Building Construction Technology in Past and Present

BLOG NO. 0004

In the context of Kathmandu Valley

“BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY IN PAST & PRESENT”

Abstract

Due to globalization and time period, the construction technologies and used materials are different from past and present. In the case of past, in Kathmandu valley, Environment, materials and crafts activities have all had an important role in the development and Recognition; it is called ‘Nepali’ architecture, otherwise known as the ‘Newar’ style. This style is very different from those found in neighboring Asian countries with similar cultures, traditions and Religions. A distinguishing factor of the style as a whole is the way in which the two principal materials, wood and brick, are used. They are used to make up building elements using technological processes that have evolved over many centuries to create a distinctive style of architecture. The other materials used in building were stone, metal, adobe and plaster. But nowadays construction and used material are very different from past. Frame structure, cement, sand, aggregate, steel, truss as used construction materials. Modern style is totally different style than previous. It has flexibilities according to the function of buildings.

Main issues are

• -        Why People are not following the old traditional construction?
• -        Some people follow the traditional architecture with modern way   

Main aims and objectives are

• -       To know about the construction technologies, used materials of buildings in past and present
• -        How to built new buildings in traditional ways and to know their criteria and features
• -        During construction in traditional way, there are no any objection will come

Outcome of the study

• -        According to the time period, construction technology has been change
• -        Availability of technology, availability of materials and budget, construction has been done
• -        Some feature add of traditional structure  on modern structure, we can provided some feeling of old tradition
• -        At least old traditional elements when these renovation, repair and restoration minimum disturbance to the original fabric

Introduction

In the context of Kathmandu valley, the construction technology has been changed with their time frame. 

At mall period: bricks are main importance things. Wall is constructed to bearing the load. Windows and doors are carving richly. Slope roof is used to protect the whole building and drain the rainwater. Low height is maintained and planning is courtyard.

Malla Period

At Rana period: Introduced first in Nepal is Neo Classic style which is derived from United Kingdom. In which, load bearing wall with pillar and arches having high height are used. Plaster is used at face of walls. Landscape is used at periphery of building.

Rana Period

Recent development: Recent development buildings are having distinct feature from previous one. This is frame structure technology. This times buildings are flexible with the functions. Different types of finishing materials are used.

Recent Development

Now a days of construction technology is made modern type of building is build or new technology used with traditional way.

My issue is……

-        At present condition, people followed traditional technology or not

-        If follow the traditional technology, how they follow

-        How importance to followed the traditional technology

Aims and objectives

-        To know about the construction technologies, used materials of buildings in past and present

-        How to built new buildings in traditional ways and to know their criteria  and features

-        During construction of traditional structure, there are no any objection will come

Why People not follow the old traditional construction??

Population of Kathmandu Valley is increased with natural process and migration. So city became commercialized. In this condition, new modern style is easily adopted than traditional in construction because new materials are easily available in market and easy in construction also.

In traditional structure, load bearing structures are made which have massive wall, low height ceiling, limitation of span. Wooden architecture is very much important in traditional architecture. Now-a-days this type of architecture is very expansive because of limitation of craftsmanship and limitation of woods.

But some people follow the traditional architecture with modern way

Construction technology is modern but materials used are traditional. Like: bricks, tiles, stones paving, wooden carving windows and doors

Example: Dwarika Hotel, Hyatt Regency

These all buildings are built with traditional feature. These are hotel type buildings which mean aims to tourism development.

Because of the government policy, at heritage site like Durbar Square at least front facade see like traditional way which mean aim to conserved the traditional style

Recommendation

In the case of old structure

ü  To conserved and preserved old traditional elements

ü  For this basic principles are followed: minimal intervention

In the case of new structure with traditional style

ü  Doesn’t maintain the load bearing technology and wooden technology at least height of stores should be maintain

ü  At least bricks are exposed

ü  Roof should be sloped

ü  Wooden doors and windows are used with carving

In the case of newly settlement, modern style is use but at least  in  the case of old settlement, traditional style is prefer because of this traditional style  is conserved and balance is maintain between traditional and new style.

Conclusion (Outcome of the study)

• According to the time period, construction technology has been change
• Availability of technology, availability of materials and budget, construction has been done
• Some feature add of traditional structure  on modern structure, we can provided some feeling of old tradition
• At least old traditional elements when these renovation, repair and restoration minimum disturbance to the original fabric