"Boutiquehotel" Beyondaccomodationaculturalandexperimentalhub

Abstract

Boutique hotel is a small, design-focused lodging that offers personalized services, distinct character, and a deep sense of place. Unlike conventional hotels, boutique hotels reflect the cultural and architectural identity of their context, offering guests meaningful experiences through cultural immersion and emotional connection. Beyond hospitality, they play a vital role in preserving heritage, promoting local economies, and encouraging exchange between communities and visitors. This thesis proposes a Newari-themed boutique hotel located in the historic core of Bhaktapur, designed as a cultural and experiential complex rooted in the traditions of the Newar community. The hotel is conceived not just as a place to stay, but as a living space of heritage, a platform for interaction, learning, and the celebration of Bhaktapur's living culture. Through courtyard-based planning and spatial sequences inspired by Bhaktapur's traditional street networks, the project evokes the intimacy and rhythm of the old city. The architectural language harmonizes traditional Newari craftsmanship with modern hospitality standards, using indigenous materials, carved wooden details, brick textures, and symbolic motifs to create spaces that are both authentic and contemporary. The complex includes a main hotel block, restaurant, gallery, wellness center, and workshop zones, all integrated through landscaped courtyards and walkways. These spaces offer opportunities for immersive engagement through crafts like pottery and wood carving, musical and dance performances, and the exploration of Newari cuisine. Guided by the conceptual theme "Memory in Motion,"the design aims to embody dignity, continuity, and cultural depth"not through visual grandeur, but through architecture that speaks with humility and meaning. It responds to a growing interest in architectural tourism that seeks authentic, place-based experiences. This project ultimately serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity, offering a sustainable model for cultural preservation, experiential design, and community-driven tourism in Bhaktapur.