SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2008
ART - ARCHITECTURE - DESIGN
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A Visionary Extension Inscribing Identities An Unorthodox Paradise Mission Possible
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CONTENTS VOLUME 4 ISSUE 6 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2008
ART
26 INSCRIBING IDENTITIES Lok Chitrakar was born and brought up in a Newar community, historically associated with the art of religious painting in Itumbahal, Kathmandu. At the tender age of twelve, he got a job as a commercial Pauba artist in a small shop in Patan and the same year, was chosen among other Pauba artists to create a panel of art for Hotel Yak and Yeti. After many years of working in different commercial places, Lok finally began his major artistic career as a Pauba artist and started studying various religious philosophies associated with it. Though Lok has lost count of the number of Pauba art he has created, he trills with happiness to the fact that his creations today reside in various prestigious venues of the world.
REPORT
44 URBAN LAND POLICY IN ASIA FROM A CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE The Asian city today is indeed a compact hybrid of contradictions. Behind this facade of Western modernity resides a restless, indigenous Asian peculiarity that needs to be better understood. Owing to cultural differences and different stages of economic development, the Asian response must be fundamentally different from that of the West today. In this paper, Professor Lim attempts to analyse land policies in Asia from the multi-disciplinary perspective of cultural studies and ethical concepts in order to re-orient the governing principles of policy-makers from profit maximization towards a more equitable distribution of development benefits for all.
ARCHITECTURE
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REPORT
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A VISIONARY EXTENSION Being the construction connoisseur for three major independent housing projects (Sitapaila, Budhanilkantha and Icchangu) and two apartment complex (TCH II, Lazimpata and TCH III, Panipokhari) for Comfort Housing, CE Construction Pvt. Ltd. with an associate venture of CD Developers Pvt. Ltd. is now in a different array of design and construction.
PROPOSED OUTER RING ROAD FOR THE KATHMANDU VALLEY To respond to the rapid and haphazard urbanisation of Kathmandu, the Government of Nepal in the fiscal year 2004-2005 has decided to launch the Outer Ring Road (ORR) project. While some have strongly advocated the ORR’s immediate implementation, others have cautioned on its negative impacts. Nonetheless, this paper aims to analyse the implementation of the ORR project through the prism of the existing legal and institutional framework with fourfold objectives.
ARCHITECTURE
40 DEMONSTRATION HOUSING PROJECT AT BALAMBU
PROFILE
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Every now and then, and probably more frequently in recent times, newspapers publish advertisements of lavish housings and apartment buildings. These advertisements filled with alluring pictures of the buildings are usually targeted towards the elite group, promising them of a luxurious lifestyle. Amongst all these glitzy advertisements, a very modest one caught the attention of the general public and professionals alike. The advertisement was for a two storied house on sale at Balambu area in Kathmandu, the major draw being its price, which was announced to be Rs. Five lakhs only!
MISSION POSSIBLE When Bob Dylan quoted, “A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between does what he wants to do,” he could have been defining civil engineer Bhubaneshwar Lal Shrestha. In a career spanning about half a century, he has obviously dedicated himself fully in coming up with innovative building technologies that would benefit humankind. No wonder then that today, at the age of seventy-five, he has the energy and liveliness of men half his age. And this is his true success.
INTERIOR
60 AN UNORTHODOX PARADISE Wandering through the labyrinth of streets of Thamel, a sign-board with the name TAMAS SPA AND LOUNGE and the image of Buddha on it evokes an enigmatic feeling as it keeps you wondering, until you ascend to discover an unorthodox paradise. The strategic design and decorations by Puja Chand Thakur, the executive director of the lounge, has characterized Tamas as more than just another restaurant.
CONSERVATION
72 DURBAR HIGH SCHOOL Jung Bahadur Rana, the first Rana prime minister of Nepal, built the foundations of ‘Europeanization’. During this time, as Nepal-Britain friendship was steadily progressing, Jung Bahadur felt that Nepal had the necessity of not only warriors who could overcome any of her enemies, but also educated human resources in order to maintain her relation with the dominant west. Durbar High School was hence the result of this necessity - a pioneer in the field of education in Nepal.
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EDITORIAL
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A good engineer needs to be low cost. It is not a special skill; rather, it is a prerequisite for planning any structure. Er. Bhubaneshwar Lal Shrestha
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A VISIONARY EXTENSION See page
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Development, as the term denotes, is usually deemed productive. It is an irrepressible 'law of nature', but unfortunately always comes with strings attached. Depending on how one looks at it, it could be 'one man's meat and another man's poison'. Unless it is planned contextually and at the same time with a wider consensus and a futuristic vision, it could very soon overwhelm the ignorant, bringing chaos and suffering to the helpless. This issue features two housing projects. One is a massive cluster of nine buildings of 14 floors, each towering upto 43 metres from ground level, with a total of 480 high-end apartments within 7.5 acres of land. The other is a group of modest 2 storied houses, each built within a land area of 1.25 anna (427.82 sft), consisting of a living room, a kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a toilet. While the apartments are priced at a range of rupees 48 to 53 lakhs, the 2 storied houses cost a mere 5 lakhs each! Isn't this statement ridiculous and astounding? Read on……..
INSCRIBING IDENTITIES See page
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Complimenting the housing articles, this issue also features an analysis of the much debated Outer Ring Road Project with respect to urban planning, foresightedness and political commitment. And much along the same lines, but with a broader vision and context, Professor Lim of Singapore approaches urban land policy as viewed in a cultural perspective something which could be very relevant to progressive Nepal. 'Paubha' - the traditional style of painting of the Kathmandu Valley - is very often mistaken and confused with the more publicized 'Thangka' paintings. And why should they not be? They have the same roots …..
MISSION POSSIBLE See page
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www.spacesnepal.com Cover Photo Photographs:Ashesh Rajbansh Canon EOS-1D Mark II Camera f/5.0 @ 1/125 sec ISO 640
MANAGING EDITOR PUBLIC RELATIONS CHIEF-MARKETING & SALES
Uday Sunder Shrestha, B.E, B. Sc. Prakash Bahadur Amatya Krishna Shrestha
EXECUTIVE-MARKETING & SALES Nijima Shrestha PHOTOGRAPHY
CONTRIBUTORS
/
PRODUCTION CONTROL CONTRIBUTING ART EDITOR
Ashesh Rajbansh Kasthamandap Art Studio
Writers: Ar. Sushmita Ranjit Prof. William S W Lim is a citizen of Singapore, whose professional work involves architecture, planning and development economics. Presently, Prof. Lim is Adjunct Professor of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Australia, and Guest Professor of Tianjin University, China. Lim was conferred a Doctor of Architecture Honoris Causa by RMIT University in 2002 and Honorary Professor of LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts (Singapore) in 2005. He was also recently awarded with ‘The Golden Award for Excellence in Architecture, Singapore’ by the a+d & Spectrum Foundation Architecture Award 2006 held in Kathmandu. Currently, Lim writes and lectures on a wide range of subjects relating to architecture, urbanism and culture in Asia as well as on current issues relating to the postmodern, glocality (global and local) and social justice.
Ar. Prajal Pradhan Ar. Prabina Shrestha Sampada Malla Richa Bhattarai ACCOUNTS
TRAINEE - GRAPHIC DESIGN Prajwan Shrestha ASSISTANT PUBLISHED BY
Dr. Bijaya K. Shrestha, a former Researcher of the United Nations Centre for Regional Development [UNCRD], Japan, is the Head of Post Graduate Department of Urban Design and Conservation at Khwopa Engineering College. He has been decorated by many gold medals and awards. His field of expertise includes urban design, conservation, disaster management, environmental psychology.
Ar. Sushmita Shrestha is an assistant lecturer at the Department of Architecture as well as a Post Graduate Student of Urban Design and Conservation at Khwopa Engineering College. She is the recipient of the Best Presentation Award on the International Conference on Emerging Issues on Research and Development [April 4-6, 2007] and First Prize on nationwide essay competition organised by Department of Urban Development and Building Construction on the occasion of World Habitat Day 2007. Sabina Tandukar is studying architecture at the Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus. A seventh semester student of the Bachelor’s level, her passion besides architecture is reading novels and travelling. (sabina_3520@hotmail.com)
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GRAPHIC DESIGN/ COLOUR SEPARATION
Madan Chitrakar – the artist, is the son of Tej B. Chitrakar – the doyen of modern Nepali painting. He holds a masters degree in History and Culture besides a degree in Applied Art from J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai, India and INCOGraphic Design from the Netherlands. He is presently associated as visiting faculty in the KU Centre for Art & Design, Kathmandu.
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LETTERS
12 WA Community Awards With your generous support we have grown in 5 months to a real active online community of 2400 members proportionally distributed to 140 countries. The WA Community Awards program has received over 1100 projects submitted and updated by WA members in the two months since its announcement. In this 1st Cycle of the Awards, a shortlist of 230 projects was generated by our constituency of WA editors. WA Portal has already reached an estimated monthly traffic of 25,000 visits and 400,000 pageviews which ranks it among the most established architecture portals on the web. I think, this Awards program we have initiated to promote the extraordinary achievements of ordinary architects reaches its goal. Facing all these diverse approaches and the creative energy they radiate from awkward contexts gives all of us a new chance to refresh our faith in Architecture. Suha Ozkan Chairman, World Architecture Commumity www.worldarchitecture.org/ info@worldarchitecture.org
SPACES Architectural Award We have been seeing Spaces advertising the National Architectural Award from the past few issues and are looking forward to it happening soon. It will surely be a landmark event in Nepal's architectural arena. All the best. Trilok and friends, Kathmandu
Hospital Design The two articles on hospital design (Jul/ Aug 2008 issue) goes to show the capabilities of local architects and the level of technology available now in Nepal. At the same time, it is also an economic indicator of the country, which surely bodes well for all, including architects and designers. Pushpa Bhattarai, Dharan spacesnepal.com
Home Tips The Home Tips article was informative and useful. People like us, who have limited access to practical designs and information on construction materials in the local context can easily be duped for something which can be regrettable at a later stage. Radha Kayastha,Biratnagar
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News and Happenings Evolution Revolution 2nd August, 2008
Sangeeta Shrestha, Katmandu
An inter-disciplinary art workshop was organized by Sutra Art Centre in Kathmandu from 22nd July to 2nd August. Depicting various factors affecting human life in general and the present situation of the country in particular, the workshop culminated with an exhibition showcasing innovative creations by the ten artists participating in the workshop. A few of their thoughts and creations were as follows:
Hami (Us) Us humans consider ourselves supreme among all living things. And among ourselves, we again compete to become more supreme than the next. In this attempt to outdo the other, we are compelled to hide our true feelings and pretend to be what we actually are not. However, may it be in terms of love or hate, happiness or anger, envy or greed, glimpses of these feelings can still be seen in certain corners of this false faรงade. And on the other side is our society which is always watching us. How is this society observing us? What is it thinking about us? What is it hearing about us? What is it talking about us? Disregarding all this, we continue to present this false faรงade forever and ever. - Sangee Shrestha, Kathmandu
Giri Bahadur Darti Magar, Pyuthan
Law of Nature: All things move according to the law of nature. Since human beings are social animals, they are especially bound by this law. Humans, animals, insects, trees and plants all go through the law of nature from birth to death. If anyone thinks that he/she will not follow this law will surely be destroyed forever. It is necessary that we eat food and drink water. Those who think otherwise will surely soon die and their identity will be lost forever. If we are to preserve our identity, we need to love and respect not only each other, but also each nation towards the other. This is also a part of the law of nature. - Gir Bhadur S Ghartimagar, Puthan
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Shova Wagle, Kathmandu
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Marie Lucia, Portugal
Surendra Pradhan, Kathmandu
Rabin Koirala, Biratnagar
Tirtha Niraula, Dharan
L.P. Gurung, Pokhara
Krishna Shah, Kailai
Pramila Bajracharya, Lalitpur
September - October 2008
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
World Architecture Community 20+10+X Architecture Awards 2nd Cycle DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 24 OCTOBER 2008
16 World's largest directory and information sharing portal for contemporary architecture highlights the most remarkable examples of architectural imagination from all countries. The shortlist for the 1st Cycle of the "20+10+X" Awards can be viewed now, and 200+ Honorary Members have started voting for the 20 projects they consider worth promoting. Results of the 1st Cycle will be announced on 20 September 2008. Architects from all countries are invited to register free to join the WA Community and submit their projects to be appreciated and reviewed worldwide. Visitors can use the "Rating Machine" to see all citations in succession: +10 Awards in each Cycle are determined by the
ratings of all visitors. Choose a project and start rating to participate. All architectural scholars are invited to write and submit comments and articles for shortlisted projects: "Most Mindprovoking +X" projects in each Cycle are determined by the wealth of commentaries submitted to these pages by other members. For further information: CĂŠline DuprĂŠt <celine@worldarchitecture.org> or, Ophelia Fletcher ophelia@worldarchitecture.org, WA Community Portal,www.worldarchitecture.org, info@worldarchitecture.org S
Spaces Award spacesnepal.com
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NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Interior Design Schools and Services opens in Eastern Nepal With the opening of two individual design schools in Dharan and Biratnagar, people of eastern Nepal now no longer need to look towards Kathmandu nor its neighbouring state of India for basic studies or professional help in this field.
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'Vogue Interiors' with Interior Designer Kriti Shrestha as its Director has opened shop at Biratnagar and besides being a training institute on interior design, it offers Interior Design Consulting Services too.
Kriti with her students at Vogue Institute, Biratnagar
Velocity at Dharan
Similarly 'Velocity - A School of Opportunity' with its head office at Siliguri, India, has opened its branch at Dharan. The institute offers short term (6 months and 1 year) design courses on Interior Design besides Fashion Design and Personality Development / BPO Training. S
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NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Connection A charity art exhibition by Juju Kaji Maharjan was held from 6th July to 6th August 2008 at the 1905 restaurant in Kathmandu. Besides being an artist, Juju Kaji Maharjan is also a youth social activist and has been contributing through the medium of art in social problems like AIDS, Drug Abuse, Right to Food and Shelter. This month long exhibition aimed to help the Bal Mandir orphanage by contributing 50% of its S sales to the orphanage.
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NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Amalgam
3rd August, 2008
"The dominant mood of the country is that of hope. While the painters and the poets represent that hope, this amalgamation is the representation of that hope. It is also the beginning of a series of global connectivity and wonderful imaginaries' of the great future of Nepal." So spoke Prof. Dr. Abhi Subedi, eminent writer and educationist, while inaugurating the exhibition, 'Amalgam - 2008', at the Siddhartha Art Gallery on 3rd August 2008. And the exhibition was just that - a mix of 45 national artists and 9 international ones showcasing their creations - some retaining their distinctive signature, while some moving on to something new. Unfortunately the paintings were so large in number that proper display of some of the artwork was lacking. S
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ART
Paubha Art THE PRIDE OF NEWARS
Madan Chitrakar
"Thangka' as a painting tradition is basically concentrated in Yarlung Valley-the heartland of central Tibet. 'Paubha' art on the other hand, remains an epitome of Newar art essentially evolved and developed in historic Kathmandu Valley." To any one familiar with the Newar civilization, especially its art and culture, the term 'Paubha' would instantly evoke an image of intricate traditional religious paintings hanging on walls during some Newari rituals or religious festivals. To the uninitiated however, Paubha is often confounded with a more publicized form of art called 'Thangka'. Indeed, both terms describe two different ancient traditions of paintings - depicting religious images. Interestingly, both share so many commonalities; it is often confused with one another. Both are painted on a specially prepared cotton cloth or silk, and are painted with gouache - water based opaque colours. Similarly, both are prepared vertically and rolled accordingly with the help of wooden sticks attached at both the ends.
Padmapani Lokeshor â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Nepali style painting found in Kahrakhoto, N.E. Tibet, 11th Century A.D., resembled so strongly with the earliest Paubha in Kathmandu that it has led to argue that these works were executed by same group of people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; most likely the monks cum painters from Pala empire, who by the time had settled in Kathmandu Valley. spacesnepal.com
Roots: 'Thangka' as a painting tradition is basically concentrated in Yarlung Valley-the heartland of central Tibet. 'Paubha' art on the other hand, remains an epitome of Newar art essentially evolved and developed in historic Kathmandu Valley. Most of the scholars on Nepal and Tibetan art agree that both the traditions have a common root and were evolved around 1200 circa and appeared almost contemporaneously but at far different places in this part of the world. An earliest example of 'Paubha' is dated fourteenth
century. Pratapaditya Pal, noted scholar on art citing some examples take it back to twelfth century - on the basis of stylistic arguments. If one is to argue on the stylistic basis, the tradition of Nepali painting can be safely taken back to early eleventh century. An earliest example of Nepali painting dated 1015 A.D. appeared in the form of a manuscript cover. Thus, it can be assumed that the Paubhas from the later period were mere continuations from the earlier tradition of manuscript covers - the difference being only a matter of choice of format. Also, the subject and style of earlier covers and later Paubhas remain primarily similar and both have deities from the pantheon of Mahayan sect of Buddhism. At this point, a serious observer may find it very strange to observe the fact that how come at such an early stage of history - an art of painting could have flourished in a place so isolated geographically like Kathmandu Valley and more astonishingly in such a sophisticated manner. The answer lies in its political history. Since the ancient times, during early Licchavi period around second century circa, the rulers had close relationship with the Gupta rulers of the Gangetic plains in the south - which enabled a strong exchange and the influx of cultural influence into the Kathmandu Valley. It also included art of painting and sculpture. So it becomes
"Except in rare cases the name of the artists are usually not mentioned. The reason being that the commissioning of a Paubha is
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an act of devotion."
Worshipped as Lord Vailochana, one of the five celestial Buddhas. Note the Tibetan Buddhist order influences - the yellow hat and the pilgrims around the central deity.
natural to observe that in the subsequent years, the continued flow of pilgrims, traders and the artisans have greatly helped evolve an art tradition here. The 'Paubha', as an art form when it appeared - going by the earliest available specimen - resembled so close with the paintings from Pala dynasty in Eastern India (750-1150A.D.), that it often became a tough academic exercise to make a distinction from one another - indicating an unmistakable influence from the south.
One of the many wrathful aspects of lord Shiva â&#x20AC;&#x153; The Ten Great Angers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dasa Maha Krodhaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - early 19th century
And more interestingly, the earliest specimen of Tibetan painting - discovered by Russian archaeologists in late nineteenth century in remote Khara-Khoto - presently within the Qinghai province in N.E . Tibet, also revealed exactly the same characteristics as those found in Nepali painting and the works from Pala empire. What baffled more and is more puzzling is the fact that even the central subject of the painting is common and is found to have been executed in the same style as those from Nepal. This puzzling discovery led many scholars to debate and later concluded that in all likelihood, the early Nepali Paubhas and the early Tibetan painting now described as Thangka, are indeed of the same common origin and the roots remain the same. Going by the style, contents and the decorative motifs found in the early works, found in Tibet and Kathmandu, both may have been painted in Kathmandu Valley by the same group of monks cum painters. In all probability, some works may have been carried to Tibet by the travelling monks and pilgrims - a common practice then to travel Tibet via Kathmandu. This argument gains more credibility after noting the fact that after the Muslim invasion of North and Eastern India during Pala empire, Kathmandu ceased to receive any further influence from the South. It had to spacesnepal.com
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ART rely on its own to develop further cultural expressions. On the contrary, the art of Kathmandu Valley began to change its role. From here onwards, for the next three to four hundred years, Nepal remained at the giving-end. Nepal's cultural influence now well extended to the north during this period. The ateliers in Kathmandu Valley remained busy humming full time to meet the demands of patrons from Tibet as well as the increasing local needs of the state and the people. Resulting in the process, occasionally Tibetan motifs, as may have been influenced by the regular orders of the patrons there, also found itself in the 'Paubhas' meant for the local patrons. So, in the Paubhas from later period, there appeared visible evidence of Tibetan influence expressed in mythological animals and other motifs from shamanistic beliefs. By seventeenth century, Tibetan artists had almost mastered, as a result of years of interaction with Nepal and China, in terms of style and thoughts. It was a strange amalgamation. It was also added with the elements needed for locally evolved esoteric rituals. This resulted in an exotic original style of painting called Thangka. And an identity of Tibetan tradition was born. In Nepal, these developments coincided with the Paubha style slowly emerging with recent influx of Tibeto - Chinese style and the increasing influence of Rajasthani and Moghul Schools. Thus, Paubhas from the later period presents a strange evolution of an exotic mix of Tibeto -Chinese elements in background, meticulous nature of the south and the local physiognomy of its own. Paubha: Now, let's try to see what constitutes a typical Paubha - its kinds, contents and the basic features of its layout. As stated earlier, an art of Paubha is a collective expression of a particular group with a common spiritual thought -the religion: and certainly, not an expression of individual artists. In general terms, a work of Paubha is governed by the religious diktats - the iconography of faiths
- Buddhism or Brahmancial pantheons. Thus, a Paubha could represent either of the two faiths. In simplistic terms, Paubhas can be generally divided in two or three broad formats. A simplest form of Paubha is always in a pure symmetric layout. The principal deity is painted large as the central element - making it the focal point of the whole composition. Most often, the principal deity is flanked left and right by the chief attendant deities. In this kind of Paubha, one would notice that in the top panel above the central figure, are shown a row of leading deities and in the bottom panel, underneath the central deity are shown a row of human beings - two groups - male and female in a state of Interesting examples of the key sketches from the devotion. These seated master sketch book. human figures are always painted in profile so as to make them look 'Mandala' form as a separate form of art towards the central or principal deity. These different from the class of Paubhas because figures are the supposed portrayal of the chief of the style and layout as mentioned above. patron and his family. In between these two However, now 'Mandalas' are considered an groups of devotees, in the central part is integral form of Paubha tradition. In this kind shown a sacred fire called 'Yagya'. In the last of Paubhas called Mandalas - a geometric or bottom panel there is a common practice diagram conceived as an instrument needed to create a colophon stating the details of during an act of esoteric baptism, functions the deity, the name of patrons, date and the as the central element. Here, the deities of reasons why the Paubha is dedicated. Except the pantheon become secondary and thus in rare cases the name of the artists are not are located in various corners or placed as mentioned. The reason being that the prescribed in the holy text. As for example, commissioning of a Paubha is an act of let's cite 'Sriyantra' Mandala where the devotion. The next most important thing is principal deity is placed in the central part to make sure that the patron and his family of the diagram but in a much smaller size. members are well remembered for The basic form of Mandala here is the posterity. An artist, therefore becomes a overlapping of nine triangles - five facing simple instrument of the whole activity here. downwards and four facing upwards Mandala & Stupa: The next, popular form of Nepali Paubha painting is called Mandalas. Earlier, scholars considered
"In spite of numerous onslaught of modernity in every sphere of human life including art in between, the fact that the Paubha tradition has survived almost in an original form is really amazing." spacesnepal.com
revealing a complex geometric form. It represents a cosmic union of male and female energy. The composite form is encircled by two layers of lotus petals. And one would notice, the diagram is guarded by the guardian deities in different cardinal directions in addition to other deities. Here it should be remembered that the tradition of Mandala, when it was conceived in ancient times, was supposed to be a diagram to be painted on the ground to help meditate during the esoteric rituals. The Mandala
1 A simplest form of Paubha is always in a pure symmetric layout. The principal deity, painted large as the central element is flanked by the chief attendant deities on either side, a row of leading deities on the top panel and a row of human beings in a state of devotion in the bottom panel. 2 Key sketch of Sriyantra from a folio from the early 19th century sketch book 3 Sriyantra - a very popular form of Paubha.
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drawn for the occasion was meant to be for only one occasion. Later, this tradition of painting on the ground was transferred to 'Paubha" form so as to provide it a greater mobility and for multiple uses. In the medieval times, the other most popular form of Buddhist Paubha was depiction of Buddhist stupas in varied forms and numbers. Stupa or Chaitya remained an extremely popular subject for a long time and as a result, a great number of examples are available of this kind. Even in the absence of state patronage in later periods of Nepalese history, stupa Paubhas continued to remain popular because a large number of Buddhist followers continued to observe Mahayan Buddhist rituals. Dedication of a new Paubha on such occasions is considered as an essential part of such rituals. Some Paubhas are also known as Paubhas with million stupas. The Wrathful and The Benign: It would be very interesting to note here that deities depicted in Paubhas from both the faiths Buddhism and Hinduism, bear some strange characteristics. Paubhas, irrespective of the faiths present two types of images - either the deities are benign or peaceful or they are in a state of anger or wrathful. It may baffle many lay observers of the fact that most of the principal deities from both the religions, say Lord Shiva and Parbati from Hinduism and Lord Buddha or the five celestial Buddhas are always considered to be in peaceful postures. But why do we find that in many of the Paubhas, some deities are shown
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wrathful. In this context it would be relevant to add here a strange philosophy that conceived which says that every conceivable divinity possesses two aspects - black - the wrathful and white - the benign. According to this philosophy, all the divinities from both the religions, therefore, have two manifestations. As for example, many wrathful divinities are believed to have been emanated from five celestial Buddhas. Mahakala, a popular deity in Nepal, is considered the angry manifestation of Bodhisattva Avalokiteswor. Similarly, famous deities from the Shakti cult, like the eight great mothers including Mahakali and other forms of mother Durga, are all considered the wrathful manifestations of goddess Parvati - the consort of Lord Shiva. Lord Bhairab, so common in Nepali art, and known for his fearful looks is the black aspect of lord Shiva himself. A Historic Retrospect: And lastly, a mention must be made about some astonishing aspects of Paubha tradition - its amazing ability to retain its original forms and endure for such a long period - remaining almost uninterrupted since its inception to the modern days. In spite of numerous onslaught of modernity in every sphere of human life including art in between, the fact that the Paubha tradition has survived almost in an original form is really amazing. To find the answer let us try to go back and make a quick historic retrospect. It has been argued
in earlier lines that in the early phases of Nepali history, Kathmandu Valley remained at the receiving end of Pala School of art for more than three hundred years and later it ceased to be so after the Muslim invasion in Bengal. After that it had to rely on its own for further evolution. But by then the Paubha painters - the Newars - acquired a role to become Guru to Tibetan artists and had also begun to feed all the needs of Tibetan patrons for the next several hundred years to come. Seventeenth century onwards, Nepal again began to reveal new foreign influences in its works- this time a mix of north and southern elements both. Our argument here is not to repeat the narratives but to assert the fact that Nepali Paubha not only continued to prosper in spite of the changing roles and scenarios but was also able to retain its essence and identity. It became possible primarily because of two reasons. Firstly, the tradition of painting here became a hereditary practice - handed down from generation to generation - more as a family socio-religious obligation rather than a creative exercise. And secondly, a work of Paubha throughout history, except in the modern times, had essentially became an object of worship - causing it to continue further. Again, we have to note how a painting found in Khara-Khoto in Northern Tibet and the earliest Paubha in Kathmandu resembled so strongly that it has led to argue that these works were executed by same group of people - most likely the monks cum painters from Pala empire, who by the time had settled in spacesnepal.com
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ART Kathmandu Valley. Later examples of Paubhas, interestingly again, revealed the same earlier traits. It vindicated the earlier theory of hereditary handover of the tradition. Most important of all, the style and depiction of deities, irrespective of the faiths and the pantheons, remained practically same - except for the attributes as described in iconography of a particular deity. Facial expressions, garments, ornamental embellishment of the deities from both Buddhist and Hindu - the faith remained same and the religion made no difference to them. This strange phenomenon led the scholars to believe and debate that since the earliest times, there appears an existence of a special group of people who were engaged as the professional artists - regardless of their individual beliefs. And by all accounts, it appears by this time that this group of painters had virtually acquired a professional status - solely devoted to carry on the tradition. This arrangement of informal grouping seemed to work and survived till
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the advent of King Jaysthiti Malla in the fourteenth century, who later formally restructured all such small groupings in the Newar society as according to Hindu social polity. Most probably then, he designated this particular group as 'Chitrakars' or as the professional painters. They were entrusted to execute all the state needs of religious art and carry on the tradition for generations to come. In addition, this assertion is also testified by the fact that although it was not a normal practice to write the artist's name on Paubhas, there have been frequent but significant number of appearances of the artists' name ending with Chitrakar in the Paubhas since fifteenth century onwards. Pratapaditya Pal - the noted authority in Nepali Art, has cited several examples including a certain Jayteja pun - Chitrakar, dated as early as 540 Nepal era (1420 AD). Interestingly enough, many of the well established Chitrakar families today, claim to possess many hereditary master sketch books known as 'Thyasaphu' or the folded book - containing vital details and image illustrations needed to make a traditionally
correct Paubha. Some of them are believed to be as old as four hundred years old or even earlier. These historic revelations and facts certainly do tempt us to make quick and hasty conclusions, and may prevent us from making a further study in this regard. But for the time being, let us remain content with the fact that certainly these strange combinations of historic evidences and social factors certainly do make us proud to call 'Paubha' tradition - a unique feature of Nepali civilization - and S more so of the Newars. For further reading: • Art of Nepal - Pratapaditya Pal • Kathmandu Valley Painting - Hugo E. Kreijger, 1999 • The Art of Nepal - Stella Kramrish • Medieval Nepal Vol. I - D.R. Regmi, 1965 • Newar Art - A.W. Macdonald & A.V. Stahl, 1979 • Medieval History of Nepal - Luciano Petech, 1958 • Art of Tibet - Robert E. Fisher, 1997
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IDENTITIES Sampada Malla It starts as a whisper in ones heart and then spreads all over like warm sunshine. The free flow of artistic expressions inside an artist burst out, translating into various motifs blended with beautiful colours and finally breathing eternity onto pure white canvasses. Many great scholars have miserably failed to draw out the exact process of an art creation and therefore have given a simple conclusion, “Art is a spontaneous flow of emotions recollected in tranquillity.” In artist Lok Chitrakar's tranquil art-workshop in Patan, the clock strikes 11 a.m. Outside, the weather is humid and the sun is swinging in its full charm. Inside, Lok, along with his young students are busy with their individual art creations. The small room is pin- drop silent and I inaudibly observe Lok as he delicately moves his brush tips on the edges of the lines, giving a final touch to his latest Pauba painting. After some minutes, he pauses and closes his eyes - his forehead squeezes, as he is thinks deeply, playing with his thoughts - opens his eyes a while later; smudges the red colour with a hint of yellow and continues his painting process. Various questions rise inside me as I watch him keenly, “What is Lok thinking at the moment? How do artists choose colours to depict their emotions? Are there some rules to create a Pauba painting or are there rooms for innovation like other art forms? Does Pauba painting portray other feelings except spiritual?...” An hour later, Lok is all set to answer my bundle of queries and begins with a lament, “People have a huge misconception that the task of a Pauba artist is to simply replicate the original art. A true Pauba art is a unique creation and inscribes the artist's identity. However, compared to modern art or contemporary art, there is very little freedom in Pauba art and we need to follow a strict discipline when it comes to ritual elements of colour, posture, placement of deities, ancient styles etc. But, beyond these, everything depends on the artist's creativity and imagination.” Showing me his painting based on God Dhanondhari, he explains, “Pauba art form is sacred and a visual interpretation of Buddhist and Hindu philosophies. After studying the iconography of different deities that are explained vividly in the sacred texts, a Pauba art is created. For example, Dhanondhari is a God of ayurvedic medicine. In the manuscripts, among many other details, it is well mentioned about the various things he holds- a kalash (traditional jug) with amrit (a honey like sacred liquid) spacesnepal.com
â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has its own motives and traditional legacy. Its major theme is deities. Most importantly, Pauba art is associated with spirituality and religion, therefore, a strong belief rules that if an artist creates a Pauba art abiding to its discipline, he will receive a positive fruit as an outcome.â&#x20AC;?
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The best part about him is that he does not seem to realize the artistic heights he has achieved and the contributions he has made to his country, and perhaps, this quality in him is the major force that makes him work harder each day. in it, ayurvedic manuscripts, a vessel to make medicine, herbal flowers etc. Therefore, based on such details, I created this painting. I have also added many of my own elements here, which is the liberty of every Pauba artist, and this quality makes every Pauba art individualistic.” One of Lok's extraordinary Pauba paintings is based on the image of Chintamani Lokeshwor. Art critic Salil Subedi writes about it, “The Kalpabrikchya that stands in the background is bristling with magical creatures, each fresh look at the foliage revealing a till then unnoticed life form; sometimes a peacock, a parrot, an insect. The tiny curly creepers outlines in gold down to the last tender leaf are masterstrokes of minutiae. This Chinatamani Lokeshwor also reflects the artist’s journey into newer terrains of technique and repertoire. The snow capped Himalaya shown here are new to Pauba, as also the transparency of the shawl worn by the God’s feminine manifestation. “ Lok opines that like other forms of art, Pauba art is not solely made for personal satisfaction. Shares he, “It has its own motives and traditional legacy. Its major theme is deities. Most importantly, Pauba art is associated with spirituality and religion, therefore, a strong belief rules that if an artist creates a Pauba art abiding to its discipline, he will receive a positive fruit as an outcome.” For Lok, his positive fruit is the immense satisfaction and spiritual peace that people receive after observing his paintings.
Destined to be an artist Lok Chitrakar was born and brought up in a Newar community, historically associated with the art of religious painting in Itumbahal, Kathmandu. Many of his relatives including his father spacesnepal.com
“Making a true Pauba art requires immense
job. I used to make Pauba art but there was no one to correct my mistakes and guide me in the right way,” he recalls.
patience and devotion. Today, people yearn to receive name and fame in a short time span, which is impossible in this career. However, if made with sincerity, discipline and knowledge, Pauba art has great value and demand on the international arena,”
made various religious arts and child Lok would observe them with keen interest. Slowly, he started assisting them and drew pictures of various deities in religious ceremonies. He reminisces, “I was 10 years old then. One day, an urge to make an art of Astamatrika (eight female deities, popular in the Newar community) captured me. I searched for its iconography in many places and finally found it in a small shop in Indrachowk. Looking at it, I created my first Pauba art on a cloth. After that, I began making different Pauba art in regular intervals.” Today, it surprises Lok as he analyses the factors that drove him towards the path of Pauba painting, in spite of lack of formal guidance and education. “Perhaps, I was destined to be immersed in this
At the tender age of twelve, Lok's extra ordinary talent was recognized and he got a job as a commercial Pauba artist in a small shop in Patan. “There, Pauba paintings were made on order. So my job was to simply replicate the original paintings,” he says. In the same year, he was chosen among other Pauba artists to create a panel of art for Hotel Yak and Yeti. After many years of working in different commercial places, Lok finally began his major artistic career as a Pauba artist and started studying various religious philosophies associated with it. “I am very much influenced by Buddhism and therefore most of my paintings are related with it,” he informs.
Making Nepal proud globally Though Lok has lost count of the number of Pauba art he has created, he trills with happiness to the fact that his creations today reside in various prestigious venues of the world. “My paintings are also kept in the museums of Pakistan, Japan and Finland. In Tokyo, my paintings based on the image of Amitabha Buddha, a symbol of eternal happiness and Shahsrabhuj Avalokiteshwor, a symbol of compassion, adorns the museum,” he says with a smile and confesses that mostly foreigners and very few Nepalese purchase his paintings. Shares he, “Once,
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ART an American who was practicing Buddhism philosophy came to me to purchase my painting on God Chakrasambhara. However, before buying, he showed the painting to his Tibetan Guru to test if it met all the ritual requirements, and brought it only after his approval.” Many students from various parts of the world come to Lok to learn about Pauba art. He also regularly conducts shortterm Pauba art courses in different universities of USA and Japan. “I want to illustrate the rich art and traditions of Nepal to the world and help in preserving it for the future generations,” he declares.
Preserving Nepali traditions Amidst the influential luminosity of modernism, it is astonishing to notice that Lok still follows the traditional procedures of art creation. Such act of
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his may seem absurd to many, but for him, this is his way of gaining inner creative satisfaction. He makes his own canvas (a cotton cloth) by mixing buffalo glue and white clay and later rubbing it with a smooth stone to absorb the remaining moisture. He purchases various stones from the Himalayan regions and abroad and grinds them patiently with his hands to create different primary colours. He uses a sable- hairbrush. “Making a true Pauba art requires immense patience and devotion. Today, people yearn to receive name and fame in a short time span, which is impossible in this career. However, if made with sincerity, discipline and knowledge, Pauba art has great value and demand on the international arena,” Lok states firmly, “To preserve Pauba art, it should be strictly included in the education curriculum of arts.” Presently, Lok is making an elaborate painting based on
one hundred and eight images of God Lokeshwor. The interview wraps up and he returns back to work again, to re-ignite magic on canvasses. I watch him as a captivated audience and realize how silent actions are far more powerful than loud words. The best part about him is that he does not seem to realize the artistic heights he has achieved and the contributions he has made to his country, and perhaps, this quality in him is the major force that makes him work harder each day. As Lok delves deeply into his laborious creative task, I recall what he had said earlier, “I have devoted my entire life to preserve and promote Pauba art, adding the supportive elements in a way that I am sure the artists' centuries ago also did. I just hope that the future generations will play a pivotal role in preserving its rich identity. If not, we will lose one of our greatest traditional artistic heritages.” S
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ARCHITECTURE
A Visionary
Extension Ar. Sushmita Ranjit
This visionary extension of a tiny portion of Kathmandu Valley into a well organized settlement in general, is an important step to add a milestone to city planning and its socio-economic development, which hopes to trigger employment opportunities, high land value and contribute to planned urban growth ultimately. Rolling back to 2001, CE Construction envisaged and formed its associate venture, The Comfort Housing (Developer), and along with Vaastukala (Architect Design Team) took a giant leap in introducing three community living projects in a row; Sitapaila, Budhanilkantha and Icchangu. Despite of much hindrance, the team struggled to success, and therefore selling all the independent houses was an integrated effort, and above all an excellent marketing scheme with the affordable price it had to carry for. Being the construction connoisseur for three major independent housing projects (Sitapaila, Budhanilkantha and Icchangu) and two apartment complex (TCH II, Lazimpata and TCH III, Panipokhari) for Comfort Housing, CE Construction Pvt. Ltd. with its associate spacesnepal.com
venture of CD Developers Pvt. Ltd. is now in a different array of design and construction. Knowing the fact that Kathmandu cannot be an exception in terms of globalization, the team came up with an idea of developing Dhapasi area into a secured neighbourhood with western living environment in a Nepalese landscape. While CD Developers, being the owner of the entire project scheme, has the major role of land acquisition, heavy equipment management, contract assignment and marketing, it is designed, dealt and constructed by CE Construction Pvt. Ltd., which has an inhouse consultancy, with CE Services Pvt. Ltd handling the entire design work. This visionary extension of a tiny portion of Kathmandu Valley into a well organized settlement in general, is an
important step to add a milestone to city planning and its socio-economic development, which hopes to trigger employment opportunities, high land value and contribute to planned urban growth ultimately. This vision for developing acres of land along the Dhapasi Corridor consists of projects like community housing, high end condominiums, shopping complexes, and health and recreation centres. Among these projects, the high end, high rise condominiums called Grande Towers is the most anticipated one and is on the anvil.
Grande Towers Grande Towers introduces a new style of living standards, and is probably addressing to changing social structure, most likely a presage to suburban life assuring infrastructure and facilities with comfort plus style. Bringing this into the eye of the buyer and therefore selling these apartments, CE Construction along with CD Developers Pvt. Ltd is planning on a different innovative marketing strategy along with good design and construction techniques. With a simple jingle 'Live where you belong', Grande Towers as a mega project of a high end high rise
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Grande Towers will probably set a benchmark for other imminent apartments to come around. Nevertheless, this will be a positive sign for more high-rise structures in and around Kathmandu Valley, but may be serious and yet an appealing challenge to earthquake technology for the land which comes under a high risk zone.
condominium complex having 14 floors of apartments has its construction stage gearing up and is in progress. This multi towered complex is no doubt a realization of contemporary high-rise aspirations. Perhaps the tallest and on a large scale, a pioneering apartments collectively ever initiated in the Valley. But to some extent, the term high-rise, however not being an alien word, is something different and novel to the Nepalese context till today. Therefore, having its own architectural character of
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rising up-to 43 metres from the ground level, and spreading its allure in 7.5 acres of land with nine such towers, Grande Towers will probably set a benchmark for other imminent apartments to come around. Nevertheless, this will be a positive sign for more high-rise structures in and around Kathmandu Valley, but may be serious and yet an appealing challenge to earthquake technology for the land which comes under a high risk zone.
Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye view of the complex
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Design Approach
View from Balcony
Grande Towers comprises of a total of nine towers, each with its name according to the planets of the solar system. Eight of these towers surround a colossal tower at the centre, with its first two floors for exclusive office space and the rest ascending with general apartment system. These towers are spread over 7.5 acres with a unique land-built-up area ratio allowing the condominiums to cover only 30% of land and the remaining 70% as open space for a sprawling landscape. Each tower consists of 48 apartments with a total of around 480 apartments in the entire complex. Shape and orientation of each tower has a major role in receiving solar path movement within the interior space. With a distance of 10 meters maintained inbetween the two towers, cast shadows do not affect one another adversely. Consequently, every apartment has proper light and good natural ventilation, further enhanced by air-conditioning provisions. The spatial allocation of four different apartments in each floor has two apartments with two bedrooms and remaining two with three bedrooms in total. The shape in which each tower has been designed provides a flexibility to combine the two closer apartments into one making the space bigger, and adjusting extra requirements. Besides this, a lavish pent house and studio apartments at the higher floor levels are also provided, which portrays its suppleness to mingle different architectural and interior possibilities in one design platform.
Typical Floor Plan (four different apartments)
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The four apartment units meet at a common lobby, which is not just a vestibule, but a space adjusting all the necessary supplies like elevators, 24 hours hot and cold treated water supply pipes, telephone (also inter-apartment intercom), cable TV, and internet lines, fire hosepipe, and most strikingly a provision of trash chutes for hassle free garbage disposal. Therefore, Grande Towers assures infrastructure that depicts unbeatable standards making it safe, relaxing and concern free.
Three bedroom apartment plan (carpet area = 1175.8 sft) and its interior features
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Two bedroom apartment plan (carpet area = 977.42 sft) and its interior features
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View of the complex from entry gate
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37 Facility Many components as a part of community facility have been introduced to make it more than just a living space. They include swimming pool, tennis court, basketball court, health centre, sauna, multipurpose hall, pocket landscape, club with restaurants, gym hall and laundry service on the ground floor in every tower, children's play area and 800 meters of jogging trails. The best possible way to cater to these full fledged services is definitely to cope with growing concerns for health and changing life style. Besides this, the master planning also has a parking solution with the capacity of 500 on counting including both surface and basement parking lots. These public and semi public space along with all the apartments and recreational area are secured with a gated compound, and round the clock guards. For drinking water provision municipal water supply may not be sufficient for the complex. Taking this into consideration deep boring method is taken as a priority, and therefore, water has been available in about 164 Meters of depth. This drawn water, after running through certain treatments, are then distributed to individual apartments through a central boiler system. Another important concern being the electricity, the entire complex is supported by a generator back-up and also an in-house transformer for regularized voltage supply.
Typical floor plan Combination of A+B (carpet area 2190.36 sft)
Typical floor plan Combination of C+D (carpet area 1958.07 sft)
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38 Master Plan of the Complex
Conclusion Affordable and modern, Grande Towers assures the most pleasurable ambience possible for an integrated dwelling purpose. The apartment as mentioned earlier, has bedrooms starting from two to three in total, with prices ranging from NRs 47,90,000 to NRs 52,750,000 respectively. The price estimated comprises not only the value of habitable space, but also the unseen value of infrastructure as provided. And comparing this price with other apartment schemes, it seems much on the lower range and hence relatively reasonable. But the question arises will these flat systems serve as a genuine contentment for those who are habitual to owning a chunk of land with an individual house built on it as their property? Will the buyers be more satisfied, comfortable and more inclined towards independent houses offered in other housing projects? At the same time, buyers, who are mostly Indians or either businessmen or high class denizens, seem to prefer renting rather than buying.
'Where there is a will there is a way.' This pithy saying is always into a precise meaning when there are persons serious enough with aspirations, and when these people become an entourage with profound inspiration and team spirit. This company started off as a dream, which eventually concatenated to a strong desire to succeed with passion and determination to produce total quality management skills in the field of construction Industry. Established in 1992 AD, CE Construction Pvt. Ltd has devoted itself to advancing national development through entrepreneurship, and has unleashed from more than just being an ad hoc technocrat. The company has proven itself in being highly professional in terms of delivery, and today it stands high with many accomplished projects and also several turnkey ones with well groomed in-house engineers, architects and managerial team to expedite work, saving both time and cost by delivering professionalism to its utmost level. spacesnepal.com
These questions and the varying market reach are always points to indulge in a debate. But the point is, apartments as such are a futuristic approach to a society that is so agile to the outside world. It is probably also a solution to acquire land individually resulting in haphazard occupancy which is increasing and leading to city chaos. Therefore, from high rise - high end aspiration, to world class amenities, Grande Towers apart from providing contemporary homes, assures efficient facilities in a congenial environment apt to utilize daily travel S times.
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ARCHITECTURE
DEMONSTRATION
HOUSING PROJECT AT BALAMBU
Ar. Prabina Shrestha Every now and then, and probably more frequently in recent times, newspapers publish advertisements of lavish housings and apartment buildings. These advertisements filled with alluring pictures of the buildings are usually targeted towards the elite group, promising them of a luxurious lifestyle. The actual situation in Nepal however is drastically different from these picture perfect advertisements. Amongst all the glitzy advertisements, a very modest one caught the attention of the general public and professionals alike. The advertisement was for a two storied house on sale at Balambu area in Kathmandu, the major draw being its price, which was announced to be Rs. Five lakhs only! This was the initiative taken by SLTD (Shelter and Local Technology Development Centre) to create a demonstration housing project targeted towards the urban poor living under inhumane conditions.
The principle for low cost is firmly rooted on the grounds of building houses that maintain proper standard of living without compromising on its strength and durability; at the lowest possible price.
The completed housing units
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Motivation and inspiration behind this demonstration housing project was primarily to prove that it could be done. Houses can be built within a budget of Five lakhs without actually compromising on its strength in spite of maintaining a certain standard of living. Also, SLTD aspired to provide a silver lining for the underprivileged.
Planning Principles Minimal budget for this housing project was achieved by pursuing low cost housing principles. It must be clarified here that low cost housing does not imply low standard housing. The principle for low cost is firmly rooted on the grounds of building houses that maintain proper standard of living without compromising on its strength and durability; at the lowest possible price. However, the budget for low cost housing has to be stretched often when it comes to land price. The local building by laws specify a minimum land area of 2.5 annas (1 anna = 342.25 sft) per plot. In the Balambu housing project, the land cost was overcome by
housing two built up units in a single plot. This reduced the cost of land by 50%. However functionality of the building has not been sacrificed for low land area. Instead, effective planning has provided adequate space for each function carried out in the house hold. Each housing unit boasts of a living room, kitchen, bathroom and a store on the ground floor, while two bedrooms are on the first floor. Also, the building is designed such that each unit gets a front and a back garden. A two bedroom house might seem inadequate for most of us but its affordability and viability makes it desirable for the under privileged.
BACK GARDEN PARENT'S ROOM (8 '0 " X 12'8")
BATH (2'8 " X 4'10 ") KITCHEN (8 '0" X 8 '8 ") TOILET (2'8 " X 4'10 ")
CHILDREN'S ROOM (11 '6" X 8 '8")
STORE (2'41 /2" X 2 '8 ")
LIVING ROOM (11'6 " X 8'8")
UP
First floor plan
FRONT GARDEN ENTRY
Ground floor plan
Conventional pillar system foundation (Building load is concentrated in small area) versus Strip foundation (Building load spread in larger areas)
Conventional masonary foundation versus R.C.C pad foundation used in low cost technology
The adopted cost effective technology is a major factor behind its cost reduction. Here, kiln fired mud bricks are replaced by pre-cast hollow cement concrete blocks, which are not only cheaper but are also more functional, as the voids within the blocks create a much better insulation. The hollow blocks of cement sand aggregate ratio of 1:3:9 have greater load bearing capacity which is 65 kg/sq.cm. per block whereas the load bearing capacity of the masonary wall is 20 Kg/sq.cm. For better resistance against lateral forces such as earthquakes, vertical reinforcements of 8 mm diameter are placed at the corners, junctions and periphery of the openings through the voids in the blocks. Conventional masonry foundation for load bearing walls has also been ditched for R.C.C pad foundation in which the foundation slab is designed as a cantilever structure projecting out from the walls. Due to the R.C.C. pad at the base, thick masonry walls are not required as in conventional foundations and instead a thinner wall is constructed from the foundation itself. These foundations are much better alternatives as they prevent unequal settlement of the foundation by distributing the structural load uniformly to the foundation bed and also reduce the building cost by 37% .
hollow cement block wall
6mm dia @ 7 "c/c 8 mm dia @ 8 "c/c R. C.C pad foundat ion8 mm dia @ 8"c/c
slab lint el
iron bar
Structure
Sectional elevation of the Hollow cement concrete block wall / Plan of the Hollow cement concrete block wall with reinforcements
Partial pre-cast system is adopted for the floor and roof construction. Partial precast system which is a composite type of construction has a pre-cast element as the bottom half of the structure and the top half are cast in situ concrete. The pre-cast members which are the R.C.C panels placed over the beams were cast manually on the site itself; eliminating the cost for expensive lifting equipments. Additional 4.75 mm diameter reinforcements were placed @35 cm just over the beam after the partial pre-case panels were fixed over partial pre-cast beams along with temperature reinforcements of the spacesnepal.com
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1 Half pre- cast beams, the bottom half of construction 2 Additional 4.75 mm dia reinforcements @35 cm are placed on both sides after the partial pre-case panels are fixed over partial precast beams.
Hinged pre- cast cement concrete block
Opening elevation/ Plan of the opening with hinged blocks
cement block wit h hinge
3 Laying the top cast in situ concrete
cement block wit h hinge
same size and spacing at both the sides. This system also minimized the cement and reinforcement consumption and formwork requirements, reducing the total construction cost by 33%. Another major cost reduction factor is the use of special pre-cast cement concrete blocks manufactured with hinges. During masonry construction, 4"X 2" projections were made all around the openings. These special blocks with hinges on them were placed where hinges were required. This created a masonry frame around the opening which was later plastered into the shape of a frame. The advantage of this system is that the more expensive timber frames becomes altogether unnecessary. Use of such hinged blocks reduces the total cost of building construction by 5 to 10% and is also more environmentally friendly. The common problems from timber frames such as warping and sagging are also avoided. Low cost housing aims for reducing cost for construction from every aspect of construction process. No matter how trivial the cost might seem, when considered as a whole, cost reduction becomes significant. In the Balambu housing the water tanks are placed on top of the compound wall, at floor height. This made the water pump used for overhead tanks unnecessary. spacesnepal.com
Conclusion In a chaotic city like Kathmandu where infrastructure and resources have been stretched far beyond its capacity, the human needs are often overlooked. Especially the needs of the poor who live in wretched, inhumane conditions are very conveniently swept under the rug without a second thought. The demonstration the housing project at Balambu is different from our preconceived notion of a housing development. It is basic, minimalist and is priced at Rs 5 lakh - a startling contrast from the over priced lavishly decorated, over the top housing and apartment projects. Mostly what makes this project shine above the rest is the reason that it was constructed considering the needs of largely neglected under privileged population. So are the people who built it happy contributing their share to humanity? Mr. Bhubaneswar Lal Shrestha who is the chairman of SLTD and the initiator for this project points out that he was elated with the initial response he got from public. People flooded him with requests for one of the four units. Finally the lucky few were chosen randomly through a lottery. Things seemingly
cement plaster
going right went distastefully wrong when the original owners resold the houses at a price of Rs 8 lakhs to 9 lakhs. But this hasn't deterred the will of Mr. Bhubaneswar Lal to continue and develop this project further more. He is still searching for new plots to construct the low cost units. SLTD also offers to provide free technical service for poor families seeking such low cost shelter who come in a group of 8 families or more. More awareness and education amongst the general public and strict rule and regulations regarding ownership might further assist in fulfilling the objectives for such projects. For now, at least SLTD has demonstrated what can be achieved by combining low cost construction technology and a desire to simply accomplish a good deed. Hopefully this initiative will carry on and inspire others too. Total estimated cost of the housing unit: • Cost of the building: 280,149.87 • Cost of the services: 35,592.48 • Total cost of the house: 315,742.35 • Cost of land: 167,500.00 • Total cost for the housing unit: S 503,242.35
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REPORT
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URBAN LAND POLICY IN ASIA FROM
political corruption, capitalist development
A CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE
where they have not sown. They are
and
international
finance
intersect.
Investment in urban land is one of the most profitable but unproductive forms of economic activity. Land owners are reaping expropriating for themselves a large gain of which a substantial portion should rightly be returned to the society at large. For many property developers, rising land value is the single most important factor in profitability. This is unfortunate, as the major contribution of developers is their ability to construct projects in response to market demands. It
Text: Professor William S W Lim Images: Ar. Sarosh Pradhan
is
important
to
be
aware
that
notwithstanding the private ownership of land, development potentials are regulated and granted only by the authority. Land policies are therefore powerful tools for achieving a wide range of political, economic and social objectives, and should be anchored with ethical concepts which are
Investment in urban land is one of the most profitable but
beneficial to the whole community. In this
unproductive forms of economic activity. Land owners are
from the multi-disciplinary perspective of
reaping where they have not sown. They are expropriating for themselves a large gain of which a substantial portion should rightly be returned to the society at large.
paper, I wish to analyze land policies in Asia cultural studies and ethical concepts in order to re-orient the governing principles of policy-makers from profit maximization towards a more equitable distribution of development benefits for all. I shall discuss the following issues: - 1) Safeguarding the Commons; 2) Land and Urban Poor; 3) Rights of Tenancy; 4) Incremental Values; 5) Space of Indeterminacy;
Land is a vital resource of society. It is the
allocated equitably to ensure availability for
basis of human sustainability. It provides the
the poor as well as the vulnerable and
space upon which essentials such as food can
marginalized groups.
be cultivated and shelter built. Historically,
6)
Land and Spatial
Justice.
1) Safeguarding the Commons Land and property are instruments that
the ownership, control and possession of land
Land Policy
societies design to advance particular ends.
had been an instrument of domination and
The value of land arises from the investment
Today, two categories of property dominate
empowerment. The right to collect revenues
and demand of the entire society rather than
the public conceptualization: public and
from land must be one of the foundations of
that of a particular owner. The rich and
private. This follows from the current
a
to
powerful particularly in cities of rapidly
ideological perception that offers the public
Worldwatch, Asia and Africa are set to double
developing economies have amassed great
and private 'sectors' as the only options from
their urban populations to about 3.4 billion
wealth from land appreciation, increase in
which to choose. While privatization is no
by 2030.1 With this frenetic pace of
the plot ratio and density, and the conversion
guarantee against mismanagement or
urbanization, scarce urban land needs to be
of rural land to urban usages. It is often where
abuse, government controls, though
state's
legitimacy.
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September - October 2008
REPORT
45
Land and Spatial Justice
workable in some instances, have often been
a wide range of sites of varied usages - from
is a major restoration project that demolished
shown to be inflexible and badly managed.
parks, gardens, parade grounds, public
the 5.84km highway at the centre of Seoul.
We need to seriously examine a third kind of
squares, cemeteries, communal meeting
This 6km long stream is beautifully
property - common property which is neither
places, nature reserves and water elements
landscaped and brings a qualitative
public nor private in the usual sense. What
such as beaches and canals, to national and
improvement and revitalization of the
have been known as the commons are aspects
religious monuments and archaeological
downtown area.
of life that have been accepted since time
sites. I wish to give three examples in the
immemorial in traditional communities as a
Asian region: - 1)
collective heritage and cultural spaces,
(Singapore)2. It started out as a colonial
protected
existing for everyone to share. Historically, it
project - a botanical research station. Since
Governments have both legal and moral
has served well for organizing the use of
independence, the garden has been
obligations to maintain these assets and to
natural resources of many kinds and for
progressively
sensitive
add whenever possible new sites for the
defining the rights and responsibilities of
landscaping and careful selections of plants
benefit of the public at large. Nation-states
people regarding these. Some things are
and flora. It is now a favourite place, much
and non-government organizations (NGOs)
common by their very nature - primarily air,
used sanctuary for research, leisure and
need to act responsibly as trustees of common
sky, wildlife, and waters as well as coast-lines,
exercise as well as a tourist attraction; 2) The
rights and services for the whole community
navigable waters and many other things as
Bund (Shanghai)3. As a public space, China's
and should not therefore privatize them for
well. People alive today must act collectively
famous waterfront promenade, the Bund in
profit. It is a dangerous departure when
and responsibly as trustees to safeguard the
Shanghai is conducive to various spontaneous
water and communal land are privatized
earth's natural assets, and hand it over
activities for local people of all age groups,
and when education, healthcare and social
undiminished to those who come after them.
ranging from dancing, taichi practice,
security are increasingly operated on
morning and evening strolls to just people
capitalistic concepts of profit maximization.
In the context of cities, the commons include
Botanical Garden
enriched
by
The commons must be safeguarded and for
future
generations.
watching. 3) Cheonggyecheon (Seoul)4. It spacesnepal.com
September - October 2008
46
REPORT 2) Land and Urban Poor
poor particularly the new rural migrants are
that the urban poor and rural migrants are
The history of colonialism down to the present
becoming 'nomads' existing in a perpetual
not the enemy. We need to listen to them
age of global capitalism is a history of
state of relocation and uncertainty.
carefully. They must be treated as full partners in order for them to effectively contribute to
exploitation by the rich and powerful through extensive land grabbing. Age-old territories
Hong Kong and Singapore are two
the vibrant, creative energies of the
occupied by local communities are often
exceptions in emerging economies, where
increasingly complex urban life. In many
forcibly taken for the production of
for decades, the majority live in public
older settlements, such as Dharavi in Mumbai
commercialized crops such as tea, sugar,
housing of improving standards and
(India), the slum occupants perform a network
banana and cotton. In many Asian countries,
supporting facilities. Both started their
of services for the essential functioning of the
urban land ownership is highly concentrated.
massive affordable housing programs in the
larger community.7
Indeed, nearly half of Manila is owned by a
1970s even when their economies were much
handful of families. In Mumbai, an estimated
poorer and with minimum government
3) Rights of Tenancy
three quarters of urban space is owned by
subsidies and nominal land-cost. It is
In the last few decades, millions of Asians
6% of urban households and just 91 persons
important to realize that both are city-states
in long-established farming communities
control the majority of all vacant land.6 It is
and can regulate the rate of migrants and
have lost their land. In many Asian cities,
in this context that we should understand
foreign workers. The single most important
urban residents living in old properties
the desperate flight of millions living in huge
policy-decision is for both governments to
and
slums and squatters settlements in major
make available substantial quantum of
stayed immune to land seizures. In the
cities
economies
suitable land at affordable cost with the
name
everywhere. Furthermore, rapid economic
provisions of basic urban infrastructure. For
expansion, millions without the necessary
growth of these economies has greatly
cities in many developing economies,
legal protection particularly in China and
accelerated the pace of rural migration to
financial resources are limited and providing
India, are forcibly displaced with little
the major urban centres. This has resulted in
large-scale public housing is likely to be
or no compensation. These actions have
extensive new illegal shantytown-like
difficult especially with massive rural
frequently resulted in riotous demonstrations
squatter settlements. In the meantime, the
migration. However, land for the urban poor
and
pressure of urban expansion has forcibly
and lower income citizens must still be
sufferings, serious instability and disastrous
evicted millions of farmers, slum-tenants and
provided. It is the responsibility of
social consequences. In China, there are now
squatters
5
in
the
emerging
squatter of
settlements
modernization
have
caused
have and
not
urban
unimaginable
little
governments and should form an integral
tens of thousands of public protest action
compensation. As slums and traditional
part of the social contract with the community
arising from forced evictions every year.8
properties in urban centres are now already
at large. In many less developed countries,
Given this situation, the concept of the
grossly overcrowded, and squattable land
slums and squatters
often exceed 40% of
right of tenancy must be urgently
everywhere are disappearing, the urban
the urban population. We must recognize
introduced and safeguarded by law.
often
Incremental Values
spacesnepal.com
with
no
or
(This concept is not new. Owing to acute
have, from very early on, already identified
Property tax11 - This instrument has for a long
shortage of accommodation, rent-control to
land as a vital resource and have been most
time been widely used in many countries. In
prevent the evictions of tenants was
successful in effectively implementing many
Singapore, property tax rates have been
introduced and widely applied in many
policy-instruments to generate substantial
moderated over the years and are now low
countries soon after WWII). Millions of
income from land and property. In this
enough to attract many investors from both
occupants must be assured of their tenancy
regard, Singapore's success deserves
individuals and corporations. Substantial
as this gives them a sense of security and
mention. However, the policy instruments in
concession rates are also given to owner-
permanence. Furthermore, this will prevent
Singapore should not be blindly followed,
occupied residences.
summary evictions without due process of law
as each city must develop its own
and adequate compensation.
implementable strategy.
Land
47
Development charges12 - This is an increment
ownership is not needed and is possibly even
tax for the State to claim the benefits from 9
undesirable, as it can lead to abuse, such as
Sales of Sites - Since 1967, Singapore has
the increase values of land arising from the
subsequent sales of ownership right to others.
started to sell land annually by open
results of changes in usages and development
Land should not be sold, but leased for a limited
competitive
private
intensity. Change of use from agricultural
period not exceeding 99 years. The land can
development usually on a 99 years lease.
land and green fields to urban usages will
be leased for even shorter periods with further
Development conditions and planning
immediately provide a tremendous windfall
extension possibility. This method of
guidelines as well as usages and intensity of
in the market value of the land. This is clearly
privatizing land will substantially lower the
development are clearly stated. Awards are
a serious loophole for major corrupt practices
initial capital cost, and will also generate future
usually given to highest bidders, though
in many developing economies. It is therefore
income for the authority. However, it is
perceived good design quality and track-
essential that the State must capture a
important that governments must maintain
records of tenderers are sometimes important
substantial share of the economic benefits
ownership over time in order to allow for
factors for prestigious sites.
from this land conversion. To a lesser extent,
tenders
for
flexibility in unforeseeable future changes.
this applies equally to changing from a lesser 10
September - October 2008
REPORT
Stamp-duty - This is a surcharge or fee
to higher value usage as well as to increasing
4) Incremental Values
payable to the authority when ownership of
in permissible density or plot ratio of the land.
The survival and economic prosperity of both
land and property are transferred. The rate
In Singapore, development charges are
Hong Kong and Singapore have created the
varies from 1% to 2% depending on the sum
strictly enforced and are updated regularly
essentiality for innovative new ideas to
involved. The revenue is substantial, but
in response to movement of market prices.
generate revenue in meeting the complex
fluctuates greatly in response to market
challenges to the unprecedented pace of
conditions. Furthermore, this surcharge is
5) Space of Indeterminacy13
economic development and rapidly changes
necessary especially during boom time in
When properties are no longer considered
in the Asian region today. Both governments
order to discourage excessive speculations.
economically viable or when they become
Space of Indeterminacy
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48
Safeguarding the Commons
Place - sense of identity
dilapidated, they are inevitably subjected
interventions throughout the country, they
6) Land and Spatial Justice
to demolition and reconstruction. However,
have retained their distinctive local cultures
Historically, the rich and powerful have
these spaces are often unique and chaotic.
and lifestyles. 2) Sukhumvit Skytrain junction
always created spatial arrangements most
They are rugged in nature and are able to
in Bangkok.14 Spaces under the junction are
favourable for themselves. The more affluent
withstand
jam-packed with chaotic activities and
classes are located in secluded residential
abrupt
fragmented
design
usage
changes, and
informal trades. Eateries and pubs together
enclaves and provided with high end
spatial
with cobblers and vendors, occupy available
shopping centres and other complimentary
arrangements. This random, impulsive, self-
spaces between and beneath major
facilities, while increasingly insulating
regulated environment continuously adds
structures.
themselves from their poorer and less
uncompromisingly
expressions irrational
chaos to chaos in the most surprising and
fortunate fellow citizens. On the other hand,
exciting manner. They provide alternative
Though a certain degree of demolition,
the poor in many less developed Asian cities
lifestyles and natural resistance against
particularly of older areas in central locations
are crowded in environmentally degraded
global forces of universal conformity.
of major cities, is undoubtedly unavoidable,
areas
Common traits may exist, but these spaces
spaces of indeterminacy should continue to
infrastructure and services. The effective
are also unique and reflective of local culture.
expand with the addition of older buildings
implementation of urban spatial justice is
and
areas.
clearly a difficult task, as it is necessary to re-
Spaces of indeterminacy are people-
Unfortunately, most city authorities do not
examine and challenge many long-
oriented and borderless. Irrespective of class,
realize that when these older areas are
established elitist-oriented planning theories
racial, gender or occupational differences,
spared from destruction and are liberated
and practices.
users can identify with, and even take
from existing regulation and control, they
psychological possession of, these spaces
have the potential to turn into exciting spaces
In my opinion, we should start by evaluating
without the need for legal ownership. They
of indeterminacy. They can become
a few obvious examples of local specificity
are pluralistic and exhibit a high degree of
affordable and alternative spaces in which
with universal relevance, particularly with
tolerance of differences and chaotic
to establish vibrant grass-roots communities
regard to affordability, accessibility and
complexities. They may exist as substantial
and dynamic, creative and unpredictable
suitability. Can we overcome the destructive
areas or as in-between spaces - cracks and
art communities that amplify the creative
addiction to private car-ownership on the
gaps created by new urban projects and
vibrancy of urban areas. These spaces meet
quality of urban life and provide adequate
major infrastructural development, such as
the evolving demands of the explosive
affordable public transportation for everyone?
disused land under highways. These spaces
expansion in Asian cities, particularly
How long should work-home travel be, before
often
offer
potential
residential
are
denied
even
basic
live-theatre
demands from the younger generation for
it has serious adverse impact on the quality
environment in which to demonstrate,
new locations with distinct identities and for
of life, by depleting the time for relaxing,
experiment and promote contemporary and
greater creative expression. Spaces of
thinking and being with friends and families?
cutting-edge intellectual, artistic, cultural
indeterminacy are the sustaining dynamic
Why are there so many golf courses even in
and sociological discourses.
engines of cities. They help to mediate and
land-scarce Singapore and many cities in
resist the hegemonic pressures of capitalist
densely populated developing economies,
I wish to give two examples: - 1) Little India
globalization and modernist planning. They
and should these lands be allocated for parks
along Serangoon Road and Geylang in
add a new dimension to the vibrant and
and playgrounds to meet the escalating
Singapore. In spite of large-scale modernist
participatory spatial environment.
demand of the community? Will areas of
spacesnepal.com
a
outdated
and
49
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September - October 2008
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REPORT mixed usage with residents from various
Conclusion
income groups, races and religions be considered more desirable and exciting than
With the explosion of information-
uni-usage, fortress-like settlements? Will
communications technology (ICT), the
museums, theatres and art performances
world is now unavoidably interconnected.
always only be targeted at and affordable to
Global issues such as climate change and
the elites, or can more sites and facilities be
sustainability, as well as poverty, diseases
provided for performances of popular culture
and provision of basic needs affect everyone.
and festivals at affordable prices for everyone?
To meet these challenges, we urgently need ecological and transnational justice, fair
I have been asked recently whether pockets
trade and sustainable globalization.
of farm land should be preserved in
However, there is a great poverty of vision
metropolitan region of Ho Chi Minh. My
in
answer is firmly positive. Urban farming can
complexity of current critical issues. The
provide fresher vegetables for urban
ethical instruments attempt to introduce
consumers at more economic cost as
alternative viable development solutions
expensive transport from afar can be
that would regulate rampant capitalism
avoided. Finally, let me briefly comment on
where ethics and happiness of citizens are
a current issue. The recent dramatic price
often abandoned and put aside. The
increase in grain and other agricultural
efficient applications of urban land policy
products is an urgent wake-up call,
are therefore essential criteria. New ideas
particularly for China, India and other
and strategies as well as alternative
densely populated developing countries.
solutions are urgently needed. To champion
Notwithstanding the demand of explosive
global justice within the ecological
urbanization, agricultural land must be
sustainability perspective means to redefine
preserved and should not be freely converted
the strategy of development and the
for urban usages. Low density car-oriented
objective of wealth creation through a
suburban development should be minimized
fundamental re-orientation on the global
or even avoided altogether. Many master
level towards social justice and enrichment
plans should be drastically revised, as
in the quality of life for everyone.
tackling
the
multi-dimensional
S
uncontrolled urban expansion must be strictly curtailed. END NOTES 1 See The Worldwatch Institute, “World Is Soon Half Urban” in Vital Signs 2007-2008, (United States of America: Worldwatch Institute, 2007). 2 See “The Singapore Botanic Gardens – The Heart of the Garden City” in Lee Kah Wee editied, Architecture, Culture, Ethics – A Workshop with William Lim. (Singapore: National University of Singapore, 2006). pp. 54-57 3 See Lim, Have you been Shanghaied? 4 See SPACE (Korea), 456 (November 2005): 190-229. Special Issue on Cheonggyecheon. 5 Erhard Berner, Defending a Place in the City: Localities and the Struggle for Urban Land in Metro Manila, (Quezon City, 1997), p. 21. Quoted in Mike Davis, Planet of Slums, (New York: Verso Books, 2007). 6 Baken and van der Linden, Land Delivery for Low Income Groups in Third World Cities, p. 13. Quoted in Mike Davis, Planet of Slums, (New York: Verso Books, 2007). 7 See “Dharavi: Mumbai’s Shadow City”, National Geographic, May 2007. 8 See “China: Eviction Resisters Test Property Rights, Worldpress.org, < http://www.worldpress.org/Asia/ 2784.cfm > (last accessed 16 April 2008).. 9 See Urban Redevelopment Authority, “Our History”, < http://www.ura.gov.sg/about/ura-history.htm > (last accessed 16 April 2008). 10 See Stamp Duties Act (Chapter 312). < http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/non_version/cgi-bin/ cgi_gettoc.pl?actno=2000-REVED312&doctitle=STAMP%20DUTIES%20ACT%0A&date=latest&method=part > (last accessed 16 April 2008). 11 See Property Tax Act (Chapter 254) < http://agcvldb4.agc.gov.sg/ > (last accessed 16 April 2008). 12 See “A Quick Guide on Development Charge” in Urban Redevelopment Authority < http:// www.ura.gov.sg/dc/brochure-devtcharge.pdf > (last accessed 16 April 2008). 13 The term ‘spaces of indeterminacy’ is first used by William Lim in his delivery during the conference, Bridge the Gap? July 24-27, 2001. See William Lim and Hsia Chu-Joe, “Spaces of Heterotopias / Indeterminacy”, Akiko Miyake & Hans Ulrich Obrist, eds., Bridge the Gap? (Centre for Contemporary Art, CCA Kitakyushu: Verlag der Buchhandlung Walter Konig, 2003) and William S W Lim, Asian Alterity with Special Reference to Architecture and Urbanism through the Lens of Cultural Studies, (Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co., 2008), pp. 120-121. 14 See Kevin S K Lim, “Learning from Bangkok”, Asian Ethical Urbanism: A Radical Postmodern Perspective, (Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co., 2005): 52-59. spacesnepal.com
The preceding article 'URBAN LAND POLICY IN ASIA FROM A CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE' by Prof Lim has been shared by Ar. Sarosh Pradhan with SPACES. To make the article more relevant to readers in Nepal, Sarosh had asked a few questions to Prof Lim as follows: Ar. Sarosh: Prof.Lim, first of all - I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts on the relevant issue of 'URBAN LAND POLICY IN ASIA FROM A CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE'-an important issue also for Nepal in the changing scenario. It was with delight that we met during the A+D Awards function here in Kathmand and it did give us an opportunity to echo the cultural feel of Kathmandu. Thus as a curiosity, could you share your vision of the article - a little more specifically with the context of the cultural climate of Nepal that you know of? Prof. Lim: Each country must find its own solution. At this stage of development in Nepal, it will be most important to get the basics correct in particular in relation to land use and general urban policies. The most controversial issue is to how to attract investment without sacrificing the interests of the community. Ar. Sarosh: Nepal is going through a radical change currently with a new political equation emerging. It is perhaps a time here for soul searching and connecting to some missed opportunities. As you write 'Land policies are therefore powerful tools for achieving a wide range of political, economic and social objectives, and should be anchored with ethical concepts which are beneficial to the whole community', could you share with our readers and our new policy makers - the key points from your point of view - to make this balance between ethics and the emerging realities - realistically? Prof. Lim: I have written quite extensively on ethical urbanism. Recently, I gave a lecture in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to explain in detail my ethical concepts on urbanism. Enclosed is a copy of my paper for your information. (Due to lack of space, SPACES will be publishing this paper in a future issue) Ar. Sarosh: The cultural dimension for investment with respect to the six issues that you have highlighted does try to bring out a balance in the quality of lives. You interestingly write that 'Investment in urban land is one of the most profitable but unproductive forms of economic activity. Land owners are reaping where they have not sown.' In value - quality of life becomes more important than the raw numbers or the limited visions of economic growth....thus with your experience in Singapore as well as the world over, what do you imagine for Nepal to become or can become? Prof. Lim: Nepal must be careful not to apply experiences directly from Singapore and Hong Kong as they are city-states. A more comprehensive policy to cater for the whole urban population and the interests of the community, particularly the urban poor, should be given priority.
51
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The Outer Ring Road linking all nodes
52
PROPOSED
Outer Ring Road FOR THE KATHMANDU VALLEY Viewing through the prism of existing legal and institutional framework Dr. Bijaya K. Shrestha Ar. Sushmita Shrestha
While some have strongly advocated the ORRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immediate implementation, others have cautioned on its negative impacts. In addition, speculative land brokers see this scheme as an opportunity for their investments; villagers residing in different locations hope to get benefits from the construction of the road; again others are lobbying to bring the road alignment closer to their settlements.
spacesnepal.com
Contextual need To respond to the rapid and haphazard urbanisation, as well as the increasing demands of housing, infrastructure and other public amenities of Kathmandu, the Government of Nepal in the fiscal year 2004-2005 has decided to launch the Outer Ring Road (ORR) project. This proposed ambitious project comprises of two broad components - the construction of the principal road with a 50 m right of way (ROW) and the development of a 250 m land on either side along its length altogether the development of a 550 m belt of land through land pooling mechanism. It is stated that this project is necessary not only to contain the population growth through planned development in the next 15-20 years, but also to create a new bypass road for the Kathmandu Metropolitan area. Moreover, it aims to delineate a rural urban boundary and to create an integrated infrastructure development corridor incorporating water, electricity, telephone and sewerage. Nonetheless, despite having such convincing objectives, this mega project's numerous implications on socio-economic aspects are still under review. The earlier feasibility studies, carried out by NEPECON (Nepal Engineering Consultancy Services Centre Limited) in 2000 and JICA's (Japan International Cooperation Agency) recommendation in 1993, for a new transportation route linking Lubhu of Lalitpur to Gokarna of Kathmandu, were based on the transportation perspective rather than an urban development point of view.
Consequently this has resulted in a difference of opinion regarding the proposed project's pros and cons. While some have strongly advocated the ORR's immediate implementation, others have cautioned on its negative impacts. In addition, speculative land brokers see this scheme as an opportunity for their investments; villagers residing in different locations hope to get benefits from the construction of the road; again others are lobbying to bring the road alignment closer to their settlements.
sectors' ineffective and inadequate supply, creating an unsustainable and vulnerable urban form and haphazard building transformation, clearly demonstrates the limited capacity of the existing mechanism in managing the growth process. Moreover, numerous weaknesses in the past implemented projects ranging from housing development, land pooling system, and infrastructure improvement schemes, further confirms the fact. The reasons are numerous.
Nonetheless, this paper aims to analyse the implementation of the ORR project through the prism of the existing legal and institutional framework with fourfold objectives. Firstly, it studies the contextual nature of the project. Secondly, it attempts to analyse the existing legal and institutional framework and then realises different weaknesses at the present context. Thirdly, it identifies numerous consequences of implementing the project under the existing situation. Finally, it proposes some pre-requisite conditions for the successful implementation of the project.
First - the five tiers of government organisation, namely the Ministry of Physical Planning and Works (MPPW) at central level, Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) and Kathmandu Valley Town Development Committees (KVTDC) at the Valley level, Local Municipalities at city context and local Ward Office and Village Development Committee (VDC) at local scale are yet to prepare the Master Development Plan for the Kathmandu Valley. The earlier five plans proposed in 1963, 1969, 1976, 1984 and 1991 were never implemented, whereas the recently adopted document 'Kathmandu Valley Development Plan 2020' lacks serious analysis. Though the Town Development Act 1988 empowers the KVTDC to prepare planning standards and urban design guidelines, it has failed to fulfil its duty even after 20 years. Due to the absence of such regulations, layout plan and provision
Existing Legal and Institutional Framework The rapid urbanisation of the Kathmandu Valley has instigated a high demand of serviced land and housing units including provision of physical, social and emergency amenities. At the same time, the Government of Nepal's and the private
Cross section of the proposed Outer Ring Road spacesnepal.com
September - October 2008
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53
September - October 2008
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REPORT of social amenities (in qualitative and quantitative terms) have become case specific and are primarily decided by landowners and the project staffs in the past implemented land pooling and housing projects. Lack of participation and coordination among district level line agencies has delayed the provision of water supply, electricity, telephone cables and other amenities in such planned areas. Thus, the formed built environment has been sterile and mono functional with many individual good buildings being a misfit into the surrounding landscape. Haphazard division of plots with unscientific street layout and without provision of open spaces and social amenities in the land developed by private sectors and individual land brokers has been unabated continuously, as they neither get approval of their land development schemes from the Town Development Agency, nor do they register their companies with the government. Second - the existing building bylaws based on the land use map of 1976 is the only legal tool to regulate the urban growth. As it is applicable to only new constructions, it cannot regulate activities like vertical division and haphazard renovation of traditional building stocks in the historic core areas, occupancy change in the buildings (conversion of residential houses into schools, nursing homes, etc) and so on, which are responsible for increasing seismic vulnerability. Moreover, many prevailing acts related to local developments are conflicting with each other. For instance, the Ancient Monument Preservation Act 1956 empowers the Chief District Officer upon the Department of Archaeology's request, to demolish houses or part of it that are constructed against the laws. At the same time, the Local Self Governance Act 1999 also empowers the Mayor to punish defaulters either by imposing a fine (upto NRs. 100,000) or by demolishing the building or part of it. Similarly, the spacesnepal.com
Traffic Transport Management Act 1992 empowers the Department of Transport Management to manage transport and traffic including control of vehicular emissions and conditions and road accident, whereas the Local Self Governance Act 1999 strengthens the local government's role in planning and development works with little power on urban road sectors. Thirdly - both the local government and KVTDC are ineffective in enforcing even simple clauses of building bylaws such as building height restriction, floor projection, ground coverage or set back requirements through building permit system and monitoring the construction site. Lack of coordination and cooperation among the three interrelated agencies, namely local government (issuing building permit), KVTDC (monitoring the construction site) and Chief District Office (punishing defaulters) is clearly visible. Finally - the local government has been found to be weak in dealing with private parties in terms of tax negotiation, planning approval and
enforcing the management aspect in recently completed public private partnership projects, namely redevelopment of 'Dharahara Sundhara Public Plaza' and 'Construction of Overhead Pedestrian Bridges.'
Implementing the ORR Project at present situation - Creation of New Sets of Urban Problems Looking through the complex nature of the project, the government's inexperience in implementing such programs in the past and absence of a detailed feasibility study from multidisciplinary approach (especially from urban development perspective), combined with the above analysis of the serious limitations of the existing legal and institutional framework, have proved that implementing the ORR project at the present situation could create a new set of urban problems due to numerous reasons. First, the construction of the 50 m wide arterial road, together with planned land development of 250 m on each side of the road will convert
The ORR will convert 3961 ha of land into built spaces. Moreover, the trickle down effect will go beyond the planned areas thereby causing further reduction in farmlands, forests, wetlands and open spaces.
approximately 3,961 ha. of land into built spaces in the Kathmandu Valley. Moreover, the trickle down effect of such development will go beyond the planned areas thereby causing further reduction in farmlands, forests, wetlands and open spaces. Land fragmentation and its conversion into built form will not only deteriorate natural environment, affecting the habitat of many species but also reduce agricultural products. Concentration of non-farm employment opportunities in the urban centres with negligence of farm-oriented economy in the rural areas together with the new development (both planned in the prescribed area and unplanned in the surrounding areas) will act as a 'pull factor' for population migration in the Valley thus further accelerating the unsustainable development. Second, the government's aims for the planned settlement in the Valley
through building administrative and commercial sub centres at the nodal points of ORR cannot be achieved under the existing situation due to many factors. No detail study regarding the space requirements and mechanism of developing nodal points as 'self sufficient' settlement has been developed by the government so far. In the absence of a Master Plan of the Kathmandu Valley, it will be difficult to relate the new proposed development with the existing settlements. The serviced lands need to be returned to the original land owners after deducting the land for ORR and the government has no legal tool to direct the private sector for a particular type of development (land use and buildings). Despite the close proximity between the city centres and the existing Ring Road, numerous junctions such as Narayan Gopal Chowk at Maharagjang, Balaju Chowk, Gongabu Chowk, etc, have not been
able to function as a new business centre even after 30 years. The same fate will be there at the new nodal points (which are far away from the urban centres) of the proposed Outer Ring Road. In a nutshell, the present trend of haphazard growth will continue between the Inner Ring Road and the proposed one as well as beyond the ORR. Third, the ribbon type development of 250 m land on either side of the 8 lane arterial road to be implemented through the existing practice of land pooling system will also face similar problems of little contribution for open space, road network and lack of socio-cultural and emergency amenities (as in the present land pooled areas) since the development cost has to be cashed out from the local land owners by selling extra plots. Planning limited to serviced land formation with vehicular access to
As no detail study regarding the space requirements and mechanism of developing nodal points as 'self sufficient' settlement has been developed by the government so far, it will be difficult to relate the new proposed development with the existing settlements.
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REPORT each developed plot without integration into the building construction, domination of residential plots only without socioreligious functions plus lack of development control for the planned area will contribute to the formation of sterile and monotonous neighbourhoods. Fourth, since the newly developed sites through land pooling technique will not be self-sufficient in terms of mixed land use and infrastructure provisions such as water supply, electricity, telephone line and so on, the extra population living in these areas will not only have to commute to the existing urban centres for work but also need to rely on the existing public facilities and amenities thereby aggravating the present state of crisis. Thus, these new developments will be converted into a dormitory section of the Kathmandu Valley with little social benefit for the public at large. The only beneficiaries would be the local landowners, whose land values increase by many folds. Population growth along with increase in socio-economic activities will definitely create extra demand for urban services and infrastructure facilities and failure to supply in the same proportion will make them costly, insufficient and unreliable and highly vulnerable. The extra trip generated by people living in the newly developed areas will create more traffic congestions, particularly in the existing city centres and historical
core areas thereby increasing air and noise pollution as well as commuting time with negative consequences on health, psychology, socialisation and economy. Fifth, the proposed conceptual design of residential neighbourhoods along both sides of ORR has numerous limitations. Layout design on the limited width of land in the same fashion - one open space at the centre, straight roads dividing the urban fabrics in opposite orientation and high rise structure along the arterial road - has missed the local context, site features and neighbourhood identity and character.
The only beneficiaries would be the local landowners, whose land values increase by many folds. Population growth along with increase in socio-economic activities will definitely create extra demand for urban services and infrastructure facilities and failure to supply in the same proportion will make them costly, insufficient and unreliable and highly vulnerable.
As the transverse vehicular as well as pedestrian network among different blocks of the same neighbourhood is weak due to arterial roads in between, neighbours will feel physically, visually and psychologically separated from the same community. The issues of spatial location and linkages to the surrounding areas, energy conservation, children's safety and peaceful environment, socialization opportunity and sense of community formation, all required for a good residential quarter, has hardly been acknowledged in the conceptual layout plan. Sixth, numerous radial roads (2-4 lanes) merging into the proposed ORR (8 lanes in total) will form a 'bottle neck' at the junctions and their redevelopment particularly along the meeting portions of the existing Ring Road will be difficult due to existing the building structures. No measures have so far been proposed to mitigate the impacts of ORR to historical towns like Changunarayan (World Heritage Site), Bungamati, Lubhu and so on. Last but not the least, although the government has hired different consulting firms for the feasibility and detail works of different segments of the ORR and land pooling schemes, the general practice of private consultancies of submitting the curriculum vitae of experts during bidding and commissioning the same job to someone else during execution, remains unchecked, which has significantly reduced the scope of better planning and design.
Pre-requisite Conditions before Successful Implementation of the Project
Isolation of community in the same neighbourhood due to proposed ORR spacesnepal.com
The Outer Ring Road project acting as a planning tool cannot only guide the future development of the Valley but also solve some of the existing urban problems, if some of the pre-requisite
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REPORT
Although the government has hired different consulting firms for the feasibility and detail works of different segments of the ORR and land pooling schemes, the general practice of private consultancies of submitting the curriculum vitae of experts during bidding and commissioning the same job to someone else during execution, remains unchecked, which has significantly reduced the scope of better planning and design.
Conceptual Neighbourhood layout
conditions are fulfilled. As this proposed project is the biggest development the public agency has ever handled in terms of scale, size (3,961 ha. of land development) and complexity (combination of arterial road and urban development), the existing legal and institutional framework needs restructuring. First, significant amount of areas surrounding the Outer Ring Road should be included in the project, especially at the nodal points, so that the whole site can be developed in a comprehensive planned manner avoiding the separation of the area by arterial roads. In the absence of a Master Plan of the Kathmandu Valley, an Urban Design Plan with land use provision and transportation system in relationship with the existing settlements of the Valley could be prepared. To develop nodal points as new business centres, the government must work out together with the private sectors and local real estate companies as well as urban designers, so that both mandatory and suggestive spacesnepal.com
urban design guidelines and other measures can be formulated. As the land value of the surrounding areas of the planned development will increase significantly, the government must take measures to tax those increased values as well as to regulate the urban growth. Urban design techniques through incentives in different forms such as tax cut, floor area bonus and other similar provisions can help smooth implementation. As the present technique of land pooling needs to be modified in many ways, especially in terms of master layout plan, land use distribution and in financing the projects, necessary amendments in the existing Town Development Act 1988 is required to involve the concerned public agencies in financing their parts of the projects, as well as to regulate land use and development control in the planned area. Second, for comprehensive development, not only the concerned line agencies such as the departments of Road and Traffic Management, Water
Supply and Electricity at the 'horizontal axis' but also the public agencies at central, valley and local levels in the 'vertical axis' needs cooperation and coordination from development of concept to completion of various parts of the project. Moreover, they need to share the development cost too. Then only, local communities will come to the forefront in contributing a larger percentage of lands for public amenities. In this way, the issues of housing urban poor, higher density through mixed housing types (including apartments) and other social and emergency amenities can be incorporated in the residential neighbourhoods and commercial centres. Third, a central level coordination mechanism should be developed to coordinate many municipalities, Village Development Committees and city level line agencies. The present proposed mechanism of formulating 'Land Management Sub-Committees' in each three districts is inadequate. S
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60 September - October 2008
INTERIOR
INTERIOR
Wandering through the labyrinth of streets of Thamel, a sign-board with the name TAMAS SPA AND LOUNGE and the image of Buddha on it evokes an enigmatic feeling as it keeps you wondering, until you ascend to discover an unorthodox paradise.
AN UNORTHODOX
Paradise Ar. Prajal Pradhan
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INTERIOR
As you land on the patio of Tamas, the captivating perspective of the Bali themed lounge holds you in awe.
As you land on the patio of Tamas, the captivating perspective of the Bali themed lounge holds you in awe. The open air patio acquires its theme with a raised wooden platform shaded by a metallic marquee and draped underneath with white linen. The rhythmic flow of the fabric provides fluidity to the ceiling, further guiding the visitors into the space. The wrought iron furniture complimented by Indian cushions on it creates harmony with the ceiling to garner a cosy environment. The strategic design and decorations by Puja Chand Thakur, the executive director of the lounge, has characterized Tamas as more than just another restaurant. This exclusive eatery, also owned by Karma Gurung and Alok Yonzon, not only offers bonafide food and drinks, but also a design that offers memorable dining experience. The stone statue of Buddha placed axially at the end of a small water body yields a spiritual ambience. The countenance of the
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The upper floor consists of a small bar adjacent to which lies the Hookah lounge, which is designed with a Moroccan theme with low beds, diffused lighting, wooden flooring and warm coloured cushions complementing each other to create a cosy environment.
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September - October 2008
INTERIOR statue produces a calming sensation. The statue made up of 'stone' was purposefully selected. As Puja puts it, 'Had the statue been of another material, say timber, it would probably have failed to bring about the calming effect.' Statues of Hindu deities cast in a precast concrete pillars at the periphery of the terrace bring forth a divine impression. Puja knows how a proper selection of material is crucial for successful interior designing as can be seen being reflected in her design.
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The cocktail bar at the edge of the terrace lures you with its chilled characteristics. The music that is played harmoniously flows with the rhythm The cocktail bar at the edge of the terrace lures you with its chilled characteristics.
The stone statue of Buddha placed axially at the end of a small water body yields a spiritual ambience and produces a calming sensation.
The adjoining corner with a semicircular wall with large windows opens outward to an empty outer environment and its balcony is modest yet airy.
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of the design. It further enlivens the spirit of the place. As you enter the century old building of the Rana regime, you will further be intrigued by the sumptuous vibes the place gives with its lofty ceiling and classical designed furniture. Puja has successfully transformed the neoclassical building into a modern day vibrant contemporary restaurant without losing the charm and integrity of the old place. There are no attempts to hide or make the building into something ultra modernistic restaurant; rather the dĂŠcor enhances the old world charm of the building. The interior has a variety of spaces from ultra retro sittings to VIP rooms. All of
these varying spaces have their own individual themes which invoke different moods. One of the most peculiar would be the sitting area next to the upholstered wall of red cushions which creates an ambience that almost seduces! The red cushions padded on the wall reflect the artificial light to colorize the atmosphere with its redness creating a very romantic environment. Contrasting the very theme is the adjoining corner with a semi-circular wall with large windows opening outward to an empty outer environment. A small group of 4 to 5 people can be adjusted in this place. The balcony on the same floor has a Tibetan theme. This small part of Tamas
is modest yet airy with the refreshing view of lush green vegetation. 'Thanks to the neighbour!', wittily says Puja looking into the neighbour's well maintained garden. The upper floor consists of a small bar adjacent to which lies the Hookah loungeone of the most booked place in Tamas. The lounge which is designed with a Moroccan theme can accommodate a group of 20 to 22 people at a time. The Hookah lounge with low beds, diffused lighting, wooden flooring and warm coloured cushions complement each other to create a cosy environment. One of the most striking features of Tamas that will allure you the utmost is its lighting. This very important aspect of interior design has been discreetly
One of the most striking features of Tamas is its lighting. In many parts of the eatery, the source of light has been hidden inside a wooden board with circles or dynamic curves punched into it.
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INTERIOR
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handled by Puja. She has used diffused lighting as an ornamental condiment for acquiring an ultimate elegance. In many parts of the eatery, the source of light has been hidden inside a wooden board with circles or dynamic curves punched into it. This innovative indirect lighting successfully reduces the glare and at the same time produces an aesthetical illumination.
66 Contradictory to the foreign theme of Tamas, the furniture are locally made - be it the cosy couches or the tables fitted with the marble squares - all of them are crafted in their own basement which has been temporarily converted into a furniture workshop. Even the very famous moirĂŠ lamp has been locally ordered. Adjoining this beautiful Hookah lounge is the restroom. The word 'Rest Room' probably makes one think of a place which is least taken care of in terms of aesthetics. But waitâ&#x20AC;Śin the case of Tamas you'll be proven wrong. As you enter the rest room it'll leave you enthralled. From the mosaic wall to the traditional stone spout (dhunge dhara) everything is done meticulously. The stone spout and the elegantly patterned stone tiles harmonize each other. Every nook and cranny of this classical building has been properly optimized. The variety of spaces created is the significant feature of Tamas. Proper use of lighting and colours play a crucial role to create a unique and sensual ambience. The furniture design and the materials used enhance the thematic charm of the place. Being at Tamas definitely makes you feel special...almost aristocratic!
Adjoining the Hookah lounge is the enthralling restroom.
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A courteous design always leaves guests with fond memories. Design ideas create an atmosphere that will welcome them time and time again. Puja Chand Thakur has been successful in creating such a charismatic design making Tamas S distinguishable from other restaurants of the city.
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PROFILE
Mission Possible Richa Bhattarai
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When Bob Dylan quoted, "A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between does what he wants to do," he could have been defining civil engineer Bhubaneshwar Lal Shrestha. In a career spanning about half a century, he has obviously dedicated himself fully in coming up with innovative building technologies that would benefit humankind. No wonder then that today, at the age of seventy-five, he has
The common mud walls can be replaced by compressed soil blocks, which are prepared by compressing a mixture of soil and clay through a block making machine called the Cinva Ram block making machine
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the energy and liveliness of men half his age. And this is his true success. Almost all of his dedication is now taken up by his desire to build a model orphan village in Duwakot in collaboration with the Paropakar organization. He has meticulously planned about raising orphans in the village and providing them with vocational training so that they are in turn enthused to give back their best to society. "We need to mould orphans into skilled and capable individuals" he stresses the point to us. He offers seemingly simple yet useful
built with bricks, rubble and mortar, almost
It is not the first time that Shrestha has utilized
technical alternatives for building houses in
halving the cost and further strengthening
his engineering skills for social benefit. He
the rural area, "The common mud walls can
the structure. It is gratifying to notice his
approached the government with a proposal
be replaced by compressed soil blocks, which
staunch belief in the method of cutting down
of resettling the Tharus of Kanchanpur who
are prepared by compressing a mixture of
costs without compromising on quality.
were living in dangerous flood plains. Having
soil and clay through a block making machine
obtained the green signal, he went on and
called the Cinva Ram block making machine.
When asked how he came up with the idea
built sixty-three houses, which are now ready
This practice is popular in Africa and South
of developing low-cost constructions, he
to be handed over to the Tharus. And the
America, it produces strong block masonry.
explains passionately, "A good engineer
best part about the houses is that each of
As for the roofs, instead of costly tiles, soil can
needs to be low cost. It is not a special skill,
them cost approximately Rupees 50,000 and
be used, layered with plastic sheet, wire
rather, it a prerequisite for planning any
they were all built using local resources and
mesh and bamboo. The bamboo should be
structure." One early example of his excellent
labour.
treated beforehand so that it does not rot -
cost-effective skills is displayed in the
traditionally it is cut and put into water to
National Stadium at Tripureshwor. In the
"The houses may be cost-effective but it does
remove the starch, or else it is subjected to
early 1930s, the responsibility of building the
not only mean that they are cheap," Shrestha
smoke treatment." He further adds, "We can
stadium was given by the National Sports
clarifies, "Any human shelter needs to be
also treat the bamboos chemically by
Council to a Delhi based consulting firm
strong, functional and durable. So we do not
poisoning the starch. The bamboo can be
named Sharma and Consultants. But as there
compromise on quality while reducing the
used as rafter, and it is most cost-effective for
was a cash crunch midway, Shrestha was
cost." He further elaborates the concept of
constructing the traditional door. The walls
called in. At that sensitive juncture, without
hygienic and safe rural houses, "Traditional
can be further strengthened by using half cut
compromising on the capacity of 24,000
houses built of mud have thatched roofs, so
bamboo posts tied by G.I. wire. But as this
spectators, he changed the structural system
they catch fire very easily. There is no source
looks unsightly, the villagers want rods
and managed the project comfortably
of ventilation and the soil is constantly eroded
instead - it is a sort of status symbol."
within the budget. He shares an experience of when the stadium was opened to the
due to rain water." He points to the
September - October 2008
PROFILE
illustrations and news clippings about such
After describing the technicalities in great
public, "A bhakku ceremony, similar to
houses that he has pinned up all over the
detail, the spry engineer shows the model
bullfighting of Spain, was held inside the
walls of his workplace. These exhibit just how
house he has built in his own compound,
stadium and the audience arrived in hordes.
thoroughly-researched and investigated his
along with samples of cost-effective soil
I was afraid that overloading would cause a
projects are likely to be.
blocks, and even a pavement that has been
problem, but thankfully my structure spacesnepal.com
September - October 2008
PROFILE
70
The low cost shopping arcade at Pokhara
withstood the test and there was no mishap,"
of Housing and Physical Planning. "I gained
to exhibit the fact that a spacious residence
he reminisces proudly.
a lot of experience from my work," Shrestha
can be built in an area even lesser than the
mentions, "I took part in international
prerequisite of 2 anna 2 paisa. This will be
Indeed, he has a career graph worthy to be
seminars and was able to utilize the
a blessing for the congested city areas." He
prided over. Having been born in the interiors
knowledge gained directly as output. For
quickly rounds off the features of the house,
of Kathmandu in 1990 B.S., he completed his
example, my visit to Brazil helped me in the
"I have used R.C.C., hollow block and corner
schooling from Durbar High School and then
preparation of the master plan of Singha
reinforcement, with emphasis on uniform
passed I.Sc. from Trichandra Campus. He was
Durbar."
load distribution. I truly believe that a house
continuing his B.Sc. in the same institution
should be stabilized and utilized in the best
when fate beckoned him, through the
But Shrestha candidly admits that the
Colombo plan, to the prestigious IIT of
standard of professionalism is slipping down
Kharagpur near Kolkata. He was awarded
noticeably, "When we were building
Just as we are impressed by his specific
the B.Tech. (Honors) degree and in 1960 A.D.,
Padmakanya Campus, we were so enthused
visualization, MP Hisila Yami found his idea
he joined the government service of Nepal.
that we would take responsibility for every
equally laudable when she was invited to
"When I joined office, it was known as the
single worker and resource material. But such
the handing over of the houses of Balambu.
Chhe Bhadel," he recalls, "which was later
confidence is lacking in the present
She professed her desire to live in them and
named Department of Building. According
generation. They do not consult seniors in
even promised to utilize this technology to
to him, the era of development began with
their work. They only demand their rights
the maximum. Shrestha, who has prepared
King Mahendra's ascension to the throne.
without fulfilling responsibilities."
a proposal for Yami's consideration, explains
Constructions were coming up right, left and
possible way."
his philosophy to us, "Army, Maoists as well
centre, as he worked in the capacity of
Shrestha bears no grudge against anyone -
as YCL cadres can be mobilized for such
assistant construction engineer. "One of our
he is content to retire and expand on his own
construction work. This solves the problem of
first projects was the Radio Nepal building,"
work. He acts as a visiting professor in various
unemployment even while creating a boom
he says, "I even travelled to New Delhi to
colleges and has even compiled a book called
in construction." Shrestha does not limit his
study about acoustics and used that
Low Cost Housing for Practicing Engineers
innovative technology to housing alone. "This
technology here. We also built the Daman
and Architects. He now has the full potential
can be used for schools, hospitals and town
View Tower at Daman as a miniature of
to exploit everything he has learnt so far. One
planning. In fact, this is a scientific method
London's Roaming Tower."
apt example of this would be the model
of solving the problem of Kamaiya squatters
houses that he has built in Balambu, at a cost
and providing them with safe homes."
He spent the next twenty-two years of his life
of an astonishing Rupees Five lakhs each. "I
in government service, rising to the Chief of
built these houses for two reasons," he
Even though Shrestha's motives are
Physical Planning and Design Section and
confides, "First, to prove that such a cost-
commendable, he has had to face hardships
later as Deputy Chief Engineer of Department
effective construction is possible. And second,
meted out by insensitive political parties.
spacesnepal.com
Sample of a compressed soil block finished with coloured cement which can be used for roof floor finish thereby reducing its construction cost as well as improving on insulation quality
construction, he was awarded the Royal Nepal Science and Technology award in 2000. Another mentionable award was given by SCAEF in 2003 as an encouragement for the development of low-cost housing in Nepal. He has been recently presented with the Award of Honour by Regional and Urban Planning of Society in 2007. When MP Ramchandra Paudel viewed his
construction of Kanti Bal hospital, where he
structures, he reportedly scoffed, "Will they
worked in collaboration with a Russian
At present, Shrestha is passionate in his
even last for two days?" Shrestha is worried
organization. Another feather in his cap was
ambition of disseminating knowledge, skills
about such negative reactions. Another
the building of RNAC (now NAC), which he
and awareness of this technology to as large
dangerous incident he recalls is that of a
economized so well that the total cost came
as audience as possible. "Our goal should be
project in Siraha district. With the funding
to about Rupees thirty-five lakhs. Then talk
to use prevailing technology after improving
and support of his friend Krishna Charan
veers to his master plan of Pokhara which he
it through relative comparison," he explains.
Shrestha, Bhubaneshwar Lal surveyed three
prepared at around 2023 B.S, in which a
But he also faces hurdles as clients are not
villages and classified them. Then, he bought
Dutch engineer was also involved. Shrestha's
ready to accept the novel ideas. He recalls
a land in between these villages, selected
plan was revised and later implemented.
a recent incident, "I suggested to an architect
twenty residents each from a village and
Another such master plan in which he was
that he should use mud tiling layered with
planned to rehabilitate them in low-cost
involved in as Project manager was of Lumbini
pure cement for his terrace. This would
housing, hoping others would follow suit. It
Development Project in 1984 A.D. He stayed
provide him with better insulation and free
was a novel scheme where the rehabilitated
in Lumbini for two years and prepared a
him from the worry of leakage. But he refuted
would be supported and would have to pay
detailed analysis, which he ruefully admits,
my suggestion. Similarly, other clients insist
a nominal sum in return every month. But
has just stayed in the papers. "This indifferent
in using costlier materials as they feel it would
false information leaked out - that the money
attitude to work is disconcerting," he furrows
be better. I feel a residence should be
of poor was being usurped. Having finally
his brow, "The spirit and enthusiasm for work
functional and hygienic, not a show-off." He
convinced the local Maoist commander that
has not been retained."
is enthusiastic about the popularity of the soil-compressing machines - over fifty of them
it was not so, Shrestha began the project. But
have already been sold.
then, Krishna Charan was tragically
But Shrestha is not one to rest in past laurels
murdered by the opposing Goit group and
or regret in missed opportunities. "I am
even the engineer was threatened. Even
entirely satisfied with what I have done," he
Shrestha seems slightly frustrated by people's
though it was a project close to Shrestha's
adopts an indulgent tone, "Monetary gains
attitude towards this technology that has so
heart, he was forced to abandon it. Though
are not the only pursuit of life, internal
many monetary, ecological and social
he is being coaxed back, he has shifted the
fulfilment has to be achieved through
benefits. But he is determined to continue
whole project to Kanchanpur for the Tharu
dedication." He adds," Due to incessant work
with his mission of developing the nation. In
community.
responsibilities, I could not obtain a higher
fact, he is the chairperson of SLTD (Shelter
degree. But I do not worry about it because
and Local Technology Development Centre)
Setting aside the hiccups of the present,
practical knowledge is far more important
which operates under the slogan of 'Taking
Shrestha delves into his bright career. He
than a degree."
technologies to the poor. 'The work may not be highly lucrative, but I am content to be
remembers having landed the tender for building Nirmal Niwas through free
Even more important than degrees, he has
dedicated to my ideals and construct a
competition. He was paid Rupees 30,000, a
a list of awards under his name. Foremost is
model orphan village in Nepal. You can call
whopping amount back then. He also recalls
the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu 3rd class that he
it my dream project," he ends with a smile.
the prestigious assignment of building a
was awarded in 1973 as an evaluation for
And when an individual with such dedication
Nepalese embassy in Dhaka completely on
standard work in civil service. As a
and sincerity says this, we can guarantee that
his own. He was also involved in the
recognition for his innovative work in roof
it is a mission possible!
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CONSERVATION
Durbar High School Sabina Tandukar
From the medieval era to the grandeur of the Rana regime, Nepal has gone through a series of transformations. The Newari culture of the Valley went through a metamorphosis with the advent of the Shah dynasty, and then came the Ranas, whose 'regime coincided with the zenith of the empire on which the sun never sets'. As the siren sounds of western culture proved irresistible to the Ranas, the reviving Nepali art succumbed easily to the waves of the western mores. Thus isolated Nepal opened her doors to western influences.
Jung Bahadur Rana, the first Rana prime minister of Nepal, built the foundations of 'Europeanization'. He was the first Hindu ruler to sail to England and France in 1850 A.D., bringing back with him Victorian sensibilities and western aesthetics. Schooling for the children of ruling families was another of his contributions after his visit to Europe. While Nepal-Britain friendship was steadily progressing, Jung Bahadur felt that Nepal had the necessity of not only warriors who could overcome any of her enemies, but also educated human resources who were familiar with diplomacy, politics, geography and above all the English language, in order to maintain her relation with the dominant west. Durbar high school - a pioneer in the field of education in Nepal - was hence the result of this necessity.
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History Durbar High School started its journey from a small room in Thapathali Durbar with students from ruling families and an Englishman called Kenning as its first teacher. The school was to remain inside the durbars (palaces) of Ranas, thus its name 'Durbar School'. That was the year 1854 A.D. when Nepal saw the very first rays of formal education. In its initial stages, there were no separate classes and students were taught English, history, geography, mathematics and Nepali according to their capabilities. In 1876, Maharaja Ranodipp Singh allowed the school to be open for children of high class government officers as well, and thus, although remaining within the confines of the palaces, the school saw its way towards being public. The school had to shift constantly - from Thapathali Durbar to Charburja Durbar to Seto durbar and then to Narayanhity Durbar. In 1883 the school was again shifted back to the Thapathali Durbar and then to a small shed in Jamal. Finally in 1891 A.D., Bir Shumsher, the then prime minister of Nepal, had the present elongated building built to the west of Ranipokhari. From this time till today, Durbar High School has remained in its own building. Although the school was funded by the Nepal government since its establishment, Prime Minister Bir Shumsher made the provision of guthi system to look after this school. Later when Juddha Shumshere came to power, he revised the system and made the school fully funded by the Nepal government. In 1900, Prime Minister Dev Shumsher made the school totally public and in 1967, its name was changed to Bhanu Madhyamik Vidhyalaya. It has been a co-educational school since 1973 A.D. As the school improved and classes upgraded to ten, its graduates had a problem - their certificates were not recognized since the school was not affiliated to any university. Thus, during the regime of Maharaja Ranodipp Singh Rana, the school was affiliated to Calcutta University, India and consequently, in 1880 for the first time, a group of students who had successfully appeared for the test examinations were sent to Calcutta University for entrance examinations. Among this first group were Chandra Shumshere (son of Dhir Shumsher), Shree Niwas Giri, Kedar Narshingh Rana, Balban Pradhan and Astaman Rajbhandari to name a few. This affiliation with Calcutta University lasted till 1917. As the number of students going to India increased every year, it ultimately affected the government's expenses. Hence, the Nepal government requested Calcutta University to open an examination
In 1891 A.D., Bir Shumsher, the then prime minister of Nepal, had the present elongated building built to the west of Ranipokhari. From this time till today, Durbar High School has remained in its own building. spacesnepal.com
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As one walks along the its corridors, glimpses of the adjoining architectural landmarks of Ranipokhari, the Ghantaghar and Tri-Chandra College induce an aura of the royal Rana regime â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a concept which had probably been deliberately created.
The Majlis Bhawan was added much later after the 1990 earthquake. This Bhawan was initially used as Natyashala (drama house), where drama sessions of the school were conducted with classical plays of Shakespeare and music to enliven its structure. Today it has been turned into additional classrooms and with a concrete floor added in between, a library and a science lab has been accommodated in the floor above.
Except for the corridor which still retains the traditional wooden rafters holding the stone tile flooring, all the flooring was changed to concrete. An attic space was also created, which now serves as a meeting hall. This was the one and only major renovation work ever done after the building was built. No such major renovation works have been carried out till date. spacesnepal.com
centre in Kathmandu itself, but the request was declined. The school then changed it's affiliation to Patna University and an examination centre was opened in Tri-Chandra College wherefrom matriculation examinations were regularly held in Kathmandu. In 1933, Nepal government formed its own S.L.C. examination board. For more than a century, many famous and renowned persons have graduated from Durbar High School. From the Ranas who ruled the country to martyrs' like Tanka Raj Acharya, Sukraraj Shastri and Gangalal, who shook the roots of the Rana regime and established democracy in our country, were educated in this century old institution.
The present context The Durbar High School building lies on a north-south axis in an approximately four and a half ropanis of land (1 ropani = 5476 sq.ft). This white washed, solid brick and stucco architecture literally appears to reflect the power of knowledge. The building stands proudly with its long arched
Today the school is in dilapidated condition. The classrooms are there; the students are there, but the environment which matters the most is degrading. The rooms are dark and dingy; ventilation is poor and the furniture and furnishings are grossly inadequate.
corridors that run along its length; its covered porches and sloped roofs speaking loudly of a British style of architecture but captured in a local context. The rhythm and repetition of its beautiful detailing has made the fenestration elegant and enchanting. As one walks along the its corridors, glimpses of the adjoining architectural landmarks of Ranipokhari, the Ghantaghar and Tri-Chandra College induce an aura of the royal Rana regime - a concept which had probably been deliberately created. The Majlis Bhawan at the south corner was added to the school building much later after the 1990 earthquake. This Bhawan was initially used as Natyashala (drama house), where drama sessions of the school were conducted. Sadly, the Bhawan now no longer holds those classical plays of Shakespeare and nor does music enliven its structure. Today it has been turned into additional classrooms for the school. During the 1933 earthquake, the roof of the building collapsed and the tiled roofing was replaced by CGI sheets.
Except for the corridor which still retains the traditional wooden rafters holding the stone tile flooring, all the flooring was changed to concrete. An additional staircase was added to the building that same year and an attic space was also created, which now serves as a meeting hall. This was the one and only major renovation work ever done after the building was built. No such major renovation works have been carried out till date. Today the school is in dilapidated condition. The classrooms are there; the students are there, but the environment which matters the most is degrading. The rooms are dark and dingy; ventilation is poor and the furniture and furnishings are grossly inadequate. Even the number of students enrolling in the school is declining every year. The building today holds two schools the Sanskrit Madhyamik Vidhyalaya on the ground floor, where Sanskrit is taught as the major subject, and Bhanu Madhyamik Vidhyalaya in the upper floor. According to Mr. Ramraj Kunwar, Principal of Bhanu Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, "It is difficult to run two
The busiest hub of the city - an in-between space from Ratna Park to Jamal junction encircles the school. Hence conservation in this particular case should mean the revitalization of the whole area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the nodes, the junctions and the road network that makes a city space. spacesnepal.com
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CONSERVATION schools in the same building and at the same time (since both the schools run in the daytime)." He wishes that each of the schools be better located with improved facilities rather than letting each school activities collide with the each other.
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Rapid but mindless urban growth and the tremendous transformations that has added to, or superimposed the old urban fabric, have torn apart the individual niche.
bestowed upon? The answer is the definitely NO.
our attention if this green theme is to be implemented.
Rapid but mindless urban growth and the tremendous transformations that has added to, or superimposed the old urban fabric, have torn apart the individual niche. One of such additions are the overhead pedestrian bridges that lay around in various junctions of the city. These bridges have deteriorated the visual serenity of the whole area - and in the case of the bridges on the Ratna Park and Jamal junction, it has literally blocked the otherwise grand views of those historical buildings towards the school's east face. They of course serve human needs if it could be properly utilized, but it could have been designed with a higher level of aesthetics, functionality, and location - and who knows - sub-ways could have been a better option!
The state of the area is seriously pathetic to those who have time to see and observe. However, a ray of hope flickers on the horizon now that a private organization has taken the initiative to revive and restore the buildings as well as the ambience of the whole area. This organization, led by education activist Umesh Shrestha, who is also the founder principal of Little Angels School, plans to preserve the historical building and revitalize the educational programs and facilities. The construction of a commercial complex is proposed behind the existing school building towards the Kamalachhi area, thereby helping the school to be self dependent for funds. The plan further includes addition of +2 level educational programs and various other educational facilities.
The footpath that runs along the site is narrow and in all seasons is dirty and foul smelling. Maybe a wide boulevard with trees lined along the school's length would compliment its opposite lane along the wide, open and inviting Ranipokhari. A green belt area around the school building could be an option to act as a noise barrier as well as to preserve the school environment. The north-east corner of the building i.e., on the way to Kamalachhi area is where the Municipality collects the surrounding area's garbage. This temporary dumping site is always filled with heaps of dirt and garbage; it needs
Conclusion
Conservation This century old building urgently needs to be conserved as it is a significant part of our history. However, we have to remember here that, conservation should not merely mean the restoration of the old building only. Owing to the fact that the busiest hub of the city - an in-between space from Ratna Park to Jamal junction - encircles the school, conservation in this particular case should in fact mean the revitalization of the whole area - the nodes, the junctions and the road network that makes a city space. As the building stands on such a prime location, does it still have the elegance that it was once
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There are numerous such historical buildings which urgently need our care and attention. Architecture nevertheless is the badge of sovereignty and if such attention be bestowed upon each of such buildings, then those days are not far away when Nepal will have plenty to boast about and maintain its S national identity. Reference: Durbar high school: chinari The Ranas of Nepal www.googlee.com/nepal-education www.googlee.com/ranarulersofnepal www.googlee.com/conservation/