CONTINUITY AND AUTHENTICITY IN DEVELOPMENT OF HISTORIC TOWNS: CASE STUDY OF THE HISTORIC CORE OF KATHMANDU

Abstract

The dissertation attempts to understand urban conservation in terms of cultural continuity exploring the diverse urban processes linked with it. The significance of cultural continuity is intrinsically related to understanding the values associated in conservation policies. The ICOMOS charters of Nara and Washington raise important issues of urban heritage conservation and authenticity in conservation. To make such value judgments between conservation and development it is equally important to understand the changes and issues in the everyday life of the stake holders. The cultural practices linked with the physical spaces both public and private and their changing dynamic will possibly guide in a better understanding of the cultural continuity, and historicity. The need to strike a balance between economics and conservation will help to create better urban design policies. Understanding the outlines and issues of urban conservation, existing government policies need to be appraised. By analyzing the urban morphology and understanding the historic urban structure, and its symbolism, along with the conservation policies regarding these areas, an appraisal of the urban design of the town shall be carried out to view issues of authenticity and genuine continuity in relation to urban conservation and redevelopment. Looking at categories of intervention in the urban fabric currently occurring in the site due to the existing development byelaws, the development policies adopted for the area shall be viewed with a filter continuity and authenticity. The study tries to see the old city from the standpoint of the heritage conservers as well as the property owners with desires for development of the valuable properties. Emphasis shall be given to see the city beyond its popular monuments and into its built fabric which has developed and survived two millennia, and where major unstructured and uncontrolled changes occur in total disregard to the context. This has given rise for the need to value position the existing urban fabric. Judging the merits of various approaches and comparing with the urban design policies adopted by the concerned authorities can give a clearer understanding of the stakes and issues regarding urban conservation in developing countries, and potential adoptable urban design strategies.