In with the old

Truly reviving our architectural heritage

by NEELAM PRADHANANGA

FROM ISSUE # 131 (November 2006) | IN THIS ISSUE
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Lately there's been a lot of talk of bringing about a renaissance of traditional Nepali architecture. But it's strange how many people seem to think this means just putting carved windows in concrete houses, or sticking dacchi appa facades on multi-storey modern buildings.

Walking through the older areas of Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kathmandu, you gradually realise that the essence of Nepali architecture comes from a combination of each house, alley, pati, and temple. Features like sloping roofs and carvings are the most obvious signs of our architectural heritage, but all structures complement each other, bringing harmony to the environment. Each element does not need to be stunning for the combination to work.

Traditional Nepali architecture reflects the life of those who use these buildings. The ochre of bricks, the yellow and brown of wooden doors and windows, the grey slate of our kuwas and dharas—all blend in with the surroundings.

The doors and windows on traditional buildings are of proportions both functional and aesthetically pleasant.

How buildings are positioned on the streets, their heights and number of storeys, the form and proportion of the buildings, and the atmosphere this creates all determine how pleasant a city is to live in, walk in, and look at. The next time you walk around an old city, keep an eye on the balance of all these elements and where they direct your eye.

This atmosphere is what makes Kathmandu Valley so special for locals and tourists. That's why, though attempts to project our Nepali architectural identity in modern buildings are admirable, they will remain gimmicks until we realise that the beauty of our heritage lies in the overall effect, not just fancy details.