Kathmandu Valley Beautification Program

(An Urban Design Study of Gaushala-Airport-Tinkune-Babarmahal-Maitighar Road Area)

A Presentation on

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Project by :Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation

Tourism Infrastructure Development Project (TIDP)Singhdurbar, Kathmandu

Consultant:Designers’ Pavillion (P) Ltd.Thamel, Kathmandu

Team Leader:Rajjan M. Chitrakar, B. Arch, MUD

Presentation outline

Project Background and Introduction Existing Condition of the Study Area Discussion on Issues and Problems Analysis of Existing Condition Urban Design Vision and Concept Proposed Urban Design Plan Implementation Strategy and Investment

Plan

Project background and introduction

Background and Introduction

For many reasons, there is a growing concern among city builders and other related stakeholders around the globe about design quality of city space

Accordingly, much effort is being put in design and development, conservation and regeneration of urban areas in many international cities aiming at healthy, working and beautiful urban places

under Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), GoN, Tourism Infrastructure Development Project (TIDP) has taken an initiative to redevelop a significant road section of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC)

Aims at a comprehensive urban design approach in order to achieve urban spaces with improved visual quality and proper use

Background and Introduction

TIDP is targeting for Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011 introduced to attract one million international visitors every year into Nepal from 2011 AD

Under the project, existing tourist centers as well as new destinations of Kathmandu Valley will be developed - to add new impetus for economic development of local areas and the region through the promotion of tourism and other related activities

In the fiscal Year 2065/2066, GoN prioritized planned beautification programs of urban areas in different locations of Kathmandu Valley aiming at promoting places of interest for both local people and visitors including tourists

Background and Introduction

as part of Kathmandu Valley Beautification Program, this project is an Urban Design Study of Gausala-Airport-Tinkune-Babarmahal-Maitighar Road Area

Background and Introduction

Tourism in Kathmandu Valley one of the key components of city's economy Kathmandu is considered as Nepal's tourist

gateway Almost 90 percent of foreign visitors arrive by

air at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu Valley also locates many sites of

interest to visitors including the World Heritage Sites (WHS).

the potentiality of tourism is very high

Background and Introduction

Current urbanization in Kathmandu Valley urban development has taken place unplanned for last

few decades resulting in an extremely chaotic urban environment.

observed almost everywhere with the study area as no exception.

streets are even more chaotic and sometimes unworkable when there is ever-increasing conflict between the pedestrian and vehicle.

For Kathmandu, there is a lack of proper planning, design and management of urban areas.

With this, there is a great necessity to improve such environment, with special emphasis on visual qualities and use potential.

Background and Introduction

Need for a comprehensive Urban Design Approach improvement of urban areas (including both streets

and open spaces) in terms of all aspects (physical and social) becomes essential while considering the needs and expectations of both locals and tourists

For locals, properly managed urban areas become something that they can be proud of revealing the efforts made by the government in the development of urban environment

While for tourists, such favorable urban environment can attract them making very good impression on them

places with character also have potential to make a strong visual impact upon the visitors

Existing condition of study area

Physical Setting

study area its nature, is a linear strip of urban space of around 6 KM in length and running along Wards 8, 9, 10, 11, 34 and 35 of KMC

The road section locates few major crossings and intersections along its route: Maitighar, New Baneshwor Chowk, Tinkune, Airport junction and Gausala Chowk

Life and Activity

primary activity observed is movement which is both vehicular and pedestrian

section from Maitighar to Tinkune is lively and vibrant as compared to Tinkune to Tilganga portion due to comprising commercial activities both in the buildings and the streets

Many buildings also serve the mix purpose with commercial activity on lower floors while upper floors are used for residential purposes

tourist activity is found to be very limited with concentration on few locations only - one 5-star hotel located at New Baneshwor

Movement system and connectivity with adjacent areas Since study area is one of the busiest portions of

Kathmandu city road network, it sees a considerable amount of traffic

people use different types of vehicles for both public and private transportation.

Buses and tempos are dominant modes of public transport

provision of footpath and zebra crossings along the street (missing along Tinkune to Tilganga portion)

Built form and building frontages

consists of both low and mid rise buildings - new and infill development Buildings exhibit contemporary architectural characteristics in built form,

use of material, construction technology and fenestration design total built mass does not portray any distinct style or character active building frontages observed along Maitighar to Tinkune portion while

the rest does not contain a desired line up of buildings on the sides of the road except for small portion of Gausala junction

food outlets and commercial stores located in the study area contribute to active frontage especially in the vicinity of New Baneshwor area

Some landmark buildings are BICC, Krishna Towers, Standard Charatered Bank Building, the Everest Hotel and Jagadamba Towers

Streetscape and visual qualities

due to the incoherence in built form also lacking continuous line up of buildings as well as lack of architectural quality in most of the building facades that the streetscape of the study area is not much exciting and clear - lacks visual harmony

Haphazard placement of hoarding boards, traffic signs and signals and advertisement displays observed at nodal junctions hampering the visual quality

further aggravated by the unmanaged installation of electric and other cable lines.

set back area of most part of the road has been used for off-street parking which is unplanned and inappropriate and also acts as visual barrier

Open space and landscaping

study area is devoid of significant landscape features except for few green open spaces at some strategic locations

Attempts of landscape design have been made at Maitighar traffic island, space in front of BICC and at few other locations

green belt area of Ring Road portion of study area has been left underdeveloped and unused since many years and most of these tend to be in the state of encroachment

an opportunity of comprehensive landscape planning and design at Tinkune open space

Pedestrian comfort and facilities

the pedestrian environment does not encourage walking footpaths constructed on sides of the road from Maitighar to Tinkune exist

– missing along Tinkune to Tilganga portion provision of bus stands at numerous locations. But, there is a lack of proper provision and maintenance of street furniture

such as dust bins, information signage, etc. The protective railings in footpath are either missing or in state of ruin. The pavements in most portions of the sidewalks are in the state of

damage needing upgrading presence of vendors and sometimes even garbage

Places of interest

This 6 KM long strip of study area locates or connects with numerous places of interest for both locals and visitors.

Pashupatinath Temple Complex in close proximity of Gaushala,

Boudhhanath Stupa located 10 Mins drive from Gausala towards north-east,

BICC at New Baneshwor Chowk, Art Council Gallery at Babarmahal, Golf Course at Tilganga and The Everest Hotel

Discussion on issues and problems

Road congestion

Density of roads of Kathmandu Valley is 14 meters per hectare which is 5.6 % of developed land which is less according to international standards

60% of total vehicles run in roads of the Valley lesser number of public transportation modes as

compared to private ones the existing area of road to cater the growing number

of vehicles is insufficient. With increased vehicular traffic and common tracks for

all types of vehicles, traffic congestion is increasing during office hours at Maitighar, New Baneshwor and Gausala areas have negative impact upon efficiency and workability of urban place

Pedestrian and vehicular conflict

Among many manifestations of Kathmandu’s malignant urban growth that we see all around us, the most glaring aspect is the daily clash of pedestrian and vehicular traffic on major streets.

The study area is not at all exception to this and as already mentioned, the major junctions are always in conflict between the two

The result is that we have a city that is becoming more and more pedestrian-unfriendly

Provision of street infrastructure

Streets are not only meant for movement but they are also spaces used for variety of purposes such as human interactions, transactions of goods, assembly of people, etc.

But unfortunately, this issue has been overlooked in the streets of Kathmandu by concerned stakeholders.

In turn, social character of streets has never existed in the study area

only infrastructure that we could see on the streets of Maitighar – Gausala area is bus stand and most of them are not in good conditions.

The other infrastructures such as proper lighting, sitting areas, landscaped spaces, etc. that could contribute to life and activity in the streets are found missing

Use of open space

As already mentioned, there is a huge potential of open space development in the study area, especially at Tinkune triangular open space, Airtport junction and Gausala area.

The only attempt made so far is at Maitighar area. Besides, set back areas along the street have been left unused.

Many open space pockets have been used for parking purposes in absence of design and development intervention.

This has had significantly negative impact upon the way urban space is visualized as well as used

Encroachment of ROW

In several portions of the study area, encroachment of Right of Way (ROW) of existing street has been observed

These instances demand an application of rule of law and equity among road users and property owners

Parking

Parking of vehicles has been a major issue and problem

the challenge in improvement of urban areas is a need to plan and manage parking lots properly so that they would not become both physical and visual barrier

haphazard parking of both two and four wheelers have resulted in following consequences: A barrier to road users Contribution to traffic congestion Improper use of urban spaces having development potential Potential activeness of building frontage is reduced Expression of chaotic environment with reduced legibility of

space

Advertisement boards

Haphazard installation of advertisement signage in almost all road intersections and junctions of study area has further deteriorated the visual quality of Kathmandu’s streetscapes.

there are no technical and visual standards or norms followed in installation of these hoarding boards.

for apparent reasons, it fails to be sensitive and technically sound towards many issues of visual qualities of streetscapes

Electric and other cable lines

Due to the lack of underground or managed cable connection for electricity supply and other services such as telephone, TV cable, etc., the cable lines are found exposed and haphazardly installed.

exposures of cable lines which are running in chaotic manner do have significantly negative impact upon the visual quality of streetscapes acting also as visual barriers

Issue of trolley bus cable lines

Urban greenery

Plantation of trees along the sidewalks of the roads can have greater impact upon the visual quality of streetscape.

have not only potential to define streetscape with continuous line up of trees but can also contribute to pedestrian movement protecting them from harsh sun during summer time as well as from rain.

Trees can also be used as visual barriers to block the undesirable views such as poor quality massing of built form, a parking area, etc.

Landscaping of open spaces with greeneries can also contribute to better visual quality of place making it pleasing, welcoming and usable

Slums and squatters

Along the portion of Airport junction to Gausala Chowk area of the study area and to the south of Tilganga turning, many buildings are found in poor and dilapidated conditions which have also been built encroaching upon existing ROW.

A cluster of such buildings in this particular location does definitely make poor visual impact upon any observer passing by

Environmental issues

In Kathmandu, degrading environmental quality of urban streets has been a growing concern among road users as well as concerned stakeholders.

In the study area, there has been significant rise in air and noise pollution in last few years

With significant rise is number of vehicles in Kathmandu, there is an increasing level of noise generation contributing to noise pollution

Another source contributing to environmental degradation in the streets of study area is frequently seen garbage disposition

Stakeholder’s opinion

Analysis of existing condition

Townscape analysis

Background Successful places are shaped in such a way that physical

settings promote use and activity and thus, results into lively urban environment.

These are unique and have distinct character. They have animation and vitality, an urban buzz along with a

strong visual quality. The study area in its development of urban space lack

setting for active use providing less opportunity for socialization.

the identity and meaning of place is virtually non-existing

the physical environment lacks a “sense of place” - a marked difference and discontinuity with the traditional city cores of Kathmandu

Analytical maps and drawings

Analytical maps and drawings

Analytical maps and drawings

Built form

Analytical maps and drawings

Analytical maps and drawings

Analytical maps and drawings

Analytical maps and drawings

Analysis of sense of place

Components of urban space contributing to enhancing potential sense of place

(Source: J. Montgomery, 1998 in Carmona, M. et. al., 2003)

Analysis of sense of placePhysical form analysis of major urban nodes

Analysis of sense of placeActivity analysis of major urban nodes

Analysis of sense of placeImage analysis of major urban nodes

SWOT Analysis

Urban design vision and concept

Vision statement

“TO PROMOTE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN KATHMANDU

VALLEY THROUGH AREA IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY AND

PLANS FOR DESIGNATED ROAD SECTION AS SET BY

TIDP WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE VISUAL

QUALITY OF THE STREETSCAPE AND URBAN NODES,

ALSO ENHANCING LIFE AND ACTIVITY OF BOTH LOCAL

AND TOURIST IN THOSE AREAS AND THUS LENDING

THEM A DISTINCT CHARACTER OF PLACE.”

Urban design concepts

1. Better managed looks betterVisual improvement through proper management and development of

study area 2. Street as social spaceStreets are for everyone; these are not only roads meant for

movement but are also places 3. Nature as part of built environmentNeed to integrate natural elements in proposed development plan 4. Improved mobilityStreets should be devoid of all kinds of obstacles hindering the

movement of both vehicle and pedestrian and thus, reducing conflict between them

Urban design objectives

To develop the study area as attractive destination for both locals and tourists

To promote the study area as pedestrian and cycle-friendly streets

To develop the study area for public benefit and interest

To encourage and manage life and activity in the streets

To enhance urban design quality of the study area with accomplishment of high degree of legibility, permeability, connectivity, variety and imageability

To use the study area as catalyst for development of other potential tourist sites in Kathmandu Valley

Urban design plan

Urban design strategy

Urban design strategy

Urban design strategy

Proposed land use strategy

Since, the study area has been already developed in larger scale except for Tinkune to Tilganga portion and for infill developments to be made in rest of the areas, not much intervention in terms of land use modification is possible

Encourage mixed-use developments the following buildings types can be encouraged

to be accommodated at strategic locations. Museum at Sinamangal area City center at Babrmahal area 2 to 3 star hotels at Airport junction Religious center at Gausala area Non-star hotels at Gausala Chowk

Proposed movement strategy

Taking into consideration the existing ROW of study area, two different proposals of road widening have been made separately for Maitighar to Tinkune area (ROW: 25 M from

center line) and Tinkune to Gausala area (ROW: 31 M from

center line)

Typical road sections

Proposed Master Layout Plan

Maitighar New Baneshwor

Gausala

Airport Junction

Tinkune

Proposed development of urban nodes - Maitighar

Proposed development of urban nodes – New Baneshwor

Proposed development of urban nodes – Tinkune

Proposed development of urban nodes – Airport

Proposed development of urban nodes – Gausala

Proposed built structures

Implementation strategy and investment plan

Identification of stakeholders, their role and responsibility

Identification of stakeholders, their role and responsibility

Identification of possible sources of income and responsible agencies Apart from funding to be made by TIDP in implementation of

proposed development, the study team has identified the following possible sources of income: Revenue generated from parking space to be provided in major

urban nodes Revenue generated by KMC from advertisement boards Restaurants and small food outlets can be allowed to use adjacent

street space as spill over with financial return from them A portion of proposed landscape development at Tinkune

Triangular area has provision of entry fee thus contributes to revenue generation

Likewise, revenue generated from development of temporary shops proposed at Tinkune Triangular area

Financial contributions by Town Development Fund, KVTDC, KMC, MPPW, District Development Committee, TIA and Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

Identification of possible sources of income and responsible agencies

Thank you!!!