Conservation Casestudy

1. INTRODUCTION TO CONSERVATION

1.1 Definition

Conservation is the action taken against decay to prolong the life and the integrity of a built heritage or of a settlement. Conservation not only develops expertise, it helps us to learn about the holistic nature and its technical aspects. It provides us the knowledge to criticize and appreciate. Historic structures, monuments or settlements are the most important part of the cultural heritage and human civilization. Building materials deteriorate with age and exposure to the weather. Typology, construction and organization of the structure, element/block size, type of construction materials vary depending on the construction period.

Some of the art and crafts of medieval Nepal still shines with fineness. The fine craftsmanship of Nepal lets us construe the affluent culture of medieval Nepal. Unfortunately, due to lack of proper care and maintenance the ancient civilization which has architectural values is becoming evanescent. The esoteric art of carving motifs was passed on from generation to generation. A craftsman would learn such skills at a very early age from his grandfather. Today the skill has to become almost arcane known only to the selected few who dare to take the arduous way. A cursory glance of the temples of the Kathmandu valley will be that’s needed to feel the crumbling picture of the traditional art and crafts.

Only a hand full of monuments and settlements has been given the privilege of “conservation”, yet there are hundreds of monuments and civilizations, which are in dire need of repair and restoration. It is certain that the art of 14th century Kathmandu would have been unrivaled through the globe. The situation now is abysmal: the so-called ‘modern influence’ has left such a big scar on the valley that the task of returning it to the former glory is almost insurmountable. The need of conservation is undeniable. Everything around us will either perish or be transformed into a new form, sooner or later. Our past is out roots and it needs to be respected. The cultural relics of our ancestors have been renowned all over the worlds for its fine craftsmanship. It’s the duty of the current generation not to act according to whims of fashion and follow the popular trend but to look after and preserved the objects of heritage.

KATHMANDU ENGINEERING COLLEGE (B.ARCH 2068 V / I) 1

1.2. Values in conservation

As we know that only the building which has significance and values, seek for conservation; those types of buildings has different values which have made it more crucial. Those values maybe emotional values, architectural values, aesthetic values, archeological values, socio-economic values and even political and spiritual values.

a. Emotional values b. Use values c. Cultural Values

1.3. Philosophy of conservation

It is an attempt to set out the ethics and principles to guide work on traditional buildings. Some of the guiding ethics and principles common in conservation philosophy:

Ethics

Authenticity Integrity Avoidance and conjecture Inseparable bond with setting Respect for all contributions Rights for the indigenous community Respect for age and patina

Principles

Minimal intervention Like for materials Conserve as found/ retention of original fabric Reversibility Documentation Legibility

For over a century, various doctrines have guided the practice of heritage conservation. Historically three major characters have influenced conservation philosophy. Basic intervention theories of historic preservation are framed in the dualism of the retention of the status quo versus a restoration that creates something that may never actually have existed in the past, John Ruskin was a strong proponent of the former, which Viollet-le –duc, argued for the latter.


1.4. Principles of conservation

Conservation is the process of caring for buildings and places and of managing change to them in such a way as to retain their character and special interest. Historic structures are such unique resource. Over- restorations can harm the special qualities of a building with the loss of details, materials and craftsmanship which, while sometimes seeming of little significance in themselves, can contribute to the character of the building and make it special. For this reason, it is vitally important. Following points are the principles of conservation:

a. Keeping a building in use b. Researching and analyzing c. Using expert conservation advice d. Protecting the special interest e. Promoting minimum intervention f. Respecting earlier alterations of interest g. Repairing rather than replacing h. Promoting honesty of repairs and alterations i. Using appropriate materials and methods j. Ensuring reversibility of alterations k. Avoiding incremental damage l. Discouraging the use of architectural salvage from other buildings

1.5. Methodology of conservation

When the object is identified as necessity of conservation then it follows certain steps to conduct. The main agenda of conservation is to conserve those valuable objects prior to identity. There are certain methodologies to conduct the conservation

Inventory Inspection Documentation and interventions

1.5.1 Inventory:

This comprises of recording of what exist. It has to be done systematically that corresponds to its area of work. The steps involved in the inventory of architectural conservation are:

o Photography o Photogrammetric o Drawings/sketches o Survey o Models

The main aim of the inventory is to describe the settlement to be conserved.


1.5.2. Inspection:

A preliminary visual inspection and study of each building is necessary in order to know and define as a whole. The present condition of the building must be recorded methodically and then whatever further studies are required, can be reported. In conservation, inspection starts from the roof where construction starts from the foundation. Also, the starting point for the conservation would be the corner of North-west and follows clockwise direction. This work basically focuses on types, use of materials, and kind of deterioration. In case of roof, slope type or flat type, roofing materials is either C.G.I or tiles, even in C.G.I rusting or other tear and wear has occurred or not, if yes then how much, what kind is recorded. In case of battens and rather, the type of timber is inspected. After inspection, the process is followed by the report writing in simple language which has the clarity even for the understanding of laymen. Report should be in standard format defining work divisions like; immediate works, urgent works, necessary works, desirable, items to be kept in construction. Along with report, it should also give preliminary estimate.

Inspection Criteria 1Mostly, post- hazard visual screening methods are based on street surveys which collect data from the exterior of the building. After any hazardous event observation of the pattern and damages on the building is quite enough in order to make the initial decision for the safety condition of the building. Conversely investigation of potential risk and the pre-hazard safety evaluation of the structures necessitate more data.The visual data includes:

Damage state and physical condition of the building, Structural and geometrical typology, Typology of the place where the building is located, Earthquake zone, potential vulnerabilities, etc.

Inspection Criteria 2

Inspection depends not only to the existing condition of the building but also to the inspector’s experiences and knowledge. For the universality of purpose, generally a questionnaire with check lists are used and these are supported by damage atlases, damage indexes, user guides, etc.

Inspection includes the following steps:

o Achieving the schematic plan drawing of the building.o General history of the building, information of constructiono Giving axial system to the building for representing each structural

element (Divide structural elements as vertical, horizontal and diagonal)


o Obtaining metric data of structural elementso Visual inspection of the building by focusing on the existing state of the

decay and damage of structural elements.o Evaluation of the overall stateo Results and recommendations

1.5.3. Intervention:

It refers to an object subjected to any action. Thus, it has to be carried out with respect to an object. Basically conservation is aimed at prolonging the life of a monument with the help of various kinds of treatments. The main concept of conservation is to retain the authenticity of the monuments of the greatest possible extent. Hence, prevention of deterioration is the first degree of intervention which seeks to maintain the originality of the object.

1.6. Degrees of intervention

Intervention practically always involves some loss of value in cultural property. The minimum degree of intervention necessary and the techniques used depend upon the condition of the climate, to which the cultural property is likely to be subjected. Atmospheric pollution and traffic vibration must be considered and earthquake and flood hazards should be assessed. The nine degrees of intervention are:

1. Prevention of Deterioration

This method seeks to stop further decay; or retards the decay. Protecting cultural property by controlling the environment Controlling agents of decay: humidity, fire, vandalism, theft, temperature, etc. Increasing awareness and decreasing neglect. Reducing atmospheric pollution, vibrations (traffic, industrial) Reducing ground subsidence

For example, in case of Bhaktapur Project, suitable paving of street and courtyard was done, small industrial area with non polluting character were established which allowed only handicraft, art related industries.

2. Preservation

This method seeks to keep the monument in its existing state. Intervention is done directly to the cultural property.

Importance given in the retention of all historic fabric Regular inspections Regular repair and maintenance Objective is to keep cultural property in a desirable same state.


For example, in Bhaktapur Project, facilities for monument maintenance office were provided. Regular inspectionand maintenance of monuments were done. Repair of Tilmahadev Narayan and Swet Bhairav of taumadi was done.

3. Consolidation

This method seeks to insert some strengthing elements in case the monument is no longer able to withstand the decay mechanism on its own.

Should not deviate from the existing structural pattern and form Retain originality, use local skills and materials However, when strictly necessary, reversible modern techniques can be used.

For instance, in Bhaktapur Project, cracks developed in the domical roof, ring beam was constructed to support the dome and cracks were filled by injecting the slurry of cement and lime. These were the conservations done in case of Shive temple golmadhi.

4. Restoration

This method seeks to attain the original state in totality. The objective of restoration is to revive the original concept and true style. Focuses on the retention of materials from most significant time in a property’s

history. Involves removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction/

replacement of missing features but in distinguishable way.

For example, restoration of Dattatraya square and restoration of Lokeshwor temple in Bhaktapur Project.

5. Reproduction

This method seeks to copy and reproduce in cases where it is endangered in a particular place. Monument constructed on a different site Copying an extract artifact involving replacement of missing and decayed parts Involves moving to a more suitable environment

For example, a pati was shifted from original position and window of Godawari Math was reproduced in Bhaktapur Conservation Project.


6. Re-evaluation/ Adaptive Re-use

This method seeks to keep buildings in continuous use. Involves new use to a redundant historic building This ensures maintenance and checks deterioration Adaptive reuse ensures aesthetic continuity and economic gain Involves addition of amenities and alteration of internal plans Drastic alteration of character and incompatible function is not allowed

For example, in case of Bhaktapur, Taja Math, pujari math: non religious part was extended to house workshop and rest house which was being used as a parking for Bhairab Chariot was converted into restaurent.

7. Renovation

It involves the process of improving a structure. Renovation can refer to making something new, or bringing something back to life. The original form, construction detail and materials are followed. Dismantling is done only when apparent danger is perceived.

For example, in Bhaktapur Conservation Project, conservation of Ganesh temple and Shiva temple was done.Several cracks, vegetation growth, major parts already collapsedOne way to conserve was to dismantle and rebuild.

8. Anastylosis

This method seeks to conserve the monument by recording the existing monument in minute detail, dismantling it and reassembling it in its original form as per record.

For instance, renovation of Nasaman dabu and renovation of Brahmayani Dyochen was done in Bhaktapur Project.

9. Conjectural Restoration

The least preferred methodology for conservation. It is a process of remake, which is preferred to be limited in drawings, models and sketches.

In case of Bhaktapur, conservation of Saraswati temple was done in this method.


1.7. Strengthening of historic building

Prior to the objective of the conservation, consideration regarding materials and techniques are recommended depending upon the degree of intervention. Any building stand with materials and technologies bind each other in any form. Technology is major issue not to stand the structural but also an ideology to present the society and civilization.To preserve the historic building and strengthening it, various materials and technologies are used and with the time, various conservation works are done. It is very important to preserve building from deterioration caused by the natural and human activities. We need to preserve to keep the historic building in its existing state. Participation of local community and government is always effective. And with the interval of time, repair of monument is needed.

If any historic building seeks damage and weak in structure, the consolidation is performed in which some strengthening elements if realized that the building is no longer able to withstand the existing. According to various document, original design, historic study and archeological study, we can conserve the historic building to its original state. Also historic building can be conserved by keeping them in use so that regular inspection and maintenance can be performed. According to various process of conservation we can preserve and strengthening of historic building in its original form maintaining its value and importance.

o Causes of building crackso Chemical reaction in construction materialso Climatic condition of the natureo Foundation movement and settling of buildingo Environmental stresseso Bad quality materialso Wrong method of constructiono Cause of crack-shrinkage


2. CASE STUDY: LADAKH, INDIA

2.1. Introduction

2.1.1. Location

Ladakh covers the eastern half of Jammu and Kashmir, India’s northernmost state. The region borders Tibet autonomous Region in the east, Xinjiang province in the northeast and the northern areas of Pakistan in northwest. It lies in the western edge of Tibetan plateau and spans the parallel lines of the Great Himalaya range, Zangskar range, Ladakh rang and Karakoram Range.

2.1.2. Background

Ladakh is an ancient Tibetan kingdom that became part of Indian Kashmir only in the mid-19th century. Ladakh’s unique cultural heritage is a blend between Tibetan culture, indigenous traditions and influence from the ancient Buddhist regions of Kashmir and Central Asia.

Ladakh is divided into two districts; Leh and Kargil. The district headquarters, Leh and Kargil, are the also the only large towns in Ladakh, while most of the rural populations live in smaller villages scattered across both districts.

When Ladakh’s neighboring regions of Kashmir, Baltistan, Kargil and Afghanistan converted to Islam, relations with Tibet remained an important source of cultural inspiration. Economically, Ladakh retained an important centre at the crossroads of Inner Asian trade. But political developments of the mid-20th century put an end to all that and all roads to Tibet were closed after the Chinese take-over, and India and China fought two border wars after the Chinese army built a road through Ladakhi territory. The partition between India and Pakistan put an end to trade and even personal contacts between regions to the north and west, effectively locking Ladakh into isolation and bringing its economy to a standstill. The tri-partite 40-year conflict in Kashmir aggravated Ladakh’s isolation. Society, culture and economy stagnated. In the mid-1960s, India built the first-ever road accessing Ladakh, and later regular flight links between Leh (the capital) and Delhi were established.


Fig: Map of Jammu and Kashmir region. (Ladakh comprises of Leh and Kargil district)

o Leh townLadakh’s capital, Leh, is a city of some 25,000 inhabitants. The population almost triples in size during the summer tourist season, when people from all over India come here looking for work. To protect the rural Ladakhis from economic competition that they are not prepared for, the government has made it impossible for outsiders to acquire land, and even opening businesses or working requires permits and often a Ladakhi partner. Thus, the Ladakhis are benefiting more from tourism than their cousins in Lhasa.

Old Leh is dominated by the former royal palace, a nine-story stone structure erected around 1600 in the Tibetan style made famous by the slightly later Potala Palace in Lhasa, plus a number of Buddhist temples and monasteries from the 15th-16th centuries. Only a few Buddhist stone carvings arguably bear witness to the begin of Ladakh’s recorded Buddhist history in the 10th century.

The old town, consisting of two hundred stone, mud and timber houses sandwiched between thick rammed earth walls, is located on the slope below the palace, still accessed by a number of ancient stupa gateways. After the changes wrought by the Chinese government on Lhasa, Leh is certainly the most well-preserved traditional Tibetan city in the world, and perhaps the most significant ensemble of historic Tibetan architecture.


Fig: Leh old town area - in the back the 17th century royal palace.

Fig: Leh from the south - to the left the fields, in the center the old town

2.2. History

The earliest known royal domain of this dynasty was in Shey in the Indus valley, some 15 km upstream from Leh. The early history of Leh itself is shrouded in mystery. The discovery of a Buddhist monument with a Tibetan inscription dated to the period between the eighth and the tenth centuries suggests the existence of a human settlement at Leh at the time, centuries before Leh entered recorded history. This is a two meter-tall image of a standing Maitreya engraved on a rock in the ruins of an old house at the edge of the Old Town, found during the community survey.

The earliest recorded building activity dates to the reign of Drags Bumde in the second half of the 15th century. In 1461, the king received a delegation from Central Tibet sent by Gendundru, who was later recognized as the First Dalai Lama, and subsequently began the building of Buddhist temples.

The next confirmed building activity took place during the reign of Tashi Namgyal. He is credited with the Namgyal Tsemo tower above the Leh place, and as proved by an inscription, with the protector temple below the tower.However king jamyang namgyal and his son senge namgyal that are credited with having established leh s the royal capital. They erected nine storey leh palace, and their ministers settled immediately below within a fortified area. This is today’s historic old town of leh.

2.3. Ladaki Architecture

Architecture essentially began as means to provide shelter and more importantly in ladakh, protection. Forms that evolved were extremely simple and versatile. Later it became a social endeavor and patterns of development started to emerge out of these simple forms. Religion could never be de-linked from social activities

in ladakh. Strong ties with the neighboring Kashmir and western Tibet too left an indelible impact on ladakhi architecture, particularly its religious architecture. Continuous intuitive experimentation led to the juxtaposition of simple forms to create complex architectural relationships; settlements began to grow and dot the aired landscape of ladakh while iconography led to create impressive interiors. Other than simple houses, several functional built form types emerged and these included gompas


Fig: View of old leh town showing the royal palace as well as the monasteries temples, private house of kings

ministers just below.

Fig: Houses of ladakh

(Buddhist monasteries), palaces and forts.


2.4. Problems and issues

The main problem areas identified by the project can be summarized as follows: Poor quality of living conditions Decline of old town, government inactivity People without land are trapped in poverty Loss of cultural identity due to migration and rapid economic changes Loss of traditional skills that are no longer useful in modern economy Tension between communities (esp. Buddhist majority and Muslim minority)

2.4.1. Analysis of the decline

The old town had no water supply, and since the time of the city’s founding, people had to climb downhill to fetch their water. Drainage was another problem due to the availability of only a handful of open channels that are frequently blocked (or frozen). Heavy rain falls or a neighbor’s washing day could trigger the flooding of one’s basement.

Over the past 15 years, most well-off families owning land in the greener, well watered parts of the valley have moved away from the old town. This was made possible because these families no longer depended on agriculture for their livelihood, having found better sources of income in the operation of guest-houses, souvenir shops, restaurants or internet cafés.

The old town began a steep decline. Due to the moving of wealthy and influential


Fig: Every morning, residents need to queue for water Fig: Absence of sewage system

families, the old town began a steep decline. While the new town has paved roads, garbage collection and sufficient water supply, no such services were provided for the old town. The former centre of the country had in effect, became a slum. The inhabitants of this area are roughly in equal parts, Buddhists, Muslims and migrant workers (mostly from Nepal and Bihar) (in overall Leh, as in overall Ladakh, it is generally believed that two thirds of the permanent populations are Buddhists). This process has also caused a decline in the old composting toilet system, though it is still the only realistic way to deal with solid waste. In recent years more and more Ladakhis regardless of confession (i.e. both Muslims and Buddhists) have begun to publicly lament the decline of their former capital, witness to a history stretching back more than 11 centuries. Hoping for the development of this area, Tibet Heritage Fund offered to try and revive and rehabilitate the old town in partnership with interested communities.

2.4.2. Tensions between communities

In Leh, most of the old houses are built attached to each other sharing walls, or even vertically joint, with public access ways running underneath houses and people sharing sheds for animals. Public squares between the densely-placed houses were used for celebrations and processions. These days, people fight bitter disputes over empty plots of land that lie between properties, and feud with their neighbours about physically separating adjacent houses. Improvement works on buildings and alleyways are routinely objected to by jealous neighbours. This social development has certainly contributed to the decay of the old town. Tensions between communities have aggravated, over the last 15 years Muslims escaping from the Kashmir conflict have considerably enlarged Ladakh’s Muslim minority. There have been occasionally violent conflicts between the communities along sectarian lines (though not nearly as dramatic as, for example, the Gujarat riots where hundreds died).

2.5. Intervention strategy

The conservation project started with a strong approach to improve people’s livelihood and living conditions. Leh’s historic urban fabric exemplifies traditional architecture with influences from the central Asian trade routes that once converged in Leh old town. This project attempts to document, research and disseminate the cultural practices of the Old Town in Leh. Some of the intervention strategies used are:

Improve people’s livelihood and living conditions. Identify and use the best of the traditional skills, which have slid into obscurity

since the advent of subsidized cement and steel. Rehabilitation of home by improvements such as bath rooms with drains,

bringing more light into the often dark houses (built when glass was not known or available), improving the composting pits of the traditional latrines and increasing the efficiency of traditional clay mixes based on experience and the skills of the best traditional craftsmen.

Starting a training (and employment) program to give employment to those


inhabitants of the old town who do not own land and have little education, and therefore giving them an economic perspective.

Infrastructure improvement, monument preservation etc.

2.6. Intervention activities and results

Ladakh style townscapes in Himalayan region and a rare example of an intact historic Tibetan Himalayan urban settlement. In the wake of modern times leh is changing fast. New high rise buildings and development projects were transforming the face of old town. There was a grave danger that the unique cities would lose its historical and architectural value and that, leh’s unique living heritage. To presaerve and conserve such place of historical and architectural importance following degrees of interventions were applied.

2.6.1. Assembly of a core team of skilled artisans

First of all a team of local skilled articans were appointed to conduct the conservation project in a genuine way. Then after further training was provided by THF director André Alexander in traditional Tibetan building technologies relevant to Ladakh, and in restoration and building rehabilitation practice. The skills and sensibilities of the artisan

core group were further refined by training activities.

2.6.2.The Rehabilitation Model Lane

The Stagopilog area served as one of the main access routes into the old town. Used both by locals and residents, it leads underneath an old stupa gate and past some of Leh’s most beautiful (if dilapidated) historic homes. The lane has had no paving and no drainage. Stagopilog lies at the bottom of the slope on which the old town is located. A drainage channel from the neighborhoods above ends abruptly at the upper end of the alley, emptying into it. As a result a constant stream of foul-smelling water ran down the unpaved alley, and pools of stagnant waste water regularly accumulate between the homes. To support the Stagopilog neighborhood community in upgrading their area, the area was turned into a Model Rehabilitation Lane to demonstrate the feasibility.


Fig: Team of skilled artisans

Fig: Access routes to the old town. In front the gateway stupa.

2.6.3. Community-based infrastructure improvement

The biggest improvement in the current project phase consisted of draining and paving the Stagopilog alleyway. It was designed by community, and implemented by local community members, local builders and THF staff. The community members put in work for the drain digging and removing of soil, but many aspects of the work would have to be carried out by professionals or semi-professionals. The residents would be able to learn as much as possible about drain building on this stretch, which after all is only a first pilot project. Skilled workers install drain and pave the alley (August 2005). Community members and skilled workers worked together building the drain (August 2005).


Fig: Draining and paving the Stagopilog alleyway

Fig: Alley before and after

2.6.4. Promotion of adequate and sustainable building technologies

Traditional Tibetan architecture is well suited to the climate and geography of the Himalayas. The mud bricks and mud plaster absorb heat from the strong sunshine during the day and slowly radiate it during the cold nights. Mud is used in many layers to provide insulation for walls, floors and ceilings. External timber bands are used to brace the walls against earthquakes, and the internal load (ceiling structure) is so distributed that it will not kill residents even in the case of collapse. Many traditional buildings will be able to withstand earthquakes. Most of the new tall buildings coming up in the Main Bazaar area, by contrast, will not survive, and some their heavy pre-cast concrete elements are likely to kill people when they fall. Modern construction is also almost exclusively done by migrant workers who can cast concrete. Building in the traditional skills not only gives greater comfort and security to Residents, but also requires the availability of local skills and so benefits the local economy. The recent (October 8) earthquake in Kashmir has caused only little damage in the Ladakh region, but Ladakh lies certainly in an earthquake-prone region. Further promotion of traditional skills and earthquake-protecting features (some of which could be incorporated also into modern buildings) was advocated.

2.6.5. Income generation through vocational training and workshops for skill improvements, promoting women’s roles in construction work

THF integrated several local women from poor families into a medium- term training scheme. Four people with some local building skills participated so that their skills would become refined. This enabled them to earn more money in the future, and also will supply the project with the specialized skills necessary for upgrading of traditional and historic residential homes. The refined skills included practices used in Tibet for upgrading and rehabilitating historic residential buildings.


Fig: Multilayered mud plasters, external timber bands and sun-dried bricks as local

and sustainable technology.

Fig: Mud plastering

2.6.6. Documentation of historic building structures

Tibetan architecture, architectural history and art history are still relatively young fields of research. Little is known about styles and their evolution, and even major sites are still insufficiently documented. Events of the 20th century, such as massive destruction of historic Tibetan art and architecture, have dramatically narrowed down the chancesof ever fully understanding the Tibetan building tradition. The rapid modernization in both China and India, as well as the acceleration of mass tourism, are further threatening remaining historic structures. One cluster in the center of the old town, consisting of the 14th century JampaLhakhang and seven residential houses, five houses and one stupa in the Stagopilog conservation model alley, as well as six other historic houses and four monastic sites were documented.

2.6.7. Revival of traditional skills and local wisdom through exchange with other Himalayan communities

Ladakhi culture and traditional society have been in decline ever since the borders to Tibet were closed five decades ago. Ladakh had to look to lowland India for cultural inspiration. However, Ladakh is geographically very different from the rest of India, and compared to India’s 1 billion people, the small Ladakhi population of less than 100,000 is struggling to retain their cultural identity. THF has reopened one channel of exchange between Tibet and Ladakh by bringing Tibetan experts to Leh for workshops and training. We have also involved Tibetan refugees, many of whom possess traditional skills that Ladakhis have partially lost. This helps both communities – giving Tibetan refugees an economic perspective, and reviving ancient cultural links between the two regions.


Fig: Section through old town. Fig: Leh interactive map, sample building database page from THF website.

Fig: The parapet fitted with Tibetan-style decoration. Revival of lost traditional

technique.

2.6.8. Rehabilitation of housing for low-income communities

In 2004 and 2005, the project rehabilitated a number of homes in old Leh. Houses were chosen by priority, location and willingness of the owner to contribute.

1. Sofi House:

One of the oldest and architecturally important houses, it was built ca. 100 years ago by a family who had migrated from Kashmir to Leh. The building has two stories, and mostly store rooms on the ground floor.

Problem: The roof was badly disintegrated, with extensive leakage, wall cracks and drainage problem.

Work included: Reconstruction of roof with traditional internal water- proofing layers, and a new drainage system, repairs of wall cracks, provision of better insulation, included interior and exterior plastering, restoration and improvement of windows, construction of skylights to bring more light into the upper floor rooms and construction of a skylight to cover the previously open staircase, toilet composting vault concreted to prevent seepage, and fitted with an internal air circulation system, kitchen fitted with a sink connected with a drain that led into the street drain.

2.Jampa Lhakhang

This 15th century temple is one of the town’s main Buddhist monuments. THF helped to repair the leaking roof, and prepared a rehabilitation plan for the entire site, which

requires more roof repairs and cleaning of historic wall-paintings.


Fig: Ground plan and east elevation, showing the 100-year old Kashmiristyle wooden balcony

3. Cholday house

The Cholday house is home to three generations of a single family, plus also for some additional aunts and nieces. So even during the repairs, the families continued staying there, just moving to the back area. The family’s contribution lay in supplying all the materials and providing additional supervision of the workers. The house has three stories, with main damage in the northern part that was caused by a neighbor’s demolition and reconstruction of his house.

The north wall was reconstructed, the fallen ceiling in the area rebuilt, and additional windows were put in. The roof was waterproofed, and the disintegrated roof parapet (that protects the mud walls from rain) was rebuilt. The main work was completed at the end of 2004.

4. Hanupa House

Hanupa House is located widely visible on the ridge high above the town and so an important priority. It was also a very poorly-built home, erected ca. 150 years to house servants of the nearby Norchung family’s mansion..One of the walls had to be partly taken down because of a defect in the foundation, and was rebuilt much stronger and structurally sounder. All other walls were also strengthened. Windows were much enlarged, and additional ones put in, as the house previously had been very dark. It also had very low ceilings; we have successfully raised the ceiling. The house had no toilet and no drainage; we have built a composting toilet and fitted the kitchen with a sink.The house was successfully rehabilitated August-October 2005.


Fig: ground plan. The problem area is shown in grey (THF 2004). The defect north wall of the

house had to be taken down.

Fig: Ground plan (THF 2005), had to be partly rebuilt to make it structurally sound.

5. Hor Yakandi House

This house was built about 100 years ago by a Muslim family from north-western China (Yarkand). It was abandoned 20 years ago when the top floor had collapsed, as the family believed that the nearby stupa gate had an ill effect on the house and the family. It was found out that the house was taller than the stupa, which is widely believed locallyto invite harm. So it was agreed with the family that the house would be rehabilitated minus the upper floor, so that it would be safe again for habitation. The house originally had four storeys and a functioning composting toilet. The north wall is close to collapse, and the internal timber frame suffers from numerous defects and settlements. Most windows have disintegrated.

6.Chenrezi Lhakhang

This huge building was constructed in the 17th century as main monastic center for Leh. It contains a 16-pillar assembly hall, a four-pillar protector room, and a three-storey tall blank wall facing the town for display of the huge Gygutangka during festival times. Even though its importance has been overshadowed by the new Tsuklakhang built around 1980in the main bazaar, Chenrezi Lhakhang remains one of the old town’s major monuments and a popular focus point for local Buddhists and tourists alike. The construction a few years ago of a new access road to Leh Palace that runs just to the north of Chenrezi Lhakhang has aggravated water seepage problems. Rain- and groundwater are destroying murals and even damage the foundations. THF has excavated the foundations and built a drainage channel to protect the walls.

7.Lonpo House

This is the former home of the king’s chief minister, built around the same time as the Leh Palace (ca. 1600). The family abandoned the house decades ago, and in the 1990s, it was donated to Chemrey monastery. Unfortunately, by that time, it had partly collapsed due to neglect. THF supported repairs of the collapsed part, and partial replacement of the interior timber frame.


Fig: Section (THF 2005).

Fig: Assembly space

2.6.9. Creation of a community centre for community meetings, cultural functions and training of community members for future income-generating activities

On the ridge above town just below the former royal palace stood a deserted building threatened by collapse. This was the Guru Lhakhang, a chapel founded by 44 leading families of Leh around 1600 as centre for congregations, private religious practice outside of monasteries, and, most importantly, as place for celebration of local festivals. The original network of families had disintegrated over the centuries, disabling attempts at maintenance. THF found the roof and timber frame to be on the verge of collapse, with extensive rain damage. THF proposed to rehabilitate the site as pilot project, so that the entire community and not just one family would be benefit from the first activity. The pilot project would demonstrate the feasibility of using only local skills and local labour, therefore benefiting the local economy. Activities that took place in the Guru Lhakhang include: Since there were fragments of badly damaged historic paintings on the walls, people were trained here in basic techniques painting restoration. THF build a new roof structure, including timber frame, roof layers and parapet. A damaged section of the north wall was repaired, 30 rooflight was added to bring more light into the building. The interior plaster was restored. A new tamped clay floor was made, the clay also functions as additional insulating layer.


Fig: The entire roof reconstructed

Fig: Cleaning and re-touching wall-paintings

2.7. Results of the Project

Community-based improvement of living and sanitary conditions Promotion of adequate and sustainable building technologies (particularly in

view of the fact that Ladakh is an earthquake-prone region) Income-generation through vocational training, promoting women’s roles in

construction work Documentation of historic building structures Strengthening of cultural identity in

context of globalization Revival of traditional skills and local wisdom through exchange with other

Himalayan communities First-ever training of Ladakhi painting restorers Rehabilitation of housing of low-

income communities Creation of a community center for community meetings, cultural functions and

training of community members for future income generating activities Contribution to a diffusion of sectarian tensions between different communities

by community-organizing and motivating them to work together to improve their living conditions.

3. Conclusion

The first part of report describes about conservation and degrees of intervention whereas second part is about a case study of historical village called leh; describing its historical and architectural importance and conservation approach. From this report we got to learn about the ideas to conserve a historical settlement. We have now gained more knowledge about the intervention strategies to be applied while conserving a settlement. From the studies we can now conclude following things to keep in mind while conserving any historical settlement:

The identities of places will live as long as we are capable of sustaining their distinct human dimension.

A sense of place must be cared for and regenerated every day if it is to reflect the values and traditions of our societies.

The purpose of planning is to achieve better use of resources and to manage our habitats with minimal intervention and environmental disruption.

A plan, however, should not be an abstract design imposed from the top. It should advocate a more realistic and socially conscious approach to planning.

The issue today is that of reordering poorly designed and hastily built city areas and improving regions in critical environmental conditions.


Bibliography

History of architectural conservation by JUKKA JOKILEHTO

Art and architecture in ladakh

Leh old town lonely planet. www.lonleyplanet.com

www.tibetheritagefund.org

Bhaktapur development project

Conservation manual


http://www.tibetheritagefund.org/

http://www.lonleyplanet.com/

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