KHWOPA WOOD CRAFT AND VOCATIONAL CENTER

Abstract

tage is the full range of our inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture. Traditional heritage skills are performed by traditional trades who actively practice their craft in respect of historic preservation, heritage conservation, or the conserving and maintenance of the existing built environment. There are 7 world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley i.e. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar square etc. However, with the changing pace of time, the knowledge of ancient wood construction technology and carvings are diminishing. Hence, traditional knowledge on building materials, techniques and specifications need to be brought to the realm of current practitioners with the intent of merging them with modern tools and practices. This thesis aims to propose a “Khwopa Wood Craft and Vocational Center” as an educational institution as well as a hub for wood craft enthusiasts and craftsmen in Bhaktapur. Furthermore, it promotes a design philosophy which supports the integrated approaches of revitalizing heritage values of the traditional communities. And in doing so, attempts to create new activities appropriate with conservation principles considering the local community’s needs. This allows for exchange of ideas and training through stakeholder groups through galleries, libraries, and working studios. Moreover, this thesis deals on the challenges and the need for developing in heritage conservation i.e. traditional woodwork of Kathmandu valley, through built forms. Therefore, this thesis describes an alternative conservation approach, which is intertwined within multiple interactions between objects and people developed during the conservation event. It allows heritage conservation to address the social issues of the present and engage the future, rather than merely seeking to fix the past. Protecting the built heritage and conserving the local traditional and cultural values of communities for future generations present a real challenge for developers, architects, and professional education programs. These preserved heritage can be mobilized for community development, cultural preservation. The strategy also aligns with the need of the community and hence this khwopa wood craft and vocational center shall conduct various types of activities for community welfare.