Revitalizing Talako Area: Unlocking Its Full Potential Through Urban Regeneration

Abstract

Talako, popularly known as pottery square of Bhaktapur is known for its significant cultural vibrancy be it social, traditional and economical. The area is dedicated towards its traditional style of live pottery works and festivities throughout the year. But what used to be a vibrant and likeable area for its housing society and close human connection has fallen to a crumble of deteriorated houses and abandoned buildings and chowks with occupancy fallen to just 26% among the 58 private buildings. Spaces which used to be filled with sundried pottery works are not as functional as it used to be. The lack of functional use of the houses questions the legacy of the traditional pottery and the status of housing society of our traditional Newari settlement. Such a problem of creation of abandoned pockets of spaces is arising all over the traditional Newari settlement in Bhaktapur which is to be addressed. Hence, this thesis explores the changing landscape of Talako area with its impact on aspects like housing, economy, communal settings before and after the earthquake. It explores the physical and social condition of the tole to devise a better approach to unlock its full potential through urban regeneration. The approach of urban regeneration helps to facilitate the traditional society with efficient spaces for the people to live conveniently. This project aims to make judicious use of the spaces available and leave no space unturned to miss out the vast economic potential the area possess. The thesis also aims to restore important public buildings and spaces like Dhunge Dhara, Pati and Maths and replan temporary sheds into effective spaces for communal functions. The other public monuments and temples are conserved maintaining the cultural integrity. In conclusion, this thesis identifies the existing problems in Talako and devises appropriate solutions to them with proposals of adaptive reuse, replanning, conservation and restoration at places required accordingly. The original fabric is preserved giving priority to Newari architecture whilst respecting the by laws.