Reconstructing Dharahara and leaving it as it is for historical significance are two major issues on the discussion. Even though some logic behind leaving it as it is sounds sensible, it is really important to have landmark structure like Dharahara. It is not all about rebuilding, it is about responding; the importance of that particular site and our emotional connection to it. Every structure has some language, it stands for some meanings. After the catastrophe of 2015, new dimensions in design have been opened. So, reconstructing Dharahara with the meaning behind leaving it as it is could be a unique start.
The main purpose of the Dharahara was to assemble people at Tudikhel for the announcement. And afterward it was left just as a monument for years, and in modern days it was converted into commercial view tower. It is blunder!! How was it allowed as a public view tower? In terms of national economy and public entertainment, it is good to have access for the public. But the tower was not designed for this purpose. And it may not have had sufficient amount of structural strength to hold numbers of people at a time, and every day huge public flow. People are also load for the structure, which should be considered. But happened so happened, these structural points should be taken into account, if it is going to reconstruct.
From the architectural perspective of the Kathmandu valley, It was not just the view tower. Its presence had defined that space and history was attached to it. Beyond the construction, Material, and design, it had acquired its Architectural values and, it was remarkable. It was in neoclassical or Mughal pattern, which was adopted, and different from our traditional style. But it had merged its identity in our tradition. It was the merger and above this, it has a vigorous role in Nepalese Architecture. So, it was unique. It was not only the tallest structure, referring the skyline, it was the guardian of the Kathmandu valley. It had given meanings to the sight, and had a strong visual impact. It was my pride and I personally have a very deep architectural connection with it. Whenever I will look at the valley, my eyes will miss its visual charm, my brain will stay bewildered, and my heart!!……. hope it will handle the feeling of emptiness. Its materials had turned into debris, which is irreparable but its essence, still blooming. It has life and is respiring through its vivid mental image.
So, it does not matter whether it is reconstructed or left as it is, it cannot be erased from the history and Nepalese architectural context. However, at this point it is really important to realize that our pride has shrunken not demolished, some unexplainable pain is connected, which is also not easy to erase. And it shouldn’t be erased either. It should be expressed, it should be shared; with new dimensions in Nepalese Architecture. So Dharahara should stand again like no monument has stood before, it should stand again to face another earthquake. Furthermore, it should stand for our pride, for our hope.
(Mr. Bodhendra Bhandari is an architectural engineer and has graduated from Pratt Institute, New York- editor)
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