People’s Emotional Perception To Urban Change In

Basantapur Durbar Square.

Author: Srestaa Bhattarai
Kathmandu University, B. ARCH.
Background:

People's perception is the phrase used to describe how people understand and
comprehend the environment around them. A wide range of elements, such as prior
experiences, cultural background, education, and individual biases, influence
perception.Perception can affect how people feel, think, and act in certain
circumstances.

Urban change is the term used to describe the process of change that occurs
throughout time in urban environments. This can involve alterations to the physical
environment, such as the building of new structures, the renovation of older ones, and
adjustments to how public places are used.

For a variety of causes, such as shifting cultural values, economic pressures, and
shifting social and political agendas, the architecture surrounding heritage sites may
be changing. Older structures and historical landmarks could occasionally be
considered outdated or in need of repair in order to better serve contemporary
society's demands. Alternately, these locations can be viewed as priceless cultural
treasures that must be protected and honored, which might inspire initiatives to restore
or adapt existing structures for new purposes.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, the heart of capital city of Nepal has evolved through
thousands of years. It is renowned for its intricate architecture, ancient temples,
vibrant culture and the people around it. Its surrounding reminds us of the beauty and
talent of Nepal’s past. However Kathmandu Durbar Square's urbanization and
architecture have seen substantial modifications recently. The fast urbanization and
growth of Kathmandu city, which has put strain on the region's land and resources,
has been one of the major forces behind this transition. There are other several factors
for these changes, such as: natural disasters, political unrest and negligence of people.

Researchers and scholars from a range of disciplines, including urban planning,

architecture, and psychology, have examined the emotional impact of urban
environments and changes to them.In his 1960 book "The Picture of the City," urban
planner and researcher Kevin Lynch examined the psychological and emotional
responses that people have while interacting with urban areas. He talked about how a
city's ability to be simply understood and traversed by its citizens is crucial for
fostering a feeling of coherence and an emotional bond with the built environment.
Literature Review:

For the literature review the keywords used were: “heritage” and “perception”. There
were 202 results available on the Google Scholar site, but the number of relevant
articles were only three. The first research was carried out in Nepal, while the second
one was in Canada and third was in Saudi Arabia.

Available studies have attempted not only to understand the interrelationship with the
tangible and intangible heritage in the changing dynamic of city but also how sudden
influx of “development” is putting the heritage and traditional values at risk
(Maharjan,M., 2018).They have also tried to understand people’s experience of urban
change and the emotional response associated with it.(Karmann, j., Najjar, M.,Ottoni,
C.A., Shareck, M.,Lord, S., Winters, M., Fuller, D., and Kestens, Y.2023).
Similarly,another study analyses a correlation of local place qualities from users’
perceptions to identify the interactional influences between each indicator of local
place qualities.(Liu, H., Li, B., Liu, Q., Li, Y., Zhao, J., Wang, X., Cui, C., & Zeng, S.
(2023).

In all the articles, data was collected using different methods and analyzed using
various techniques. In the first article,the author collected datas during her field visit
in 2014. In second article, authors used a qualitative approach with deductive and
inductive analysis which allowed them to obtain rich data and helped to learn more on
the mechanisms of emotional response to urban change. Similarly, third study defines
the key location qualities from local literature and then refines these qualities through
observation, investigations and statistical analysis.To do this, it was first necessary to
identify regional location characteristics based on regional cognition, interpretations,
and worldviews. The actions and behaviors of users are then categorized in order to
find connections between practice and the characteristics of the immediate
environment. Then, site observations and user interviews are used to analyze the
theoretical values and meanings. Hence, all the researches have used different
approaches to validate their findings.

The research conducted on first article concluded that if the government does not step
in to support, allowing the community to take the lead, the indigenous people who are
putting the effort into maintaining their social customs and traditions will not be able
to live for as long. The fact that heritage is interconnected is the most important factor
to be taken into account while managing a place's heritage, such as Kathmandu.

The second article uncovered that, urban change can brimg out both positive and
negative emotions, such as excitement, security, and thankfulness, as well as negative
ones like disappointment, anxiety, annoyance, and pessimism. The effects of urban
transformation on participants' home stability, mobility, and place connection to
trigger emotions were also highlighted. From that angle, it is possible to think of
feelings, or affective well-being, as a conduit between urban change and the reaction
made.

The third article uncovered that together with functionality, naturalness is a location's
most crucial attribute. This has more to do with the activities that take place in the
mentioned area.
The researches explores various dimensions of human and emotions and heritage but
they lack the direct connection to how the change in urban space has emotionally
affected to people or how people perceive changes in place they have been attached to
for a long period of time.

Study Method

Study Area: Basantapur Durbar Square

Located in the center of Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, lies Basantapur Durbar
Plaza. It is located in the city's historic district, close to the junction of the four major
thoroughfares Durbar Marg, Basantapur, Freak Street, and Hanuman Dhoka Road.

It has a rich and complex history that spans several centuries. Here is a brief overview
of its history:

 The Square was originally established as the royal palace of the Malla kings in
the 12th century. Over the centuries, it was expanded and renovated by
successive rulers.

 The Square was the site of important royal ceremonies, such as coronations, as
well as religious festivals and civic events. It was also a hub of political and
cultural life in the Kathmandu Valley, and many important historical figures,
including poets and scholars, visited the Square.

 In the mid-19th century, the royal palace was moved to Narayanhiti, and
Basantapur Durbar Square became a public space.

 The Square has been damaged by several earthquakes over the centuries,
including a major earthquake in 1934 that destroyed many of the buildings.

 In 1979, Basantapur Durbar Square was designated a UNESCO World Heritage

Site, recognizing its outstanding cultural and historical significance.

 In 2015, the Square was severely damaged by another major earthquake, which
destroyed many of the structures and killed several people. Since then, restoration
and reconstruction efforts have been ongoing, and the Square remains an
important cultural and historical landmark in Kathmandu.
Basantapur Durbar Square is recognized for its stunning architecture, which honors
Nepal's rich aesthetic and cultural heritage. The Square's major architectural features
include the following:

 Palaces: The Hanuman Dhoka Palace, which was constructed in the 14th century
and used as the royal residence until the 19th century, is one of many palaces that
can be found in the Square. The palace has traditional Newari architecture,
beautiful craftsmanship, and intricate wood carvings.

 Temples: The Square contains several temples, including the Taleju Temple,
which is a three-tiered temple dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani. The
temple features a mix of traditional Newari and Hindu architectural styles, with
intricate wood carvings and gilded metalwork.

 Courtyards: There are a number of courtyards in the Square that were formerly
used for festivals and public events. The courtyards' beautifully carved wooden
pillars and beams showcase traditional Newari architecture.

 Stone and metal sculptures: Many stone and metal sculptures, including statues of
Hindu gods and goddesses, can be found throughout the Plaza. These statues
frequently have elaborate metalwork and carvings on them.

 Traditional Newari architecture: Many of the buildings in the Square feature

traditional Newari architecture, which is characterized by intricate wood carvings,
ornate metalwork, and brick and timber construction.

There are no permanent people living inside Basantapur Durbar Square, which is
largely a cultural and historical site in Kathmandu. Yet, a highly populated residential
area that is home to a diverse mix of people from various socioeconomic and racial
origins surrounds the Plaza. Newars make up the majority of the population in the
area.

Over the past few decades, there have been many changes around Basantapur Durbar
Square that have affected the local community and the cultural and historical
significance of the area including Urbanization, damage to the surrounding area due
to earthquake, significant modernization, with the introduction of new technologies,
infrastructure, and cultural influences. This has led to a blending of traditional and
modern lifestyles.

Ultimately, the alterations near Basantapur Durbar Square are a reflection of Nepal's
complex and changing urbanization and cultural legacy and serve as a reminder of the
importance of continuous preservation and protection efforts for the area's significant
historical and cultural heritage.
Study Participants: Local residents and Visitors

For the study of my topic, I will conduct a case study of Basantapur Durbar Square. It
will be a qualitative research.4 people were selected randomly and interviewed.

Data collection: Observation, Interviews and documents.

Interview Questions:
 Can you describe the changes happening in Basantapur Durbar Square?
 How do you think the changes are affecting the overall character and identity of
the area?
 Have you noticed any changes in the way people interact with the space since the
changes were implemented?
 How do you think the changes will impact the future of the area?
 Have the changes affected your sense of attachment or connection to Basantapur
Durbar Square?
 Do you think the changes have been implemented in a way that is inclusive and
respectful of the local community?
 How do you think the changes have affected the cultural heritage and history of
the area?
 Have the changes had any impact on your daily routine or activities in the area?
 How do you think the changes could have been implemented differently to better
meet the needs and desires of the local community?
 Do you think the changes have been successful in achieving their intended goals?
Why or why not?

The rapid urbanization and architectural changes in Basantapur Durbar Square pose a
significant challenge to the preservation of cultural heritage. The paper can explore
the potential loss of historical and cultural significance due to urban development, as
well as the importance of balancing modernization efforts with the need to protect and
honor heritage sites.

Urban change can have a profound impact on people's emotional well-being and sense
of place. Investigating how individuals emotionally perceive the transformations in
Basantapur Durbar Square can provide insights into the psychological and emotional
dimensions of urban change. Understanding the range of emotions evoked by these
changes and their effects on individuals' connection to their environment is crucial for
promoting sustainable urban development.This is an overlooked issue and hasn’t been
studied extensively.