Lagankhel Monticle

Project idea

Location and access: The site is located in Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal with access through three directions (NE, NW, SW).

Context: Lagankhel Bus Park is located on the west and mixed use buildings on the entire area. The bus park consists of a large evergreen tree locally known as "Mother tree" which is worshiped as a symbol of God and the periphery of the tree is used as a Jatra route during Rato Machhindranath Jatra.

"Rato Machhindranath Jatra is a chariot procession honoring Vajrayani Buddhism deity of compassion Avalokiteśvara and as an incarnation of Shiva for hindu people which is held in Lalitpur, Nepal. It is one of the greatest religious events in the city and the longest chariot festival celebrated in the country." - source: Wikipedia

Main concerns for designing a public space in a bus park area were;
- Pollution due to vehicles and muddy bus park.
- Lack of public engagement due to heavy traffic.
- Design respecting the culture and significance of the place without affecting the public requirements.
- Lack of resting space.

Project description

The design solution mainly targets pollution, engagement and cultural significance of the site.

The segregation of space created by raising the ground level provides people a space to sit while waiting for the bus without blocking the view of their ride. During Jatra, the same spot can be used to view the chariot without having to stretch your neck and quarrel through the crowd.
It also blocks pollution and creates a calming and shaded resting space in the center of chaos with a wall full of inscription about the cultural importance the place holds.

Technical information

The entire site is raised by earth filling and the walls are covered with copper and wood. The inscriptions are done on the copper wall.
Flooring is done with red stone tiles respecting the color of Rato Machhindranath.