AWF / AAA – Construction Professionals in Nepal

"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not

every man's greed.” Ghandi
Nepal
Worlds only official Hindu State
Varied Terrain : Raises from less than 100M in Terai region to 8848M – Everest
Area of Nepal : 147,181 Sq Km
Area of Victoria : 237,629 Sq Km, Area of Australia : 7,617,930 Sq Km
Population of Nepal : 30,485,789 – 2011
Population of Victoria : 5.649 Million – 2012
Population of Australia : 23,020,108 – 2013

Kathmandu Valley
Includes Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur
Area : 565 sq Km
Population : 1,647,092
Images of Kathmandu
City Planning – Kathmandu Valley

View of Kathmandu Valley from

Swoyambhunath 2009

Swoyambhunath 1960
Arial view – showing Kathmandu
valley in distance
Swoyambhunath 2009
City Planning – Kathmandu Valley

Boudhanath 1960 Boudhanath 2009

View towards Stupa from the South Within Stupa Grounds
Boudha Kathmandu Streets of Boudha Kathmandu
City Planning – Kathmandu Valley

Pashupatinath 1960
Ganesh Himal in the distance

Pashupatinath 2007 & 2008

City Planning – Kathmandu Valley
• Main roads are former
trade routes or tracks
• Wealthy & high caste
would settle around the
Durbar Squares
• Narrow Alleys & pathways
from the main roads are still
access ways through the city,
to dwellings & courtyards
that are surrounded by
dwellings.
• Access to openings give a
feeling of a City within a city

Kathmandu Valley - Map of land use : Kathmandu Valley Programme

City Planning – Kathmandu Valley
• The wider city is composed of a collection of meandering former trade routs & paths,
courtyards. A group of which defines a neighbourhood and add to the chaotic beauty of
Kathmandu

Ward 13 & Ward 19 Kathmandu city council mapping programme maps

Note courtyards & street alignment
City Planning – Kathmandu Valley
• Boarders open to west in 1951, after the 1950 – 1951 rebellion by King Tribhuven
resulting in an end to the Rana regime
• Issues surrounding 60 years of fast paced
development include :
• Unplanned intensive new development
• Lack of landscape
• Infrastructure not keeping pace with development
• Water, Sewer, electricity, roads
• Waste management
• Massive waste management problem resulting in
unhealthy & unsightly rubbish piles
• Migration from Rural areas to city
• Questionable quality of construction
City Planning – Kathmandu Valley
Infrastructure not keeping pace with development
• Electricity Poles such as those as pictured are a result of low monies available
• A lack in Electricity generated from the Hydro power scheme can lead to load shedding
in the winter – up to 12 hours a day
City Planning – Kathmandu Valley
Waste management
• Waste management problems result in unhealthy & unsightly piles of refuse
• Strikes from Municipal collectors & landfill sites can exacerbate the problem

• Shift in overall behaviour & change in habits required

• Lack of funds for recycling & waste treatment – NGO to assist
Urban Poor – Housing solutions
• NGO’s such as Lumanti are working with the Urban poor to create low cost
housing solutions. Key initiatives being :
• Shelter
• Water & sanitation
• Microfinance
• Education
• Local governance
• Gender equity

Reputable orphanages such as “Sunrise Children's Association” provide

schooling, food and outreach into the Kalimati slums
Urban Poor – Housing solutions
• Work of Lumanti in Bharatpur – a provincial city of Chitwan
• Providing Housing for Squatters
Rural Education Architecture
• Literacy In Nepal
• Male: 40% Female: 14%
• Lower in Rural areas
• Amount of Female students attending school
reduces as age increases

• Former School at Gosshing Kaule – July 2008

Rural Education Architecture

Schools at Kaskikot district – Dec 2004

Old School at Shree Mangalodaya – Dec 2006 New School – July 2008
Rural Education Architecture

School at Bhulbhule – Dec 2008 – reconstruction with help from OzQuest

School at Siurung – Jan 2009

Rural Education Architecture
Architects Without Frontiers / OzQuest
(now Aussie Action Abroad) Projects from Nepal Expeditions

New School for Kaskikot – OzQuest 2004 / 2005 – Project Partner GAN : Global
Action Nepal
• Excavation & Design & Drafting of Plans – on site
Rural Education Architecture
Architects Without Frontiers / OzQuest (now Aussie Action Abroad) Projects

New School for Kaskikot – 2004 / 2005 OzQuest

Photos of New school at Kaskikot under construction 2006 – now compete
Rural Education Architecture
Architects Without Frontiers / OzQuest (now Aussie Action Abroad) Projects

Works to School : Dandaguan – 2004 / 2005 OzQuest,

Project Partner : KEEP – Kathmandu Environmental Education Project
• Painting of School & Excavation for Playground
AWF / AAA Expeditions
Overview
• Initial focus : Groups of Architects & Archi students
• now open to all construction professionals (& others)
• Length of Trip - 4 Weeks (28 Days) in total

Trip Aims
• to experience a developing world country; the
people, architecture and culture
• to be actively involved in a community
development project
• to allow the experience to influence the individuals
architecture, practice of architecture & community
Area of focus : Lumjung District
• Villages located in the Annapurna Conservation Area of the Lumjung District
• for the past 14 Years OzQuest, now Aussie Action Abroad & AWF Since 2006
have always visited & undertaken community development projects in Lumjung
• developing relationships & reputation born out of long term focus
• as a result able to get work done

Location of Annapurna Conservation Area Project Manaslu 8156M view from Bhulbhule
Trip Summary
• Introductory days, visit temples
• Introduction to language
• Community development projects
- working & living in village
- working alongside local tradies - knowledge sharing
• 5 Day trek
• Bhaktapur / Patan / Nepal Engineering College
- Guided tour around Historic Bhaktapur & Patan
- Visit Nepal Engineering College
• Tour of Historical Architecture in Kathmandu & garden
• Shop / R&R at completion of expedition
 Nepal Trip
Introductory Days

Kathmandu Airport Kathmandu Thamel

Nepal Tourism board greetings Boudhanath Stupa Pashupatinath Hindu Temple

Introductory Days
Boudhanath Stupa – Bouda Kathmandu

• Largest Buddhist stupa in the world

• Constructed approx 600 – 700 AD

Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu

• Largest Hindu Temple for Shiva

• located along Bagmati river
• Constructed approx 400 AD
• Pagoda Style
Base Village: Bhulbhule
• Bhulbhule – at the start of the Annapurna Trail
• Start in Bhulbhule & branch off to surrounding villages to undertake community
development projects
 Community Development Projects 06 - 07
Toilet & shower construction project

• Working alongside local tradesmen

• Experiencing local construction techniques &
sharing knowledge of Australian techniques
• Contributing to local Nepali community
• Being enriched by the local community & culture

Location : Bhulbhule
Community Development Projects 06 - 07
Toilet & shower construction project

Learning outcomes Included :

• Site setout – 3.4.5 triangle, Construction programming
• Construction techniques, timber construction, metal work
• hands on construction experience
• Septic design & construction
 Community Development Projects 06 - 07

Water Tank & School projects

• Working alongside local tradesmen

• Experiencing local construction techniques &
sharing knowledge of Australian techniques
• Contributing to local Nepali community
• Being enriched by the local community & culture

2 Locations : Bahundanda & Siurung

Community Development Projects 06 - 07
Bahundanda
• Installation of water tanks for school & orphanage
• Repairs to school paths & construction of steps

Siurung
• Concreting of floors for school Learning outcomes Included :
• Repairs to school desks • Water tank installation
• Concrete mixing & construction
• Formwork concepts
• hands on experience
• Joinery – desk repair
Community Development Projects 07 - 08
Water collection structure & enclosure
construction project

• Working alongside local tradesmen

• Experiencing local construction techniques &
sharing knowledge of Australian techniques
• Contributing to local Nepali community,
maintaining continual water supply
• Being enriched by the local community & culture

Location : Bhulbhule
Community Development Projects 07 - 08
Water collection structure & enclosure
construction project

Learning outcomes Included :

• Site setout
• Construction programming
• Construction techniques – timber / drywall
• hands on construction experience
• Plumbing concepts
 Community Development Projects 08 - 09
1) Assisting in School Construction
2) Solar light programme

• Working alongside local tradesmen

• Experiencing local construction techniques &
sharing Knowledge of Australian Techniques
• Sharing design techniques
• Contributing to Local Nepali Community
• Being enriched by the Local community & culture

Location : Gosshing Kaule

Community Development Projects 08 - 09
1) Assisting in School Construction
2) Solar light programme

Learning outcomes Included :

• Site setout – 3.4.5 triangle
• Site excavation & terracing site
• Construction – concrete / drywall
• hands on construction experience
• split level & courtyard design
Community Development Projects 09 - 10
1) Continuing School Construction at Gosshing Kaule
began on 08/09 expedition

• Working alongside local tradesmen

• Experiencing local construction techniques
• Contributing to local Nepali community,
• Being enriched by the local community & culture
• Contributing to design by incorporating transparent
roof sheeting & climbing school down the site

Location : Gosshing Kaule

Community Development Projects 09 - 10
Gosshing Kaule

Nepalese Architecture Students from Nepal

Engineering College as part of Expedition

Learning outcomes Included :

• Construction – concrete / drywall
• Carpentry, Painting
• hands on construction experience
Community Development Projects 09 - 10
1) Begin construction of a Kindergarten at Siurung

• Working alongside local tradesmen

• Experiencing local construction techniques
• Contributing to local Nepali community,
• Being enriched by the local community & culture

• July 09 Visit & meeting / site measure

• Design workshops in Australia prior to departure
• Modifications to design on site

Location : Siurung – Lamjung Region

Community Development Projects 09 - 10
1) Begin construction of a Kindergarten at Siurung

• Design Presentation / discussions in Bhulbhule prior to hiking to Siurung

Community Development Projects 09 - 10
Siurung - Kindergarten

Nepalese Architecture Students from Nepal

Engineering College as part of Expedition
 Community Development Projects 10 - 11
Water pump project to pump water from low spring to School at Subedigaum

• Measure & discussions during June of 2010

• International Competition with EWB to design pump system
• Pump system construction commenced during AWF / AAA trip & finalized
by community during 2011
 Community Development Projects 10 - 11
Finalize finishes of School at Gosshing
Complete construction of Kindergarten
Community Development Projects
Project update – Gosshing School – June 2011
School approaching completion
Community Development Projects Kindergarten approaching
Completion
Siurung Kindergarten – June 2011
Community Development Projects 11 - 12
1) Provide transparent roof sheeting to School at Bhulbhule

• Working alongside local tradesmen

• Roofing techniques
• Being enriched by the local community & culture

2) Testing of Water quality at various points in Bhulbhule &

surrounds

3) Transform existing room to Kindergarten at Mongoladaya

• Whitewash walls, Paint & Decorate room

• Donate funds to enable completion & furnishing
Community Development Projects 11 - 12
Community Development Projects 12 - 13
1) Construction of Church at Bhulbhule
• Demolition of existing church
• Construction of new church
• Set out, Drywall, Blockwork techniques, Roof framing & roofing

2) Completion of unfinished classrooms at Mongoladaya

• Rendering, whitewashing
• Clear roof sheeting to classrooms
• Blockwork & rendering of interior, joinery techniques
Community Development Projects 12 - 13
3) Water collection facility at the village of Dungai
• Site setout
• Drywall, Timber framing, roofing
• Plumbing concepts

4) School repairs at ‘Shree Bagh Vairab’ High School at

Kirtipur, South of Kathmandu
Community Development Projects 13 - 14
6 Groups participated in the trip during Dec 28 13 - 24 Jan 14
Including 2 groups of Adelaide Uni students.

1) Design & Construction of Mothers Group hall at Khudi South

2) Completion of Mothers Group hall at Tarr

Community Development Projects 13 - 14
6 Groups participated in the trip during Dec 28 13 - 24 Jan 14

3) Construction of a Toilet facility for the kindergarten of the village of Dhangai

4) Rebuilding / renovating the amenities for one of Maiti Nepal’s

transit homes located in Ittahari – far East Nepal

4) Repairs to the Hospice at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu

4) Commence constructing a School for the village of Dolakha – far Nth East,
near Tibetan boarder
July 14 – Project update
The projects from Dec/Jan 13-14 have progressed to being almost complete

Mothers Group hall at Khudi South

Mothers Group hall at Tarr

July 14 – Project update
Kindergarten toilets at Dungai village

Pashupatinath Hospice
Trek : 5 Days
Part of Annapurna Trail

• Stretched in terms of endurance

• Experience Nepal
• Experience Rural Vernacular Nepalese Architecture
• Accommodation : Guest / tea houses

Syange, Taal, Bagarchap, Danaque, Bhulbhule,

Bhaktapur & Nepal Engineering College
Nepal Engineering College

• Formal discussion between Nepal College Lecturers &

Australian Students & Architects

• Interaction between Nepali Architecture Students &

Australian Architecture Students / Architects

• Continuing long term relationship

Guided tour around Bhaktapur & explore Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur - Experience
 Bhaktapur & Patan - Architecture

Batsala Temple c.1734 AD Bhairavnath Temple

Nyatapola Temple Pagoda style - Bhaktapur c.1700 AD - Bhaktapur
c.1702 AD
Pagoda style - Bhaktapur

Narasinha Temple - Patan Krishna Temple-Patan

Bhaktapur - at dusk Shikhara Style c.1660 AD Shikhara Style c.1670 AD
 Kathmandu – Durbar Square, Garden of Dreams
• Guided tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square

• Historic world heritage listed Architecture

• Garden of Dreams: Restored 1930s Rana Garden

• Experience Kathmandu – chaotic beauty

Kathmandu Durbar Square Freak Street Garden of Dreams

Selected Outcomes & experiences
• Challenged personally - New life experiences

• Experience developing country; people, culture and architecture

• Contribute to Nepal through community development project

• Experience of small group & small group dynamics

• Impact of the developing country & expedition on the life of the individual

• Personal growth in terms of leadership & strengths

• Impact on the architecture of the individual and resultant impact on their community
Preparation trips – June / July
• Meet with project partners, planning meetings, discuss
future projects

• Visit sites & measure / survey

• Visit Engineering College – Revit workshops in 2015

• Meet with Kathmandu council - invest in connections

• Meet with Village leaders for potential future projects

• Make sure all is in set up / on the way for end of year

Architecture firms / NGO involved in past trips
• Hayball
• Billard Leece
• Metier 3
• H2O
• SBE
• Engineers without borders
• Recognised by RAIA
• 6 UOC from UNSW & UWA
& Uni Adelaide
 2014 – 2015 : Projects & Location
Will be dependent on number of participants

Projects :

• Works to Maiti Nepal hospice – Satighatta

• Mothers Group hall near Bhulbhule
• Continuing work to Pashupatinath hospice
• Works for School & community at Barche
• New roof & works to school at Siurung
• Work for Meem Architecture
AWF & AAA
2014 – 2015 : Applications now open
To apply Contact : David Anderson
E : da-arch@iinet.net.au
M : 0407 823 569
• 28 December 2014 – 24 January 2015
Architects & Architecture Students, Construction
Professionals, Building Students & Builders