SRESTAA BHATTARAI

B-ARCH YEAR-V
KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY

CULTURAL CENTER
Revitalizing Connections in Manang through
the Design of a Cultural Hub
TABLE OF CONTENTS

o1 Background o7 Methodology
Where did it all begin? Methodology for this project

02 Introduction 08 Proposed case study

Culture and cultural tourism National and International case study

03 Project Introduction 09 Project Output

Project Description General output

04 Project Justification 10 Site Context

Reason for choosing particular project Site selection criteria

05 Aims And Objective 11 Probable Program

What does this project aim? What kind of spaces?

06 Scope And Limitation 12 Bibliography

Scope and limitation of project References
01
BACKGROUND
Where did it all begin?
 01.
Where did it all begin?

My journey to Tilicho uncovered a cultural richness in Manang that remained largely

unexplored.

● Unintentional Effects of Development:

Due to increased traffic, villages were bypassed, depriving people of the rich Manang culture.

● Architectural Insight:
"Cultural Nexus" proposes rest areas, supporting local businesses and preserving Manang's
culture.

● Concept of a Strategic Cultural Hub:

Envisions a Cultural Hub providing a place to stop and engage with Manang culture along the
way.

● Maintaining Preservation While Advancing:

Seeks to strike a balance between Manang's cultural heritage preservation and the unintended
consequences of development.
02
INTRODUCTION
Culture and Cultural Tourism
 02.
Culture and Cultural Tourism
symbols
• Culture is what people think, do, and create, including their attitudes, heroes

behaviors, and things they make. rituals

• It's a mix of processes (like ideas and ways of life) and their results values

(buildings, customs). practices

• Cultural tourism isn't just about famous places but also about

experiencing how locals live.

• According to Hofstede, culture is the knowledge, beliefs, values, and

things a group acquires over time.

Figure 1: Culture at Different Levels of Depth (Hofstede 1997)
• Tourists pick destination based on a culture's levels, including values,

rituals, and symbols.

 02.
Distinct national cultural properties serve as the foundation of tourism, enticing people to
visit, study, and travel, categorized into "hard attractions" and "soft attractions."

Hard attractions Soft attractions

• Cultural heritage properties • Music
• Museums • Dance
• Architecture • Poetry
• Monuments • Literature
• Temples and monasteries • Painting
• Cultural and artistic centers • Sculpture
• Streets and squares • Traditional folk arts and Handicrafts
• Buildings
(source: Cultural Perspective of Tourism in Nepal; Shankar Nepal, Nenshan Baral)
• Archeological findings and Lifestyle of the people
 02.
Reason for growth
• Enhanced accessibility and transport systems drive cultural tourism growth.

• Increasing global interest in cross-cultural understanding fuels cultural tourism

popularity.

• Travelers seek authentic, unique experiences, boosting the demand for cultural tourism.

• Places with rich cultural legacies attract tourists for immersive and meaningful

journeys.

• Digital age facilitates the sharing of cultural experiences, fostering curiosity and

awareness.
 02.

In the context of Nepal

• In 2019, Nepal had 1.2 million visitors, bringing in US$725 million.

• Tourism is a key foreign exchange source, crucial for Nepal's economy.

• Cultural tourism has been overlooked despite positive growth.

• It offers a chance to improve rural residents' economic standing.

• Cultural participation can lengthen tourists' visits, aiding local economies.

• Financial gains from cultural events directly help preserve local traditions.
 02.
A Literature Inference

"Cultural Perspective of Tourism in Nepal" by Shankar Nepal and Nenshan Baral (2015).
Objective: Understand the impact of culture on Nepal's tourism industry through a web-based survey.

• 146 out of 156 respondents believe in the potential for cultural

tourism development in Nepal.
• Respondents identify customs, traditions (67.90%), temples,
monasteries (64.10%), and historic sites (62.80%) as significant for
cultural tourism.
• Traditional customs, folk/classical art displays are the most
appealing to tourists.
Table 8: What factors do you think are important to improve cultural
• 37.20% of respondents express interest in international festivals. services in Nepal?
 03
PROJECT
INTRODUCTION
Project Description
 03.
Project Introduction : Cultural Hub
• Place to experience Manang’s culture, art and traditions.

• Aims to conserve Manang's cultural legacy

• Emphasizes long-term community engagement, mutual benefit, and cultural

preservation.

• Cultural performance, Exhibition, artisan market, community food court, etc.

• Learning space , art & handicraft

04
JUSTIFICATION
Why cultural hub at Manang?
 04.
Cultural tourism in Manang
Manang's Cultural Richness:
• Vibrant festival atmosphere with lively customs of Gurung people.
• Rodhi dance and Tamu Lhosar showcase exquisite rituals and feasts.
• Intricate Thanka paintings and handcrafted woodwork and textiles by
Manang women.

Cultural Fusion:
• Manange people, primarily of Tibetan ancestry, contribute to the Tiji
Festival.
• Tiji Festival includes historical dances and traditional foods.
• Regional specialties like thukpa, momo, dhindo, and yak meat.

Despite of the richness, the region is still very undeveloped from a

cultural tourism viewpoint. Pradhan, S., Dyson, L. E., & Lama, S. (2022).
 04.
Why Cultural Hub at Manang?

• Manang experiences a significant increase in tourist numbers in 2023 after Covid-19.

• Concerns arise about the declining quality of visitors and their purchasing power post-
road construction on the Annapurna Circuit.
• Despite increased tourists, the economic impact on local communities remains
suboptimal.
• Focusing on attracting high-quality visitors through longer stays is crucial for economic
and cultural engagement.
• Cultures are in endangered condition and neglected in the past few decades.
• Establishing a Cultural Hub in Manang is a viable response to changing dynamics,
infrastructure developments, and cultural preservation needs.
05
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
What does this project aim?
 05.
Aims and Objective
Besides the partial fulfillment of Bachelor's Degree in Architecture other objective of this
project are:
• Research impact of road construction on Manang's communities for enhanced
research skills.
• Proficiency in architectural design principles by addressing identified challenges and
opportunities.
• In-depth understanding of cultural dynamics in Manang.
• Creative problem-solving to balance modern society needs with cultural preservation.
• Interaction with local stakeholders for relevant data and insights.
• Apply environmental sustainability in architectural design.
• Develop effective communication of research findings and design concepts.
06
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
What is the scope and what are the limitations?
 06.
Scope Limitations

• Understand Manang's unique cultural aspects. • Limited applicability beyond Manang due to regional focus.

• Identify challenges for small enterprises post road- • lack of current and reliable data, particularly when it comes to

construction. economic indicators.

• Explore architectural design principles for the Cultural • Study depth constrained by time, money, or resource

Hub. limitations.

• Investigate community involvement in the Hub's • Challenges in obtaining complete community participation.

planning. • Some factors influencing tourist engagement may be overlooked.

• Propose strategies for enhanced tourist experiences. • Proposed Cultural Hub design subject to real-world restrictions,
may require modification.
07
METHODOLOGY
Methodology proposal
 07.
Methodology

Phase I: Initial study phase Phase II: Architectural Study and Research Phase III: Design

• National and International Background • Literature Review • Conceptual phase and Design

and History • National and International Case Visit development

• Aims and Objective of Project • & Study • Master plan/Site plan

• Scope and Limitations of Project • Program Formulation • Architectural Design and Detailing

• Project Justification • Site Visit and Analysis • Drafting of Project

• Modelling of Project
• Final Model
 07.

Methodology flow chart

ROADMAP OF PROJECT

Initiative Working days Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Thesis Proposal 9 days 8-17th

Literature Review
17 days 19th 6th
Case study

Site analysis 10 days 6-16th

Program Formulation 15 days 17th 3rd

Design Development 5 days 4-9th
Concept 13 days 10-23rd
Pre-final 26 days 24th 19th
Final Drawings 36 days 20th 6th
Modelling and remaining works 13 days 7-20th
Final Presentation 20 days 21st 11th
08
PROPOSED CASE STUDIES
National and international case studies
 08.
Case Study

National International

• Jawahar Kala Kendra Technical Information, Charles Correa

• Manang Museum, Manang
Associates
• Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Center, Cultural Architecture , Rajasthan, India
Built-up Area: 9.5 acres
Sauraha.
• Russian center for science and culture - • Jinamani visitors center, Teamminus
Cultural Architecture, Yushu, China
Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu Area: 1100 m²
• Nepal art council - Babarmahal, Kathmandu Year: 2013
• Qingxi Culture and History Museum, UAD
Cultural Architecture Ningbo, China
Area: 1691 m²
Year: 2022
• Dafa Canal Tourist Information Center, ZJJZ
Area: 3280 m²
Year: 2018
 08.
Literatures
Articles:
• Lahoud, A. L. (2008). The role of cultural (architecture) factors in forging identity. National Identities, 10(4), 389–398.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14608940802518963
• Psarra, S. (2009). Architecture and Narrative: The Formation of Space and Cultural Meaning. In Google Books. Routledge.
• Baral, N., & Nepal, S. (2011). Cultural Perspective of Tourism in Nepal. Www.theseus.fi.
https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/106611
• Richards, G. (2018). Cultural tourism: A review of recent research and trends. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism
Management, 36, 12–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2018.03.005
Books:
• Neufert- Architect Data
• Literature study on program requirements for Cultural Center
• Byelaws and Building codes

Other necessary literatures will be studied as per requirement.

09
PROJECT OUTPUT
General and Design output
 09.

General Output
● Assessing road construction's impact on local culture.
● Unveiling socioeconomic factors in Manang.
● Examining challenges for local businesses.
● Exploring design concepts with a focus on sustainability.
● Strategies to enhance visitor experiences.
10
SITE CONTEXT
Site selection criteria
 10.

Way to Nar-Phu
valley

Way to Manang Way to Besisahar,

The site will be selected in Koto village lying along the village Lamjung

Besisahar-Manang road which previously used to be a

trekking trail.
 10.
Site selection criteria

• Tourist Accessibility: Strategically placing the site in tourist-heavy areas for easy
visitation.
• Displacement Mitigation: Prioritizing site selection to address local displacement
concerns.
• Long-Term Expansion: Providing a foundation for sustained growth for local
residents.
• Cultural Celebration: Emphasizing Manang's cultural significance in the site
selection..
• Amenities Inclusion: Ensuring the site has necessary services and amenities for
visitor appeal.
Koto village, Manang
11
PROBABLE PROGRAMS
What kind of spaces?

Artisan Market
Administrative Area
• Display and market
• Area for getting information on handcrafted goods, promoting
culture, history and other business prospects and
necessary in formation on maintaining the area's
Manang as well as the project. distinctive artistic expression.
11.
Community kitchen
• regional specialties are prepared
and shared, encouraging
conversation and offering local
food vendors a platform for
business.

Technology integration Interactive Workshop Multifunctional spaces

• includes interactive displays,

virtual tours, and language
translation services.
Zone
• Interactive zone where
workshop to local craft and
arts are offered for immersive
experience.
• accommodate a range of
cultural events, such as
performances, workshops,
exhibitions, and public
meetings.
 11.
Administrative Area Market Area Exhibition/Display Kitchen and Workshop Area Services and
Area eatery Area Parking
• Lobby/Reception • Shops • Ticket counter • Reception • Art workshop • HVAC
• Waiting lounge • Sitting Area • Thanka • Counter • Folk dance • CCTV control
• Information • Counters Paintings • Preparation workshop room
room • Mandalas Area • Weaving • Parking for four
• General office • Photographs • Kitchen workshop and two
• Meeting room • Ornaments • Storage wheelers
• Pantry space. • Woven clothes • Eating/Dining • Guard room
• Storeroom. • Miscellaneous • Restroom
• Restroom • Restroom

Other facilities may include auditorium, open air theatre, outdoor eating area , public restrooms etc.
As Frank Lloyd Wright aptly said, 'The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our
own, we have no soul of our own civilization.' The Cultural Nexus in Manang stands as a
testament to preserving the soul of Manang, connecting the past with the future through
thoughtful architecture.

CONCLUSION
 RESOURCES
● Richards, G. (2003) What is Cultural Tourism?
● Rossmanith, C. (2018). On the Road to Development: The Impacts of Road Construction on Livelihoods in Manang.
● Kathmandu, N. (2014). National Population and Housing Census 2011 (Village Development
Committee/Municipality) MANANG Government of Nepal National Planning Commission Secretariat Central
Bureau of Statistics.
● Nepal, S. K. (2007). Tourism and rural settlements Nepal’s Annapurna region. Annals of Tourism Research, 34(4),
855–875. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2007.03.012
● Murton, Galen. (2018). Nobody Stops and Stays Anymore: Motor Roads, Uneven Mobilities, and Conceptualizing
Borderland Modernity in Highland Nepal
● Limbu, R. K. (2020, June). Nepali Folk-cultural Tourism and Modernity [Review of Nepali Folk-cultural Tourism and
Modernity]. research gate.
● Pradhan, S., Dyson, L. E., & Lama, S. (2022). The nexus between cultural tourism and social entrepreneurship: a
pathway to sustainable community development in Nepal. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 1–16.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873x.2022.2101369
● Editorial Board Production & Co-Ordination NEPAL TOURISM and DEVELOPMENT REVIEW. 2011.
● Khanal, Anup. “Impact of Motor Road on Tourism in Annapurna Circuit: A Case Study of Tal to Chame in Manang.”
Elibrary.tucl.edu.np, 2014, elibrary.tucl.edu.np/handle/123456789/14813.
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