Pavilion cum Community center

Tribhuvan University

Project idea

The project is to design a pavilion for a community of Kirtipur. Kirtipur is a traditional Newar settlement and at the present context, the city has been facing some social and cultural problems and the project aims to take account of the problems and solve them by creating a communal space at Kirtipur.

Project description

The spaces should be for community people and community use. Hence, the projects has the objectives of fulfilling community need majorly in cultural and social aspects. The main goal of the project is to create a space that is inviting to all and gives a sense of belonging to everyone.

Technical information

The design focuses on open space more than built spaces. The built spaces cover 20% of the site area. The master plan consists of dedicated bus stop and guest entrance to the site. The plaza extends to surface parking. The plaza greets the visitors at the entrance. The leveled plaza is a multipurpose open space for different events, activities, etc. Also, the plaza connects the built spaces visually which gives off inviting sense to the visitors. The upper plaza acts as a spill out zone from all the built spaces;restaurant, multipurpose room, exhibition space and children play.

The major space; market space is placed at the rear side of the site and a direct visual contact is maintained from the entrance to the site. The market space is a flexible space which can be used for farmer's market, open air events, food and cultural exhibitions, etc. The multipurpose hall can be used for training of cultural music, etc. which ensures continuation of cultural heritage from generation to generations. The use of pergolas provide visual permeability and also creates a sense of place rather than just a space. The interplay of light and shadow creates space to just lay around and enjoy "sun and shade".

The buildings rise only up to first storey maintaining the scale relationship from outdoor as well as indoor. The natural material (bamboo, wood, mud, stone, etc.) and natural color tone are used for building construction giving the site an earthy look.