Raised in china from the age of 4, Bhatt was still driven by the vernacular architecture of Nepal. Being a conservation architect she has been working in Mustang, hinterland enriched with barren ridges, deep canyons, eroded cliffs and moraine valleys. Bhatt being inspired from traditional Chinese architecture, vernacular architecture of Nepal and low cost housing is what leads her to be a conservation architect.
EDUCATION
Bhatt had her primary and secondary schooling from Beijing, China and she joined high school in Kathmandu, Nepal. She got a chance to study bachelor in architecture from Tsing Hua University, Beijing, China and from same university she pursued masters in architectural history. Later she pursued diploma course in conservation studies from Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies (IOAAS).
Similarly, she obtained diploma course from The World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for Asia and the Pacific (WHITRAP).
INFLUENCES
- While she was studying in China, there were no any aesthetic contemporary building to look up to, but china was full of fascinating traditional architecture so during the case studies she looked up for traditional buildings which increased her interest towards conservation architecture
- On her study visit in Nepal, in third year of respective course, for the documentation of traditional building, she discovered her interest for diverse architecture of nepal, from Malla to Neo-classical. This led her to choose a career in conservation.
- Highly influenced from her teacher, Ar. Li Xiaodong, who incorporated sustainability, natural settings in his buildings.
INSPIRATION
Diebedo Franscis kere
“The more local materials you use,“the better you can promote the local economy and build local knowledge, which also makes people proud.”
Burkinabe -German Architect using Traditional clay building techniques modified in the form of bricks
AR.Renzo Piano
“Architecture is a very dangerous job. If a writer makes a bad book, people don’t read it. But if you make bad architecture, you impose ugliness on a place for a hundred years.’’
Italian Architect focusing on sustainable modern architecture
PHILOSOPHY
- Architecture is a social art and responsibility, should be for everyone, and serve both people and society.
- Should consider local context, community, culture and climate.
- Conservation of historical buildings is not only to restore it but it is about giving it a new use.
- Existing buildings should be preserved but should reflect contemporary architecture too.
- Get Inspired and learn from traditional architecture but never imitate the design.
VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE ACCORDING TO BHATT
- Denotes indigenous and traditional Architecture.
- include building and landscape built by ordinary people based on shared knowledge and culture.
- one characteristics of vernacular architecture is the ability to change in order to meet needs of people.
- use of natural and manufactured material.
- manufactured material does not diminish the traditional built form.
- It is fascinating how the traditional builders built the built mass considering the topology, climate and environmental condition just by the local shared knowledge and technology.
PROJECTS
GHAMI DZONG PROJECT
Project manager, chief architect
Bhatt was responsible for restoration of the 17th century royal mansion and preparation of conceptual and final design of boutique hotel in Ghami, Upper mustang.
The royal mansion was reused as hotel, library and café.
GARDEN OF DREAMS
One of her best projects lasting from Jul 2005 to Dec 2006, before handing over government. The Chief Architect was AR. Gotz Hagmuller, where Bhatt worked as Site architect. Bhatt worked in details and learned a lot from chief architect.
During the project, the garden’s landscaping was carefully preserved, maintaining the original design and flora while ensuring sustainability and environmental conservation.
ROYAL PALACE OF BEIJING, CHINA
This was Bhatt’s reconstruction project where the site was burned by fire up to the plinth level. There was the use of traditional Chinese construction techniques and materials to maintain the authenticity of the historical structures.
WORK EXPERIENCES
Worked as Conservation architect in john sanday consultant pvt. Ltd, lazimpat, Kathmandu (Sept 1996- Jun 2001), under which she carried out various conservation projects:
- Conservation and Rehabilitation of the Thubchen Gompa Project (a 15th century Buddhist Monastery), in Upper Mustang Nepal. Worked on site as conservation architect. (May 1996 to Jan 2001)
- Prepared Patan Heritage Conservation Master Plan for the Patan Monument Zone/ UNESCO World Heritage Site
Worked as conservation planner/project architect, also involved in the graphic design and layout of the Master plan (Feb – Dec 1997)
Similarly,worked as a Team Leader/conservation architect, in UNESCO/ Japan Trust Fund Project, to renovate Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Engaged in the hand survey of Sundari Chowk
- Prepared measurement drawing (1:5 scale) of the central ivory window
- Engaged in instrumental survey of the palace buildings and the residential buildings within the Patan Monument Zone
- Assisted in the preparation of Conservation Plans for Sundari Chowk
(Jul 1994 – Dec 1995)
ADVICE TO YOUNG ARCHITECTS
As the world is so much about the modern and contemporary buildings, vernacular and traditional buildings hold equal significance and demands to be preserved and renovated. Young architects must divert their focus towards conservation architecture and vernacular architecture and use their energy and creative minds towards the renovation and reconstruction of vernacular buildings with the modern touch.
Interview Project by: Sanskriti Thapa, Shraddha Kapali, Simran Khanal, Ujjwal Niraula
