INTERCITIES: NEPAL PRIMER | HKU | KU

INTERCITIES 7265 Kathmandu Primer Joshua Bolchover

INTERCITIES: NEPAL PRIMER

Smriti Adhikari (022583-17) Sudipti Giri (022587-17) Bidhya Gupta (022588-17) Sanjeena Jha (022589-17) Anup Poudel (022600-17) Bikalpa Poudel (022601-17)

CHAPTERS

PHASE 01: PRECEDENT SCOPING PHASE 02: PRECEDENT EXTRACT PHASE 03: SITE PRIMER PHASE 04: DESIGN PRIMER

APPENDIX: TESTIMONIALS

Phase 01: PRECEDENT SCOPING

LOCATION OF PREVI HOUSING, LIMA PERU

PROJECT NAME :PREVI Low Cost Housing ARCHITECT : Charles Correa LOCATION : Lima, Peru DATE: 1969- 73 Typology: Row Housing The project was born on the occasion of a competition announced in 1966 by the Peruvian government for a social housing intervention in the district of Lima to solve the housing problems in vast suburbs of Lima.

Charles Correa presents a project consisting of long plugs built oriented in the SW direction and obtained by combining 2 types of independent houses.

At the center of the area there is a service plug (central community spine) arranged perpendicular to the houses and which interrupts the fronts to avoid excessive monotony. As for the paths it divides the entrance roads from the pedestrian areas, each house has double access from both sides and, in the internal distribution of the rooms, the part overlooking the pedestrian area is considered as the part reserved for welcoming guests, also to underline the community sense of the project.

Since the main idea was to design houses where temperature is regulated by the climatic condition, the idea of exploiting the winds coming from the ocean towards the SW to cool the houses was used in the first project. The streets are oriented in the direction of the winds allowing them to be crossed for their entire length, also above the internal courtyards an element has been provided to convey the wind downwards, creating a recirculation of air and therefore a natural cooling.

MAIN DESIGN OBJECTIVES CONSIDERED: 1.Climate used as temperature regulator 2.Highest possible density commensurate - minimum width of houses in a row 3.Individual land ownership - different entry and exit for each house with separate front and back yard 4.Minimum road and servicing cost 5.Pedestrian/ vehicle separation 6.Earthquake resistant design 7.Possibility of future expansion MAIN DESIGN OUTCOMES: •The short span housing 'Offered considerable Structural Flexibility which could be exploited by the occupants.

•The Future Stages could add first floor bedrooms and bathroom •units can be placed in several different sequences.

•varying profile along pedestrian street •takes advantage of prevalent breeze •louvered air scoops over the double height for cross ventilation

Sky vent for air scoop

Proposal for Previ, Lima by Charles Correa, with zig zag pattern of wall to withstand seismic load and to incorporate wind and sunlight from all direction throughout the day in each unit. This was also done to ensure that climate acts as main regulator for maintaining temperature inside each units.

The volume of solid and void is planned in the ratio of 1:1 throughout each unit. At the center of the units run a “community spine” surrounded by dwellings on each side. At the extreme is a carriage way serving each housing units

The proposed void and solid ratio also ensured the initial concept of introducing social space within a small low cost housing along with the idea of using climate as temperature regulator within the units.

Double height void

Central private circulation

Central social communal space between the units. This communal spine runs in front of the compact units surrounded by dwelling units.

The void solid ratio is not only in larger scale but also in individual unit scale in Previ by Correa. Double height spaces, air vents in the ceiling and void in first floor supports the concept of social interaction between families and temperature regulation by use of prevailing climatic condition.

1969: The Previ Correa site right after construction with space for future extension.

2003: The Previ Correa site after addition of spaces in the individual units by their respective owners.

The units are designed in such a way that they can be either built by their future occupants with the required assistance or by the authorities themselves. The possible extensions are shown in the figures above.

Initial planning development of units done by combination of two rectangular sections juxtaposed besides each other.

Planning of 5 units packed with each other with small pockets of social spaces in between.

Floor plan showing internal voids in the living spaces. Solid void ratio is 1:1 in each planning.

CLIMATE AS INTERIOR TEMPERATURE REGULATOR

Cross ventilation ensured throughout the day due to voids and open space all around the house.

FORM DEVELOPMENT OF A SINGLE UNIT

Optimum sunlight throughout the day from open to sky voids and openings around the house.

A simple rectangular plan restricts the placement of openings in all directions.

Chunks of portions are taken away from certain parts of the rectangle to create social and green space around the housing unit.

Final planning with zig zag walls and pockets of social spaces around each unit.

Rainwater and air current used as natural refrigerant in the housing units.

Phase 02: PRECEDENT EXTRACT

KEY EXTRACTIONS (from Previ, Lima by Correa) Zig zag wall

Air scoop

Entry 2

Entry 1 FORM DEVELOPMENT ON SITE AFTER EXTRACTION (First phase)

Zigzag arrangement of blocks (to withstand seismic load and to use climate as temperature regulator)

Access from front and back (vehicular and pedestrian separation)

Louvered air scoop in ground level ceiling that allows breeze to pass in all direction of ground and first level

KEY EXTRACTIONS (from Previ, Lima by Correa)

Air scoop

Entry 2

Individual ownership

Entry 1

Social space

FORM DEVELOPMENT ON SITE AFTER EXTRACTION (Second phase)

Division of space into four parts (for four different home owners)

Raising half of the portion to create a connection from road to the courtyard (vehicular and pedestrian separation)

Central void that act as air scoop from the lower floors and social interaction space for the upper floors.

KEY INTERIOR EXTRACTIONS (from Previ, Lima by Correa)

Livin g unit 4

Livin g unit 2

Living unit 3

Vertical circulation

Living unit 1

Section of individual units. Double height rooms is aimed to be in each unit with interconnected social space in the middle.

Vertical circulation is confined to a corner accessed from both front and back access.

Visual connection and social connection from each unit to each unit.

Phase 03: SITE PRIMER

Map of Nepal showing Bagmati province

Bagmati province showing kavrepalanchowk

Kavrepalanchowk district showing Dhulikhel Nagarpalika

Dhulikhel

Kathmandu

Tibet

Sindhuli

Dhulikhel is a municipality in Kavrepalanchowk District of Nepal, south of Himalyas at 1550m above sea level. It is located at the 30 km Eastern rim of Kathmandu valley and is situated 30 km southeast of Kathmandu, 74 km southwest of kodari and km south of Sindhuli. Dhulikhel passes through two major highway B.P Highway and Arniko highway. Araniko Highway connects Kathmandu with Tibet’s border town of Kodari whereas B.P highway connects Sindhuli. The Majority of people in dhulikhel is Newars, and Brahmin, Chhettri, Tamang and Dalit are also living in outer area of the town.

Dhulikhel Nagarpalika

DISTRICT

DISTRICT

Connectivity Dhulikhel Bazaar is primary market center in the municipality. It is developed in and around the Araniko Highway as well as in and around the intersection of the Araniko and BP Highways.

Dhulikhel Bazaar, Banepa Bazaar and Panchkhal Bazaar in adjoining municipalities are the major trading centers for the people in the Municipality.

Connection of Dhulikhel with major city

Access route to different towns

Frequent buses to Kathmandu’s ratna Park bus station leave from Dhulikhel within two hours, passing Bhaktapur route

Public Space

Building regulations

IIlegally constructed temporary structures within offset being demolished by government in Kathmandu Dhulikhel Highway

Minimum offset from the major highway is 25 m from Centre on each side Right of way is 6 m

WARD

WARD

Connectivity

Walkability and nodes, major and minor streets Connection of minor street with highway

Narayan temple located at the center of the settlement

Old and new settlement connection and growth direction

Public Space

Uses of cultural public space1. For social gathering during jatra and festival 2. As evening hangout space 3. For drying grains 4. Conducting cultural activities

Most hotels are located within Wards 4 and 8. only minor hotels are available in ward 7

Building regulations

In core area of Dhulikhel, building which is constructed with traditional façade are promoted Cost of Design approval (pass) is made free by Municipality

10 % discount on taxes and charge from local government if the building have design features such as rainwater harvesting, bio gas plant

STREET

STREET

Connectivity

Motorbikes and small vehicles as major transportation there.

Average travel time in Nepal

Street stalls provide daily necessities to the community.

Connection of house and street

Infrastructure

Public Space

Nagpokhari, Dhulikhel (Ward no.6) Current status: Unused, Unmanaged

Street stalls also as gathering space

Pond and how people use it

Building regulations

Additional Fire escape staircase must be provided if plinth area > 110 sq. m Minimum plot size = 63.8 sq. m

In core area of Dhulikhel, building which is constructed with traditional façade are promoted cost of design approval (pass) is made free by Muncipality

Hiti pukhu Dhungedhara, Dhulikhel

INFILL

INFILL

Connectivity

Elevated laundary in the courtyard as a way sharing space

Activity in the road

Stacking the brick of collapsed building for reuse the material for new construction

Shared courtyard space

Public Space

Elevated building base as a semi-public space

Laundary hanging out side as a way to claim street

Activity on the road such as food stall stalls, play area, gathering space, etc.

Building regulations

Minimum 5m offset from the space with cultural significance, public gathering space, squares.

1.5 m offset from boundary line for opening and 0.6m offset for ventilation only

Usually elevated building base as a characteristic in Dhulikel: Min 45CM

Phase 04: DESIGN PRIMER

WC

ENTRY TO RESIDENCE

WAY TO COURTYARD

Courtyard

SHOP 1

SHOP 2

SITE PLAN

GROUND FLOOR PLAN Entire floor dedicated to commercial activity, for grocery and daily consumption store. Northern portion (part attached to the neighbor's building) is dedicated to vertical circulation and w/c as there is minimal possibility in that area for openings.

WC

BALCONY

WC

LIVING AREA OPEN OFFICE

ROOM 1

KITCHEN

DINNING

COMMON OPEN SOCIAL SPACE FOR BOTH FAMILIES

VOID

KITCHEN DINNING

FAMILY ROOM

VOID

ROOM 1

ROOM 2

LIVING AREA WC

FIRST FLOOR PLAN Duplex apartment unit for 2 families with a glass partition in the middle. The partition can be folded and the apartments can be combined whenever needed.

WC

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

Private space for the duplex apartments (family room and bedrooms). However, a small social corner is provided which can be accessed by both the families.

COMMON LAUNDARY FOR ALL UNITS WC

LIVING AREA

DINNING

COMMON TERRACE SPACE

KITCHEN

ROOM1

ROOM 3

ROOM 2

THIRD FLOOR PLAN 3bhk apartment in the entire floor dedicated to a single family.

TERRACE FLOOR PLAN Common terrace for the whole house with a common laundry area in the North East corner.

South Elevation

North Elevation

East Elevation

West Elevation

Y

Y’ X

SECTION AT YY’

SECTION AT XX’

X’

Wooden railing

Terrace floor

Third floor

Wooden carved window (Jhya) Second floor

First floor

Traditional Façade having wooden column(Thamb), window with brick exposed

Ground floor

Axonometric View

Blow-up details

First floor as public space, so colonnade space to maintain the flow of people.

Void in façade break the linearity of the front façade.

Connection of building to courtyard through door

Common terrace on top floor leads through the common staircase in west corner

Void(dining) space is one of the interactive space can be used as common space for both the families. And privacy is maintained through door.

Common staircase leading to terrace and each floor divisions showing internal partitions.

Colonnade space which is the main feature in Dhulikhel connecting the outside space.

Common staircase leading to terrace for all apartment units and common gathering balcony in second floor.

TESTIMONIALS My experience for this virtual HKU workshop on research in old settlement of Dhulikhel, Nepal was a great learning experience.

The most intersecting thing, I learned was how we took the precedent extract to our design.

This session not only broaden my mind but also helps to communicate with others in different learning platforms.

Finally, I’d want to express my gratitude to HKU for making us a part of this program, which was a fantastic learning experience.

-Smriti Adhikari Kathmandu University

This four weeks’ design workshop was very insightful and unique learning experience for me. I’m very much delighted to be part of this. Perhaps the time span was short, but I think we had learned various new skills and technique.

I was an amazing experience to work with HKU students and our instructors.

Although at beginning, it a bit difficult to catch up but later on I was able to grasp the ideas and comments passed by our instructors.

-Sudipti Giri Kathmandu University

It was a great experience to be the part of workshop organized

by HKU on the virtual research in old settlement of Dhulikhel, Nepal which compel me to explore my ideas and got encouraged.

The most fascinating things that I should be continuing in my own design process is the part of precedent extract from case study was not taken as disown to new design but should be integrated it to the new design.

Also it changes my perspective on site analysis to broad lens.

All the session through this onemonth learning experience inspired and broaden my perspective towards the process of design. Finally, i express my special gratitude towards the HKU for giving me such platform to explore my ideas. Thankyou very much!!

-Bidhya Gupta Kathmandu University

The design workshop of HKU, was very indispensable since I got to learn many things that I would be beneficial for my other design project and career as well.

It was a whole different experience for me, since the design process we practice here in Nepal and what I learned were very alike.

I feel the design development strategy we learned was holistic and was guided by the research.

Working collaboratively with HKU students was amusing experience. In spite of remote learning, the efforts our instructors were putting to make us understand were really appreciable.

-Sanjeena Jha Kathmandu University

Despite of this pandemic, linking with The University Hong Kong and getting a chance to be part of virtual intensive workshop was a great opportunity. For this I am thankful to all the faculties and students of HKU for introducing such interactive program. A different perspective in architectural research was a key factor of this workshop. Hope this kind of collaboration brings more opportunity and add new dimension in architecture in future.

- Anup Poudel Kathmandu University

My experience of workshop conducted by HKU in collaboration with KU was pretty awesome and pleasing experience in a wholesome.

One of the most interesting thing I like about this workshop was that it taught us collaborative approach to solve the design problem.

I got to learn about how the design process is not only influenced by what we wanted to build but also largely social context of the site and nearby surrounding. This prompted me to implement the things I learned in my other projects and career too.

Also, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our instructors Joshua, Kent and Jersey for their constant support and guidance throughout period. I felt our HKU colleagues were very hardworking and passionate to their work.

I my very thankful to University of Hong Kong for this great opportunity and hope our path cross once again in near future.

-Bikalpa Poudel Kathmandu University