Architecture

Core Architectural Theories, Contemporary Trends
And Criticism
Submitted By:
SAMIKSHA ADHIKARI (076/M.Arch/016)
SEBI NAKARMI (076/M.Arch/017)
SHREEJANA MAHARJAN (076/M.Arch/018)
SUJATA NEPAL (076/M.Arch/019)
TULSI KUMAR KAWAY (076/M.Arch/020)
Submitted To:
Associate Prof. Dr. Sanjay Upreti
Assistant Prof. Dr. Inu Pradhan Salike
Department of Architecture,IOE
A Seminar Presentation on:
The Critical Review of
Nepalese Modern Architecture

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our mentor Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Sanjaya Uprety and Asst. Prof. Dr. Inu Pradhan Salike for their valuable time
and ideas that have been very helpful to shape this seminar. We are grateful
towards Ar. Sarosh Pradhan for his valued presence as an external evaluator.
This seminar could not be completed without the continuous effort of all the
members of the group. Our sincere gratefulness to all the teachers and faculty
members of the architecture department for their kind support, assistance, and
advice whenever needed. We would like to thank all our friends and graduates
for the spirit and commitment with which they helped us in this seminar.
SAMIKSHA ADHIKARI
(076/M.Arch/016)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
SEBI NAKARMI
(076/M.Arch/017)
SHREEJANA MAHARJAN
(076/M.Arch/018)
SUJATA NEPAL
(076/M.Arch/019)
TULSI KUMAR KAWAY
(076/M.Arch/020)
2

OVERVIEW
DWARIKA’S
HOTEL
OBJECTIVES
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
Emergence of modern architecture
in the west and in Nepal
DESIGN DETAIL
THE EYE
REFLECTIONS
CONCLUSION
1
2
4
6
7
8
9
3
HOTEL ANNAPURNA REFERENCES
5 10
3

A systematic review of
METHODOLOGY
 The main process adopted to collect important information for this
study is “Online Research Method”(ORM)
 According K. B. Sheehan, ORM is a research method that involves the
collection of information from the internet
 Online survey research is much more impactful than the traditional
means, considering the ease of access and cost savings they come
with.
 At First stage, to obtain the relevant articles for review in this study;
three database were used as major sources including Google Scholar,
ResearchGate and ScienceDirect
METHODOLOGY
Integrating and grouping
of sources that addressed
important insights the
study,
Highlighting important
information needed for
the study
A systematic review of
development of
modern architecture
based on class lectures
and internet sources
Simultaneous
collection of
information and
discussion among
the group members
4

OBJECTIVES
5
Expected Output
 Analysis of development of modern architecture in Nepal in context of material,
architectural form, technology, language and interpretation through the study of
Dwarika’s hotel, The Annapurna Hotel, and ‘The Eye’ building
 To understand the direction of modern architecture in Nepal
 To reflect upon modern Architecture theory develop in the west.
 To workout the framework for assessing contemporary architecture development in
Nepal (Case studies : The Annapurna Hotel, Dwarika’s hotel and ‘The Eye’ building).
 Critical review of Nepalese Modern architecture in different time frames by national and
international Architects .

6
Modernity
 Present, or current; implying as its opposite, the notion of earlier, of what is past
 The new, as opposed to the old
Introduction
Modernism
 A concept which embraces philosophy of design and resultant stylistic features
 A constant quest for modernity, or the wish to establish an anti-traditional tradition
 An international tendency implemented in literature, music, theatre, painting, and
other cultural expressions from the late nineteenth century onwards
Source: Fallan, 2004

Introduction
Simplicity and clarity of forms
and elimination of
“unnecessary detail”
Visual expression of structure
(as opposed to the hiding of
structural elements)
The notion that “Form follows
function”, a dictum originally
expressed by F.L. Wright
Use of industrially-produced
materials, adoption of the
machine aesthetic
Particularly in International Style
modernism, a visual emphasis on
horizontal and vertical lines
The related concept of
“truth to materials”
COMMON THEMES OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE
7

11
MODERNISM IN THE WEST
8
 It was a philosophical movement which rose and spread along with cultural trends and
renovations in Western society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, right after the
World War I.
Timeline-Different sub periods
 No clear-cut year or time of when the Modernism movement evolution took place
 Modernist architecture evolved in different styles throughout the world during 20th century.
Background : Emergence of Modern Architecture in the West

Modernist Styles: Early-century style
 Emphasis on function
 Little ornamentation
 Fusion of balanced forms
and abstract shapes
 Use of strong geometric lines
 Bold primary colors
 Articulation of distinct
functional elements
The Bahaus School, Dessau
(Source: National Trust for Historic Preservation)
Rietveld Schröder House, Netherlands
(Source: Rietveld Schroderhuis)
BAHAUS DE STIJL CONSRUCTIVISM
 Biomorphic, organic
and emotional shapes
Narkomfin Building, Moscow
(Source: archipicture.eu)
9

Modernist Styles: Early-century style Mid-century style
 Based on the principle that
the design of a building
should reflect its function
 Pure geometric forms
 Plain materials
 Repetition
 Cleanliness
Lorem Ipsum Dolor
Barcelona Pavillion by Mies van der Rohe
(Source: BBC, 2014)
Casa Barragan, Mexico CIty
(Source: ArchDaily, 2018)
EXPRESSIONISM FUNCTIONALISM MINIMALISM
 Simple straight line
 Simple geometric masses
such as cylinder, cubes and
rectangle
Grundtvig's Church, Copenhagen
(Source: The Calvert Journal, 2018)
10

 Monolithic forms
 Rigid geometric styles
 Unusual shapes
Modernist Styles: Mid-century style
11
 Simple geometry
 Lack of ornamentation
 Modularity
 Prefabrication
 Adaptability
 Strong core infrastructures
Royal National Theatre, London
(Source: culture trip, 2019)
Seagram Building, New York
(Source: Arch2o.com)
INTERNATIONAL STYLE METABOLISM BRUTALISM
Lorem Ipsum Dolor
Shizuoka Press and Broadcasting Center, Tokyo
(Source: My Architectural Moleskine, 2011)
 Monolithic forms
 Rigid geometric styles
 Unusual shapes

Modernist Styles:
 Juxtaposition of architectural styles &
periods
 Sculptural forms
 Frequent embrace of bright color
 Liberal use of classical ornamental detail
 Use of abstraction
 Absence of harmony,
continuity or symmetry
in building
 Emphasized visual transparency
in design and construction
 Communicating the structure and
function of the building through
exposed elements
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA
(Source: cntraveler.com)
Portland Building
(Source: ArchDaily, 2018)
HSBC headquarters, Hongkong
(Source: Dezeen, 2019)
POST-MODERNISM HIGH-TECH DECONSTRUCTIVISM
Late-century style
12

 Developed against a background of 19th century imitations of earlier styles,
ranging from Italian Renaissance, Gothic, and baroque through the neoclassical.
 As a reaction against the artificiality of the 19th century, modern architects
declared that form should result from function.
 With the breakdown of the old social order after the Industrial Revolution,
there arose a need for new types of building
 The suitable means of construction changed during this period of time as well.
 Took root more quickly in commercial, industrial and residential architecture.
 It symbolized the Ideal Public Virtues of democracy, liberty and reason
 In England the Crystal Palace, which was designed by Joseph Paxton, was the first structure to be built
of standardized parts.
The Crystal Palace, London
(Source: Britannica)
13

14
Cathedral of Brasilia (Source: PlacesOnLine)
HSBC headquarters, Hongkong (Source: Dezeen, 2019)
Technologies
 As the 20th century began, modern architects believed it
was necessary to invent an architecture that expressed
the spirit of a new age and would surpass the styles,
materials and technologies of earlier architecture.
 By 1920s, there was an increasingly wide understanding
that building forms must be determined by their
functions and materials if they were to achieve beauty
in contemporary terms
Source: Baliola, 2016

15
The Louvre Pyramid, Paris (Source: ArchDaily, 2017))
Materials Used
 With the continuous progress in the field of Iron and
Glass, these material became the most common and
important
 Apart from these, ceramic hollow tiles and concrete
block were also used.
 Steel framing and reinforced concrete serve as the
primary structural materials of large scale architecture
 Iron could be used to span for larger spaces
 In 1892, French engineer Francois Hennebique combined
the strengths of both in a new system of construction
based on concrete reinforced with steel
CN Tower, Toronto (Source: globalnews.ca)
Source: Baliola, 2016

16
NOTABLE ARCHITECTS OF
MODERN ARCHITECTURE
1. Le Corbusier
2. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
3. Walter Gropius
4. Frank Lloyd Wright
5. Louis Sullivan
6. C.R. Mackintosh
7. Edwin Lutyens
8. Antoni Gaudi
Barcelona Pavillion by Mies van der Rohe
(Source: BBC, 2014)
Guggenheim Museum by Frank L. Wright
(Source: untappedcities.com, 2019)
Gymnasium Building, Baghdad by Le
Corbusier
(Source: e-architect, 2015)
Wainwright Building by Louis
Sullivan
(Source: ArchDaily)
Tel Aviv by Walter Gropius
(Source: Dailymail, 2009)

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE IN NEPAL
 Started with the small stone temples of Kirats and
the golden tiered temples of the Lichchhavis.
 Traditional Architecture flourished in Malla period
Patan Durbar Square
(Source: himalayanpartner.com)
17

18
Background : Emergence of Modern Architecture in Nepal
Shah Dynasty 1800-1950
Influence of Colonial Architecture
 Colonial Neoclassical style was introduced in Rana period (western style, borrowed from Greek and
Roman style)
 It was the first step towards the modern architecture.
 The movement has changed and it has taken a dynamic proportion
with the evolution of contemporary architecture
 Influence of colonial architecture from the British empire and India.
Thapathali Durbar Complex (Source: Touchtalent, 2016) Dharahara (Source: Nepal in Data, 2016)
Singha Durbar (Source: Nepali Times, 2017)
Source: Bhattarai, 2012

19
Modern architecture (after 1950)
 Graduate architects started to evolve in Nepal after Rana period
 Gangadhar Bhatta Bed Prashad Lohani, Bibhuti Man Singh, Biresh Shah, Chandra Lekha Kayastha, Jyoti
Serchan, etc. had major contribution
 Engineers like Sankhar Nath Rimal, Gauri Nath Rimal came later on
 Foreign architects like Carl Pruscha, Robert Weise, Gotz Hagmuller also enters the scene
 Began concept of modern buildings in terms of design, materials, layout and functions
Family Planning Center By Louis I. Kahn in 1970 (Source: ehllukas, 2012)
Saraswati Sadan (Source: EducateNepal,2020)

20
70s- 80s
 Narayanhiti Palace, designed by a team of Stain, Polk and Chatterjee from an Indian firm based in
Calcutta, was constructed,
 S. N. Rimal was the Site Engineer.
Tribhuwan International Airport
(Source: dreamstime, 2019)
Narayanhiti Palace by Benjamin Polk in 1970
(Source: nebzyl, 2011)

21
2000 - today
 With the induction the tourism, Nepal started seeing the fusion of heritage with modern
expressions in the earlier part of 2000
 Produced new forms of expression in terms of expressing heritage in contemporary form in
buildings like ICIMOD, Mountaineering Museum, Pokhara
ICIMOD Building (Source: Twitter)
International Mountain Museum
(Source: TimesofIndia, 2017) Taragaon Hyatt Regency Hotel (Source: hyatt)

22
Present
 Emergence of new architectural thoughts and the induction of new shapes and forms of expressions by the
younger generations
 New kinds of materials are emerging; Influence of glass and steel in architecture
 The shapes, the scale of proportion are still being guided by the heritage
 The inclusion of traditional architectural forms in residential, commercial and institutional architecture, etc
can still be seen
 Use of brick and slope roof elements resembles the continuity of architectural pattern established by our
forefathers
The Veil by Mathema and Partners, Lalitpur
(Source: mapdesign.co, 2019)
Laxmi Bank Building by Vastukala Paramarsha
(Source: vastukalanepal)

High Tech Architecture
High-tech architecture grew from
modernist style, Utilizing new
advances in technology and building
materials emphasizes transparency
in design and construction, seeking
to communicate the underlying
structure and function of a building
throughout its interior and exterior
 Principles of high tech
architecture
Materials
(glass, steel
and concrete)
Exposed Structure
• Stair
• Ducts
• Mechanical services
• Structure itself
Flexible Interior
Source: https://www.dezeen.com/tag/high-tech-architecture/
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-
tech_architecture loysd’s building
High-tech architecture focuses on creating
adaptable buildings through choice of
materials, internal structural elements, and
programmatic design.
• late modernism
• Structural expressionism
• glass
Extensive Use
• steel • concrete
23

High Tech
Architecture
Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/405675878934151855/ Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/405675878934151855/
Post Modern
Modern Architecture
Born a new architectural design which is developed using advanced technology known as high-tech
It grew from modernist style
and advance in technology
an building materials

Pioneers of High-Tech Style and Their Famous Works
3
3
4
Nicholas Grimshaw
• National Space
Center
• Waterloo
Internatinal Terminal
• 88 wood Street
Norman Foster
• Willis Faber and
Dlimas
• Londan City hall
• 30 St.Mary Axe
• University of east
Anglia,
Norwich,UK
1
Richard Rogers
• Lloyd’s Builidng
• Millennium Dome
• 88 wood Street
2
Fazlur Rahman Khan
(3 April 1929)
 Onterie Center
 Willis Tower
5
Ieoh Ming Pei
(Chinese architect)
• Louvre Pyramid
• John hancock
tower
4
Renzo Piano
(Chinese architect)
• Parco della Musica
• Centre Pompidou
• The Shard
• The New York Times Buildin
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• Los Angeles County Museum of Art
6
25

26
3
4
7
1
2
3
4
6
5
Some famous building of high-tech architecture
Fig: John Hancock Tower
tech_architecture
Fig: 30 St. Mary Axe
tech_architecture
1978
1967
1972
1985
2002
2003
Fig: Lloyd’s Building
tech_architecture
Fig: London City Hall
tech_architecture
Fig: The HSBC honking Headquarter
tech_architecture
Fig: louvre Pyramid
tech_architecture

 Emerged in: 1960 and flourished from 1980s and Remain modern till :
1990’s
 American movement spreading to Europe and rest of world
 Introduce by the architect and urban planner Denise scott brown and
architectural theorist Robert Venturi
 In late 1990s it divided into a multitude of new tendencies,
• High-tech architecture
• Neo-futrurism
• DE constructivism
 The movement largely has been a reaction against the austerity,
simplicity and functional design approach of the modern architecture
 Rejection of strict rules set by the early modernist and seeks high
spirits in the use of building techniques angles and stylistic references
 It break away from modernism
 It produce building that are sensitive to the context with in which they
are build
27
Postmodern Architecture
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Postmodern_architecture

 Reject the notation of pure of perfect form
 More away from the neutral while color
 Return of “wit, ornament and reference” to architect
 Took past components of different styles and melded them together
to create new means of design. it is know for the reemergence of
surface ornament reference to its surrounding building and
historical references
 Revival of traditional elements and techniques
 Sensitivity to the building context, history and the clients request
 Physical characteristics use of sculptural forms ornaments and
anthropomorphism
 Conceptual characteristics- pluralism double coding high ceiling
irony paradox and contextualism
 Instead of a building made of sleek glass and metal, this building is
predominantly masonry
28
Characteristics of Postmodern Architecture
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodern_archite
cture
Post-modern architecture seeks the identity of human and history of each nation

Pioneers of Postmodernism and Their Famous Works
3
3
4
Denise Scott Brown
• Willis Faber and
Dlimas
• Williams College
Campus plan
• Sainsbury wings
of London
National Gallery
Robert Venturi
• Guild house
• Chapel at the Episcopal
Academy, Newtown
Square, PA. (2010)
• University of east Anglia,
Norwich,UK
• Vanna Venturyi
Philadelphia (1964)
1
Philip Johnson (1906-
2005)
• Glass house
• 550 Madison avenue
• 190 south la sale
street
• IDS Tower. PPG Place
2
Charles Moore
 Piazza d’ Italia
in New Orleans
 Haas School of
Busibess-1992
 Beverly hills
Civic center-
1990
5
Edward Jones
• Royal Opera
House
• Said Buifess
school
• Mississauga Civic
centre
4
Michael Graves
• Portland Building-1982
• Humana Building 1982
• The Denver Public Library –
1995
• IFC building -1996
6
29

30
Fig : PPG Place, Pittsburgh (1979-1984)
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodern_
architecture
3
4
4
7
1 1
2
Fig :The Team Disney - Michael D.
Eisner Building at the Walt Disney
Studios
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post
modern_architecture
3
Fig : The SIS Building in London
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/w
iki/Postmodern_architecture
Fig: State university of Music and
Performing Arts in Stuttgart 1980s
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Postmodern_architecture
4
6
5
Some famous building of Postmodern architecture
Fig: Vanna Venturi house
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Postmodern_architecture
Fig: Piazza d'Italia
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post
modern_architecture
1980
1990
1994
2004
2008
1964

 Built : 1963-1965
 Location : Durbar Marg,
Kathmandu, Nepal
 Founder : Her Highness
(Princess Helen Shah)
 Architect : Robert Weise
 Area : 5.53 acres
 Floor : 3
 Earlier Hotel de I’Annapurna
 Named after the Goddess
Annapurna, the Goddess of
plenty
31
 First modern tourist 5-Star Hotel of Nepal
 Situated at the heart of the city, close vicinity with embassies, consulates, key government offices
and airlines offices
HOTEL ANNAPURNA-INTRODUCTION
Source : SPACES, MAY-JUNE 2008

PURPOSE :
 5-Star Hotel
 providing accommodation, meals,
and other services for travelers and
tourists
 aim of earning revenue and the
profit
HOTEL ANNAPURNA
32
FEATURES:
 155 Guest rooms;
 70 Standard rooms
 81 Superior rooms
 3 Executive Suites
 1 Deluxe Suite
EVENTS, BANQUETS HALLS:
 The Arch Room
 Banquet Hall
 Kumari Hall
MEETING, CONFERENCES:
 Meeting Room I
 Meeting Room II
 Swimming Pool with Spa and Gym,
Casino, Central air-conditioning
SERVICES:
 The Dining
 Arniko Room
 Ghar-e-Kabab
 Juneli Bar
 The Coffee Shop
 The Cake Shop

Lorem ipsum dolor sit
amet, consectetur
adipiscing elit.
1965
 Originally planned 40-room
but during construction added:
20 rooms, service area and
shop building
 In 1974, the west wing
expanded to include 82 rooms,
new lobby, new enlarges
kitchen, a restaurant and
banquet hall
 Facilities added; large swimming
pool and laundry/fitness center
block with tennis courts
 new large kitchen and dining
room extended towards west
 30 rooms extension towards
south of main block
 Staff quarters building towards
southern end of compound
 Coffee Shop and Annapurna
Arcade building along Durbar
Marg
 Revival 2005
 Reconstruction of the Coffee Shop
building; open on 2006
 Followed by reconstructing the
Annapurna Arcade; completed 2008;
includes banquet hall and
conference facilities as well as a
multi storey ‘knock down’ parking
1970
1977
2010
HOTEL ANNAPURNA-HISTORY TIME-LINE
 Has gone through many changes since the first time it open
33

HOTEL ANNAPURNA
34
BACKGROUND:
 Estimated 12 lakhs project but ended up costing 40 lakhs
 Equipment and parts of the interior and furnishing were
imported
 Project was held up due to the delay in arrival of transformer
from England via Calcutta and supply of furniture from BKK
(Balaju Kashtha Kala); rice planting season, few carpenters only
 Hotel opening was postponed
 Taj management (1990-2004); West wing façade and various
rooms renovated, no intension of preserving its character; look
like some second rate hotel in Delhi, with its red sandstone
bands around the windows, Taj management departed,
December 2004
 Revival 2005; Begin implement initially prepared master plan,
but undergone some changes however the approach and
essence have been retained

X
HOTEL ANNAPURNA
35
 Reconstruction of Coffee Shop building; 35yrs old; have
to rebuilt as a four storey structure with a basement
 Challenge of project was to design façade and volume
of the building; considering retaining hotel identity
 Design with the essence of previous design and
reinterpret it in contemporary context
 Followed by reconstructing the Annapurna Arcade
 Two most important attributes of Hotel Annapurna are
its location and its long standing identity
 Location gives it a strategic prominence, Durbar Marg;
most stylish part of the city
 Hotel’s four decade long history and identity has been
closely linked to its ahitectural style, which is a
refreshing modernity with a local touch
 This identity retained in the architectural style of the
phase-wise renovation, reconstruction and extension of
the hotel
1965 1977 1984 2006

ROBERT WEISE- ARCHITECT OF HOTEL ANNAPURNA
36
 ROBERT WEISE
 Born : May 23rd 1929
 Died : February 11th 1996
 First Swiss architect; Nepal in 1957
 Completed graduation in architecture at the Swiss Technical
Institute in Winterthur
 Studied tropical architecture from the building research
station at Watford, U.K.
 Gave birth to “A Modern Era of Hybrid Nepalese Traditional
Architecture” (use of pagoda style in modern buildings)
Source : SPACES, SEP-OCT 2005
“Foreign lands are not all foreign to me, for it is there that I
hope to be able to express the personal freedom in me.”

37
 Worked as an architect and construction manager under contract with Balso mission from 1954-57
 He was the first architect to practice in Nepal after 1960s
 Worked under the contract with “SATA” (Swiss Association for Technical Assistance) for the Ministry
of Agriculture
 Contributed to the contemporary architecture in Nepal by achieving a blend between the traditional
and the modern
 Worked as an architect-in-chief under the contract with HMG
 Made an effort on making all government offices roof capped off with pagoda style
 Introduced the design of double flight stairs for the 1st time
 In 1979, commended by the Royal Nepal Academy for his exemplary works of preserving the Nepali
cultural identity in modern buildings
BIOGRAPHY OF ARCHITECT

38
 As Robert Weise explains: “There were two choices: either to forget about the traditional architecture
and follow what at that time locally was referred to as ‘Bombay box style’ or ‘house without hats’, or else
to blend the new with the traditional. It must be noted that in 1957 no qualitatively suitable materials
were available to follow the ‘modern international style’ of that time nor would it have been economic.
For me it was obvious that the new era in Nepal must be created through with a progressive spirit, but
with a traditional mind”
 Define ‘Nepalese style’; he wrote: “Understandably the trend at that time was rather in favour of the
progressive spirit, but it soon balanced and the resulting blend of architecture was called Nepalese. An
early example was the Annapurna Hotel, the first “modern” tourist hotel which opened in July 1965”
Source : SPACES, Text: Kai Weise, SEP-OCT 2005
 Despite the training in western universities, developed design ideas rooted in the context rather than
promoting stereotype from their country
 Re-introduction of local architecture scale and the sloping roof forms, evoking two very significant
characteristics of the traditional architecture of the Valley Source : SPACES, Text: Ar. Biresh Shah,
The Architecture of Foreign Architects in Nepal

39
ROBERT WEISE- SOME FAMOUS WORK
Book shop, Victoria,
Cameroon
Original master plan of T.U.
Library building and several
other building of the campus
Hotel Malla
Hotel del’ Annapurna
The Fish-Tail Lodge,
Pokhara
The Royal Nepal Army Barrack at
Chhauni, Bhaktapur, Pokhara
Yellow pagoda hotel at Kanthipath
SOS Children Village (Bhaktapur)
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1

INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE-HOTEL ANNAPURNA
POST MODERN ATTRIBUTES HOTEL ANNAPURNA ATTRIBUTES
Rectangular, Curve, Simple, Sculpture Form;
Symmetricity, Repetition
COMPOSITION / GEOMETRY
Bricks, Concrete, Steel
MATERIALS / TECHNOLOGY
Predominantly use of masonry, break from monolithic
character
LANGUAGE: STYLE OF REPRESENTATION
Simple Rectangular Linear Plan, Symmetricity,
articulated by rhythmic rectangular windows
Local Bricks, Concrete, Wooden window frame with glass
Predominantly use of brick masonry with rhythmic
windows
40

POST MODERN ATTRIBUTES
HOTEL ANNAPURNA ATTRIBUTES
“Less is Bore”;
Post modern Architecture reject idea “pure”
or “perfect” form instead it draw from: all
methods, material, forms & available colors,
revival of traditional elements and techniques
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Inspired from traditional style, revive of dome, slope,
pointed
ROOF
Sleek surface, Moves away from the neutral white
color, use of multicolor
SURFACE / COLOUR
Modern era represents hybrid Nepali
traditional architecture
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Inspired from traditional pagoda style slope roof reflecting
local culture with new slope angle
ROOF
Sleek surface with Exposed bricks and white plaster
SURFACE / COLOUR
41

NEPALI TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL INFLUENCE-HOTEL ANNAPURNA
Newari architecture: Brick, wooden window
Classical Rana architecture: Concrete, white plaster
Simple Rectangular Plan, Symmetricity, articulated by
rhythmic rectangular windows
Local Bricks, Concrete, Wooden window frame with
glass
Source : alamy.com
Source : finesthotels.net
42

NEPALI TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL INFLUENCE-HOTEL ANNAPURNA
Pagoda temple roof with Gajur
TEMPLE ROOF
HOTEL ANNAPURNA
PORCH ROOF
Strong impact of temple form roof with Gajur at top
and yet manages to be modest in its form
Source : alamy.com
Source: english.lokmat.com
43

COMPETING REFLECTION
 Nepal has great history in
architecture, beautiful sense of
use of materials, sensitive
understanding of scale; gives
many possibilities to create
unique architecture
Ar. Mariitta Helineva Ar. Raj Rewal Prof. Dr. Bijaya K. Shrestha
Source : SPACES, MARCH-APRIL 2019
 Good design is a result of
careful considerations of the
environment , culture, historic
references of the region,
building materials and
techniques, local site and its
context
Source : www.academia.edu
Hotel Annapurna was a huge leap in space and time; the way one would
think about a building in Europe and in Nepal were drastically different
 Needs the concept of urban design and
conservation focusing on environmental
quality, natural hazard and cultural heritage,
in planning and design guidelines by
synthesizing the ‘visual art’ based on
traditional architectural vocabulary and
‘social setting’ to suit present way of life
Source : SPACES, JUNE 2018
44

45
DWARIKA'S HOTEL-INTRODUCTION
 Established in 1972,
 Located in the Battisputali, Kathmandu
 Founder : Dwarika Das Shrestha
 Architect : Bibhuti Man Singh
 Truly a heritage hotel :collection of artifacts from 13th
century
 PATA Heritage Award 1980
 It is named after a man of legendary proportions, the late
Dwarika Das Shrestha,
 A hotel as “a living tribute to Nepal’s architectural and
cultural heritage”
 It had become fully functional, and famous as well, for its
unique identity among the hotels in Kathmandu,
 It has been variously described as a boutique hotel, a
palace that looks like a museum, and a repository of the
country’s heritage.
 Registered in 1977, with the idea of reviving the
architectural glory of the valley
Fig :Dwarika’s hotel
Source: Hotels@nepalvisitors.com

46
DWARIKA'S HOTEL
PURPOSE :
 to acquire ancient carved wooden pieces lying around in a
neglected state, or those that were about to be destroyed,
 To collected Carved Wooden piece putting them to good use in
the making of a heritage hotel,
 To understand the true value of Nepal's rich cultural heritage, and
the role it could play in building a prosperous Nepal.
HISTORY :
 Once Dwarika Das Shrestha was walking around Hanuman
Dhoka>> saw some carpenters sawing off a piece of an old
wooden carved pillar>> un-carved sections for making a door
frame>> wanton destruction of such precious artifact and, on the
spot.
EARLY BEGINNINGS:
 In the late 1950s, Dwarika Das Shrestha bought the land>> built
on it a small family home>>incorporating into the design
>>ancient windows he had collected
Source: Hotels@nepalvisitors.com

47
Dwarika’s Hotel
 First window that he used seen even today in the Fusion Bar,
 Revolution in building style and many people discouraged him
from using the old window frames, seeing it as a reflection of
poverty rather than an appreciation of cultural wealth,
 But Dwarika Das stood his ground >> started his collection of
wood work >> beginning to understand the true value of Nepal's
rich cultural heritage, and the role it could play in building a
prosperous Nepal.
Dwarika's Today
 Continuing Dwarika Das vision, utilizing the sketches through
which he had considered the hotel, his wife and daughter, Sangita
Shrestha ,completed the front building where the reception in
1998,
 To complete the building's facade, they worked with a local potter
named Hirakaji ,replicate the horizontally carved designs with
terracotta, Using a mold of the carvings from the horizontal
reliefs on the door frame
Fig :Dwarika’s hotel fusion bar
Fig :Dwarika’s hotel

48
BIBHUTI MAN SINGH- ARCHITECT OF DWARIKA’S HOTEL
BIBHUTI MAN SINGH
 Bibhuti Man Singh graduated from the West
Pakistan University of Engineering and Technology
in Lahore in 1972,
 Chief Architect of Technical Interface,
 Former president of the Society of Nepalese
Architects (SONA)
“I didn’t really do anything. All I did was fit in the ancient
pieces, collected over the years, in appropriate places, so
that the Dwarikas hotel would have all required modern
facilities; while at the same time retain traditional exteriors.
But I do not take all the credit for the work done there; that
goes to the client. Without his collection of artifacts, it would
not have been possible. The ‘body parts’ of the design was
ready, like old windows, doors and century- old columns,
which were a part of the traditional architecture.”
- Bibhuti Man Singh
: “My next project will be my best one”
Source : spacesnepalblog.wordpress.com

49
Some famous works of Bibhuti Man Singh
Fig: Expo 2000
Source : spacesnepalblog.wordpress.com
Fig : Budhanilkantha school
Source:edusanjal.com
3
4
4
7
1 1
2
Fig :Park village Resort
Source :Hotelbooking.com
3
Fig : Dwarika’s Hotel
Source :dwarikas.com
Fig: Club Himalaya at Nagarkot
Source :tripadvisor.com
4
6
5
Fig: St Xavier's School Jawalakhel
Source :archive.nepalitimes.com
1968
1951
1972
1972
1980
2000

POST MODERN ATTRIBUTES DWARIKA’S HOTEL ATTRIBUTES
INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE-DWARIKA’S HOTEL
Rectangular, Curve, Simple, Sculpture Form;
Symmetricity, Repetition
Bricks, Concrete, Steel, concrete
TECHNOLOGY
Predominantly use of masonry, break from
monolithic character,
Blend of traditional architecture with modern style, In
Dwarika’s hotel we can see carved designs with terracotta,
Using a mold of the carvings from the horizontal reliefs on
the door frame .
simple rectangular plan courtyard planning can be
seen in Dwarika’s hotel with repetition of window
in symmetrical form
In Dwarika’s hotel we can see modern
methods in interior spaces, and also
found modern materials like concrete,
steel& glass and found easily available
color like brick sleek color.
50

“Less is Bore”;
Post modern Architecture reject idea “pure” or
“perfect” form instead it draw from: all methods,
material, forms & available colors, revival of
traditional elements and techniques
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Inspired from traditional style, revive of dome,
slope, pointed
ROOF
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Inspired from traditional slope roof reflecting
local culture with new slope angle
ROOF
Moves away from the neutral white color, use
of multicolor
SURFACE / COLOUR
In Dwarika’s hotel we can see the use of brick
color with polish coat , and black color in the
wood craft works and less use of white colors in
exterior part of buildings.
SURFACE / COLOUR
In Dwarika’s hotel we can see carved
designs with terracotta, Using a mold
of the carvings
Revival of traditional elements and techniques. Post
modernist looked into past architecture in order to
learn from it.
In Dwarika’s hotel we can see the revival of this
tradition has proven to be highly popular, with such
designs now being replicated throughout the valley
POST MODERN ATTRIBUTES DWARIKA’S HOTEL ATTRIBUTES
51

52
Fig 1 :Kumari Ghar(Built between 1200-1769)
source: imartnepal.com
From two different figure we can clearly see the differences between the past architecture and international influence
in Dwarika’s hotel they are :
 Use of wood craft window blend with glass, door height is have different height ,concrete is used as building
materials, brick seems to be quite different from past architecture.
 Height of the building is totally different than malla architecture
 Scale is totally different than malla Architecture
INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE- DWARIKA’S HOTEL
Fig 2 :Dwarika’s Hotel Built in 1972
Source : Dwarikahotel.com

53
 Flooring material is different from previous
architecture
INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE- DWARIKA’S HOTEL
Fig : Exterior of Dwarika’s hotel
Source: Slusser, M., & Vajrācārya, G. (1974)
Fig : Interior of malla period architecture
Source: spacesnepalblog.wordpress.com
Fig : Interior of Dwarika’s hotel
Fig : Exterior of Dwarika’s hotel
Source: Dwarika’s Hotel
 Roof angle is totally different than past
architecture
 Wooden joist is used in roof ceiling be use in
past malla Architecture.
 Total building seems to be different or seems
like to be fused than traditional architecture

54
NEPALI INFLUENCE -DWARIKA’S HOTEL
 COURTYARD PLANNING
Create courtyard planning for public
interaction
 DHUNGE DHARA
Create a Dunge dhara inside the
building area of Hotel space
Source: nepalitimes.com
 PUBLIC PERFORMANCE SPACE
create a public space inside building
Dabali as a space
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hILyUvekKb0 Source: Dwarikahotel.com
Source: encountersnepal
Dwarika’s Hotel photos
Nepal historical element photos

55
NEPALI INFLUENCE -DWARIKA’S HOTEL
 Newari characteristic : element of
surprise
We can find the element of surprise in
Dwarika’s hotel as in Newari Durbar
Square. From out side we can’t get the
what is inside until we reach that place.
Fig :Galli towards Nyatapola Temple
Dwarika’s Hotel photos
Nepal historical element photos
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rARcLL-
ggEQ&t=2192sl
 Wooden carving works
We can see the good wooden craft work in
Dwarika’s hotel like ornately carved
wooden doors and windows
 Brick exposed surface , Roof tiles
We can see the brick exposed wall in
Dwarika’s Hotel and can be seen roof tiles
in some part of building
Source :thelongestwayhome.com Source : Dwarika’s Hotel

Prof . Dr. Sudarshan Raj Tiwari Prof . Christopher Charles Benninger
“A large portal of traditional
home, says something to you
when you enter through it. It
says change your mood, change
your attitude while you enter
this sacred space.”
“ The traditional Nepalese
architecture excels in miniature
elements. On the other hand, the
modern architecture is a lot about
larger elements. This is the major
problem faced by architects who are
trying to combine the modern and
traditional in Nepal.”
“My inspiration for modern
architecture is really from the past.
When we are following modernity,
aspect of tradition has to be essence
that is not lost.”
Ar. Raj Rewal
Source : SPACES, APRIL 2018
56
• In Dwarika's hotel we can clearly see that modern elements
,technology blend with pure Nepali Architecture at exterior part.

 Built : 2016
 Location : MAHARAJUNG,
Kathmandu, Nepal
 Architect : KIRAN
MATHEMA
 Floor : 5
 Modern Building
 Named with the concept of
building
 Situated at the heart of the
city, opposite to president
office.
57
THE EYE-INTRODUCTION
Source : SPACES, Text: Kiran Mathema, MAY-JUNE 2016

PURPOSE :
 The office spaces
 Cafeteria
 Outdoor Public interaction
space
THE EYE
58
FEATURES:
 Primarily designed to suit a
tours and travel business
 The airline ticketing offices are
located on the ground floor
providing a direct access from
the main road
 The upper two levels are
designated for corporate and
executive use

THE EYE
59
BACKGROUND:
 The Eye – named after the way this
building looks
 Is a reflection of its location,
climatic considerations and the
desire of the owner to build a
marque office representing the
corporate brand.
 The office spaces, cafeteria and
other uses are distributed over 5
floors
 A corner atrium organizes the
circulation within the building
functioning both as social and
ecological space that is clearly
visible from the outside

THE EYE
60
BACKGROUND:
 Staircase connecting multiple floors physically and
visually is the central feature defining the interior
design, this vertical circulation promotes healthier
workplace environment where staff are
encouraged to climb up and down the floors as
opposed to taking elevators
 Mostly wrapped with vertical louvers that shields
summer sun without blocking the breeze and
daylight, this envelop at strategic corners are cut
open to expose the interior of the building -
announcing its important uses to the outside world
and to capture views of surrounding landmarks
 By virtue of its design, it also becomes a social
place where people interact and collaborate

The Eye
61
 Designed as in-situ reinforced concrete
frame structure, the elements that define
the ‘cut outs’ on the façade are actually
cross-bracing members that are necessary
to provide structural rigidity for building
located
 The Executive level being the deepest floor
plate has a central open space – the water
court
 Irrespective of hierarchy, all the staff and
visitors get a direct view of this tranquil
space which in return provides a daily dose
of inspiration, plenty of daylight and
optimal natural ventilation
Source:spacesnepal5

KIRAN MATHEMA- ARCHITECT OF THE EYE
62
 KIRAN MATHEMA
 Nepalease architect;Practice in various country such
as US, Germany, Singapore, China, India, South
Korea, Brazil, KSA and Nepal
 Practice to “A Modern Era Hi-Tech technology”
Source : SPACES, Text: Kiran Mathema, 2018
“I see myself as a different sort of Architect. In fact, if
you didn't called me an Architect, I would be happy.
Because I want to change the image of an Architect
from a person who is taken as granted by everyone to
a person who is seen as visionary, a person who has
power to influence.”

63
 Worked as an architect in various firms :
1. EE&K Architects, New York, NY, US, Associate Principle(Jun 2005 - Dec 2012)
2. MAP, Washington, DC, US, Partner, Creative Director(Jan 2012 - current)
 Education background of Kiran Mathema :
1. Bachelor’s degree in architecture from SPA (India)
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, US, Architecture(May 1998 -
Jun 2000)

64
 Himself belief person as new ideas
 He belief himself as influencer in architecture
 Belief in Innovation and creations
 Although he is not traditionalist, he loves historic building we have to learn principle of historic
building and use them to meet a new needs
 According to issue, present context, available material we have to address them, Not blindly
copy historic material and techniques without knowing true meanings
 We have to honest with our material and our approach
 Belief in regional,culture analysis and observation before design
 Consideration upon enviromental apporach
PHILOSHOPY OF ARCHITECT

65
Source : mapdesign.com
KIRAN MATHEMA- SOME FAMOUS WORK
The Vertical cottage
Nagarkot(The leaf) Nepal
Learning terraces, kathmandu
Nepal
The Veil, Kathmandu
Bougain Villa,Lalitpur
Nepal
Diagonal Building, Lalitpur Nepal
2
3
4
5
1

INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE-The Eye
Dynamic form ,
Open floor plan ,large central area
Steel , Concrete , Glass , Structural expression
Open floor plan ,large central area, repetition
structure, Mass and void
Steel , Concrete , Glass , vertical bands
Dynamic moving system which gives the people away to move
and circulate outside the building itself, Exposed structure
Interior public space , environmental responsive, site
consideration on design, Exposed structure
HI-TECH ATTRIBUTES THE EYE ATTRIBUTES
66

INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE-THE EYE
High-tech architecture, also known as Structural
Expressionism, is a type of Late Modern
architectural style that emerged in the 1970s,
incorporating elements of high tech industry and
technology into building design
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Service element like staircase are exposed
EXPOSED SERVICES
High-tech architecture, also known as Structural
Expressionism, is a type of Late Modern
architectural style: express of vertical post which
are for structural suport as well for aesthetics and
shading device for building
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Staircase exposed
EXPOSED SERVICES
Public interaction space : outdoor
PUBLIC NEED
Public interaction space: indoor and outdoor space
PUBLIC NEED
HI-TECH ATTRIBUTES THE EYE ATTRIBUTES
67

 Infusing a simple rectangular block with the
aesthetics and practicality that Portcullis
House possesses, Hopkins has done
complete justice to his philosophy of
material exploration and experimentation
Ar. Michael Hopkins AR.Norman Foster
Source : philoshopy of Michael Hopkins,
 Good architect should have ''An open mind,
energy, an appetite for hard work, a willingness to
explore new solutions and push boundaries. ''
Foster's design philosophy involves integration,
regeneration, adaptability, flexibility, technology,
and ecology.
Source :philosophy of norman foster
68

Reflection
69
Contextual Reflection
 Significant development in the context of modern architecture in Nepal since 1950s
 Both Nepalese and foreign architects played vital role to lay the foundation of modern and
postmodern architecture in Nepal but we cannot see good examples on high-tech style.
 Architecture history of Nepal has emerged into different form of expression as the new kind of
material emerging and the influence of glass and bands are seen.
 The transformation from traditional architecture to modern architecture made to realized that
architecture building design goes with the following its era
 Use of environmental responsive, a tree in a building work as a dust barrier, a wind barrier,
support in retaining water and make environment pleasant

70
Personal Reflection
Post modernism is highly influence with history where as high tech as bridge to
modernism and post modernism
1
The architectural style changes according to time and place
2
An architectural style is characterized by the features that make a building or other
structure notable or historically identifiable which includes elements such as form,
method of construction, building material, regional character
3
Extensive use of glass, steel and concrete help to change dimension of architecture
4
The use of high-tech material impact in term of functional and visual aspect
5
Technological construction and formal independent way of expression gives aesthetic
quality
6
Recreating or updating old style will produce new style in architecture
7

Conclusion
71
 The elements of architecture from the history can blend with contemporary thoughts and
form of modern times so as to give more or much better meaning and expression
 It can be analyzed with a special look that these styles pass a period of history of architecture
that had been effective the socio-economic and environmental conditions and in particular
philosophical conditions.
 May be it can be said, modern architecture was involved with a big problem with the war so
Modern architecture is a kind of security creator, the person of modern period is not looking
for beauty and decoration
 Post-modern era has been formed In contrast with giving value to human and his/her
Emotions
 These building is deviated from root of our thought into a more profound of contemporary
architecture in Nepal

References
72
 Baliola, D. (2016). Modern Architecture. Retrieved from slideshare:
https://www2.slideshare.net/ambasadonna/modern-architecture-61355436
 Bhattarai, D. (2012). debeshbhattarai. Retrieved from wordpress:
https://debeshbhattarai.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/concise-history-of-nepalese-architecture-3/
 Gondaliya, M. V. (2017). Modernism. Retrieved from slideshare:
https://www2.slideshare.net/MitaliGondaliya/modernism-72419554
 Integral University. (2014). Modern Architecture History. Retrieved from slideshare:
https://www2.slideshare.net/zfrmhd/modern-architecture-introduction
 Kai Weise, The Life the Work the Times, SPACES, Sep – Oct 2005
 Kai Weise, Setting Standards, SPACES, May – June 2008
 Ar. Biresh Shah, The Architecture of Foreign Architects in Nepal, SPACES
 Prabina Shrestha, Talk with Mariitta Helineva, SPACES, March – April 2019
 Bansri Pandey, Today is new interpretation of Yesterday, SPACES, June 2018
 Bijaya K. Shrestha, Post Mortem of Contemporary Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley, www.academia.edu
 Blog. (2013). Dwarika’s, the Heritage Hotel.
 Hotel, T. D. (1972). THE DWARIKA’S HOTEL,NEPAL. Retrieved from http://www.travellermade.com/hotel-
partners-asia-pacific/the-dwarikas-hotel-kathmandu-nepal/
 Sada, I. (2010). MY NEXT PROJECT WILL BE MY BEST ONE. (B. M. Singh, Interviewer) Retrieved from
http://ecs.com.np/features/my-next-project-will-be-my-best-one
 Manandhar, S. (2017). Report of business environment of Dwarika hotel

References
73
 Magazine(2018). Spaces:kiran Mathema
 Interview with Kiran Mathema from https://archinect.com/kiranmathema
 Presentation from :https://www.mapdesign.co/the-eye/
 Slusser, M., & Vajrācārya, G. (1974). Two Medieval Nepalese Buildings: An Architectural and Cultural
Study. Artibus Asiae, 36(3), 169-218. doi:10.2307/3249722
 Philoshopye+of++norman+foster&gs_lcp=Cg
 Amiri, N. (2016). Modernism and postmodernism in architecure, an emphasis on the characteristics, similarities
and differences. 1626-1634. doi:10.7456/1060AGSE/044
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-tech_architecture. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-
tech_architecture
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Johnson. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Johnson
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodern_architecture#Michael_Graves. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmodern_architecture#Michael_Graves
 Postmodern Architecture. (n.d.).
 Sengupta, U. &. (2016). Lost in transition? Emerging forms of residential architecture in Kathmandu. 1-17. doi:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2015.11.007

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