Rethinking Shangri-La : Revival of the sustainable courtyard dwellings

Abstract

While technology and globalization continue to prevail in every aspect of the world, the scope for the sustenance of regional culture is rapidly disappearing. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, hasn’t been left behind in the process of rapid urbanization. Globalization has infiltrated the built form of developing nations by disturbing the long established sociocultural, ecological and economic norms. Traditional courtyard housing which has been forgotten now was built in harmony with the environment and the sociocultural needs of the place. This projects seeks to meet culture with technology in Kathmandu to create a sustainable, “sense of place,” which is slowly fading in the wake of globalization. A sustainable row housing prototype in an urban metropolis of Kathmandu will be used as a tool to illustrate my research plan. The narrative of this project examines the importance of this project as it relates to the site and how we as designers can create spaces that will preserve our identity while adapting to the modern world. Courtyard housing that uses passive design principles as it was done in the past will be coupled with advanced sustainable technology. Case studies from different parts of the world are presented to conform to the ideas of theoretical premise/unifying ideas. History of the site and the historical context of globalization of built form in Nepal in also presented. Housing will be accessible to the ever increasing population of the valley. The main parts of the project are courtyard for semi-private space, housing units and a community space.