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Ruchi Khakurel’s
RUCHI KHAKUREL
An architecture graduate who believes to stand out and deliver best in every work assigned to. Acquires leadership and critical thinking qualities with a keen desire to learn, experience and expertise.
Kathmandu, Nepal
ruchikhakurel7@gmail.com +977-9860560007
URBAN BAZAAR
Fostering Social Interactions through Placemaking
Category : Marketplace, Commercial
Location : Taragaun, Chabahil
Area :10853 Sq. m. (21-5-1-1.5)
Year : 2023
The urban bazaar to be proposed can be designed to encourage use and to address the human dimension by creating opportunities for interaction. Th civic square provides an arena for public activity that might be created along the axis of Pasang Lhamu Park. Along the axis of Chabhil-Boudhanath road, the Pasang Lhamu park creates an axis of opportunity for the marketplace to grow on all of its three sides which becomes the point of departure of the thesis project. The site rises with a slight gradient towards the middle, raising a platform for the proposed bazaar located in dense core urban settlement. Markets in Kathmandu reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and history and serve as important gathering places for both locals and tourists.
The components of a city, including streets, plazas, and squares, play an important role in shaping how a bazaar flows and functions and the social interaction of a city. Bazaar has been inspired by narrow streets and lively plazas. These streets are actually great places and not just corridors. They are places where people come together to shop, offering a sense of belonging provides a space where people can connect with each other and with their local environment. For creating a sense of visual hierarchy, buildings themselves are designed to be terrace-stepped, and providing a clear connection to the surrounding hills and mountains. Ultimately, the bazaar is anchored by a landmark building that serves as a focal point and symbol of the community.
Type Academic Thesis
In collaboration with IOE, Thapathali Campus
Plan (+5.0 LVL)
Master
1. Entry Plaza 2. Bakery Street Market
Food Street Market
Open Farmers’ Market 5. Pulses & Spices Market
Fruits & Vegetable Market
Dry/Cold Storage
W/C
Waste Collection
Waste Management Index
Urban Bazaar | Taragaun, Chabahil
Built form grows from all 3 sides to rest on the platform forming a plaza
Market hall created on the lower level which runs by the road level and can be accessed through pocket plazas along the bus transit.
Pedestrian access moves along plaza to variety of streets. Voids anchored in the platform to reach out natural day light to market interior at lower level
Built form to be terrace-stepped, creating a sense of visual hierarchy, anchored by a landmark building.
LOW COST HOUSING
Category : Affordable housing
Location : Terai, Nepal
Area : 186 sq.m (0-5-3-1.6)
Year : 2023
Land Shortage and the skyrocketing price of housing is one of the most pressing issues in Nepal. Especially in some parts of terai region where people are economically backwarded, the need to address the housing problem is a must. Furthermore, the slow decline of the vernacular essence in the housing is also one of the major problem. To address the same an affordable housing proposal has been proposed which uses the sustainable techniques, vernacular approach and incremental housing principle to provide residence for marginalized community of the inner terai region. The spaces and planning is done as per the layout in which centrally placed Kitchen and living area is constructed up of solid earthbag house. The core and the most used portion of the house is secured thermally by placing rigid walls and bedrooms around it. The core of the house (Kitchen and living room) connects all the bedrooms and porch making the most important of all space.
Phase wise construction approach makes the house more affordable and practical. The plinth and foundation is laid along with one bedroom, Kitchen and toilet in the first phase while the rest of the spaces can be added gradually by the owner during the course of time. The sustainable approach includes provision of cross ventilation and Bamboo Jaali in windows which allow light and restrict heat. The mono pitched truss roof is facilitated with wooden louvers on both sides to provide air circulation across the roof. An innovative method of fulfillment of water demand is done by placement of water pipes in the roof as a water storage tank. The 6 inches pipe is placed horizontally across the roof acts as a water tank and also a measure for insulation and evaporative cooling. The bamboo false ceiling with plastic sheets as a waterproof membrane prevents the structure from water leakage problems.
Type Competition
In collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Nepal
