“Revitalizing Ranipokhari” is a comprehensive conservation and adaptive reuse masterplan that seeks to revitalize the historic Ranipokhari zone in the heart of Kathmandu. The proposal addresses multiple heritage structures and public spaces, introducing layered architectural strategies including facadism, adaptive reuse, stylistic restoration, and pedestrianization. The goal is to restore the architectural character of the area while integrating modern needs for cultural identity, tourism, education, and public engagement. This masterplan not only preserves built heritage but also redefines the civic experience by promoting inclusive urban design, accessibility, and historical continuity.

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Architectural Highlights by Site

1. Tindhare Pathsala – Vertical Extension
A 134-year-old structure originally functioning as a hostel is reimagined with a vertical extension. The new design activates the ground and first floors for commercial use and preserves the second floor for hostel accommodation.
Architectural Approach: Harmonized vertical layering, functional zoning, and modernized vertical circulation with visual sensitivity to the original built form.
Design Contribution: Enhances the urban skyline while preserving traditional proportions, ensuring a balanced juxtaposition between new interventions and historical identity. Incorporates material continuity and subtle articulation in façade treatment.

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2. Pancha Kashmiri Takiya – Stylistic Restoration
An Islamic-influenced masjid revitalized through façade renovation and integration of mosque-related market spaces.
Architectural Approach: Introduction of Islamic stylistic elements such as pointed arches, lattice screens, and color harmonies. Re-establishes the spiritual and cultural aura of the site.
Focus: Activates the urban frontage with culturally themed commerce while restoring the spiritual prominence of the structure through architectural language and public realm interaction.

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3. Ghantaghar – Consolidation
A 124-year-old Neo-Classical clock tower is consolidated using subtle architectural repair techniques.
Architectural Approach: Preservation through non-invasive methods—plaster consolidation, repainting, and structural reinforcement—while maintaining the visual clarity of classical symmetry.
Design Contribution: Serves as an urban anchor point, restored to function as a visual and cultural landmark.

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4. Tri-Chandra Campus – Adaptive Reuse
Nepal’s first college (104 years old) reimagined as a public Rana Heritage Museum to celebrate political and educational history.
Architectural Approach: Adaptive reuse within existing Neo-Classical framework, involving interior reprogramming and landscape permeability via boundary wall removal.
Design Contribution: Respects historical structure while redefining spatial functions, enabling public access and interaction with academic legacy through museum curation.

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5. Saraswati Sadan & Cavern Museum – Adaptive Reuse & Narrative Architecture
Saraswati Sadan is transformed into a Contemporary Political Museum, connected to Tri-Chandra through an underground Cavern Museum, symbolizing Nepal’s political journey.
Architectural Experience: Spatial storytelling through an underground corridor marked by darkness, narrowing volumes, and emotional intensity.
Design Contribution: Introduces psychological depth in architecture, turning transitional space into a reflective journey of national struggle and transformation.

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6. Jame Masjid – Stylistic Restoration
A 30-year-old Islamic mosque receives a redesigned façade and market zone to reinforce religious identity and cultural economy.
Architectural Focus: Integration of mosque-related materials, textures, color palettes, and elevation design reflecting Islamic character.
Design Contribution: Restores architectural and communal coherence to the masjid precinct, enhancing both identity and economic interaction.

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7. Durbar High School – Restoration & Landscape Integration
A 168-year-old academic institution restored to its original façade with added recreational and acoustically mindful landscape design.
Architectural Feature: Preservation of colonial-era façade elements, site-responsive playground insertion, and acoustical improvements for learning spaces.
Design Contribution: Strengthens Nepal’s educational heritage through a harmonious blend of restoration and modern usability.

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8. Central Law Library – Adaptive Reuse
Converted into a multi-functional cultural hub:

• Ground floor: Library + Food court
• First floor: Ranjana Lipi Workshop
• Second floor: Music Instrument Training Center

Architectural Strategies: Roof tile restoration, lime plaster repair, preservation of Neo-Classical detailing, and internal spatial reconfiguration.
Design Contribution: Promotes cultural learning and crafts through adaptive reuse, enhancing community engagement and architectural preservation.

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9. Seto Dhoka – Consolidation
Modern-contemporary gate structure addressed through surface rehabilitation and spatial refinement.
Architectural Focus: Restoration of structural finishes and gateway articulation while maintaining original silhouette and entry character.
Design Contribution: Improves interface between public and institutional zones with minimal yet effective material upgrades.

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Urban Master Planning & Landscape Design

Ranipokhari Zone: Re-zoned into educational, religious, commercial, museum, and open public areas for improved civic synergy.
Design Vocabulary: A balance of silence and intensity—spaces that cry, hum, shout, and recite poetry, reflecting the area’s layered identity.
Pedestrian & Vehicular Strategy: Reduced vehicular dominance and introduction of festival-responsive pathways supporting traditional Jatra routes.
Landscape Approach: Northern and Southern Ranipokhari edges reimagined as active public spaces encouraging community interaction and historical storytelling through spatial design.

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Architectural Concepts & Philosophy

Design Philosophy: A poetic and experiential reimagining of Kathmandu’s urban texture, honoring spiritual multiplicity, political narratives, and architectural memory.
Key Approaches:
Facadism – Preserving historical façades while reprogramming interiors.
Stylistic Restoration – Reviving lost architectural languages and details.
Adaptive Reuse – Recontextualizing historic buildings with contemporary functions.
Pedestrianization – Prioritizing human-scale design and reclaiming public space.