Spaces_is 9

keeping in view the large area of the
building. An outstanding aspect is the use
of traditional carved wood work for pillars,
purlins, beams, handrails, doors and
windows (tiki jhyals) and jhingate tiles used
for the slopes. The main entrance at the
front is designed with carved wooden
columns, beams, traditional floor tiles,
carved railings and jhingate tiles on slope
porch roof giving a magnificent look to
the façade.
The workmanship of Ratna Shilpakar, a
resident of Bhaktapur, is certainly of high
quality. The traditional tiles were bought
locally, and the tiles, which could be seventy
to hundred years old, were washed and
cleaned before compiling and putting to
construction. The entrance leads to the
reception area with a waiting lounge
Top: An exterior view of the Siddhi
Shaligram Bridyashram with its
expansive green front.
Above: The neatly lined beds in the
dormitories ensure a comfortable
ambience.
connecting the central courtyard, rooms
and other premises. Rooms, of various
sizes with attached toilets, accommodate
altogether 30 beds.
The courtyard in the centre of the building
is open - designed for the purpose of
allowing natural light and so as to follow
traditional architecture. The open
courtyard in the drawing was planned with
a purpose, consisting of a quiet resting area
with flower beds and a fountain to provide
a peaceful and natural environment in tune
with the project theme. Presently, the
courtyard is used as a multifunctional area
for sitting and gathering as well as for
cultural functions. Recognizing an
important human need, a library cum
newspaper room has been built next to the
courtyard to keep Bridhyashram residents
informed and up-to-date with current
news and happenings. Bhajan Mandal, a
SPACES MAR-APR 2006 33