Architecture for Nepal is Architecture for Tibet's second effort.

Our first project, Architecture for Tibet (architecturefortibet.org), led to the creation of an Academic Center at the Manjushree Orphanage in Tawang, India. Now I've turned my attentions to Nepal.

You probably know that a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal on April 25th. An estimated 8,000 lives have been claimed. Beyond the human loss, entire villages have crumbled away before the survivors’ eyes. National Emergency Operation Center Nepal  estimates the number of homes completely destroyed at 488,789, with 267,477 unsafe to inhabit. At this time, the best things we can do is to help these needy people create suitable temporary buildings.

While Nepal is no longer in the news headlines and the burst of enthusiasm to help has now faded in the world’s collective conscious, our effort, “Architecture for Nepal”, is alive. Our contribution will not only bring buildings to locals in dire need, but will help influence others to keep the flame of compassionate action alive – in a small way if necessary, in a big way if possible.

Nepal’s struggle is ongoing and the re-building effort will continue for years to come. The temporary buildings can and will be built with a long-term approach in mind: Our team of local professional and enthusiastic volunteers aim to carry out reconstruction after this thinking process finds a balanced solution for bringing a sustainable rebuilding program based on traditional building. And empowering villagers to be self-sufficient is a more cost-effective and longer-lasting solution than building too quickly.

Involving local people in the decision making process about the designs is key. Education on proper building techniques will enable the locals to understand, believe in and implement buildings that are safe. They then can oversee the construction themselves and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.

Our reconstruction model depends on local skills in the interest of maintaining local vernacular, as opposed to possible business exploitation. However, one should also expect certain aspects of prefabrication and standardization to be used.

This earthquake has birthed an opportunity to empower people to build and be self-sufficient from generation to generation, far into the future. It is our hope that the obliteration of the vernacular via readymade building products from international markets will fade away in light of sound planning with local input.  

Above all, the project is a reflection of our good wishes, consistent with our ethos of love and compassion.

TEMPORARY MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY BUILDING AND HOUSING

5,000 square feet of thoughtfully planned rooms and adjacent outside spaces will become a lively hub of daily activities for the families, from dawn till night.

Programming:

The building is divided into two main parts:

01 / The Student Environment—comprising a kindergarten space and 2 learning rooms—fills out the entire south side of the structure. In this "zone of childhood" the youngest children can stay active and be properly cared for. These 3 rooms are flexible spaces where teaching and play areas can be set up spontaneously. Linking these three rooms will allow the children to experience a sense of openness and freedom after class hours. The intent is for the young people to naturally invent new ways to play and interact in “their” community.

02/ The Family Environment - comprising a common kitchen, meeting / dining hall and library - fills out the entire north side of the structure.

The Library – with a “news-zone”, a computer area, and a reading area - is a place for all age groups to gather and mix. The idea is to create a place where children are encouraged to discuss what they are learning with adults. However, adults can especially set up to learn suitable means and methods of construction, in the interest of developing their plan for a successful re-building phase in the years to come. The Library, equipped with a projector, can be easily adapted to suit different activities such as talks by visiting architects and engineers.

The Meeting / Dining Hall will serve as a large open room to gatheri together for meals, or the room can change into a pleasant environment for socializing, separated from the more noisy and lively Student Environment.