World Town Planning Day
was celebrated on the 8th
of November, 2013. It was
initiated in 1949 by the
late Professor Carlos
Maria Della Paolera of the
University of Buenos
Aires.
Ministry of
Urban
Development celebrated the day with slogan, 'Town Planning &
Regulation: Basis for a Well Managed Town". Senior Planner Padam
Bahadur Chhetri and Harsh Mathew were felicitated for their
commendable contribution in the town planning of Nepal.
A group of Architects from
Israel had a friendship
meet with SONA Executive
Committee members.
Short tea program was
organized in Patan
Museum Café and informal
introductory program
concluded the meet.
A four day Orientation
Training on Sustainable
Housing program was
organized jointly by GoN
and European Union.
Training was focused
o n p ro m o t i n g g re e n
building in
Nepal.
Ar. Sakar Shrestha and
Ar. Bishwodev Bhattarai participated on behalf of SONA
Town Development Fund
c e l e b ra t e d i t s th 2 6 t h
anniversary on 14 Feb,
2014. The activities and
work of TDF were
highlighted by the
chairman. The program was
held in Malla Hotel.
congress held every two years, attended by architects and students
from member countries of the Architects Regional Council Asia
(ARCASIA). The main objective of the congress is to facilitate Asian
talents of architecture to travel around the region and gain in-depth
exposure in architectural environments of member countries. The
congress also coincides with the institution's Annual Meetings
(ARCASIA Council Meeting) which deliberates and presents
collective directions of the architectural industry of the region.
ACA is a platform for intellectual exchange and culture sharing
among member countries, where people from cross-culture come
to a common ground and interchange their knowledge of
architecture, art and culture for 6 event days. Host country is
selected from 19 member countries and this is the third time
Malaysia accommodating ACA. Student Jamboree is yet another
event of Students of Architecture from member institute which
verves parallel with ACA.
On 24th of June, ARASIA Office Bearer meeting, ARSASIA
Committee Meeting, and Fellowship Forum will be held whereas,
council meeting is scheduled for 25th and 26th. ACA will start from
27th and ends up in 28th with friendship dinner. On the last day,
29th of June, ACA officially concludes with architect's tour to
Malacca and Putrajaya.
For participation, one has to be an architect of ARCASIA member
institute or he/she has to be spouse/accompanying friend of
member architect. All expenses shall be borne by participants
themselves and registration fee US$ 350 is charged for architects
whereas for accompanying person, the charge is US$ 200. For
registration in students Jamboree, two students each from member
countries are complimentary which shall be recommended by
respective member institutes and additional attendee has to pay
US$ 200 as registration fee. One can visit
http://www.aca16kl.com/en for further information.
Notice
SONA Architectural Student’s
Design Competition
SONA actively participated
in Bagmati Cleaning
Campaign on its 48th week
of 100 week ambitious
crusade against filthy
Bagmati. The program was
lead by Chief Secretary
Lilamani Poudel.
A 10 day Training program
on Multi-Hazard
Vulnerability Assessment
and Strategies for Risk
Sensitive Land Use Plan of
Kathmandu Valley was
organized by Kathmandu
Va l l e y D e v e l o p m e n t
Authority (KVDA) with the support form UNDP. Ar. Bhagawat Bhakta
Khokhali on behalf of SONA took the training.
Title: Nepal Tourist Center, Location: Thamel
rd
th
Requirements: Architectural Students of 3 and 4 Year
st
Submission Deadline: Ashar 17, 2071 (1 July 2014)
Winning design will be awarded with certificates and cash prize.
Please visit SONA website for further details.
KVDA Logo Design Competition
SONA announces LOGO design competition for Kathmandu Valley
Development Authority (KVDA)
Requirements: LOGO, Letter Head, Report Format, Corporate Color,
Corporate Font
Eligibility: Open to all, Submission Deadline: 15th Nov, 2014
First Prize: Rs. 50,000/-, Second: 25,000/-, Third: 15,000/-
Call for Architectural Design
SONA calls for Architectural Design from our member architects to
exhibit in National Architectural Exhibition on coming September.
Requirements: Well composed work in two A2 Sheet
Submission Deadline: 31st August, 2014
Format: Digital (.pdf, .tif, .jpeg, .dwg, .cdr, .psd or any compatible
format)
16th Asian Congress of
Design Competition for Conceptual Planning of proposed Park in
Architects, Kuala Lampur
Gokarna Sanitary Landfill Site will be launched very soon.
16 Asian Congress of Architects will be held in Kuala
Lumpur, Newsletter Team
from 23-29 June 2014, with the theme of Rejuvenation with the aim
th
for "Stimulation to a renewed vigor and dynamism in the
profession and process of creative output". ACA is a major regional
“There will never be great architects or great architecture
without great patrons.”
- Edwin Lutyens
Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA)
Churchil Complex, China Town, Top Floor
Sundhara, Kathmandu, Nepal
Telephone : +977-1-4262252
email
: info@sona.org.np, sona2047@gmail.com
Website : www.sona.org.np
: Ar. Arun Dev Pant
Chief Editor
: Ar. Bishwodev Bhattarai
Editor
: Ar. Bhagawat Bhakta Khokhali
Contributor
Graphics & Design : Ar. Bishwodev Bhattarai
Co-ordinated by SONA Communication, Publication and
Out Reach Committee
MEMBER OF
Architects Regional Council of Asia
South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation of Architects
Official Paint Partner of SONA
Asian Paints
P4
P4
Sona
NEWSLETTER
Volume 3 April 2014
SONA Tri-Monthly Newsletter
19
th
INSIDE
Pg2:
- Editorial
- Article: Importance of
Conserving Traditional
Residential Buildings of
Nepal
Pg 3:
- SONA Organized Events
- SONA Up-Coming Events
- SONA Committee
Activities
- SONA Participated Events
Pg 4:
- 16th Asian Congress of
Architects, Kuala Lumpur
- Notice
“We shape our
buildings; thereafter
they shape us”
- Winston Churchill
Annual General Meeting of Society of
Nepalese Architects was held in Hotel
Annapurna on Nov. 29, 2013. Former V.
Chairman of National Planning Commission
Mr. Rabindra Kumar Shakya graced the event
as chief guest. President of the Society Ar.
S w a r u p G . Ko n e y h i g h l i g h t e d t h e
achievements and activities of SONA and
Treasurer Ar. Sarita Maskey presented yearly
account statement of the society.
Concerned member architects put forward
some issues and urged SONA to further work
towards the betterment of the community.
The prominent concern of all architects was
establishment of Architect's Council in Nepal,
which in fact is essential. Ar. Bharat Sharma
was selected to represent the voice of the
General Assembly Members.
9 different sub-committees of SONA lead by
eminent architects are working hard in
response to the questions raised in AGM.
SONA is committed to work for the From Left: Ar. Sakar Shrestha, Ar. Prajwal Hada, Ar, Bhagawat Bhakta Khokhali,
betterment of all architects and would like to Ar. Bishnu Panthee, Ar. Swarup Gurung Koney, Ar. Arun Dev Pant, Ar. Sarita
Maskey, Ar. Ashok K. Sainju, Ar. Debesh Raj Bhattarai
ensure future continuity.
Student Award
Concluding ARCASIA Forum-17
2013 AD became a significant year in the history of SONA with the
conclusion of ARCASIA Forum-17. When SONA first put forth the idea
of organizing ARCASIA Forum-17 in Kathmandu, it raised quite a
number of brows, national and international. There were plenty of
skeptics who genuinely believed that it was beyond our capability.
Frankly, even SONA had serious doubts initially. However, with sheer
determination and full confidence SONA took the plunge and came
up with flying colors.
ARCASIA Forum-17 became a grand success, leaving the skeptics
agape. Even with more than 200 international and 300 national
delegates, dignitaries and guests SONA's hospitality never wavered.
Such was the preparation of the Forum, some of the delegates went
as far as to claim that this is one of the best forum in the history of
ARCASIA.
SONA was thus able to leave a lasting impression in the ARCASIA
Forum. However, this would not have been possible without the help
of the large number of people and organizations who supported and
stood by SONA at all times.
Hence, fully aware of this fact, SONA organized a Thank You Dinner at
Hotel de l' Annapurna (ARCH Room) on 11th of Manshir, 2070 (26th of
November, 2013) from 5 PM onwards to honor everyone who helped
us make ARCASIA Forum-17 a huge success.
Ar. Kishor Thapa, the Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development
(MoUD) graced the eventful dinner as an honorable chief guest.
Among the guests were all the sponsors; partner organizations like
Soaltee Hotel, Gandaki Travels, Grand Bank; news media; HODs of the
Architectural Departments of various colleges; MOUD and DUDBC
officials including DUDBC DG Mr. Shambhu KC and finally all the
volunteer architects and the students who dedicated so much of their
time and effort to SONA and ARCASIA Forum-17.
Major sponsors were given mementos and all the other individuals &
organizations were recognized with the certificate of appreciation for
their outstanding support. Everyone enjoyed the following dinner
which added an icing on the cake in the concluding program of
ARCASIA Forum-17, 2013. Lastly, SONA is truly grateful to everyone
for all the help and support without which ARCASIA Forum-17, 2013
Kathmandu would not have been added to the list of the
accomplishments of SONA.
Contributor: Ar. Salena Sangachhe
Student Design Competition:
T
he ARCASIA Students' Design Competition – 2013 was conceived
and programmed with the view of fulfilling the requirements of the
17th ARCASIA FORUM and 34th Council Meeting held at
Kathmandu from 6-10 October, 2013 Nepal. Sr. Ar. Devendra Nath
Gongol was convener of ARCASIA Student Design Competition, who
invited HoD's from all 7 architectural colleges and set a theme
“Asian Youth Center”. Two entries from each college were selected
and best two design were further sent to ARCASIA. Although we
were unable to win any prize from ARCASA, collected 14 entries
were adjudicated by panel of 5 architects, Ar. Vijaya Burathoki
(Chairman), Ar. Chand S. Rana (Co-ordinator, Ar. Swarup Gurung
Koney, Ar. Shailita Joshi and Ar. Prajwal Hada. Top 5 were selected
and awarded in 19th Annual general Meeting of SONA. Winner
student from IOE Pulchowk Campus Mr. Niran Maharjan bestowed
with prize money Rs. 25,000, and Runner-up Mr. Sirjan Gadal from
Kathmandu Engineering College was awarded with Rs. 15,000
followed by third position Mr. Sunil Pawan from Khowpa
Engineering College with Rs. 10,000. Mr. Bijay K. Prajapati from
Himalayan Engineering College and Mr. Samir Dahal from Nepal
Engineering College were presented with consolation prize of Rs.
5000 each.
SONA has decided to conduct student design competition yearly
and strongly believes that competition like this shall enhance
innovation, creativity, and quality of architectural education among
students and institutions.
Best Student Award:
S
ONA added yet another
award which commenced
from year 2013. Award
entitled “Gangadhar Bhatta
Best Architecture Student
Award” was presented to
Ms. Namrata Maharjan from
Institute of Engineering,
Pulchowk Campus for her
outstanding academic
performance. She was awarded with a Medal, certificate of recognition
and Rs. 10,000 as a prize money. She scored 82.4% in an aggregate.
Contributor: Ar. Chand S.Rana, HoD, IOE
P1
EDITORIAL
This executive committee has made an effort to institutionalize
SONA's activities in a manner that will make it more relevant in
the community of architects at home and abroad. Hosting the
17th ARCASIA FORUM and the 34th Council Meetings required
a major effort on our part and it was only possible with the help
of our well wishers that included our colleagues, professional
organizations and industry partners from both the
governmental and private sectors. In addition, a team of
dedicated professionals and students of architecture spent
their valuable time and effort into making the event a success.
We have now taken a first major step to establish the presence
of Nepalese architects in the international scene on an equal
footing as the other member countries of ARCASIA and
SAARCH. Our intention is to capture this momentum and
encourage our committees to continue their involvements
with the international counterparts. We have retained Ar.
Salena Sangachhe post ARCASIA for following up on our
international committments.
A number of committees have been recently formed that will
look into issues that interest and affect the architectural
profession and education. The details of these are listed out in
this newsletter. A part time position for an architect was felt
necessary for SONA to effectively communicate with its
members as well as disseminate information to related
professionals and institutions. The revival of the newsletter is
one of the results of this effort. We hope to be able to publish
this newsletter on a regular basis from now on and are thankful
to Ar. Bishwodev Bhattarai for joining this SONA team and
taking up this responsibility.
We call for our members to participate in our committees and
strengthen them by getting involved in the various fields such
as professional practice, council formation, sustainable design,
education, and social responsibility. The SONA policy
committee has already held two sessions titled "THE SONA
DISCUSSION FORUM" wherein public architecture as well as
planning for Kathmandu were the main focus. We were
pleased that these debates were attended by professionals,
government representatives, students and faculty as well
other professional organizations. We look forward to working
with institutions like KVDA, DUDBC, NEA, SCAEF,RUPSON as
well as Depts. of Architecture of the various colleges on
matters that affect the urban and building policy of the country
as well as on improving the level of architectural education.
We have been encouraged by their response and
encouragement and are specially grateful to Secretary of
Ministry of Urban Development Ar. Kishore Thapa for always
being there for SONA. We are equally grateful to our
committee heads for agreeing to spare their valuable time to
provide meaningful inputs into the various topics that are at
the core of our profession by actively seeking to be more
meaningful to the larger community. The country is in
transition and needs to be built up on solid ground and one
major way we can contribute is by making our own institution
stronger and stable in order to play a more decisive and
constructive role towards the betterment of the nation and
our profession.
Importance of Conserving the
Traditional Residential
Buildings of Nepal
If you don't know where you've come from, you don't know where
you are” – James Burke
Traditional buildings are a physical manifestation of the social and
cultural traditions which have developed to give the city its
meaning and character. A city without traditional buildings is a city
without an identity. Conservation of traditional residential
buildings aside from the monuments is important to retain the
identity of the city. These buildings provide continuity in the places
where we live. However the residential buildings are not getting its
due attention as they are rarely talked about in the urban heritage
discussion. Also these buildings are being torn down or destroyed
due to rapid urbanization and the perceived notion that old is bad.
A Doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect can only
advise his clients to plant vines.
- Frank Lloyd Wright
This in turn has changed the urban fabric of the cities. In recent
times cities of Nepal look the same with the dominance of concrete,
glass and steel skyscrapers. Every city has the same type of buildings
and services. It is difficult to set one apart from another as the
culture, buildings and monuments pertinent to the place are being
lost. Older buildings are a welcome diversion from glass and steel
structures. The conflict of modernization and preservation of
cultural heritage is a huge topic of discussion in architecture. Rapid
development has led to the improvement in quality of life but at the
same time much of our historic urban fabric has vanished. This
conflict between modernization and preservation is especially
visible in the older core of the cities. Everywhere the historic city
center exists as it is from here that the cities have grown. This core
represents a link to the past but it is also prone to destruction,
demolition and replacement. This is true not only for cities within
Kathmandu valley but also for other historic cities of Nepal such as
Tansen. Replacement of traditional buildings in Tansen especially in
the core itself has led to an awkward juxtaposition of buildings due
to the size and massing. This has not only led to the deterioration of
the cultural heritage but also failed to attract tourists for the
economic development of the town. On the other hand, Bandipur is
a great example for a place which has preserved residential
buildings of historical importance and used it for the promotion of
tourism in the place. Bandipur is inundated with Newari culture and
tradition.
Conservation of residential building is totally different from other
heritage structures like temples and palaces as these are owned and
lived by private citizens. Without the awareness amongst the
people and local citizens, architects cannot do much. The
communities have to take responsibility as it is them who have to
take care of it. They have to be the caretakers. Architects have to
also share the responsibility as they are the ones who design the
buildings and in turn the cityscape. They have to promote authentic
design relevant to the place depending on the materials, form and
façade. Architects have to find a mid-way where conservation can
go hand in hand with the much needed urban development. The
important question is; does an architect demolish the structure and
build new ones or can they work around it? Architects have to try
their best to preserve the buildings by striking a balance between
the modern amenities and the look of the building. Construction
technology of older buildings which is much more sustainable,
durable and earthquake resistant needs to be preserved and
encouraged as the use of cement concrete for the construction of
new buildings greatly impacts the environment. The older buildings
are also good for the environment as it is energy efficient and saves
lot of energy. Façade retention can be a viable solution as the urban
fabric does not get destroyed and at the same time the home
owners can enjoy modern facilities.
Façade retention or facadism is a controversial issue in preserving
historically important buildings. It has worked in other parts of the
world such as Glasgow, United Kingdom and Athens, Greece where
it was seen as a sustainable way of conservation. It is a compromise
between demolition and historic preservation. Municipalities have
also started encouraging home owners by giving subsidies on
construction materials for retaining the building façade or building
high rise but with traditional façade. Successful rehabilitation of
traditional buildings has been done within Kathmandu Valley but
not much work in terms of rehabilitation has been done outside of
the valley. Also the number of rehabilitated buildings within
Kathmandu Valley itself is quite less compared to the entire valley.
Nepal is highly dependent on tourism and heritage tourism has
become a fast growing segment in travel and tourism. The interest
of tourists does not lie on visiting a city that has that has
transformed itself and lost its soul. Instead they want to visit places
that have preserved their historic character. Preserving the older
stock of housing is not just about treasuring the past but also about
creating a vibrant community. A good city or a community is the one
which has a mix array of both old and new. The architects have to
know which ones to save and which have to be rebuilt. Discussions
have been going on in the architectural societies and amongst
individuals about the conservation of the residential buildings with
positive impact on the society. Slowly but surely traditional is
becoming the new trend. It has resulted in great projects in
Kathmandu valley but we need to do much more outside of the
valley as well. Community awareness and sharing of the
responsibility is needed to preserve the urban fabric of cities and
not just the individual buildings.
- Ar. Chandani K.C
P2
SONA Organized Events
SONA Committee Activities
Council Interaction Programs
SONA Committee on Social Responsibility (SCSR)
SONA Committee on Council Advocacy (SCCA) organized an
interaction program with an appraisal of establishing Architect's
Council in Nepal, on 21st Jan 2014. The committee is chaired by
former Vice Chairman of National Planning Commission, Ar. Dr.
Jagadish Chandra Pokharel and coordinated by Prof. Jiba Raj
Pokharel.
Prof. Pokharel gave a short presentation on need and prerequisites
of Architect's Council in Nepal, on which several other senior
architects made commentary remarks. Ar. Kishore Thapa, Secretary
of Ministry of Urban Development,in his closing annotations
ensured MoUD support in SONA's initiation .
SCSR is one of the active
committee of SONA
which was recently
formed with the
chairmanship of Senior
Ar. Rajesh Thapa. Ar.
Bhagawat Bhakta
Khokhali, also the Joint
Secretary of SONA
has been dynamically
coordinating SCSR activities. SCSR identifies 3 key issues and formed
sub-committees accordingly to work further.
1. Disaster Risk Response Sub-Committee
2. Heritage & Conservation Sub-Committee
3. Slums, Squatter and Low Cost Housing Sub-Committee.
SCSR, under the coordination of Senior Architect Bibhuti Man Singh,
Disaster Risk Response Sub-Committee of SCSR organized a 3 day
Basic First Aid course to 21young and energetic architects from 1st-3rd
of May, 2014.
The Program was jointly organized by SONA, Rotary Club of Thamel
and Ward No-17 Disaster Management Committee- Chhetrapati.
SONA Policy Committee (SPC)
nd
Building Design Guideline Meeting
With initiation of the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD),
Department of Urban Development and Building construction
(DUDBC) is preparing Building Design Guidelines. The President of
SONA Ar. Swarup Gurung, Ar. Chand S. Rana, HoD, Department of
Architecture and Urban Planning, IOE and SDE Ar. Meera Gyawali of
DUDBC represents proposal draft committee. The Discussion was
focused on importance and necessity of Building Design guideline
and its relevance in Nepal. SONA organized a meeting in SONA
secretariat to collect suggestion from SONA Committee heads and
Executive members.
As a continuation of SONA Discussion Forum, SPC organized its 2
series of talk program on 24th April, 2014 at the Department of
Architecture and Urban Planning, Pulchowk Campus. Chairman of
Policy Committee, Ar. Biresh Shah talked on the theme “The Shape
of The City: Kathmandu Between Scientific Planning Intention and
Hyper Culture of Construction” and Planner Er. Saroj Basnet gave
intensive presentation on ‘Long Term Development Concept for
Kathmandu Valley’. Prof. Bharat Sharma, Prof. Sudarshan Raj Tiwari,
Prof. Jibaraj Pokharel, Former V. Chairman of National Planning
Commission Ar. Jagadish Chandra Pokharel, Senior Architect Surya
Bhakta Sangachhe, Secretary of Ministry of Urban Development Ar.
Kishore Thapa put forward their views.
SONA Committee on Architectural Education
After Series of Meeting with HoD’s of 7 different architectural
colleges, SCAE announced Architectural Students Design
Competition- 2014. The title for the design competition is ‘Nepal
Tourist Center’ and students from 3rd and 4th year can participate.
Winners will be awarded in SONA AGM and their respective design
will be kept on SONA Exhibition. The design competition is believed
to enhance creativity and practical horizon of Students and also
prepares students for ARCASIA Students Design Competition.
SONA Committee on Green and Sustainable
Architecture
Sona Up - Coming Programs
SONA AGM
SONA is only 3 months away from its 20th Annual General Meeting
and 12th Executive Committee election. The Program will be held on
last week of Bhadra and this is open program to all registered
architects of SONA with updated membership. Students Design
Competition & Best Student awards will also be part of this AGM.
SONA Exhibition
The executive committee has decided to organize national level
Architectural Exhibition this year. Major architectural works done so
far will be the main attraction of the program. Best Architectural
Thesis and Wining design of student design competition will also be
exhibited. The Exhibition will held in co-operation with SONA’s well
wishers, material Suppliers and distributers.
Open Forum Discussion
SONA Committee on Council Advocacy has decided to conduct an
interaction program to collect feedbacks and suggestions regarding
establishment of Architects Council in Nepal. SONA Policy
committee and SONA Committee on Professional Practice are also
planning to organize discussion program on KVDA Proposed New
Bye-Laws and Design Competition Guidelines respectively
SCGSA is amongst SONA’s active committee chaired by Prof.
Sudarshan Raj Tiwari and coordinated by SONA Executive Member
Ar. Sakar Shrestha. The committee has been organizing meeting
regularly and recently on 30th May, a discussion program was
organized at IOE, Department of Architecture with few architects
focusing the issue on Green Building Rating System and its
possibilities in context of Nepal.
SONA’s Participations
Ministry of Urban
Development
(MouD) is preparing
strategies for
balanced Urban
Development.
Secretary of MoUD
Ar. Kishore Thapa is
captivating the
initiation with active
support from experts, NGO's and INGO's. Series of meetings and
open forum discussion was held in the Department of Urban
Development and Building Construction under 7 different themes.
former V. Chairman of National Planning Commission Prof.
Pitamber Sharma frolicked an advisory role. Ministry is preparing
the draft report of Urban Development Strategy and it's expected
to guide urban development in a new direction through planned
and strategic way in the future.
P3