बहाः Bahal: Kathmandu’s courtyard: Reviving the vernacular architecture of Nepal
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Authors
Ghimire, Jharana
Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)
Degree
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Grantor
Unitec, Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology
Date
2024
Supervisors
Schnoor, Christoph
Budgett, Jeanette
Budgett, Jeanette
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
Kathmandu (Nepal)
Nepal
courtyards
Newari architecture
Nepalese architecture
vernacular architecture
indigenous architecture
architecture and culture
Nepal
courtyards
Newari architecture
Nepalese architecture
vernacular architecture
indigenous architecture
architecture and culture
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Ghimire, J.(2024) बहाः Bahal: Kathmandu’s courtyard: Reviving the vernacular architecture of Nepal (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional)).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/10652/6685
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION
How can contemporary vernacular architecture be developed for Nepal in a suburban context?
ABSTRACT
Nepal is a mountainous country between India and China with a diverse landscape and a cultural mosaic that shapes its architectural heritage. Amidst seismic challenges and rapid urbanisation, constant urban development has been throughout architectural history while building resilience against these hazards. However, very few have observed the transformation of this architectural heritage. Modern construction practices are superseding vernacular architecture, especially in countries like Nepal. Meanwhile, the sustainable features of vernacular architecture are also being overlooked due to design considerations and construction methodologies. Therefore, it is necessary to acknowledge and incorporate the elements of vernacular architecture in contemporary design.
Domestic architectural transformation in the Kathmandu Valley was predominantly evident from foreign architects rather than from Nepalese architects. Architects like Carl Pruscha and Louis I. Kahn have left enduring effects on Nepal's architectural canvas, offering inspiration and guidance for contemporary design. Complementing these architectural precedents, visions drawn from literature emphasise the profound significance of vernacular architecture in preserving cultural identity and nurturing sustainable development. Literature studies deepen our understanding of the intrinsic link between architecture and cultural identity. Nepalese architectural historians like S.R. Tiwari studied the importance of traditional architectural value in a modern context and found that sustainability and the quality of life via traditional methods are achievable in contemporary practice. Scholars like Marcel Vellinga have stressed the importance of vernacular architecture as a source of architectural knowledge that fosters sustainable architectural practice through resources and technologies to develop culturally and environmentally. Paul Oliver explores Nepalese architectural practice related to sloped land farms in response to location, climate, and subsistence needs. Juhani Pallasmaa's exploration of phenomenology encourages architecture rooted in human experience and cultural context, fostering a sense of place and belonging.
Converging architectural precedents and literature offers a holistic understanding of Nepal’s architectural heritage and contemporary challenges. By acknowledging the wisdom of the past and engaging with scholarly discourse, architects can create spaces that honour Nepal's rich cultural tapestry while addressing the complexities of modernity and sustainability. This project aims to bridge a gap between vernacular and contemporary architecture in Kathmandu. The findings from this research transformed into a design departure, culminating in a suburban building complex. This research outcome addresses the lack of holistic design approaches, evident in Kathmandu’s architectural practice. This proposed building complex intends to be a testament to Nepal’s rich cultural tapestry while acknowledging the imperatives of modernity and sustainability.
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