Tianjin University 2018 ～2019 School Year Semester II

Theory course work for graduates

Course Name：Contemporary Architecture Theory and Review

Teacher：Paolo Vincenzo Genovese Course code：S206E001
School Name：Architecture Student’s number： 6218000029
Student’s Name：Hitesh Raj Pant 王龙 Score：85

Topic of the course:

1 Details about contemporary architecture

2 Characteristics of Contemporary architecture

3 History of Contemporary architecture

Requirements:

1. Submission of research paper related with contemporary architecture

in Nepal which is according to the article format (10 pages)

Time of submission: 2019-05-31

Architecture and Architect of Nepal
From Ancient to Contemporary

Course Contemporary Architecture

Name Hitesh Raj Pant
No 6218000029
Date May 31, 2019
Abstract:
The main purpose of this paper is to understand the development of the architecture in Nepal.
Nepal was considered as a forbidden kingdom until 1950. It architecture built before and during
that time were traditional and ancient which were related to the historical era. Many unknown
craftsman prepared those traditional building. Traditional architecture or vernacular architecture
were dominated at that time. When the country was open to the outsider it brought many architect
along with their own concept which was molded in with the ancient and traditional architect. Many
Nepali architect also emerged along with it. So this paper tries to understand how architecture were
flourished from ancient to the new contemporary world.
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Ancient architecture ........................................................................................................................ 5

Ancient Asian architecture .............................................................................................................. 6

Architecture in Nepal ...................................................................................................................... 6

a. The stupa Style ..................................................................................................................... 7

b. The pagoda style .................................................................................................................. 8

c. The shikhara style ................................................................................................................ 8

d. Newa Architecture ............................................................................................................... 8

Architects of Nepal – From Ancient to Contemporary ................................................................... 9

a. Arniko : The Greatest Architect in History of Nepal ........................................................... 9

b. Bed Prasad Lohani ............................................................................................................. 10

c. Shankar Nath Rimal ........................................................................................................... 10

d. Ganga Dhar Bhatta (Halabe) .............................................................................................. 11

Foreign architects in Nepal ........................................................................................................... 12

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 14

Reference: ..................................................................................................................................... 15
List of Figure :
Figure 1: The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt ....................................................................................... 5
Figure 2: The Parthenon in Athens, Greece .................................................................................... 5
Figure 3: Roman aqueduct in Segovia, Spain ................................................................................. 6
Figure 4 : The ceiling of Dilwara Jain Temples, India ................................................................... 6
Figure 5: Janaki temple, Nepal ....................................................................................................... 7
Figure 6: Boudhanath Stupa............................................................................................................ 7
Figure 7: Kasthamandap wooden pagoda ....................................................................................... 8
Figure 8:Patan Krishna Temple ...................................................................................................... 8
Figure 9: Newa Architecture ........................................................................................................... 8
Figure 10: Gol Ghar ( Round House ) .......................................................................................... 10
Figure 11: Sahid Gate ( Martyr Gate ) .......................................................................................... 10
Figure 12: Royal Nepal Academy................................................................................................ 10
Figure 13: Pangree Ghar (Wheel House) ...................................................................................... 11
Figure 15: Dashrath Ranga Shala ................................................................................................. 11
Figure 14: City Hall, Exhibition Road .......................................................................................... 11
Figure 16: Glass house .................................................................................................................. 12
Figure 17: Tara Gaon Hotel (now Museum)................................................................................. 13
Figure 18: Patan Museum ............................................................................................................. 13
Figure 19 : Narayanhiti Royal Palace ........................................................................................... 14
Introduction
In historical time, Architecture was considered only building, which was evolved out of the
dynamics between needs and means. As time continues it became for formal, these building
became craft and architecture name was given. It was the product of a process of trial and error,
which is now called vernacular architecture. It is characterized by the use of local materials and
knowledge, usually without the supervision of professional architect as they are typically simple
and practical(Clive Fewins, 2013).

Ancient architecture
In ancient empires, such as those of Egypt and
Mesopotamia, architecture and urbanism reflected
the constant engagement with the divine and
the supernatural, and many ancient cultures resorted
to monumentality in architecture to represent
symbolically the political power of the ruler, the
ruling elite, or the state itself (Fig1).
The architecture and urbanism of the Classical Figure 1: The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
civilizations such as the Greek and
the Roman evolved from civic ideals rather than
religious or empirical ones and new building types
emerged. Architectural "style" developed in the form
of the Classical orders. Roman architecture was
influenced by Greek architecture as they incorporated
many Greek elements into their building
practices(Becker, n.d.) (Fig 2).
Figure 2: The Parthenon in Athens, Greece
Texts on architecture have been written since ancient
time. These texts provided both general advice and specific formal prescriptions or canons. Some
examples of canons are found in the writings of the
1st-century BCE Roman Architect Vitruvius.
Some of the most important early examples of
canonic architecture are religious (Fig3).

Ancient Asian architecture

Early Asian writings on architecture include
the Kao Gong Ji of China from the 7th–5th
centuries BCE; the Shilpa Shastras of ancient
Figure 3: Roman aqueduct in Segovia, Spain
India; Manjusri Vasthu Vidya Sastra of Sri
Lanka and Araniko of Nepal.
The architecture of different parts of Asia developed
along different lines from that of Europe; Buddhist,
Hindu and Sikh architecture each having different
characteristics. Buddhist architecture, in particular,
showed great regional diversity. Hindu temple
architecture, which developed around the 3rd century
BCE, is governed by concepts laid down in the Shastras,
and is concerned with expressing the macrocosm and the
microcosm. In many Asian countries, pantheistic
religion led to architectural forms that were designed Figure 4 : The ceiling of Dilwara Jain Temples, India
specifically to enhance the natural landscape.

Architecture in Nepal
Nepal has preserved an expansive variety of architectural styles, all linked by similarity of
constructional pattern and materials; integrated into a homogeneous complex by their underlying
purpose(Banerjee, 1980).
In the Kathmandu Valley, countless religious and secular monuments have been built over the
centuries. Architecture flourished in the Malla period (16th and 17th centuries), in a competitive
environment with different rulers trying to outdo each other. While variants of the pagoda
style are predominant, there are few in the borrowed sikhara style. Buildings were mostly temples,
palaces and building of public use. Residences were based on courtyard planning(Wikipedia,
2019).
 Figure 5: Janaki temple, Nepal

Buildings were mostly temples, palaces and building of public use. Residences were based on
courtyard planning. There was an extensive use of Bricks; Sun burnt and kiln on wooden posts and
beams, intricately carved wooden windows and doors. Symmetry was a preference; axial and radial
(Bonapace & Sestini, 2003).
Inter-relationship and mutual tolerance between Hinduism and Buddhism as well as the liberal
mindset of Nepalese monarchs and the artistic zeal of the people have created an atmosphere
congenial to the growth and development of the arts, architecture and culture in the Kathmandu
valley since the day of the Lichchavi rulers in the beginning of the Christian era. The people in the
valley have not only a deep and sentimental attachment to their cultural assets, but they also love
and breathe them (Amatya, 1983).
Ellen coon has quoted that “Newar culture rivals that of renaissance Italy. People don’t know that.
It’s in danger of being lost. Scholars have no idea that right under their nose there is something so
complex, so beautiful”(Coon, 2007). Nepal architecture can be divided into three categories:- the
Pagoda style, the stupa style and the
shikhara style and Newa Architecture.
a. The stupa Style
These kind of style is the representation of
Buddha. It is designed as a tomb like
structure to house sacred relics. The
design is believed to represent the five
Buddhist elements – Earth (the square Figure 6: Boudhanath Stupa

base), water (the hemispherical dome),

Fire (the conical spire), air (the upper lotus parasol), Space (the sun and the dissolving point).
 b. The pagoda style
It is in most of the Nepalese
temples, which has multi roofed
structure and wide eaves which are
supported by beautifully carved
wooden struts. The roof is often
topped by triangular spires which
enclose an inverted bell, while
projecting windows are either Figure 7: Kasthamandap wooden pagoda
th
latticed or grilled. In the 13
century, the young Nepali architect Araniko led a delegation to China at the invitation of Emperor
Kublai khan, spreading the pagoda architectural style across China(Regmi, 1971).
c. The shikhara style
A prominent feature of Nepal’s Hindu temple
architecture is Shikhara- a tall curvilinear or
pyramidal tower. It translates from Sanskrit as
“mountain peak” and usually exhibits a highly
ornate exterior. Shikhara were designed over
the sanctum sanctorum where the presiding
deities were enshrined and topped by a bell-
shaped “alasha:, or sacred brass receptacle. Figure 8:Patan Krishna Temple

d. Newa Architecture
This is an indigenous style which has been used
by the Newari people in building everything
from residential housing to chaitya monastery
buildings. It is marked by impressive brickwork
and wooden carvings, with the architect Arniko
influential in its export across Asia.
Figure 9: Newa Architecture
Architects of Nepal – From Ancient to Contemporary
From the prospective of Architecture and cultural heritage, Nepal is considered as the richest
country in the world. There any many beautiful building and pagoda style ancient temples in Nepal
because of Nepalese who are and were the best in their architecture in ancient times. During the
Rana Period, for the first time, the 19th Century western monumentalism was brought to Nepal.
Building, mostly palaces were built in the Neo-classical style that borrowed elements from the
Greek and Roman Architecture.
Nepal opened up for the modern development only after 1950. A wide range of foreign architect
as well as Nepali architect have worked and contributed to the architectural design of Nepal. Their
involvement in Nepal in last fifty years has followed diverse streams and the production of
architecture by these architects corresponds to the diverse streams.
Modern Architecture in Nepal starts from about the time the Sarashwati Sadan (2000 B.S.) was
built, which is a milestone in the history of Modern Architecture in Nepal. It was designed by Bed
Prasad Lohani; the first to introduce concrete structure in Nepal. Ranjana Hall (2009 B.S.) is
another example. He played with variety of elements in his buildings like; RCC, RBC, dome etc.
His buildings are simple, functional and structurally stable. Other individuals who have played
significant role in the development of Modern architecture in Nepal are; Prabhinga Man Singh
Pradhan, Shankar Nath Rimal, Robert Weize, Shiva Raj Panta, Ganga Dhar Bhatta, Bhubaneswor
Lal Shrestha.
a. Arniko : The Greatest Architect in History of Nepal
Araniko was a famous architect of Nepal, born in 1244. He was the most famous Nepalese
Architect of our past glorious history. In spite of tender age, he led 80 artisans to Lhasa and erected
a golden stupa. He also showed his qualities as a bronze caster, painter and architect in China.
During the Malla period, the Chinese emperor Kublai Khan sent a message to Nepal to send some
artists for making statues in China. In 1260 AD king Jaya Bhimdev Malla sent 80 Nepalese artists
to Lhasa under the leadership of Araniko. They built several pagoda style monasteries in Lhasa.
Arniko’s works were highly appreciated by the Chinese. He made many temples and stupas in
China. His good work helped to maintain good relation between Nepal and China.
Impressed by his craftsmanship, Emperor Kublai Khan of China appointed him the controller of
the imperial architectural studies. He was posthumously awarded the Chinese Title of Ming Hoi
and decorated with the title of Duke of Liang the white Pagoda in Peking, designed by Arniko,
stands to this day as monument of the Nepalese art and architecture. Architect Arniko was not only
famous in within country Nepal but also in other countries like Tibet, China, Mongolia as well as
Indonesia.
b. Bed Prasad Lohani
He created milestone in the history of modern
architecture in Nepal by itroducing RCC, RBC,
dome etc elements in Nepali Architecture. He was
the first architect who designed concrete structures
in Nepal. His design were simpler, functional and
structurally stable. Some of his work are Swaraswati
Sadan, Trichandra College. Swaraswati sadan is
known as gol ghar due to its curved façade. (Fig 10) Figure 10: Gol Ghar ( Round House )

c. Shankar Nath Rimal

Born on 1935 in Kathmandu, Sankar nath
finished he completed his Engineering in 1957.
His family want him to be a doctor but he ended
up studying Electrical Engineering and later
shifted to Civil Engineering. He started his
professional work as assistant engineer in public
work department. In 1959, left for Germany on a
yearlong training in Dtckechooff and Widman K.
G.In 1961 Started his own firm” Shankar Nath
Figure 11: Sahid Gate ( Martyr Gate )
Rimal Engineers and Architects P. Limited.”
He spared time for creative works in the form of sculpture and painting in water color, oil etc. The
paintings are rather abstract and fresh with
bold use of colors. His sketches contain
minute details. He has also expressed his
emotions in some of his miniature
sculptures. He has displayed his skills in
other specialized fields such as Project
Writing, Structural Details, Working
Drawing and Landscape Design. He Figure 12: Royal Nepal Academy

redefined Nepali architectural space with the

true use of elements on it. He follow the
philosophy of spiritual quality in design and
heterogeneity over homogeneity. He also
emphasis on purity of form as well as cost
effectiveness of the design(Shrestha, 2017). He
have done many popular design in Nepal. Some
of his works are sahid gate (fig 11), Royal Nepal
Academy (fig 12). One of his work was pangree Figure 13: Pangree Ghar (Wheel House)
ghar (fig 13) (wheel house) which is his
experiments with the use of local materials in simple way to create complex design. It is huge
cubical mass balanced over two concrete wheels with symmetrical façade articulated by corner
windows and design produced by alternating opening and walls.
d. Ganga Dhar Bhatta (Halabe)
He was the first Nepali Architect,
who got his B. Arch degree from
India in 1961. He joined Bhawan
Vibhag (the department of Building)
as an assistant engineer. It was the
time when architect were not even
recognized in Nepal. He drew the
first Kathmandu Valley Map based
Figure 15: City Hall, Exhibition Road
on the photographs taken from Plane.
Later he dropped architectural
practice and completely engaged
himself in Poultry farming. His
always emphasis on form which
satisfy its function and his concept of
ingredients of a good building was
honesty, sincerity, seriousness and
hard work. He combine architecture
with society and his design and
Figure 14: Dashrath Ranga Shala
building responded to its
surrounding. His works are
a unique piece of Nepal.
Some of his works are
Master plan of Dashrath
Ranga Shala (Fig 15), City
hall Exhibition road (Fig
14) , Police club building,
Figure 16: Glass house
Glass house in
Godawari(Fig16).
City hall was a landmark in the modern architecture of Nepal. It is used for national and
international conference. This building is abstract design which is reflected by precast open riser
stairs and with huge opening on the facade. His concept of glass house is the integration of research
and nature. It use the natural aspects to its best.

Foreign architects in Nepal

After valley was opened up for modern development in the 1950’s, a number of technical
assistance projects arrived from various countries and international institutions. For the early
architects like Robert Weise, who came with Swiss assisted projects, the valley must have been a
great sight to behold. The ancient cities of the valley set between large expanses of lush green
paddy terraces, meandering rivers and the surreal baroque garden palace compounds built at the
turn of the last century. Weise was among the first of these foreign architects who made
Kathmandu their home and set up their practices for extended periods. Along with Weise, the other
major architects who stayed to make significant contributions were Carl Pruscha, David
Dobereiner, Gotz Haagmueller and John Sanday.
Their architecture evolved from their personal experiences of the Valley, as they put to use
their training in the western universities in realizing their specific architectural ideas. Charmed
by the rich traditions here, they developed design ideas rooted in the context rather than
promoting stereotypes from their countries of origin. Weise designed residences, hotels and
office buildings. He is credited with the re-introduction of local architectural scale and the sloping
roof forms, evoking two very significant characteristics of the traditional architecture of the Valley.
His office also was one of the earliest private practices to hire Nepalese architects returning to
Nepal after completing their education abroad. Weise designed several prominent
architectural landmarks like the Annapurna Hotel, The Yellow Pagoda Hotel, the Nepal Army

Figure 17: Tara Gaon Hotel (now Museum)

Headquarters, besides a large number of single residences and projects in the Tribhuwan Unversity
Campus in Kirtipur.
Pruscha came to the Valley on a UNDP assignment to produce the fi rst urban development plan
for the Valley in the late 60’s. During the time he spent here, he also supervised the preparation of
the fi rst inventory of cultural monuments of the Valley. His signifi cant contribution was in
the design and construction of the Tara Gaon Hotel(fig 17) and the Institutional building CEDA
for Tribhuwan University.
Gotz Haagmueller, an Austrian Architect,
came to Kathmandu to work with the GTZ-
supported Bhaktapur Development Project in
the 70’s and has made Bhaktapur his home
since then. Although most of his work has
been in the area of restoring several heritage
buildings of signifi cance, he has used his
long experience and knowledge of traditional
architecture of the Valley to establish design
Figure 18: Patan Museum
innovations in adaptive re-use of historic
buildings in Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. His important projects are the Patan Museum, the
Keshar Mahal Gardens and his own house in a traditional courtyard in Bhaktapur. These projects
demonstrate the wide range of contemporary design possibilities in restoring old buildings for
contemporary use.
Tadao Ando, the renowned Japanese
architect, designed a Women’s and
Children’s hospital in Butwal, which was
supported by a Japanese Charity
Organisation (AMDA) in the 90’s.
Benjamin Polk, the American architect,
designed the new Narayanhiti Royal
Palace(Fig 19).
Figure 19 : Narayanhiti Royal Palace

Conclusion
Nepal a forbidden country, which was mainly dominated by ancient architecture, is recently taking
steps towards the modern architecture. After the Rana regime wide range of foreign architects have
worked and contributed to the architectural design of the country. Few pioneer architect both
Nepalese and foreigner laid the foundation of contemporary architecture in Nepal since 1950.
Their hardship still stands today as an examples for new architect in Nepal. Their struggle from
the time where architect were not even recognized played the major role in establishing the
monuments which still stands tall in modern times for many to admire and learn. From past to
present we have many modern building erected though in steady manner but its sure in future that
we can see more modern building like Guggenheim Museum, Mauhaus, Villa sovoye etc in the
holy land of Nepal.
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