REPORT

POKHARA UNIVERSITY
Cosmos College of Management and Technology
Mahalaxmisthan, Lalitpur

Department ofArchitecture

(Architecture Independent Studies)

Submitted by:
KHUSBU THAPA (200716)
CONTEMPORARY
ARCHITECTURE OF WESTERN
AND EASTERN (NEPAL)
SOCITIES Submitted to :
Ar. Ruchi Bajracharya
Ar. Nabin Parajuli
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT :

I would like to express my special thanks and gratitude to my respected teacher Ar.
Nabin Parajuli and Ar. Ruchi Bajracharya for the guidance, timely assistance and
valuable suggestions throughout my research. It was truly a pleasure to work under their
supervision which helped me to move forward with my ideas and successfully complete
my research.

I was given this golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the topic
Contemporary Architecture, which helped me in doing a lot of research and I came to
know about so many new things. I am indebted to my teachers who were more than
generous with their expertise and precious time.

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1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 4-5

INTRODUCTION 4-

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.2 NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

1.3 OBJECTIVES OS STUDY

1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATION -5

CHAPTER 2 6-8

METHODOLOGY 6-

2.1. TYPES/NATURE OF STUDY

2.2. SOURCES OF DATA

2.3. DATA COLLECTION

2.4. DATA ANALYSIS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………-8

CHAPTER3 9

LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPTER 4……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….10-

CASE STUDY……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..-24

CHAPTER 5…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….25-26

DATA ANALYSIS

5.1. VARIABLES OF ANALYSIS…………………………………………………………………………………………………….25-

5.2. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION………………………………………………………………………………………………-.26

CHAPTER 6 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………27

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….28

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ABSTRACT
This report’s present an overview of contemporary architecture in Eastern and Western
socities. This is the analysis report where we discuss about how this type of architecture
is able to to construct larger and more diverse innovative ideas.

This report presents architecture in the 20th and 21st centuries. the origins and
characteristics of the leading architectural trends of the period against a setting of major
social and technological transformations. The report is intended to be a part of series;
this first volume discusses the eastern and western architecture and the second will
contain comparision between this architecture .

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CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION:

Contemporary architecture is different from the modern architecture of the late 20th century.
This was done by adding eco-friendly features and introducing all the manners of creativity.
It essentially refers to the current style of architecture. For example, a house built this year
according to current trends would be considered contemporary architecture.  it comprises a
range of present-day building styles that often look radically different from one another and
sometimes from anything that has come before. It is unified in its goal to be innovative and
unconventional. Contemporary building design changes the way we interact with the
environments in which we work, play and live in. It aslso involve the use of arts technology
and materials. Traditional Design elements are predictable and distinguishable , while
contemporary architecture is more flexible. Contemporary architecture can also create
virtually appealing buildings while being budget-friendly. It has played a big part in the design
environment. It relies on stark,clean lines and ecofriendly.

1.2. NEED AND IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY:

 Able to construct larger and more diverse innovative ideas.
 Aim to create harmony with the natural environments.
 Embodies the various styles of building designs stemming from a wide
range of influences.
 To focus on clean lines ,open space and a lack of fuss and ornament.
 To break the past using innovation and replicating older style.
 To more focus on innovative materials and building method.

1.3.OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY :

1. To study the characterestics of contemporary architecture.

2. To Architecture constructional materials technology.

3. To compare the CA of western and eastern society.

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1.4. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY :

The major scope of this report is contemporary architecture. This report includes case
studies of significant contemporary buildings of western and comparative analysis
between them and eastern contemporary building. Materials used for construction and
elements are mainly focused. This research is based on secondary sources; mainly due
to restricted entry to some places. However, information from primary sources such as
interviews were also included. The major limitation of this research is information
from only secondary sources for some case studies.

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CHAPTER 2:

METHODOLOGY:

2.1. TYPES/ NATURE OF STUDY:

The method used in this study is a mixed descriptive qualitative method. Qualitative data
such as characteristics can be found in this study.

2.2. SOURCE OF DATA:

This method looks at field evidence primary data combined with secondary data in the
form of pictures, photographs from articles, and books relevant to the research.

2.3. DATA COLLECTION:

The first stage of this research is data collection i.e. survey preparation and going into
the field of primary findings. The next stage is compilation of the existing data by
categorizing or marking the data with convinced codes to distinguish them from one
another. After the data is collected and references are also collected, the next step is the
data analysis stage which is carried out by research. The next stage is drawing
conclusions and suggestions as the final part of the research process. As for primary
sources, site visits were made and people related to the associated buildings and local
people were interviewed and analyzed. For secondary sources, various related websites
and online resource sites such as ResearchGate, journals, pamphlets, research papers,
books were searched and read and gathered information were thoroughly analyzed.

2.4. DATA ANALYSIS:

Overall, this research focuses on contemporary architecture of western and eastern as

research objects and international case study as a reference for comparison and analysis.

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CHAPTER 3:

LITERATURE REVIEW:

.Contemporary architecture style are different from western and eastern through out the years .
It may varies from the use of materials and technology. Traditional architectural styles play a
massive role in beautifying corporate offices. They also bring functionality to the corporate
environment. For this reason, most architects still pay tribute to classicized features. They can
do this in as a sign of loyalty to architectural legacy as well as for form and function. The style
differentiates itself from the modern architecture of the late twentieth century. This is due to
adding eco-friendly features and introducing all manners of creativity. Moreover, it involves
the use of state-of-the-art technology and materials.
Contemporary architecture relies on eco-friendly features. It embraces all types of innovations.
These bring new meaning to modern building and construction. Moreover, it uses the latest
technology and recyclable materials. It creates buildings that are high-tech and durable. And
they are taller than most of their predecessors. If the trend continues, people will drive to live
and work in contemporary architecture structures that respect the law of nature.

HISTORY/BACKGROUND :

Contemporary architecture isn’t defined by a single style but is unified in its imperative to be
unconventional and to break with the past using innovation and imagination rather than
replicating older styles. Postmodernism, high-tech architecture, and new interpretations of
conventional architecture are all used by contemporary architects.The era of contemporary
architecture is generally thought to have begun sometime after the modern period of the
roughly first half of the 20th century and the postmodern period that was a reaction to it
beginning in the 1960s and continuing through to the '90s. Therefore, buildings from the late
20th century to the present moment might be referred to as works of contemporary
architecture.

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After World War II, international cooperation grew rapidly. This had a notable impact on all
forms of art around the world. Hence, contemporary architecture style is marked by
transcontinentalism, an endeavour to create structures that are integral to their environments,
and a sense of “placelessness”.

Since contemporary architects have access to innovative methods and materials, they are not
restricted to creating linear forms.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CA :

1. Open Floor plan

2. Curved lines and Rounded forms

3. Asymmetry and Free-form shapes

4. Large, abundant windows

5. Unconventional volume

6. Harmony with nature

7. Bright, airy interiors

8. Flat roof

9. Environment consideration

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CHAPTER 4:

CASE STUDIES 1:

Figure 1: Taragaon Museum

 Location : Bouddha,Kathmandu
 Total area : 13,589 sq.m
 Establised : 2014
 Architect :  Carl Pruscha

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  Carl Pruscha, an Austrian architect who mainly dedicated his professional career to
investigate and work closely in the field of regional architecture in the eastern world
entirely new architectural form, yet feels so much part of the tradition of the Valley.

Architect: Carl Pruscha

Figure 2: map of Taragaon museum

INTRODUCTION :

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Carl Pruscha, an Austrian architect who mainly dedicated his professional career to investigate and
work closely in the field of regional architecture in the eastern world, a territory that was being
overlooked at a time when the modern movement in architecture and in the rest of the world was
booming. He was born in Innsbruck, Austria in 1936. After graduating from the Academy of Fine
Arts Vienna with a Master’s degree in architecture, he later continued his studies in the United
States, where he had his first practical experience working on projects in New York City. 

The Taragaon Museum is a private art museum and library located in Kathmandu. It is
located in the northern part of the city near the Bouddhanath stupa. It is situated on the
ground of the Taragaon Regency hotel, which owns the museum. The museum is
supported by The Saraf Foundation.

.
BACKGROUND/ HISTORY:

Figure 3: old image

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Taragaon (tara meaning star and gaon meaning a village), refers to the bright "stars" in the sky.
The hope was, as Angur Baba wrote in 1974, that the village "will shine like a star in the sky".
It was meant to be "a welcoming and comfortable bungalow village devised for fascinating
encounters with Nepalese people, culture, and landscape".
Kathmandu conjures images of towering pagoda-style temples and narrow streets choked with
exotic, medieval era architecture. But after the city was opened to foreigners in the 1950s,
Kathmandu’s landscape began to change. The Taragaon Museum not only chronicles the
city’s architectural transformation, but also embodies it.

Originally built as a hostel for visiting artists and scientists, the Taragaon grew into a well-
known hotel that was later abandoned in the 1990s. The property was rescued by hotelier and
philanthropist Arun Saraf, who also owns the adjacent Hyatt hotel, and was revived to honor
Kathmandu’s architectural history.

The Austrian architect Carl Pruscha, who served as a UN and UNESCO consultant to the
Nepalese government, designed the Taragaon in the 1960s based on the artistic vision
provided by Angur Baba Joshi who was a prominent social activist during that period. Dark

red brick dominates the museum’s design as a tribute to the dachi appa brick structures that
can be found throughout Kathmandu’s historic districts. The bricks are typically used for the
façades of Newari temples and palaces. The barrel-vaulted style rooms, which Pruscha calls

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“Pati,” were likewise inspired by classic temple architecture. Other elements of the recent
restoration are distinctly modern, like the large, circular windows, which are meant as a nod
toward the future.

Figure 4:barrel- vaulted style

In 1970 he designed the Taragaon Hostel, introducing drum-like roofing.

Pruscha aimed to transform the traditional brick culture of the Newars, deliberately avoiding
cement plaster which, since the 1950s.

Figure 5 Taragaon museum before reconstruction

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CONCEPT:
The design was influenced by the form and function of the traditional Dharmashalas. On the
entrance to every building, see Lotus, a symbol of peace, carved stepping stones. The
Taragaon Hostel survived as a landmark of the 20th-century architecture in Nepal that needed
rehabilitation and permanent protection.In the first phase, 14 small units and two larger
buildings for common use were built.

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 Fig. plan of Taragaon museum

CASE STUDY 2

Figure 6 Walt Disney concert hall

Location : Los Angeles, California,

Total area : 14,800 sq.m
Establised: 2003
Architect : frank Gehry

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 Frank Gehry is a Canadian-American architect known for postmodern
designs, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Guggenheim
Museum in Bilbao, Spain. HE was born Frank Owen Goldberg in Toronto,
Canada on February 28, 1929. He studied at the University of Southern
California and Harvard University. Gehry, based in Los Angeles since the
1960s, is among the most acclaimed architects of the 20th century, and is
known for his use of bold, postmodern shapes and unusual fabrications.

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 Fig. map of Walt Disney concert hall

INTRODUCTION:

For about thirteen years, Watt Disney concert hall has been a unique locus for music, arts and
architecture. Since its opening in 2003 it has been one of the most recognizable symbols of
Los Angeles and also one of the best known concert halls of the world.

The establishment of a Concert Hall originally began in 1987 when Lilian Disney donated $50
million in honour of her late husband. A year later, Frank Gehmuas selected during the design
competition but mismanagement and politics, the project didn't realty start until 1996.

Disney Concert Hall was completed and became patt of the Los Angeles California's
performing district on October 23rd 2003.The home of the LA Phil, it has become widely well
known for its unique architectural form and its excellent acoustics. it has received wide
acclaim for its excellent acoustics and distinctive architecture. In the decade since its opening,
the hall's sweeping, metallic surfaces have become associated with Frank Gehry’s signature
style.

HISTORY/ BACKGROUND :

The history of the building began in 1987 when Lillian Walt Disney, widow of businessman
donates $ 50 million to start building a philharmonic hall. The idea was to create a reference
point for music, art and architecture, which position the city of Los Angeles in the cultural
level.

The proposed Gehry was chosen after an international competition in which they were
submitted over 70 proposals. The architect imposed its characteristic style, which can be seen
in the rest of his works. While the construction of this building is later, the design was done
before the Guggenheim Bilbao. Walt Disney Concert Hall is now the permanent headquarters
of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

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CONCEPT:

Capturing the motion of Los Angeles, and representing musical movement, Gehry created an exterior
composed of curvilinear forms that seem to dance both on and above the site. The design represents the
style of their creator, architects Frank Gehry, could be considered a work of art in itself. The extravagance
of its forms seems to defy any rules of harmony and symmetry.

The building is essentially a shell which consists of a series of interconnected volumes, some
form of orthogonal coated stone and other forms of organic and surfaces covered with a
corrugated metal skin of steel. As a bridge between the different volumes are used glazed
surfaces.

fig. boat

The Interior can be seen in the shape of hull of a boat. The forms are external inspired by a boat with
sailsdrenched.

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The centerpiece of the interior of the building was designed to represent the hull of a boat. The
idea of the architect was to design a room with an evocative sculptural forms of music,
achieving an intimate connection between the orchestra and audience.

EXTERIOR :

fig.Working phase fig. After completion

The first thing the visitors notice on arriving at the hall is its breathtaking exterior. At first
the building was decided to be made from stone but the use of steel was taken into
account considering the amount and variety of curves of the structure. The coat, that outer
surface used was corrugated of 12,500 pieces of the steel together on the outside. The areas
outside of the rectangle were made from stone. Glass surface acts as a liaison between the
various volumes. The climate of Los Angeles is quite lower throughout the year and this
accounted with the use of materials. The reflecting surface of the Hall was later made rough
because of the complain from the surroundings.

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INTERIOR:

The well lit warm interior begins with lobbies’ Douglas fir wrapped tree columns and
continues until the one takes a seat in the auditory. Just above the main lobby is one of the
Walt Disney’s concert hall’s two interior performance spaces the dramatic yet intimate
BHall.Like the main auditorium this hall was built with acoustics in the mind and hosts pre
concert talks, musical performances, reception and private events.

fig.lobby area fig. wrapped tree columns

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Like the lobby, the main auditorium features the warm tones of Douglas fir and Alaskan
yellow cedar for visual and acoustical purposes and the wild flower design for the seat
covering adds a striking dimension to the light infused openness of the hall. Inside the
warm, Douglas fir-lined interior are 2,265 seats that are steeply raked and surround the
stage. But of all the eye catching features of the auditorium, perhaps the most iconic is the
Walt Disney concert hall’Organ, a collaborative design of frank Gehry and Manuel
Rosales and it demands the attention of the audience from every angle.

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SPACES:

Inside the corrugated metal shell and the seeming disorder, is developing the program in four
functional levels.

The main access is via a large public space that is generated in the same spot. The main
entrance connects with the existing facilities of the Music Center. A secondary access, located
at the corner formed by the streets Second Street and Grand Avenue, provides a direct access
to the gardens.

The hall is accessible from the street. From there we reach the various spaces of the complex.
At the field level is located an area of 3,000 m2 for exhibitions, along with a restaurant and
service areas. On the north side of the level of access and forming a volume that stands out the
set, is located the Founders Room, a space with lounge and cafeteria. Behind and around the
box that makes up the auditorium are located support areas and dressing rooms. Towards the
south side, on a volume prismatic lengthened, the offices are located. The park has a capacity
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of almost 2,200 cars and is distributed in 7 levels. From there you can directly access the
interior of the building via escalators.

The most important space within the complex is the auditorium for 2265 people. This room
was designed with extreme care in the acoustic quality. Yasuhisa Toyota of Nagata Acoustics
was responsible for this part together with Gehry. Designed to look like the hull of a ship, the
curved wood ceiling evokes the sails of the boat. The auditorium is equipped with natural
light, through lucarne and a wide window on the back side of the room. The audience is placed
around the orchestra. A body occupies the central position between the blocs of seats in the
rear of the stage. The curves of the ceiling and the provision of internal walls improve the
acoustics spreading the sound and producing more thoughts, adding warmth and resonance.

Another important area of the complex is the multi-purpose hall Roy and Edna Disney. Is
aimed at the California Institute of Arts with capacity for 266 spectators. It has direct access
from the street, located in the basement of the complex.

The building has also two amphitheaters. The first has 300 seats and is used for children’s
shows. The second is capacity for 120 spectators.

MATERIALS :

To coat the outer surfaces were used corrugated 12,500 pieces of steel together on the outside.
No two equal parts, as each piece takes a unique form of agreement to their location.

In areas outside of regular forms, the stone was used. Glass surfaces function as a liaison
between the various volumes.

The interior of the auditorium and rooms, is lined with fir wood. The same type of wood that
is used in the back of violoncelos and violas and was used in floors, walls and ceilings.

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 CHAPTER 5

DATA ANAYSIS:

Variables Literature review Case study 1 Case study 2

Taragaon museum Walt Disney concert hall

Space Dwell with the circumstances 13,589 sq.m 14,800 sq.m

It is 1000+ sq.m less It is 1000+ sq.m more

spacious than case spacious than case study 1

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 study 2

Designs Post modernism, high tech, Traditional Postmodern

deconstructivism, traditional Modern

etc

Materials Glasses, bricks, RCC, wood, Facing Brick, Glass, Steel, metal panel system,

stone, tiles, steel, carbon timber, bitumen metal studs, glazed curtain

fiber,etc walls,precast concrete

5.1 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS:

Both structures fit the literature and coexist with the environment. Taragaon integrates somewhat
less than the music hall, in comparison. While the music hall is built in a modernist manner, the
Taragaon Museum has a traditional façade made of exposed brick. The music hall employs steel,
metal, curtain walls, etc., while the Taragaon Museum uses traditional materials like bricks,
lumber, glass, etc. Thus, Taragaon combines traditional technology combined with modern
materials, while Walt Disney Concert Hall uses modern materials with modern building
technology. Both structures fit in nicely with their surroundings.

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CHAPTER 6:

CONCLUSION:

From the above report we can study about contemporary architecture in different places which
was developing in 19th and 20th century. From the above we came to know about the materials
technique main component used during two different socites. Although the style and design of
the buildings look similar but there are some differences which makes them their own
particular significance.

Understanding the reasons of this architecture style in western and eastern (Nepal) this style is
both feasible to respective environments. Moreover, the style was developed in both the
societies it evolved from western to eastern, as the materials differ on these societies. Nepalese
architecture more focuses on brick work and other local materials whereas eastern societies is
more about advanced and new innovative building materials. The both style is not about only
about architectural development style but also the art, styles, elegance used in the particular
period .

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:

REFERENCES
ArchDaily. (2018). Carl Pruscha, an Architect Investigating Overlooked Territories. Retrieved from
https://www.archdaily.com/957728/carl-pruscha-an-architect-investigating-overlooked-
territories.

magzine, s. (n.d.). The TARAGAON MUSEUM in Kathmandu.

Prabhakar, N. (2019). Retrieved from https://round-city.com/the-taragaon-museum-one-of-nepals-

first-modern-buildings/.

spruce, t. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-contemporary-architecture-

4769079.

Tahir, M. (2021, December 27). Retrieved from https://www.graana.com/blog/contemporary-

architecture-and-its-characteristics/.

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