BAGMATI RIVER PARK Elements
Existing trees
Densifying trees
Street trees
VEGETATION We strive to use mainly indigenous species that grow at the same elevation and climate as Kathmandu, in order to create the best conditions for biodiversity, as many animals are connected to certain indigenous flora.
The vegetation strategy is simple. We want to add a green volume to the site. This is obtained by densifying the whole stretch. The existing trees are kept with new trees planted between them. The plantings will act as a base volume; a framework that can be adapted for future park development. The areas in front of the temples are kept free of trees, to conserve the view to the water, and to emphasize the cultural importance of the temples.
A substantial row of trees are planted along the bicycle path that run along the river, creating a backbone of the park. Underneath the rows of trees, one can walk on a gravel path on the edge of the park. The trees protect the bicyclists and establish a clear edge to the park. The river becomes a blue-green infrastructure, transcending to other areas in the city.
At the intervention areas, the plantings are subject to the specific design at that location, for instance wetland species in the wetland area and holy trees at the temple sites. To emphasize the alleyways connecting the river to the city, we suggest planting flowering trees that stand out, in order to guide visitors.
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