"अस्तित्व: “THE LIVING MEMORIAL”

Abstract

What happens when memories fade, and the physical remains of history disappear? How do we make sure the voices of the past, especially those silenced by war are not lost over time? Architecture has always been a way to express culture, history, and identity, but can it also preserve memories and untold stories of struggle and survival? "????????: The Living Memorial" is an architectural response to these questions, an attempt to capture the impact of the Nepalese Civil War (1996-2006) through space and design. The war changed Nepal�s society and politics, leaving both visible and invisible scars. But as time passes, how do we make sure this history is not forgotten? Can architecture help people remember, reflect, and heal from the past? This thesis aims to create a living memorial not just a place to store artifacts, but an interactive space that brings history to life. The design will preserve pieces of the past, telling the stories of those who lived through the war, stories that might otherwise be lost. Through historical records, interactive exhibits, and immersive spaces, the museum will help visitors not just learn about history but experience it. This project goes beyond the traditional idea of museums by including empty spaces, preserved ruins, natural landscapes, and carefully designed layouts that make people feel and reflect. It explores how architecture can rebuild forgotten memories, using materials, textures, and spaces to tell untold stories. Can space make someone feel the weight of history? Can light and darkness represent hope and loss? Can an empty space be just as meaningful as a built structure? By turning memory into space, "????????" connects the past with the present keeping human experiences alive beyond just written records. If places of war are left behind and forgotten, can architecture help them speak again?