What is building green? It’s not
just another overly used phrase
but in recent times, green
buildings, sustainable
architecture and energy
conservation have become social,
or rather existential,
responsibilities. Gone are the
days of low fuel efficiency - it
is neither affordable nor
appropriate. And it is not just
about mechanics either. In this
issue of SPACES, we focus on the
matter of green buildings. Our
writers mention how 40% of the
total energy consumed in the
world is used by buildings, thus
highlighting the responsibility
of the building sector towards
sustainability, energy
consumption - and about green
architecture.
The
term ‘Green’ and its multiple façades were discussed
in a recent seminar ‘Towards Green Building’,
organized by the Department of Architecture,
Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus and VSBK/
CESEF program Nepal. SPACES Magazine participated in
this four day seminar and shares the experience in
this issue........
Our home is not just a
building alone! It
encompasses the integrated
space from interior to
outdoor greenery. This is an
understanding and the desire
for a perfect house has
become a necessity
but of course, wisely not
neglecting our outdoors
today.... + more
The sooner the better it is
said, but what should
individuals do, how should
the government act, and is
that enough to make a green
city? These questions
shouldn’t be ambiguous
topics anymore. Our country
needs to act on serious
matters like building design
and construction, fossil
fuel consumption and water
management,.... + more
The basic material is, as
its name suggests, soil or
earth! Soil is one of the
most primitive materials,
besides stone, used in
buildings all over the
world. Soil as its primary
raw material with small
quantities of cement, coarse
sand or stone dust can be
added depending upon the
quality of soil. + more
The four and a half storey
(originally) residence
consists of a central
circulation system and
spacious rooms alongside. It
is not only the wooden
structure that give you the
flavor of Newari tradition,
but the elements too have
been designed accordingly.
.... + more
Architecture is based on
earth and yet opens up to
the sky! A literal
translation of this concept
can be seen in the office
combined with residence of
Architect Sher Bahadur KC,
Creative Design Architects
Pvt Ltd (CEDA), in Kupondole.
At a distance of
approximately 150 meters
west from Bagmati Bridge....
+ more
The traditional architecture
of Kathmandu valley is often
cited as a mud based
construction technology,
where sun dried or kiln
burnt bricks, made of the
abundantly available clay,
are joined together using
mud mortar and (especially
the internal) surfaces are
finished with a layer of mud
plaster.... + more
While pondering on an issue
to write about Nepali Art, a
recent event worked as a
startling eye opener. I
happened to come across an
artist of a mid- generation
- more relevant to add - an
academically qualified
graduate in Fine Art (B.F.A.)
from T.U. a long back: he
was busy painting in open an
architectural content in a
busy through-fare of inner
Kathmandu......
+ more
Dear Customer,
If you had missed the
earlier edition of SPACES,
you can view it through
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