Gangadhar bhatta (first architect of nepal )

Nepal’s First Architect 

Ar.Gangadhar Bhatta ‘Haluwe’

 

 ● Gangadhar was Born on 30th April 1936. He was nicknamed ‘Bachhu’ by his family.

 ● He earned his B.Arch. degree from Calcutta University after doing his I.Sc from Trichandra College and S.L.C from Padmodaya High School in Kathmandu.

 ● Bhatta became the first man in Nepal to obtain an architectural degree and joined the Bhawan Bibhag soon after. 

● Gangadhar chose to study architecture in place of engineering as it would have been expected considering that the latter profession was more firmly established and better viewed as a reputed one

● He is considered as “The founder of modern architecture in Nepal”. He said, “The day I stop being modern, I might as well stop being an architect.” 

● He also believed that every item in nature has a purpose as he was an admirer of Frank Lloyd Wright. ● He won the first prize of Rs.5000 in the open design competition for the Rashtriya Panchayat Bhavan. ● He demised at the age of 72 years in January 11th, 2006.

 Philosophies:

1. The form should satisfy functions. 

2. A building should respond to its surroundings.

 3. Ingredients of a good building are honesty, sincerity, seriousness, and hard work.

 4. Architecture and society should go hand in hand. 

Contribution :

1. He contributed to the contemporary architecture in Nepal by achieving a blend between the traditional and the modern, 

2. Master plan of Dashrath Rangasala, 

3. Introduced the design of double flight stairs for the 1st time,

 4. Designed master plan , the Library building and several other building of T.U.

 5. Interiors of City Hall, Jivan Kunj 

6. Casino Nepal and Soaltee Hotel. 

7. Botanical Garden, Godawari

        Dashrath Rangasala:

 Dasarath Rangasala is a multi-purpose stadium in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. It is named after Dashrath Chand, one of the four great martyrs of Nepal. It was built in 1956 and renovated in 1998 to host the 1999 South Asian Games.

 Features: 

1. Modern building blended with traditional sloop roof

 2. Building composed of interpenetration of geometric forms

 3. Use of pergolas to symbolize the deviation towards modern design.

 4. The construction technology used was Frame structure.

 5. Materials used were concrete and steel. 

             City Hall :

● It is a landmark in modern architecture of Nepal.

 ● He has designed broad staircase , porch, lobby and different entrances considering pedestrians, performers.

 ● Modern concrete shell structure used for entrance emphasis 

● Abstract design reflected by precast open riser stair 

● Huge opening on the façade supporting modernity 

● Interpretation of different forms and newari style of elevation treatment 

● Additive design of the roof