Abstract

Various efforts towards safeguarding the identity and heritages have been done but still a major area is yet to be properly dealt with. The people or the residents of any area are the life of cities; any place without people would result in derelict land, a dead space. In a place such as Kathmandu Valley, the traditional residential quarters and the residents are the prime reason there exists a local culture; rich traditions, cultures, and heritages. Therefore, this thesis is oriented towards the study of the existing situation of the traditional residential quarters and proposing solutions so as to enhance the place for the residents and maintain the life of the place. Regeneration of such places is essential in order to improve the various social, environmental, economic and cultural processes that in turn safeguards and enhances the physical built environment. For such regeneration approaches, the urban fabric of the place needs to be analyzed and only then can the proposal for the changes in the physical, social, economic and environmental aspects be adopted. The views and the opinions of the actual residents were also taken into consideration through questionnaire surveys.

This thesis is focused on the study of Taulachhen Tole, one of the oldest settlements of Bhaktapur, and the need for an urban regeneration. As urbanization is going on in a fast pace, the lifestyle of the people have also changed, so have their needs and demands. The traditional houses people still live in the settlement were built considering their ancestors’ lifestyle with focus on primary occupation such as agriculture, pottery, etc. Spaces within and around dwelling units were focused on the occupation of the people. At present these spaces are not enough and result in compromised quality in life. Therefore, this thesis is aimed at proposing a habitable environment for the residents such that the quality of life is uplifted and that the local culture of the place is preserved. Upon analyzing the attained data, possible solutions have been proposed. The approach towards regeneration is based on the urban tissue of the tole (settlement) such that the various day to day activities of the residents easily adapt with the physical structures. In order to create a more habitable environment for the residents, changes have been proposed in family size and the dwelling typology as well. It is essential in such a neighborhood quarter, that spaces be provided for the diverse community to interact and strengthen the social cohesion.

In conclusion, it is stressed that the understanding of urban heritages should also include the traditional housing quarters and conservational efforts should not only be limited to temples, palaces, etc. This thesis concludes with a proposal and study on the improvement of the quality of life of the residents and the rehabilitation approaches that maintain the urban fabric and essential qualities of the settlement.

The study on Taulachhen Tole, Bhaktapur during the Conservation Studio and further analysis of the data presented major problems faced by the resident community regarding the lack of habitable space within the dwelling units, insufficient light and ventillation, buildings with structural defects, lack of open spaces. So a study to regenerate the traditional historic settlement was proposed as a final year thesis design project under the guidiance of Prof. Dr. Mohan Moorti Pant.

While much of the monuments are regarded as heritages, the resident community responsible for the local culture and tradtion, usally the life of the place, is often not regarded as a major component of the urban heritage. With this in mind, the study proposed that the original residents be fully rehabilitated, so as to maintain or even promote the local culture.

Relevant case studies of the housing practices in Kathmandu Valley were done along with literature reviews regarding urban regeneration - culture led regeneration, pedestrian environment, neighbourhood planning were done.

Traditional Fabric

The traditional urban fabric comprising of the physical and socio-cultural fabrics in an integral component of the city. Maintain the community groups and their hierarchy

Rehabilitation

In order to provide habitable conditions for the residents, the environment and the open spaces are crucial.

Re-use of wooden crafts and maintain streetscape

The reuse of wooden crafts and other usable materials ensures that the crafts are conserved and also reduces the cost of the building Maintaining the streetscape inorder to preserve existing streetscape

Idiosyncrasy

Recreate the idiosyncratic behavior of the traditional pattern of spaces and the buildings thats surrounds it.

Community Participation

Incorporating community participation in such projects develops a sense of ownership/belonging.

Pedestrian Environment

Creating a vehicle free zone within the neighborhood reinforcing the public spaces.

Access of vehicles allowed in case of emergencies

Program Formulation

• Full Rehabilitation of existing dwelling units/household
• Promote Existing Spaces
  • Commercial Spaces
  • Pottery
  • Paper craft
  • Rice Mill
  • Guesthouse
• Community Services
  • Community Center Club
  • Hall
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Internet Cafe
  • Kindergarten-Nursery
• Community Open Spaces
• Conservation of selected units
• Garden of History