SAMAJ SASHAKTI: Architectural empowerment for social cohesion and progress in Nepalese communities
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Authors
Chitrakar, Astha
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2025
Supervisors
Schnoor, Christoph
Shamout, Semeh
Shamout, Semeh
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Lalitpur (Nepal)
Nepal
Nepalese youth
youth
vocational education
community centres
community development
brain drain
Javāhara Kalā Kendra
rural communities
social cohesion
Sen, Amartya (1933-)
Nussbaum, Martha C. (Martha Craven) (1947-)
mandala
Vāstu
capabilities approach (social sciences)
indigenous architecture
Nepalese architecture
Nepal
Nepalese youth
youth
vocational education
community centres
community development
brain drain
Javāhara Kalā Kendra
rural communities
social cohesion
Sen, Amartya (1933-)
Nussbaum, Martha C. (Martha Craven) (1947-)
mandala
Vāstu
capabilities approach (social sciences)
indigenous architecture
Nepalese architecture
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Chitrakar, A. (2025) SAMAJ SASHAKTI: Architectural empowerment for social cohesion and progress in Nepalese communities (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)). Unitec, Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
https://hdl.handle.net/10652/7238
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
How can architecture provide an environment that promotes social cohesion and economic empowerment within Nepalese communities?
ABSTRACT
In Nepal, many young people face problems like unemployment, limited access to education, and few chances to learn new skills. Because of this, more and more young people are leaving their communities to find work in other countries. This constact movement affects their personal growth and weakens the local communities they leave behind. This project looks at how architecture can help with these challenges by designing an inclusive empowerment centre in Enkantahuna, Lalitpur. The research uses literature, case studies, and design analysis to explore how buildings and public spaces can support youths by being accessible, inclusive, and culturally meaningful.
Amartya Sen’s capability approach is relevant for this project since it discusses giving people real freedom as the actual ability to choose and live the kind of life they value, rather than simply providing resources or services. Equally, Martha Nussbaum’s expansion of the capability approach focuses on human dignity, emotional well-being, and the chance to live a full life. These ideas shape how this project understands empowerment, not just as having resources but as helping people live meaningful and self-directed lives.
The proposed empowerment centre, Samaj Sashakti, offers spaces for skill training, community interaction, and cultural expression. Using concepts from Mandala geometry, Vastu Shastra, and Bahal typologies, the design takes inspiration from architectural examples like Jawahar Kala Kendra, which applies the Mandala layout to organise spaces with meaning. The inward-facing layout and flow of spaces found in traditional Bahals help shape the design of the empowerment centre, creating areas where people can connect with others and spend time alone in a calm and peaceful setting.
This project shows how architecture can support empowerment by combining thoughtful design with social awareness. It offers an example of how community-focused design might respond to the needs of young people in Nepal to help build a stronger, more inclusive future.
NOTE:
Samaj (समाज)- Society or Community
Sashakta (सशक्त)- Empowered or Strengthened
Putting it together Samaj Sashakti can be translated as “Empowered Community” or “Strengthened Society”.
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