Infrastructure Facilities – Since the density of dwellers is fairly accurately assessed at the time of design itself, the project can offer dwellers an appealing environment, compatible residential outlook, less air, noise and odour pollution. Other benefits are good design and longer life span of accommodative infrastructure components at the least cost.
Some major infrastructural components are:
Roads – A combination of well-graded black top and block-paved roads of sufficient width with engineered
construction reduces dust pollution and reflects the personality of the project. Planned sequential construction results in durable and economical pavements. Drainage – Proper storm sewers and sanitary sewers in cover drain with holding tanks are hygienic and minimizes unpleasant odour. This might not have been possible in the case of individual housing due to space limitation and would have been a costly burden on the individual. Municipality trunk line connection would also have been an administrative hassle in the case of individuals. Electricity – Due to availability of required capacity of transformer within premises, stabilized voltage is available, which prevents damage of expensive and vulnerable electrical and electronics appliances and gadgets. In most cases of individual housing, transformer would have been out of question causing the individual to suffer a lot in this aspect. Generator backup for streetlight and public areas also create a sense of security within the housing complex. Water – The community has its own source of deep tube well boring water, in-house treatment plant with sufficient
Above & Facing Page: Budanilkantha Housing and Sitapaila I- two successfully completed projects of CE Constructions Pvt. Ltd.
storage reservoir, which relieves dwellers of prevailing water scarcity problem of the city. Many parts of the extended dwelling area don’t have municipality supply and this kind of arrangement would have been nonmaterialized costly solutions. Telephone Lines – Provision of sufficient number of telephone lines per house with intercom facilities has become a basic need in today’s IT world. Availability of telephone line as well as demand numbers might not be possible in the case of individually constructed buildings. A great deal of effort is required in availing this kind of arrangement with Nepal Telecommunication. Cabinet box within the premises ensures less maintenance problem. Cable TV – Due to the large number of units in the housing site and the fast growth in the neighbourhood, cable TV companies are attracted to offer cable TV for housing project. Availability of cable TV is a basic entertainment necessity. Installation cost and monthly SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 41
ENGINEERING Left:A view of the colony in Budanilkantha where the residential units are larger and more spacious.
shared which subsidize design fee substantially. Design fee is well negotiated and the cost is distributed to all owners. Substantial cost saving is done in engineering exploration & investigations which otherwise might not have been possible or is usually omitted in individual cases. Even owners are facilitated to have internal changes in design to meet their specific requirements that make it more like their own custom design building.
recurring cost is negotiated at a lower price than in the case of individual. Landscaping – The greenery in the entire area as well as within the individual units adds value to the property as well as pleasure to the eye. Fire Safety – Provision of fire fighting pipeline network and fire hydrants placed at strategic locations assures additional safety to dwellers with nominal loading of cost. Secured Boundary – Secured peripheral boundary avoids having to place individual property boundaries making security more cost effective. Community Facilites – Guardhouse at main entrance, entire property fencing, public parking, temples, children’s playground, swimming pool, provisional store, gymnasium and restaurants enhance quality of living at affordable cost. These kinds of consolidated amenities are not available in existing neighbourhoods of the city. Residential Facilites – Several types of dwelling units are designed incorporating their unit relationship, which endows the entire project with style. Earthquake factors are considered in structural designs of 42 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
these units. Housing norms control changes in facade as well as height increments of units even if it is allowed in bylaws, which help to maintain the aesthetic look as envisaged by the architect. Realization of such pockets of planned development in the city extensively involves project management during entire life cycle of the project. Housing projects offer benefits to dwellers in namely the following areas compared with individually designed and constructed buildings: Cost – Optimum use of project management is done to achieve the goal of completing the project within minimum time with better construction quality at economical cost compared to conventional construction of individually constructed houses. With help of financial management tools, financial analysis from different aspects will be carried out numerous times by the experts during project cycle in terms of design, material selection and constructability, making it the best deal for house owners. Primary areas of cost savings are in terms of: Design – Units are repetitive and quantity is substantial, infrastructure is
Cost sharing of infrastructure facilities like deep boring, treatment plant, transformer & generators, sewer lines and treatment plants; community facilities like swimming pool, children’s park, common park, provisional store make it possible for dwellers to avail of these facilities which otherwise is possible only in rare cases. Construction Material – Due to huge project volume, materials can be purchased at much cheaper prices. Awareness of product price of construction materials and a strategic procurement system prevents excessive spending and larger discounts can be availed of. Choices of materials due to better knowledge of products and their availability; experience in long term cost impact and constructability knowhow result in the best material selection economically. Developer flexibility in owner selected substitute materials offer a sense of active participation for owners during construction. Manpower – Due to repetitive nature and continuity of work, labour productivity is very high and there are less chances of idling of manpower thus minimizing labour costs. Similarly, overhead costs, specially spent on engineering, supervisory and support staff is minimized for the same reason.
Availability of specialized personnel for designing, installing and supervising as and when required is normal practice, assuring proper installation and quality product delivery. Manpower management is a major feature of construction management. Equipment – Use of proper heavy equipment and other machines are possible due to high work volume and because of developers’ capacity. Proper planning assists in quantifying minimum number of equipment with optimum use. Mobilization/ demobilization can be done ensuring durability and quality of workmanship as per requirement. This will be an additional cost effective strategic plan. Time – The project is monitored professionally using the latest management tools like Construction Management Software, Project Management Information System, Line of Balance and CPM in addition to Work Breakdown Structures. These facilitate the project team to plan, monitor and control the project. Risks and uncertainties are forecasted and corrective measures are taken ahead of time. Long lead items are identified and their timely order and delivery of material and equipment to ensure timely completion along with fewer overheads. Wastage Control – Material, manpower and machine wastage is minimized due to proper
project management system, thus reducing costs. Quality – Quality is striven for at all stages of construction, as it is not a one-time business for the developer. Different quality enforcement agencies are involved for entire project period. Developers strive for quality product delivery in terms of local context. Work is executed/inspected by trained and experienced technicians/supervisors on daily basis. Specialized inspectors visit the site as per requirement. Quality of materials and work done is checked/tested in the laboratory and inspected on the field regularly. Tests that cannot be conducted at site are done at available certified testing agencies. Product knowledge, technical know-how and construction experience in addition to professional construction management makes the housing concept a viable and satisfactory solution for mass dwellers. All these are not possible for developers to offer in the case of individual house constructions due to lack of knowledge, resources, and time constraints. In addition, financial institutions are offering lucrative lending policies for investment in developed projects. Structured and well planned housing will certainly help organize the city layout aesthetically besides offering modern facilities at economical prices. This not only assures better quality of living but also allows people to experience domestic pleasures in a secure environment. S SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 43
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THE FINE ART OF MARKETING HOUSING “The concept of ‘community living’ was new to people who previously had the ingrained notion that building a house was an individualistic endeavor”– Om Rajbhandary, CEO, Comfort Housing According to CEO Om Rajbhandary of Comfort Housing, the housing industry in Nepal is at that stage when one comes across the ‘worst case scenario’ as well as the ‘best case scenario’ within the fraternity. In the first case there still are some developers who, even though they haven’t even purchased the land, go about promoting themselves as ‘housing companies’ and in the process,
duping unaware customers. In the ‘best case scenario’ there are developers who have built infrastructure, completed landscaping and constructed mock up homes, before they start bookings. Om is also director of marketing and believes that proper marketing is as important as proper design and construction to further develop the industry and take it in the right direction. “It is due to aggressive,
but ethical, marketing that the industry has developed so well so far.” Sense and Sensitivity “I understand that our role is vital because buying a house is no small thing for anybody,” says Om. “I fully realize the sensitivities involved. That is why even after our homes have been handed over I still continue to be at the disposal of our customers day or SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 45
night.” If the success of Comfort Housing, as judged by the overwhelming customer response to all its projects, is anything to go by, then one has to acknowledge that the marketing team is doing an exceptionally good job and have played an extremely important role in the company’s success. Om does lament, “Unlike in developed countries, here the role of realtors has not yet developed and housing companies still have to do the promotions and the selling themselves. So marketing’s responsibility becomes crucial.” Undoubtedly, Om and his team have had ample opportunities to develop their marketing finesse along with Comfort Housing’s progress. At the same time, it is no small achievement that right from the beginning, when marketing their first project Sitapaila I, the team had planned, organized and implemented their strategy well. No wonder the 76 units could be sold in a much shorter time than initially 46 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
anticipated. According to the CEO, Comfort Housing had some advantages which helped marketing. Things like a self sufficient in-house organization that included reputed architects and trusted engineers as well as experienced marketing personnel. The Strategy Marketing went about their task drawing up a list of potential buyers which included in the beginning, acquaintances with whom the company had good rapport. The first list had 120 clients who were then analyzed from whatever information was available. Analysis was based on the clients’ income levels, assumed savings and anticipated family support. One important factor analyzed was gauging the seriousness of the potential buyer. This led to scaling down the list to 7580 confirmed buyers. Because of this, the company decided to forgo media promotion and focused more on personal marketing. Then, six couples were invited for a meeting every day.
At the end of the week, 36 couples had been exposed to a 16-18 minutes multimedia presentation as well as a 45 minutes talk by Rajbhandary. The presentations concentrated on the advantages of community housing. Highlights of the project, such as ideal location, excellent architectural vision and sound construction, were also presented. “The concept of ‘community living’ was new to people who previously had the ingrained notion that building a house was an individualistic endeavor,” remembers Om. “We used the slogan, “Comfort at its Best-Community Living’ and discussed the pros and cons of building one’s own house vis-à-vis readymade homes.” Tackling Disillusionment Response was immediate and positive. However, after 32 units had been booked, cancellations started to come in, totaling 18 initially. Om was disheartened and the realization sunk in that not all were serious buyers. And
since no cancellation charges were applicable on the processing fee of Rs.1,00,000, those who cancelled had nothing to lose. Clearly, something had gone wrong. “After some brainstorming we came to the conclusion that although marketing had done its job, the on-site activities let us down,” says Om. “On-site visits must have disillusioned clients. Only the road layout had been done and some 8-10 houses were in different stages of construction. Obviously, the buyers couldn’t have visualized what we were promising from what was on view.” Soon, site visits were stopped and the company went about building a mockup house. “We again invited the clients
Facing Page & Above: Such fine homes and community facilities certainly helped the marketing department.
to the site and within the next 15 days, sold 24 units.” According to Om, the company underwent three stages while marketing ‘Sitapaila I’. The first stage consisted of selling to close acquaintances. The second stage involved construction of a mock-up house. “In the third stage we depended on word of mouth promotion as we believed that once an individual purchases a property he will try to
convince his relatives and friends to live nearby and buy a house too.” ‘Sitapaila I’, finally consisting of seventy six units costing from Rs.32.75 Lakhs to Rs. 54.75 Lakhs each, was sold out within a one year period. Increasing Role The second project in Budanilkantha was started in 2002 and in this project consisting of 42 units costing from Rs.39 Lakhs to Rs. 67 Lakhs each, marketing’s role was further increased. Firstly, the location was decided based on a survey done through visitors’ comments at Sitapaila I as well as based on comments of well wishers from different walks of life whom Om invited to Budanilkantha for lunch.
Marketing also suggested that since it was being projected for its healthy environment, the houses to be built should be spacious. Accordingly, the units were built on 6-12 annas of land each. To further reinforce spaciousness, houses were built with different elevations and with minimal disturbance to sunlight and circulation. Following marketing’s suggestion, customers were given a choice of either a house that was partially complete (without finishing), or a complete house. Additionally,
completely furnished houses were also made available. “While in Sitapaila, due to capital constraints we did the infrastructure in the second phase, in Budanilkantha we completed it in the first phase itself,” according to Rajbhandary. “It took us 6 months to complete transactions although bookings for all units were done within 24 hours of going to market.” Astonishing Success Again, according to marketing advice, the third Comfort Housing project, ‘Sitapaila II’, in Sano Bharyang VDC, Ichangu, has been designed as a dual project with both stand-alone houses as well as apartments. In this case, infrastructure, landscaping, mock up house as well as community building were completed before going to buyers. The result of all these efforts based on marketing suggestions? “I think we have broken a record by selling 56 units within a remarkably short time!” exclaims Rajbhandary. Supposedly, eager buyers had queued up at his house from early morning to book a house. Doubtless, Comfort Housing’s reputation for good designs and sound construction must have been the prime reason. At the same time, it must also be acknowledged that equally excellent marketing by Om and his team of eight professionals (of which four are engineers), must have played a very important role.
Keeping in mind the rapid development in the housing industry, licensed realtor agencies seem to be the need of the hour. Developers are already doing their bit towards economic development by risking huge investments. It would only be right if intermediary organizations like realtors were to develop so that developers would be free to go about their own business. The business of constructing excellent housing that will last forever. S SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 47
FROM ‘COMMITTED’
‘CREATIVE’
TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
According to Bijay, “CE has passed through various stages. At first we were ‘Committed Entrepreneurs’ then we became ‘Competent Entrepreneurs’, next, ‘Confident Entrepreneurs’. Now we are ‘Creative Entrepreneurs’.”
CE Constructions (P) Ltd. is a wellknown name in the business. One of its premium projects has been the series of housing complexes undertaken by its sister concern, Comfort Housing. Many are familiar with the complex of 76 houses at Sitapaila that has drawn much appreciation for the builders. In fact, this complex has become a sort of standard-bearer for other housing projects too, and has in no small way contributed towards developing much needed faith of buyers in such ventures. Much of the credit goes to the construction of well structured houses along with a solid infrastructure and well planned community facilities. CE Constructions, under the leadership of Engineer Bijay Rabhandari, is taking a trailblazing path by not only being active in construction but also in the production of construction materials. Besides, CE Constructions is also well into a project to introduce into the Nepali market, a 48 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
Bijay, Om, Gopal & Shyam
software program on construction management called Construction Management Systems (CMS) which is being produced in collaboration with DPS Technologies India of Kolkata. CE Constructions is also active in the social sector and has constructed the
Hospice premises (a sanctuary for patients suffering from cancer in the terminal stage) free of cost. Om Rajbhandary, CEO of Comfort Housing Pvt. Ltd. looks after the fund raising part as well as administration of the hospital. Much of the success enjoyed by the company has been due
to excellent working procedures and established systems. According to Bijay Rajbhandari, the board of directors, which includes Gopal Manandhar, Shyam Milan Shrestha and Om Rajbhandari, meet every Sunday for an overall review of the company’s works in progress and each director briefs the others on his particular line about which he is responsible. Besides, the company also has an executive committee in charge of implementation of projects, in which the project engineer, finance chief, procurement chief, asset manager, and transport manager are members. In addition, project managers have a regular meeting every Wednesday. Such regularity in systems certainly must help in keeping everybody in the company aware of everything that is going on. This obviously is needed, taking into account the fact that CE Constructions already has almost one hundred permanent employees in its payroll. The company is also innovative and this is reflected in their mission statement for this year, ‘Strive for a Clean and Safe Job Site by the end of 2062 B.S.’. In fact according to Bijay, “CE has passed through various stages. At first we were ‘Committed Entrepreneurs’ then we became
‘Competent Entrepreneurs’, next, ‘Confident Entrepreneurs’. Now we are ‘Creative Entrepreneurs’.” About their experience with Comfort Housing’s first project at Sitapaila, Bijay believes that CE Constructions has managed the construction well. The buildings are sturdy and well proportioned. The infrastructure is well executed. One of the innovations has been the construction of the interlocking link roads in which ‘pavel blocks’ have
Above: The Great Lotus Stupa holds pride of place in CE’s portfolio. Facing page & Below: CE has constructed many such well structured houses besides various other types of projects.
been used. According to Bijay, “The interlocking roads are easy to maintain due to the pavel blocks and add to the beauty of the surroundings. The same plan has been followed in our other projects in Buddhanilkantha and Sitapaila II.” Established in 1992, the firm has had ample time and opportunity to gain experience in various projects that have included a Stupa complex and meditation centres, a five star resort, health clubs, swimming pools and casinos, hospitals, schools and colleges, commercial and office complexes as well as residential and public buildings. The CE directors each have a wealth of technical expertise behind them and this obviously is one of the reasons why an increasing number of clients are entrusting the firm with their projects. However, they like to call themselves ‘competent entrepreneurs’ who are committed to national development through entrepreneurship. S
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 49
f you were to ask directions to Dinker Shrestha’s house, you would be told that it is located some distance away from the road opposite the Military Hospital in Chauni. You would also be told that it will be impossible not to recognize it, as it is quite strikingly different from other houses.
I
STAMP
So what is so different and striking about Dinker’s house?
On approaching the house through a dirt alley, it does seem out of place due to the sudden unexpected change in its façade in comparison to the drab adjoining houses. The house is flush with adjoining property on either side,
OF INDIVIDUALITY 50 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
INTERIOR
but at the same time, set back from the road to incorporate a small garden, which adds on to the glaring difference. And adequately creating a small world of its own even in such cramped surroundings. This individualistic exterior flows in, and as one talks with the owner, one realizes that it is his individuality that is stamped all over his home. “The architect consulted was Sailesh Gorkhali, Senior Architect at Vastukala Paramarsha,” informs Dinker. “But much of the concept was mine.” In any case, the concept seems to have worked well. Since the house is in a dense neighbourhood, the light filtering through the central skylight, right down to the open kitchen / dining on the ground floor, has done wonders. There is no obstruction to the luminosity due to the tactical placement of the
stairs. The ambience created during the day (and on full moon nights) is what the house revolves around. According to Dinker, many details were improvised as the house was being constructed. The result of this is obvious in interesting nooks and corners as well as the highly personal choice of colours within and outside the building. For instance, the walls of the living room on the first floor as well as the passages have been painted a mushroom colour while the bedrooms have much darker tones. One bedroom is coloured an almost purplish hue. He admits, “I Facing page: Roof skylight and the waterfall in the sitting room. Above: Split levels and open entrances endows spaciousness. Right: The void above serves as a continuation of the skylight.
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 51
‘’...something new , extraordinary and of course, role of geometrical forms and balance make such a perfect design ... , which I think , I did my best for my friend ..! ‘’ Ar. Sailesh K Gorkhali
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INTERIOR came up with this tint after fiddling around on my computer”. There are other details that reflect the owner’s personal tastes. Details like the almost oval shaped verandah outside the master bedroom on the first floor, the personally designed wrought iron railings and the cascading waterfall over a shingle mount in the drawing room with a stream of light focused on it through another small skylight. Personal taste is also evident in the flooring. To compensate for the reduced natural light as well as for easy maintenance, the lobby on the ground floor has white marble. On the other hand, for warmth and comfort, the sitting room floor, the steps, as well as the rooms on the first floor are wooden while the top story has ethnic telia tile floors. The small but well tended garden forces one to imagine that perhaps if there had been more space, Dinker would certainly have had a ball creating a much larger and beautiful garden. However, since the land available out of the 2378 square
Above Right: The master bedroom is warm and inviting because of the large windows facing east. Above: A view of the exterior.
feet, after a plinth area of around 1300 square feet, is quite limited, he has tried to do the best he can with it. The area behind the house, adjoining the kitchen, has been also made use of to the best of its capabilities and besides a small part for washing utensils, a table and some chairs have
the rooms ensure adequate light as well as a view of the indoors. A balcony on the southwest side, overlooking a wideopen space, seems to be an ideal location to sunbathe during colder days and enjoy fresh air all year long. The master bedroom on the east side, besides having an attached bathroom,
also been placed beneath a portico for outdoor dining. A large window from the children’s room next to the kitchen overlooks this outdoor seating. According to Dinker, at present, it is more of a playroom but later will be his daughter’s room. As he says, “Since it is next to the kitchen, where there will be activity most of the day, the child will always be in a comfortable environment.”
has a curved balcony that has been lovingly designed. A corner of the area between the rooms has cushions strewn around and serves as an informal lounge.
The open staircase is perhaps the most interesting facet of the house. Looking up from the lobby on the ground floor one gets a clear view of the stairs rising up to the second floor landing and then up to the third. “The wrought iron railings were designed by me and cost me more than fifty thousand rupees,” says the homeowner. Around the landing on the second floor are three bedrooms at three corners. Windows placed strategically in
The top floor has a puja room on the west corner and a low height informal area useful for entertaining. The skylight, directly above, is sloped, and when night falls, the stars can be seen twinkling as though on a night out in the wilderness. A spacious terrace roof, with high curved parapet walls aids privacy during gatherings and has stairs leading up to a vantage point. The view is of course nice, and one can see monasteries on high hills as well as the famous Swayambhunath temple quite clearly. From the roof one can look down right to the ground floor through the large rectangular slanted glass window that sheds light throughout the house and adds to its individuality. S SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 53
INTERIOR
54 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
THE EAGLE’S
L A I R The ‘webster’, also known as Spider Man, would have incorporated a cobweb design if inclined towards home making. The other Webster, Steve, MD of escape2nepal.com however, built for himself an eagle’s lair. An aerie. So, in fact Steve along with wife Neeru Subba probably identify themselves with this noble species every time they go and spend some time in their aerie, also known as Shivpuri Heights Cottage. Just imagine the audacity of this Webster. “When I built this house I had thought that the road would be built at least ten years later on and I am surprised that it is being constructed so soon.” Just imagine the nerve of Steve Webster. “I’m a bit disappointed actually!” Well, the dusty road still is in the infancy stage and one still has to
walk up for some fifteen minutes from the ISKON gate in Budhanilkantha to reach the eagle’s lair, due partly to the acute steepness and partly due to the condition of the just begun road. So, as you huff and puff up the grimy road, up up almost a thousand feet, you begin to wonder why this particular Webster built a house in such a place. The last hundred feet you leave the road and hike up a trail on a hillock upon which you can see the aerie standing proud and arrogant and you perhaps get the feeling that it must be laughing down at you. Once you reach the red-shingled house you want to get inside the wide open doors across from the green-grassed terrace and flop down onto the welcoming sofas.
Preferably with a large mug of chilled beer in your hand. Which, as it happens, is available for the asking, along with any other drink you would want to have since Shivpuri Heights Cottage also happens to have a well stocked bar and a pantry. The reason for this is because the Websters rent out the premises to paying visitors and Rs. 2200 gets you a bed for the night along with dinner and breakfast. At no extra charge you also get one of the finest views this side of paradise.
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INTERIOR
A bird’s eye view of the valley is what you get. And mentioning birds, Steve also conducts bird watching tours around the hills which as everyone knows is famous for this activity. Coming back to beers, sofas and such, you feel like sitting forever just feasting your eyes on the panorama before you. Nonetheless, after a while you will not be able to resist walking out to the terrace and sit beneath a canopied umbrella, for now you have the best of all worlds. Fresh breeze, canopied sunlight and an almost 360 degree vista. Having said all this, the cottage itself deserves as effusive a description, seeing that the Websters have put in a lot of effort and some amount of creativity in creating a house that does justice to the magnificence of its surroundings. The lounge has on its left, the open kitchen and on the right, a bedroom with floor to ceiling glass doors that promises at night, a feast of a thousand twinkling lights from the bed itself. From both corners of the lounge 56 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
arise two steep wooden ladders that lead up to bedrooms. Somewhat like tree houses, one could even say. The large double beds are almost floor level and above them are tiny alcove windows facing west. There are other windows too, one opening to the east and another to look on the lounge. Most of the construction has been done with wood, including the floors, the ceiling and the walls. This, of course, makes the cottage a pretty comfortable place in which to spend the night specially in chilly winter Facing Page Above: The lounge as seen from the bedroom. Facing Page Below: Another view of the lounge. The ladder climbs to a bedroom.
z
months. The fireplace in the lounge will of course help. The cottage is nestled in nine and a half ropanies of private land, and Steve has made a sort of playground on the north side of the house. Servants’ quarters are being built some distance above the cottage and the Websters have plans to make extensions to the main building as well. The cottage is now four years old and actually, when he started building somewhere in the latter half of 1999, Steve had plans to finish its construction in time to celebrate the new millennium in his new cottage. However, there were delays and although it wasn’t finished in time for the grand event, the Websters and friends did celebrate the occasion by pitching tents all over the area.
Top: The view from the lounge. Above: One of the ‘tree house’ bedrooms. Left: It’s a pleasure passing the time of day on the lawn.
Obviously, expatriates and tourists love the place and enjoy the short trek, after all that’s probably one of the reasons for their coming to Nepal in the first place. One cannot but admire the verve of Steve and Neeru for building their castle literally in the air. One wishes them, as well as visitors, many lovely days and nights up in the aerie, and one hopes that the road even when complete, will still not lead up to the eagle’s lair. S SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 57
§ ORGANIC TO THE CORE
PROFILE
B
ehind the Naxal Police Headquarters, in Gairidhara, is a house that probably can be said to be the first house in the country incorporating a splitlevel design concept. It was designed by the first architect of Nepal, Gangadhar Bhatta ‘Halabe’, and he has been living there for ages. By all accounts, when the house was first made, it was the talk of the town and was visited by numerous curious people including many high and mighty folks. Naturally, one would expect it to be a sort of showpiece, but sad to say, this historic and architecturally important house today is in a cheerless state of disrepair.
NEPAL’S FIRST A RCHITECT Text: Amar B. Shrestha
“TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE YOU NEED THREE THINGS-RIGHT LIFE, STRONG MIND AND SPIRITUALITY. WELL, I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO LIVE THE ‘RIGHT LIFE’.”
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Perhaps the fact that Gangadhar’s family of three sons and a wife are in the United States, and that the architect, presently General Manager of Nav Nepal Savings Co-operative, has no time, could explain matters. However, visiting the house of Nepal’s first architect can leave a visitor quite depressed as well as puzzled. Then again, he does remark candidly, “I know what you were thinking the moment you stepped into the housewhy is Gangadhar Bhatta’s house so poorly maintained?” Without being apologetic about it he continues, “To live a good life you need three thingsright life, strong mind and spirituality. Well, I confess, I have not been able to live the ‘right life’.” Why so? He replies, “Do you think Laxmi Prasad Devkota could live the ‘right life’?” The architect goes on to explain that it is very difficult for artistic people to live a life that is systematic and orderly. “It confines one’s originality and stifles innovativeness.” He obviously
considers himself to be highly creative and seeing that he was the designer of Rastriya Sabha Griha, Soaltee Hotel, Jivan Kunj and the Police Club, besides many others, one will have to agree with him. Gangadhar Bhatta’s roots go back to Maharasthra in India, and his father, the late Ganesh Bhatta, was conferred the title of ‘Shastri’ because of his vast knowledge and mastery over all six ‘shastras’. Youngest among five brothers and two sisters, Gangadhar is the only one living today. Nicknamed ‘Bachhu’, the architect says he is never bored even for a moment and considers himself to be of modern thinking. “Studying architecture was fun,” he remembers. “Because it was such a creative field, we were given a lot of freedom while in college.” He also remarks, “The day I stop being modern, I might as well stop being an architect.” CHOOSING A DIFFICULT PATH Born on 30th April 1936, Gangadhar earned his B.Arch degree from Calcutta University in 1961 after doing his I.Sc from Trichandra College in 1955 and S.L.C in 1952 from Padmodaya High School in Kathmandu. The question does arise as to why Gangadhar chose to study architecture in place of engineering as would have been expected considering that the latter profession was more firmly established and better viewed as a reputed one.
“Well, I heard that getting an architectural degree required five years as compared to four for engineering. I also came to know that it was a tough degree to acquire. So I chose architecture.” That, perhaps, is a significant pointer to understanding the nature of the man. Anyway, by doing so, Bhatta became the first man in Nepal to obtain an architectural degree and he joined the Bhavan Bibhag soon after. While there, ‘Halabe’ initiated the idea of holding open design competitions for important government buildings, and in
spite of stiff opposition to the idea from powerful quarters, the idea was implemented. Fittingly, in 1968, Gangadhar Bhatta himself won the first prize of Rs.5000 in the open design competition for the Rastriya Panchayat Bhavan. “Although four buildings were made, the main building was never built,” he reveals. The reason according to him, was simple, “I resigned from the Bhavan Bibhag in 1972.” It seems that Gangadhar Bhatta Halabe could not tolerate petty tussles arising form professional jealousies within the departments and chose to resign instead. HIS FLAGSTONES TO HISTORY By then, within his tenure of about nine and a half years, Bhatta had already made the master plan of Dashrath Ranga Shala and Royal Palace Secretariat, besides City Hall and the Police Club. However, his first architectural works, besides his own home, were the glasshouses in Godavari Gardens followed by the Soaltee Hotel. He also discloses, “I was responsible for mapping of the Valley. I did this based on aerial photographs taken by the late Tony Hagen.”
Gangadhar admits that the early days were difficult ones since it was almost impossible to get trained and skilled workers who understood modern architectural needs. “In addition, I had
Above: The talent and creativity of Nepal’s first architect is all too evident from his work on the Hotel Hermitage Resort in Sauraha.
to face a lot of criticism for some of my innovative designs.” For instance, while making the stage at the City Hall, many criticized the stage as being too big and for incurring heavy expenses. “I invited Bal Krishna Sama to look at it and give his opinion. He was thrilled with the design and much of the criticism stopped thereafter.” Gangadhar also remembers a British visitor remarking that the acoustics of City Hall was as good as that of Royal Albert Hall in London! Doubtless, the first architect is enamoured with his profession although the last project he has done was two years ago, that of the Resort Project of Hotel Hermitage in Sauraha, Chitwan, where architects Anjan Das Shrestha and Ramesh Manandhar were his associates. In his heydays, his firm was called Himalayan Architects and Engineers and it was responsible for designing and constructing many residential buildings including that of industrialists Gajananda Vaidya’s in Maharjgunj and Madan Chiranjilal’s house in Kamaladi. “Of course, in the beginning I didn’t get any residential assignments for
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Left: The City Hall – one of Gangadhar Bhatta Halabe’s best known works.
have had no regrets about my choice.” Nevertheless, he devoted a considerable amount of time to his poultry and hatchery business during the 20-25 years it was in operation as ‘Vijaya Poultry’, named after his middle son who is an IT professional in the States. “My wife, Shailaja, looked after it mostly,” says Gangadhar. “It was an excellent business and financially very productive but I understood then that the first four words of ‘business’ meant ‘busy’!” almost two and a half years after completing my studies,” he informs. The architect reveals that in those days he promoted himself by promises of more economical work than that of others. His promise was based on the fact that he strived for great detailing in all his designs due to which the final work was bound to be less expensive.
efficient and functional.” Wise words indeed from the master. He is fond of repeating Frank Lloyd Wright’s statement that “Architecture should be organic. And all organic matter must speak and should work.” Asked to name his style of work, Gangadhar refrains from doing so and
Gangadhar likes to say that many of the events in his life have just ‘happened’ and one will have to accept that it has just ‘happened’ that the first architect of Nepal has been very poorly honoured. ARCHITECTURE IS ORGANIC Gangadhar also mentions that he did all the interiors of City Hall, Jivan Kunj and Casino Nepal in Soaltee. He opines, “Today there is some controversy about architects doing interior designing but I don’t know why there should be one. Architecture includes both exteriors and interiors. Every architect must have mastery over interior designing if he/she is to do a complete project.”
The architect also believes that every item in nature has a purpose. He adds, “Therefore space has to be designed in such a way as to accommodate every item so that the function of each is not compromised, but rather, made more 60 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
insists that it is up to future generations to classify his work and name his style accordingly. At the same time he says, “My style is modern.” He is firm in his opinion that architecture is about creating and not copying. He also thinks that some architecture in newer buildings around Kathmandu tend to veer towards grandiosity without regard to function. Gangadhar has a word of advice for structural engineers as well, “Engineers should see the structure in all its totality and only then should they begin to calculate the individual components.” EXTRA PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS The architect enthuses, “Architecture is the best profession among all and I
Evidently, the poultry eventually became the masters and the Bhattas, their slaves. “It was like they were telling us, ‘either you look after us well, or we’ll just fall sick and die. You lose.” The poultry business was closed down some years ago because there was no one to run the business anymore. The eldest son, Udaya, has a civil engineering degree and a Ph.D from MIT and is a professor in West Virginia University. The youngest, Vinaya, is studying mechanical engineering and computer science. It seems Gangadhar’s Mahrasthrian roots are pretty strong because besides his wife herself being from that state, both Udaya and Vijaya’s wives are also from Maharasthra. And now the architect is proud grandfather of four little Nepali-Maharasthrian girls, two from each son. Gangadhar likes to say that many of the events in his life have just ‘happened’ and one will have to accept that it has just ‘happened’ that the first architect of Nepal has been very poorly honoured. A solitary bronze plaque hangs in his room, presented by Academic Council of Architectural Students during Archiview’99, lauding his contributions to the field of architecture in the country. Nepal’s first architect has not received a single government honour in his lifetime apart from the 1st prize in the open design competition in 1968. S
ADVERTORIAL Multitec T rade Trade Circle’s business field includes equipment, materials and accessories of building services. The company is the authorized distributor for some well known names of the electrical fittings industry in India, the list of which includes, Siemens, Wipro, North-West Switchgear, Almonard, Geco Switchgears, Homdec Lighting, Lumex Lighting, and A. K. Electricals. Multitec has a professional approach to business that consists of: a. Project information regarding type, location, size and fund source b. Visit to project consultants to brief on products c. Enlistment of products to have products approved d. Identification of contractors/builders to develop rapport e. Regular follow up with consultants and contractors f. Negotiations g. Informal get-togethers with concerned executives. Due to such professionalism as well as an excellent stable of products, Multitec Trade Circle, under the able management of the affable Arun Jalan, has managed to develop an outstanding portfolio of completed works. Among a host of big name clientele are Kantipur TV Phase-I, Dabur Nepal, Apollo Hospital in Kathmandu and Banepa, Laxmi Bank in Banepa, Acme Engineering College, Hisef Corporate building, Comfort Housing, Nepal Armed Police Headquarters, Tribhuvan University in Balkhu, Nepal Investment Bank, NB Bank, Patan, UNDP, Hariharbhawan, Ashok Multipurpose Building, Patan, and Nepal Television in Singha Durbar. Arun Jalan belongs to a family that has been in the electrical fittings business for a long time and they own many reputed shops in the Capital. It is probably due to such a background and the combined experience of decades that Multitec Trade Circle is in a position today to claim to be one of the leading names in the field of electrical equipment, fittings and accessories. With its showroom and offices at Jaycees Bhawan in Thapathali, Multitec is presently at the centre of this particular field of business. With a new showroom, AK Electricals, opening soon at Putalisadak, Multitec seems to be poised to be a bigger player in the coming days. SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 61
B. Tater, MBA(Aus), H.G Enterprises
WATER SEEPAGE & WATERPROOFING How often have we noticed dark damp patches on our ceilings and walls? In some cases, this water seepage can be so severe that the building becomes uninhabitable. Lack of awareness and technical know-how of proper construction methods and tools almost always result in mental torture and financial burdens for house owners. Nowadays, building construction has become more complex and expensive and the basic concept of a roof over our head has now changed with additional requirements and demands for better living space. This trend, brought about by increased awareness, is certainly a positive sign. However, this is not enough. You have built your space – but is it safe and sound? Common Causes of Water Seepage Among many factors which make a building habitable, protection from the ill effects of water is a major one. Use of RCC (reinforced cement concrete) and brick masonry has become basic building norms because of their strength and durability which of course is dependant upon the method of construction and on proper engineering during both design and supervision phases. Ideally, cement concrete can be considered to be impermeable to water if the following factors are taken into account – proper ratio of cement, sand and aggregate; proper mixing; 62 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
adequate water-cement ratio; good compaction; and proper curing. Grade of cement used is also important.. It is generally believed that higher the grade of cement, better the construction. This is true only when the structure needs to attain its designed strength faster. Water added to cement triggers an exothermic chemical reaction and higher graded cement gives off more heat, resulting in chances of more voids being created in the concrete. Even a hairline passage, imperceptible to the naked eye, is enough, which added to even one mistake among the above mentioned factors will surely initiate water seepage. Similarly, bricks are absorbent materials that absorb water even from the atmosphere. Therefore, brick masonry should always be protected by an overhang or treated with a layer of impermeable membrane. Other factors, which could lead to water seepage, are leakage in drainage and water supply pipes as well as deterioration in waterproofing of floor slabs and bath-tub seals. Importance of Waterproofing Waterproofing of roof slabs, basements, floors, terrace gardens, concrete water tanks, sunken slabs etc., are major challenges to civil engineers.
Poor quality of workmanship or wrong selection of construction and waterproofing chemicals not only cause inconvenience to the occupants but also reduces durability of RCC structures due to corrosion of the reinforcement bars. Steel bars used in RCC structures, such as reinforcements, get rusted (oxidised) when in contact with water and dampness of air, that is bound to occur during water seepage in structures. The volume of oxidised steel (ferrous oxide) is 3 times higher than plain steel (ferrous). This volume increase results in pressure all around the concrete cover zone, leading to falling off of the concrete cover and leading on to crack development. Once started, oxidation continues leading to premature structural deterioration. Besides this, seepage can damage the entire interior finish and appearance of
the house. To avoid this, a systematic design approach towards waterproofing treatment, material selection and methodology is important. Before implementation, waterproofing needs to be understood, analysed and designed by an experienced professional applicator on a case-to-case basis. It is mandatory that appropriate applications be used and trained specialists consulted, as the effectiveness of the waterproofing/ construction chemicals largely depends on quality of contractors/applicators. Waterproofing RCC structures: 1. Foundation, basement, shear wall and water tank waterproofing treatment The foundation, an important part of the structure, is below ground level and water penetration is more likely. The foundation surface must be protected. Water tight concrete can be assured by using an admixture of an integral water proofing compound. After the concrete of the structure is mixed with concrete admixtures as per site requirement, the following is done. · The surface should be thoroughly prepared by chipping all loose material/foreign particles and scraping with wire brush to ensure cleanliness. · Vulnerable and honeycomb areas, under normal conditions, are injected with cement slurry admixed with an admixture, and for wet conditions, a solution is added through ¾” HDP pipe nozzle, using hydraulic pressure pump if needed. · The clean surface is covered with two coats of ready to use polymer modified cement based flexible membrane waterproofing slurry. · One protective layer of cement sand mortar in 1:4 ratio admixed with an admixture is laid over the treated areas to protect the coating applied. 2. Junction Treatment The junction of shear wall and floor concrete is champhered by cement, sand and chip stone mortar till a depth of 6mm with a bonding layer of
cement and sand slurry consisting of specific waterproofing compound in 75min X 75mm sizes. 3. Roof Waterproofing Treatment (Slope/ flat roof terrace) · Surface preparation: The entire surface is cleaned using chisels, wire brushes, water jets, etc. · Vulnerable / honeycomb area: This area is patched by using repair mortar of cement sand and specific solution. · Waterproofing treatment: The area is double coated with polymer modified water proofing slurry solution, admixed with cement and sand. 4. Toilet/Bathroom Waterproofing · The existing surface is cleaned using wire brushes, chisels, water jets etc. · Vulnerable / Honeycomb area: This area is patched using repair mortar of cement sand and specific solution. · Waterproofing treatment: The area is double coated with polymer modified water proofing slurry. · The treated area is plastered using cement sand mortar admixed with specific admixture to required thickness, then cured for a minimum of 3 days. · The treated area is tested by pounding water on the surface for at least 7 days.
demonstrates water tightness properties. They can be used over existing tiles. Cracks and Damp Repair Special polymer and acrylic compounds can be used for filling hairline and plaster cracks while repair mortars are useful for filling other type of cracks. Products are also available for repairing existing damp patches. Water repellant Hydrophobic water repellents are useful for protecting brick works/clay tiles/stone claddings and heritage bricks (dachhi appa) from water impregnation and environmental risks.
Other chemicals required for quality works in different parts of a building:
Door & Window Grouts Electrometric grouting materials can be used for sealing gaps between frames and walls.
Tile fixing & Tile grouts Improper tile joints lead to seepage. Instead of conventional procedure of tiling work and tile grout, a new generation tile adhesive and grouts are available in a range of colours, which not only insures bonding but also
Expansion joints treatment A polysulphide compound, Sikalastic, is used to fill calculated gaps in structures, called expansion joints, allowed for by engineers to accommodate thermal expansion as well as contraction. S SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 63
NEW DESIGNER
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Asheshwor’s hobby is computer programming and he likes to develop software tools such as the ‘Solar Calculator’ he designed and which is on the net. Asheshwor Man Shrestha‘s thesis presentation for the degree of Bachelor of Architecture at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk, was titled, ‘Science Museum and Planetarium Theater’. It was based on the conjecture
that the country needed such an institution urgently, keeping in mind the world’s great technological leap forward. The thesis presented a design based on ultra modern concepts such as the notion of ‘time line’ and almost all parameters considered were of a futuristic nature. Asheshwor’s thesis won the Dr. S.B. Mathe award for being adjudged the best presentation among the batch of forty eight. One could say that Asheshwor as a person and as an architect showed his true colours with his choice of subject. This slim architect has contemporary ideas and is forward looking in his visualization. Asheshwor’s hobby is
computer programming and he likes to develop software tools such as the ‘Solar Calculator’ he designed and which is on the net. Therefore it is really not that surprising to find him modern minded in his profession, that of an architect at Architecture Design Firm in Kupondole which was established in 2002 by six young architects including Prashant Bhattarai, Prabhat Dahal, Robin Shrestha, Biken Pradhan, Avash Khanal and Asheshwor himself. Prashant is the senior-most among the group who is also doing masters in construction management. Asheshwor says, “Although I did receive offers from well continued on pg. 70...
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Text: Asheshwor Man Shrestha, [056/BAE/207] B.Arch. Thesis 2004, IOE, Pulchowk Supervisor: Professor Jiba Raj Pokharel
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SCIENCE MUSEUM & IMAX PLANETARIUM CUM THEATRE ○
“There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere.” -ISAAC ASIMOV
LOCATION Location: Srijana Nagar (ward No. 10), Madhyapur, Thimi Area: 52-6-1 (Ropanies-Anna-PaisaDam); 26,658 sqm; 286,944 sft. Elevation: 1,300 - 1,318 m from mean sea level. The site is located one kilometre east of Thimi city centre, along the bypass road linking Arniko highway (Naya Bato) to Purano Bato. The surrounding environment is peaceful, and currently, used for agriculture.
T
he first telescope to reach Nepal was perhaps a hundred years after its invention. It took four decades for the airplane to be marvelled at by the Nepalese public. It took half a decade for IBM1401 to be of use in our offices. When Windows 95 was released in August 14 1995 CE, it was released simultaneously all over the world including Nepal.
Never before in history has science been able to tell us about subjects like micro-organisms, the human body, the earth, the moon or the universe, etc., as we are told today. Never before have we been able to share information about these subjects as quickly as we do now. However, never before has the general public been so ignorant about even the basic facts of general science. Currently the science SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 65
museum of Kathmandu has been restricted to displays of zoological specimens and a few other items. The need of a public place dedicated to science as a campaign for science literacy is now more important than ever in the country.. INTRODUCTION A science museum is not an ordinary museum and differs from other museums dedicated to other genres like art, music, history, etc. It is essentially a place for school goers and science enthusiasts alike to experience science first hand, besides being a place where visitors will be able to contemplate science by doing and understanding, rather than by reading or memorizing from text books. Children can thus develop a scientific inclination from an early age. Keeping in mind the young visitors and also the fact that children learn better by doing, focus should be on hands on exhibits.
The behavioural aspect should also be considered in designing exhibits. While in developed countries facilities like an interactive computer screen may be appropriate, such facilities may not be used by majority of visitors here. The forms adopted for science museums as analysed in case studies reveal that all the architects have tried to achieve a futuristic form. 66 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
AREA ANALYSIS Sn.
Particulars
Plinth Area (m2)
% of Site Area
1
Gate Complex
234
0.88
2
Administration
117
0.44
3
Museum North Block
114.69
4.18
4
Museum South Block
1005.38
3.77
5
Planetarium
1229.12
4.61
6
Observatory
50.26
0.19
7
Pump House/Electrical
134.15
0.50
8
Parking General
1747
6.55
Total
5631.6
21.13
Total Site Area
26658
100.00
Total Site Area: 52-6-1; 26658 Sq. M: 296944sq.ft
ACCESSIBILITY The frontage (east) of the site is attached to the link road connecting Arniko highway (Naya Bato) and Purano Bato. The site is five kilometres from Koteshwor and two kilometres from Suryabinayak. DESIGN APPROACH “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.� -Albert Einstein
Case studies, literature review and certain principles of science have been considered during the conceptual design as well as for
Space Time Diagram
Derivation of Site Zoning
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functional integrity. The site planning / zoning embraces a higher level concept which may be intricate for the general visitor. Hence the zones have visual iconography and themes derived from science related concepts. FORM / APPEARANCE The building should embrace an outstanding landmark form visible from the main highway. The form and interiors are futuristic. AUDIENCE TYPE / BEHAVIOUR “Hands on exhibits” and “touch and feel models” are more effective for educating expected visitors consisting mainly of school children and children with parents, for which, bus parking and toilet facilities have been provided. SPACE PLANNING “Space and time are models by which we think, not conditions under which we live.” -Albert Einstein
Site Zoning: A Section through Space and Time We perceive the world around us in three dimensions in which time moves forward at its own pace regardless of
events happening everywhere. Time can be modelled as a 3D space. If we represent the motion of a particle in a graph where X axis represents position and Y axis, time, such that the slope is the measure of velocity, then the faster the particle moves, the higher will be the deviation from Y axis (see space-time diagram). The vertical line represents a particle at rest and the 45° line, light. A highspeed rocket going at intermediate speed would follow a line somewhere in between. The path transcribed by a particle on such space-time diagram is called world line. At a certain moment in time say at t = 0, we start to move. Since the speed of all objects is limited to the speed of light our world line can never have a slope beyond the 45° line. So the two 45° lines restrict our forward motion. We can call this the future as it the locus of all the points accessible to us at t = 0. The backward region bounded by two 45° lines can be called past, as it is the locus of all points from which we could come. As we move forward the options would
progressively narrow, as the forward region would shift up. The two regions outside the forward and backward region is the elsewhere or present where we cannot enter and influence any event, as it would violate the law that nothing can travel faster than light. The 45° lines are actually a section of two mirrored cones if we consider another axis moving perpendicular from the ground. The site has been divided by three axes, intersecting at an approximate centroid of the site. The two axes represent the boundary of the present and the third represents a trajectory of a high-speed object. The region between the third axis and one of the bounding axis (South east to North west) forms a narrow wedge which has been set aside for water body and related facilities. Entry: Past Zone: Evolution of Science and Astronomy Visitors enter through the Gate Complex, a sunken curved semi-court. The journey begins with the globe skeleton - the model of the third planet from the sun - the beginning of
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 67
the journey of evolution of science and astronomy. The globe represents the time when the flat earth hypothesis was knocked down forever. The curve roof rises and points towards the blue globe- the colour of the planet as seen from outer space. The gate complex leads to the science garden, with outdoor exhibits in the given theme of evolution of science and astronomy, arranged on both sides along the covered walkway (the path of life), which is modelled in the pattern of DNA –building blocks of life. The water body on the south side divides the zone with the inner museum zone without any visual barrier. A wall along the east axis is punctured at one point to lead into the museum. The edge of the water body on the south side is lined with sprinklers, creating tiny droplets of coloured water when penetrated by bright sunlight.
MUSEUM
Inner Zone: Present: A Two Block Complex Connected by a Fly Bridge The inner zone consists of buildings for museum displays as well as outdoor exhibits and tracks for electrical vehicles.The south wall of the administration block is the science wall depicting science related murals. The museum block spans both sides of the axes (the singularity). The point at which the axes meet is singularity, or, now. The bridge is flanked by inclined wings with voids to allow visitors to walk it. Its bright red wings and sinusoidal roof with dark interior creates a transitional environment. The space under the bridge is not an indoor space but covered on three sides, so that light and sound shows (lightning, thunder, meteorite) can be performed even during daytime. Museum North Block The basic form of this white block is derived from a hyperbolic block intersecting another curved block. The ground floor houses the store (semi basement) and temporary exhibition space which can be used for 68 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
Type: Omnimax Theater Capacity: 100 seats; wheel chair facility Inner Dome Diameter: 20m
Dual use of Planetarium 1. Planetarium shows in conjuction of Lecturs on Astronomy 2. Showcasing large format Imax Movies using corrective lens. Target Audience School Children, Imax Movie Viewers, Planetarium
new designer
View from Science Garden
View of Parking from north east
Site overview
View of Ramp from below
View from Science Garden from path
exhibitions. The main exhibits begin at mid floor height with the natural science section. Natural indirect lighting, reflected from the ceiling, is available through small windows. The first floor continues with the natural science exhibits. The aquarium section is void of any natural light. Displays are arranged in linear manner with artificial lighting from top and back. A service alley runs behind the tanks and all aquarium facilities like pumps, UV sterilizer, filtration units, heating and cooling units for electricity storage generated from solar panels area housed on the floor above. MUSEUM SOUTH BLOCK The south block is hyperbolic with the roof sloping towards the south, so designed to collect year long sunlight. A smaller curved block with glass wall penetrates the south side of the main block. Entry is from first floor, which houses the Energy and Astronomy
section. The central void and double height annexe (glass box) houses a double height exhibit area, visible from top level and ramp. The corners of the first floor rest space have seating areas, permitting vistas of the garden. The roof of this block, a platform for solar panels, acts as a visual iconography, demonstrating the importance of energy conservation. FUTURE ZONE: Planetarium / Hall / Observatory and Restaurant Just after the singularity, the material and pattern of the path changes to non-periodical tiling pattern (known as Penrose tiles) consisting of two symmetrical tiles leading to a pavilion and ramp. The materials on this zone are of stone or concrete finish. Contours dominate this zone. Utilizing the contours, the water body is in the form of cascading water which can be used to demonstrate energy conversion from flowing water. This also increases SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 69
new designer ...continued from pg. 64
humidity which sinks to the bottom creating a cooling effect on the pavilion and science garden area. The planetarium block consists of the planetarium, restaurant and a hall. The external planetarium dome is an inclined hemisphere. Additional facilities have been planned in the form of two rhombuses, which tile non-periodically and penetrate the dome mass. The observatory is at the top of the site with the plinth in a nonperiodic dart and kite pattern. OVERALL DESIGN CHARACTER The building forms, derived from different themes in the respective zones, share a similarity with the landscape of that particular zone. The buildings have an avant-garde look with slightly off centre juxtaposition of forms both in plan and elevation, which is the abnormality and duality of nature’s behaviour. Regarding the interior, natural light has been used where allowable. Double height, skylights and rest spaces do not just serve as utility spaces but also create excitement for visitors. The two zones can be viewed from the bridge, midway between the ‘museum experiences’, giving visitors time to relax as well as to contemplate and make them aware of the attractions in the next zone. OVERALL IMPACT SCENARIO We are all denizens of a single planetthe third planet from the sun known as earth. The sun is just an average sized star in the milky-way galaxy, which is a sea of stars. The milky-way again is just one among a billion other galaxies stretching as far as infinity. From the infinities of space to the sub atomic particles, our imagination has made us realize new frontiers. Yet the only conclusion that can be drawn is that there is more to learn, more frontiers to overcome. The establishment of such a facility would be a positive step towards nation development and would kindle new hope for aspiring young generations as well as science learners in general. S 70 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
established firms, I wanted to team up with my friends and establish one myself.” He adds, “We work as a team. Prabhat is an MBA, Robin does the renderings along with Prashant. I also am thinking of doing MBA but at the moment I do design development as well as working drawings.” The firm has recently been assigned work on a large project involving 30000 square feet of built up area in a six storey banking complex. Obviously the assignment was won on the basis of Asheshwor’s design. As he says, “I visualized it as an open commercial complex where customers would be impressed by the grandeur of the organization as reflected by the environment”. The architect who was born on September 9, 1980, doesn’t forget to add, “Our excellent team work made it possible to make our presentation in a short period of time.” He, however, remembers the firm’s earliest experience in their first two projects, that of a food industry and one of a bank. “We got shortchanged financially then,” he says. “However, getting such projects was helpful experience-wise but at the same time, we learnt lessons like the need to be professional.” Asheshwor is a member of social organizations like Leo and Rotaract and takes time out to teach computer in schools. The firm has also renovated some schools as a contribution to the social sector. The architect has two younger siblings, a sister, doing MBBS in Russia , and a brother doing I. Sc. Aheshwor’s parents are academicians, the father, Maheswar Man, a professor of economics who has retired from government service and teaches in private colleges, while his mother, Sudha, is a lecturer in the same subject at R.R.Campus. Asheshwor finished school from English
Preparatory High School, now called, N.K. Singh Memorial, in 1997 and did his I. Sc from St. Xavier’s in 1999. He received his B. Arch degree from IOE in October 2004. In 2002 the architect had earned a sponsorship under the Tadao Ando foundation to go to Japan where he did a one month stint at the Zenitaka Corporation as a trainee. While there, he was highly impressed by their dedication to work . “The team work and design processes were similar to ours but material usage and technology were completely different and vastly superior.” The young architect can’t recollect any structure here worth mentioning as an architectural wonder but does have high regard for Rajesh Shrestha’s boldness and Bibhuti Man Singh’s works. Among housing complexes, he believes Comfort Housing in Sitapaila has been well executed but he adds that maybe more space could have been provided. As an architect, Asheshwor would like to work with contractors who can deliver quality and are honest. As an example he says that working with CE Constructions, with whom his firm has two ongoing projects, has been wonderful. And, “I never had the intention of being an architect at first,” he says, “but now I feel I made the right decision.” He finds the work to be creative and in which appreciation is instant, and is enthusiastic about his works standing for posterity. Furthermore, he is happy that client awareness is increasing day by day and that they have become much more demanding, specially regarding exteriors and the optimum use of space, which, he says, is good for the architectural profession. “This will push us to deliver better design and work in the future.” S
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 71
TRENDS
ALL ABOUT POOLS SWIMMING
Text: S.D.Roy, Emerald Pools
INTRODUCTION Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities all over the world. Being the best form of exercise, nothing tones all the muscles of your body like swimming does. However one need not necessarily know swimming to enjoy a swimming pool. In fact one can benefit from the cool and relaxing effect of a swimming pool just by sitting at the edge of the pool in a comfortable lounge chair or dipping in the cool blue water. With the addition of a swimming pool, one can create an inviting oasis within the premises - a place to escape not only from the heat but also the stress of everyday living.
The Concept Pool
72 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
POOLS – PAST AND PRESENT Although often believed to be a twentieth-century phenomenon, swimming pools date back more than 5000 years. Surprisingly, the first pool, which was believed to be made mostly for religious purposes, was found in Mahenjo-daro. These ancient pools resembled bathtubs and sinks. There was no re-circulation system, nor filtration, nor chemical dosing. Just like ordinary bathtubs, it used to be filled up with fresh water and emptied when
the water became dirty. However they used to put flowers to work as disinfectants as well as for aroma. Conceptually, swimming pools are pretty simple – they are just big basins of water. But on a hot summer day, a swimming pool can seem like the greatest invention known to man. And as it turns out, there really is a lot of cool technology at work in your average pool — much more than you might expect. The typical in ground concrete pools that we see today, be of whatever size and shapes, are basically of two types. One is called the “Skimmer System” type and the other is the “Overflow System” type. To put it simply, the one, which is abrimed with water, run on an overflow system and those that are filled to the neck of the pool are of skimmer type. Now-a-days most pools are made with the overflow type design for its having some inherent advantages over the skimmer type in the sense that it removes contamination in the pool water more effectively when re-circulated through the filtration system back to the pool. Anticipating the increasing interest towards swimming pools - especially when the mercury soars – and the practicality of budgetary constraints, the idea of ‘Concept Pools’ tries to create a balance between these two apparently negatively related factors. Concept pools are small 6 feet by 12 feet swimming pools in which water flows in an opposite direction to the movement of the swimmer. The velocity of this flow of the water can be regulated accordingly so that the velocity of the swimmer is neutralized – the swimmer actually does not move forward. Hence you have a pool which takes up just 72 sft of land area – at a cost of only about NRs. 5.5 lakhs. POOL BASICS Swimming pools come in all shapes and sizes, but nearly all of them, from the backyard personal pool to the water park wave pool, work in the same basic way. They use a combination of filtration and chemical
treatment to continually clean a large volume of water.
plastic plumbing connecting all of these elements
A typical swimming pool needs seven major components: a basin, a motorized pump, a water filter, a chemical feeder, drains, returns, PVC
The basic idea is to pump water in a continual cycle, from the pool through the filtering and chemical treatment systems and back to the pool again. In
PLANNING THE POOL There are many factors, which should be considered before installing a pool. Although developing a pool needs professional guidance, the following basic principles should help you to understand and overcome common obstacles.
PURPOSE OF THE POOL · The pool could be used either for competitions or leisure. · Each purpose calls for different system in terms of designing. ACCESS · The pool must be easily accessible. · Changing facilities should be conveniently linked to the pool by decks or walkways. · Wherever possible, steps other barriers to the pools should be avoided – ramps are a better alternative. · If children use the pool, the shallow end should be installed closest to where they will enter it. · Creating space around the pool for related activities (cooking and entertaining) will minimize trips back and forth to the house. · Access should be such that swimmers are prevented from travelling across grass or dirt. WATER · Testing the source of water is another important factor. Large pools require a substantial quantity of water, which needs to be re-circulated throughout the swimming season.
BUDGET · There is a popular misconception that a swimming pool requires a mammoth amount of money to be invested. There is of course no upper limit, but there are pools, which can be constructed and installed even at shoestring budgets. For private pools, it can even be a choice between owning a car or a pool.
PROPER POOL PLACEMENT · Any land-use restrictions that might apply to your property should be known. · Building permits will be needed if a permanent type of pool structure is to be constructed. · Every attempt must be made to discover subsoil conditions and any obstructions (septic tanks, soak pits, plumbing, etc.). Permanent pools are usually concrete shells, which need a firm base. Changing the size, shape, or layout of a pool after excavation begins is both time consuming and expensive. · Easy access to utilities required like water, electricity and sewer (or other acceptable drainage) must be ensured. · Elements of sun, shade and wind must be considered to keep the water warm and the swimmers comfortable in and around the pool. VIEWS · Generally speaking, the pool should be in complete view of the house, yet laid out in harmony with it (especially when small children are to use the pool). · The size of the pool should also be proportionate to the size and scale of a home. · The exact location of the pool should be decided upon after careful consideration of aesthetics, safety and privacy. · If privacy is a prime concern, do not place the pool in such a way that your neighbours have an excellent view of it. When telescopes begin to appear in neighbouring homes, you know its time to invest in additional screening.
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TRENDS
Every swimming pool is unique in some way or the other even if a project is identical in magnitude. Some practical points to be considered before construction are as below: · The pool shell strength should be adequate enough to hold that much of water, also taking into account natural calamities like earthquake etc. · Complete details of each and every materials and instruments needed for the pool must be supplied and studied (including the ladder / lane ropes etc.) · The size of the balance tank should generally be large enough to hold 8 10 % of the pool water, depending upon shape and filtration system. The more the filtration turnover period, the more is the recurring cost in terms of running the filtration system. Ideally it should be approximately be 6 to 8 hours for residential pools and 4 to 6 hours for public or competition pools. For effective filtration, the filtration velocity should be kept at 50 m3/hr for private residential pools and 30 m^3/ hr for public pools. · For the hydraulic system, it is practically advisable to use PVC filters and pipes for they are anti-corrosive in nature, incur low maintenance cost and much easier to handle. Since the pipes will remain underground for a long time, use at least 40 scheduled
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Schematic Drawing of a simple swimming pool
· · ·
· ·
pipes while laying the plumbing line with bedding of PCC Ensure the top-up water that will be required daily. Check warranties on materials/items. The recurring cost of the swimming pool is a very important point to be clarified. A good system now-a-days do not require more than one person to maintain unless it is a very large pool. In fact private pools require only about 30 - 40 minutes of time to be devoted in a day, that too sporadically, which could either be done by the pool owner himself or some helping hand in the house. Water chemistry after trial run should conform to the following as far as possible : Chlorine acts as the main sanitizer to remove algae and bacteria in the pool
water. The level should be between 2.0 and 3.0 on your test kit. During hot weather, high readings are better. · pH is the level of acidity of the pool water. The ph level must be maintained at a certain level (between 7.2 and 7.6) for the chlorine to work effectively. · Alkalinity is a pH stabilizer, which helps to keep the pH within the proper levels so that the chlorine can work effectively. The level should be between 100 - 150. Pools are now within reach of most family budgets due to improved design and research. But the purchase of a pool must be well planned. A wellplanned pool is customized to blend in with one’s home, yard, and lifestyle. Happy Plunging ... S
Drawing: Emerald Pools
this way, the pumping system keeps the water in the pool relatively free of dirt, debris and bacteria. Some pools also include heaters, in order to keep the water at a certain temperature.
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PRODUCTS
PRESENTATIONS WITH Élan For centuries, architects have used drawings and models as primary design tools. With invention of computers, the world is now well aware of the importance of information technology. Each and every aspect of life, including astronomy, industry, economics, banking etc., is dependant on computers. The architectural profession is no exception. In the context of an ever-evolving technological world, architectural visualization has become a solid tool for architectural works and is defining architecture with new perspectives. To translate creativity, one needs a medium. The computer represents the most sophisticated medium for illustrating one’s creativity. Seeing is believing – CGI & Node Render Studio. CGI (Computer Generated Images) modelling and animation, said to be a simplification of an architect’s theology into a realistic visual image, has added a new dimension to architecture. The role of 3D rendering and animation is fast becoming the key to successful outcome of projects. This has opened up a whole new concept which can be termed as ‘Architectural Visualization through Computer Graphics’. Clients can now see and clearly understand what architects are trying to create. This not only makes the client understand what the structures are going to be like when they are built but also helps the architect to make changes prior to implementation. In addition, 3D rendering and animation helps in marketing of commercial buildings. Node Render Studio (NRS), a group of young architects, work with professional graphical and animation software to produce high quality rendering and movie making. Their expertise has provided them the opportunity to work with renowned consulting firms such as Narendra Pradhan and Associates, Vastukala Paramarsh and Design Cell among others.
Node Render Studio offers a comprehensive range of services and asserts that any project undertaken is completed in the best possible manner, within the scheduled time. The various services provided include: (i) 3D modelling and rendering as per the drawings and details provided (ii) Generating Animation Sequence of interior as well as exterior with landscaping detailing like trees, flowers, gardens, moving cars, running fountains, etc. (iii) Preparing final presentation works with rendered 2D plans, 3D still pictures of the building with its surroundings. S Node Pvt. Ltd. UPS building, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. 0977-01-4781429
ALTERNATIVE Technologies for Household Use
Text: Nilam Kayastha
can be easily and conveniently rotated APPROXIMATE COOKING TIME Quantity to adjust the reflector according to the Description Water 10 litres sun’s orientation. The cooker can be used to cook any food material like rice, vegetables, meat, potato, eggs, beans etc. during a sunny day. The cooker is being increasingly used for boiling water for household consumption. ADVANTAGES
The following advantages can be achieved by the use of this solar Solar Parabolic Cooker is an instrument cooker: that can be used to cook food using • It is very simple with proven freely available sun energy. It is an technologies and no prior training is umbrella like parabolic structure that required for its operation. reflects heat energy from the sun to an object. In the parabolic cooker, the suns • It contributes to save energy and money since no fuel (kerosene, rays are made to reflect on a parabolic LPG, oil, etc.) is required. surface and concentrated on a focal • It saves time, as the cooking does • point on which the cooking pot is not need attending. placed. The reflector is made up of • thin aluminium sheets and is supported • Solar cookers require almost no by a metallic frame. The reflector disc maintenance, except that for
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Rice Chicken Egg (without water) Cake Rajma beans Potato(without water) COST
Type Size Model Weight Full price Govt. subsidy Net price
0.5 kg 1 kg 20 200 gms 1 kg 0.5 kg
Time required 60 minutes 20-30 minutes 45 minutes 20-30 minutes 45 minutes 60 minutes 45 minutes
Parabolic 1.2 m (Diameter) SK 14 28.6 Kg NRs. 9000.00 NRs. 3750.00 NRs. 5250.00
Centre for Rural T echnology Technology echnology,Kathmandu. Phone No: 4260165, 4256819 Email: info@crtnepal.org URL: www.crtnepal.org
optimum performance, the reflector surface should be kept clean. It is smoke-free and environmental friendly designed. No repair and maintenance cost is required. S
Emerald Pools
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 77
REPORT
WATER HARVESTING Text: Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha
Shortage of drinking water and pollution of water bodies are growing problems in urban centres of Nepal. Kathmandu, the capital of the nation is severely affected by these problems where water supplied is only half of the actual demand and the major rivers are turning into open drains. Many people, especially in the periurban communities, rely on traditional water sources like dug-wells and stone spouts, even though they are not safe for drinking purposes. It has been found that the groundwater being extracted is at twice the sustainable rate (IUCN/NPC, 1995) through wells and borings, causing the drop of groundwater levels at an alarming rate of 2.5 meters per year (AGSO/ GERDB, 1997). Even though Kathmandu Valley has an annual precipitation of 1,600 mm, all the areas are not suitable for recharging aquifers from precipitation. Therefore, there is high probability of land subsidence and other adverse environmental impacts like release of harmful chemicals (arsenic) and desertification if the excessive extraction of groundwater continues. 78 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
Water harvesting means to understand the value of rain and to make optimum use of the rainwater at the place where it falls. Rainwater Harvesting & Groundwater Recharge Rain is the first form of water that we know in the hydrological cycle and hence is a primary source of water for us. Rivers, lakes and groundwater are all secondary sources. In present times, we depend entirely on such secondary sources of water and in the process forget that rain is the ultimate source that feeds all these secondary sources, remaining totally ignorant of its value. Water harvesting means to understand the value of rain and to make optimum use of the rainwater at the place where it falls.
In general, water harvesting is the activity of direct collection of
rainwater. The rainwater collected can be stored for direct use or can be recharged into the groundwater. Recharging groundwater also improves the quality of underground water. Potential of Water Harvesting The following is an illustrative theoretical calculation that highlights the enormous potential for water harvesting. The same procedure can be applied to get the potential for any plot of land or rooftop area, using rainfall data for that area.
Consider your own building with a flat terrace area of 100 sq m. Assume the average annual rainfall in your area is approximately 1600 mm (Kathmandu’s
average annual precipitation). In simple terms, this means that if the terrace floor is assumed to be impermeable, and all the rain that falls on it is retained without evaporation, then, in one year, there will be rainwater on the terrace floor to a height of 1600 mm. Area of plot = 100 sq. m. Height of rainfall = 1.6 m (1600 mm) Volume of rainfall over the plot = Area of plot x height of rainfall
Assuming that only 80 per cent of the total rainfall is effectively harvested Volume of water harvested = 128,000 litres (160,000 litres x 0.8, where 0.8 is a coefficient based on factors like evaporation rate) This volume is almost equal to the annual water requirement of a 5member family in urban centres, especially within the Kathmandu Valley. The System Rainwater harvesting systems essentially consists of a tank where rainwater is collected and the excess rainwater, especially during rainy season, is diverted into a dug well for extra storage of water as well as to facilitate recharging of the groundwater. A first flush diversion device can be incorporated in the system to divert the dirt and debris from the roof and from the atmosphere. The systems are inherently simple in form, and can often be assembled with readily
available materials by owner-builders with a basic understanding of plumbing and construction skills.
safe. Those made of lead or tar has toxic chemicals that make it unsafe to drink the water.
The unit generally consists of seven basic components.
Rainwater is naturally soft (unlike well water), contains almost no dissolved minerals and is free of harmful chemical treatment.
a. Catchment area/roof or the surface upon which the rain falls: Any size of a roof can be used to collect water. The larger the collection area, greater the amount of water that can be collected. b. Gutters and downspouts - the transport channel from the catchment surface storage. c. Leaves and debris filtering unit. d. First rain flushing unit - collects dusts and debris. e. Storage tanks or cisterns where collected rainwater is stored. f. Water treatment such as Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS), chlorination and or filter equipments. If you intend to use the water for drinking purposes, it is best to treat it before consumption. g. Conveying - the delivery system for the treated rainwater, either by gravity or pump. Safe for Drinking Rainwater is generally safe to drink except in areas with high air pollution due to industrial emission. Kathmandu’s air though polluted, does not contain a high amount of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Open terrace and roofs made of tin or corrugated metal may be used for harvesting rainwater. Roofs made of thatch may collect too much dirt to be
Catchment Area Gutter Conduits & Delivery System First Flush Tank
Storage Tank
Delivery to Overhead Tank
Diagram of typical Water Harvesting system
Pump
It does not come in contact with soil and rocks where it dissolves salts and minerals or chemicals found in surface water. In the storage tank, bacterial contamination may occur if roof is not cleaned, therefore, simple treatment as mentioned above should be adopted before drinking. This is the same precaution you should use with the current piped water system due to the leakage of sewage into the water pipes. Cost Basics The cost of rainwater harvesting system is usually seen as high by most valley dwellers. Part of rainwater harvesting reputation as a high cost option is due to the high cost of storage facility. The water user’s tendency to implement it in terms of complete solution i.e., all water needs to be met by single source is another reason for its unpopularity in Nepal. It should be understood that it is not a complete solution.
However, households should understand that rainwater harvesting is not just for potable usage but also holds strong benefits through groundwater recharge. Awareness must be generated among Valley dwellers to not just limit the harvesting potential towards storage, but also towards recharging the groundwater through abandoned dug wells, bore wells or by constructing recharge trenches, pits etc. Such a design would require relatively small storage tanks, which could reduce costs appreciably and possibly be replicated by neighbours. In general, maximizing storage capacity and minimizing water use through conservation and reuse are important rules to make it cost effective. After the initial capital cost of building the SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 79
REPORT rainwater harvesting unit, you now have access to free water. Responsible Rainwater Harvesting The current extraction rate of groundwater is estimated at 58.6 MLD but the total sustainable withdrawal rate is 26.3 MLD. Using rain water harvesting systems will not only reduce the demand on extracting groundwater it will also recharge existing ground water levels.
In Chennai, India, after the implementation of the Groundwater Act and requirement of rainwater harvesting systems, the groundwater levels increased from 6.8 meters below the surface to 4.55 meters. Rainwater harvesting is important all over the city and the systems can be built on all types of buildings. Ground water recharging is especially important in the north zone of the
[
the poor people who use community taps and who don’t have large storage tanks will then enjoy the abundance of water, which will supply their taps. Many marginalized people of Kathmandu utilize shallow tube wells. During the dry months of the year, these tube wells go dry because the level of groundwater has dropped over the years due to over extraction. If more residents utilize recharge pits the water will proliferate through the ground and recharge these tables. Building ByLaws All homeowners need to obtain a permit before building their homes and the following is a summary of building codes concerning rainwater discharge from Nepal National Building Code NBC 208:2003
1. Rainwater falling on roofs, paved areas and other open areas must be collected and disposed off efficiently
If you live to the north of this border you can save the groundwater levels in Kathmandu from destruction by simply installing rainwater harvesting groundwater-recharging systems. If you install a rainwater harvesting system, you will reduce your dependency on the current water system. This will increase the amount of water left over in the system and 80 JULY-AUG 2005 SPACES
Many residents of Kathmandu connect their rainwater pipe to the sewer when they could connect this free water source to a collection tank or recharge hole. Conclusion If water wells were to fail, more people would be forced to depend on the current water supply system, inevitably reducing the amount of water available to you, your family as well as to your neighbours.
A new project aims to bring 170 million litres per day (MLD) of water into the Valley. The project cost is extremely high (about 500 million US$) of which about 60% will be covered by loans from International Banks. Due to such high investment, Kathmandu’s water supply per capita investment will be more than 300 US$ which is six times higher than the water supply system of other small towns. However it is doubtful that even with such an investment, it is still uncertain that the Valley will get an adequate amount of water.
]
Rainwater is naturally soft (unlike well water), contains almost no dissolved minerals and is free of chemical treatment.
Valley where the soil is more porous. The southern border of this zone would run from Ichangu - Swayambhu - Old Baneswor - Thimi – Bhaktapur (which includes Bansbari, Dhobi Khola, Gorkarna and Manohara).
3. A rain-water pipe shall not discharge into or connect with any soil pipe or its ventilating pipe or any waste pipe or its ventilating pipe, nor shall it discharge into a sewer unless specifically permitted to do so by the Authority, in which case, such discharge into a sewer shall be intercepted by means of a gully trap.
and quickly. Provision should be made for a separate and independent storm water disposal system leading to the public storm-water drain or natural watercourse for individual buildings. A collection tank built to ‘dispose’ off the rainwater and/or a recharge pit (for groundwater recharging) qualifies as a natural watercourse. 2. For large and tall buildings, free fall of rainwater from the roof is prohibited. It is necessary to catch the rainwater in roof gutters provided with down take pipes at suitable locations. Down take pipes are a component of a rainwater collection system.
Under these circumstances it is urgent that the citizens of Kathmandu adopt measures to optimise the use of the current water supply system, conserve water to the extent possible, and adopt on-site sanitation to reduce pollution of water sources. Rainwater harvesting is a social responsibility every homeowner should take part in. S Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha Chief Technical Advisor Water for Asian Cities Programme Office UN-HABITAT Kathmandu, Nepal Mobile : 977 98510 40022 Email: rshrestha@mos.com.np
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TRANSITIONAL HICCUPS A
s everyone knows, Kathmandu is named after the word, Kasthamandap, meaning temple of wood. Even with rampant urbanization and huge increase in concrete structures all over this ancient city, there are still a substantial number of buildings remaining that give meaning to the term ‘Kasthamandap’. Obviously, it can be foreseen that with more urbanization, the number of such ancient buildings will decline. In fact it is already declining at quite a furious pace. Perhaps the day is not far off when we might have to go on heritage walks to search for such buildings because the bitter truth cannot be overlooked. The bitter truth being that more and more old and traditional houses are falling prey to the powerful attack of modernization on the metropolis. Notwithstanding the fact that seven of the world’s unique heritage sites are located in the valley, and that many organizations are involved in their preservation, there is not much that can be done to preserve ordinary traditional structures. Local municipal laws to prevent total obliteration do help but at the same time, such laws have their inbuilt limitations. For instance, what can one do if a house owner wants to earn more from his property by constructing increased numbers of shutters in his house? And what can one do if another owner wishes to convert his dwelling, situated in a business location, into a commercial complex? One cannot hide the fact that with heavy influx from the rural hinterlands, almost all of the Capital has become commercially viable and that almost all property is prime. And no matter what people say, it is not true that people are unappreciative of the country’s elegant traditional architecture, far from it, but the economic compulsions are the real reasons for its gradual annihilation. In many a case it is less than that and is nothing but the lure of Mammon, meaning, greed. Traditionally built houses, as everyone knows, are warm, comfortable and have individual identities. In other words, they are homely. Well, with the onslaught of Mammon resulting in homes changing into offices and shops, we can predict a lot less of the homely atmosphere that Kasthamandap was once world famous for.
Recorded year: 1997 Status: Residential /Commercial house in Patan, Lalitpur A simple version of a 19th century building, brick exposed with vertical windows and shop front on the ground floor facing the main road. Recorded year: 2003 Due to the changing tastes, modern concrete building has replaced the old traditional house. Steel shutters have been introduced on the ground floor for commercial use on both sides and towards the main road opposite Krishna Temple Square.
SPACES JULY-AUG 2005 83
DIRECTORY A listing of professionals featured. Anil Chitrakar Crafted in Kathmandu 4-Gangalal Marg, Pyafal Mobile: +977 – 9851068308 Tel: 4261663 Asheswor Man Shrestha Architecture Design Forum Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Tel:- 5549468 CE Construction Tripureshwor,Kathmandu,Nepal P.O Box: 1223 Tel. : 4243120, 4252124 Gangadhar Bhatta Halbe Nav Nepal Savings Cooperative, Nagpokhari, Kathmandu. Tel: 4413940. Kiran Manandhar Artist/ Painter 125/24 Tahachal, Chhauni, Kathmandu- 13, Nepal Mobile: 9851061109 E- mail: karumanandhar@hotmail.com Om Rajbhandari Comfort Housing, Sanepa, Lalitpur Tel: - 5527635, 5551318, Fax: 977- 1- 5549647 E- mail: info@thecomforthousing.com Rajesh Shrestha Vastukala Paramarsha, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. Tel.: 5542418 E- mail: vastu@mail.com.np
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