Proceedings of 12th IOE Graduate Conference

Peer Reviewed
ISSN: 2350-8914 (Online), 2350-8906 (Print)
Year: 2022 Month: October Volume: 12

Geometry in Modern Architecture and Postmodern Architecture

in Nepal
Aditi Jaiswal a , Sanjay Uprety b
a, b Department of Architecture, Pulchowk Campus, IOE, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
a [email protected], b [email protected]

Abstract
Geometry, as a science of measurement and properties of space has its origins in human observation and the
need to measure land. In architecture, the study of geometry led to development of new mathematical tools
which was made applicable to design of buildings. Modern architecture is a growing field with a number of
sub-genres that have evolved over time. Classifications vary according to style and philosophy. One common
characteristic among modern architects is the use of geometry not only for aesthetics but also for structure.
This article sheds light on how geometry had a significant part in developing early Nepali modern architecture
in terms of forming the formative notion in which the principles of plane and solid geometry are employed to
establish architectural form. The objective of this research was to examine the use of different geometry in
shaping early Nepali modern architecture in terms of determining the form in a given social political context.
Qualitative research method was used to investigate he use of geometry context in selected buildings design
in a given socio-political since 1950s.The method mainly included the study of drawings, documents and
record along with literature review. The research highlights a initial notion from the Bauhaus movement that
helped to define formal archetypal structures or formative concepts through which architecture may develop.
The study concludes that the post 50s buildings were designed mainly by foreign trend architects with not only
strong Bauhaus influence but also the history which acts as determinant or characteristic in buildings along
with drawing from local architectural context.
Keywords
Geometry, modern context, shaping

1. Introduction landscape or constraints [3]. More so, This Geometric

way of thinking can be traced from classical antiquity
According to Jonner Kepler, Geometry is the in the form of books and teachings all the way to a
archetype of the beauty of the world. Geometry (from Modern context. This research will focus on how
the Ancient Greek: Geo- “Earth”, Metron geometry is transformed into an architectural design
“Measurement” is a branch of mathematics concerned language in such a way that it examines how the
with questions of shape, size, relative position of components of geometry combine to create a
figures, and properties of space [1]. Geometry plays a grammar of meaning for a complete architectural
role in Architecture in many ways. It is a tool for composition [1].
Architect, it can be adopted to be imposed over the
landscape and create monumental structures with the Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with
spirit of leaving an imprint. It can also emerge out of shapes, forms, and measurements, and visual thinking
the conditions of being and conditions posed by the predominates. Geometry invented by man. Human
surroundings [2]. language is geometric and is used in many different
ways. A visual dictionary of architecture as defined by
In Architecture Geometric ideas play a multifold role; Francis D.K. Geometry is a tool invented by people to
as abstract ideas they belong in the category of ideal perceive the outside World and represent the inside
geometric their perfection can be imposed on the world. Different types of geometry, such as spherical
physical fabric of the world as a means for identifying and bin curves, have been found to be applied to
place. They can even emerge, is a reaction to the reality for the 19th century [4]. Perspective,

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Geometry in Modern Architecture and Postmodern Architecture in Nepal

Projection Geometry, Decomposition Shape, are inspired by medieval or Gothic architecture.

Trigonometry, Differential Geometry, Topology,
Post modernism was movement in architecture started
Fractal Geometry, etc. are examples of additional
in between 50’s and 60’s. Change occurs due to the
types of geometry developed over time. Renaissance
need and interest of people and post modernism is no
architect emphasized the percentage of views from the
exception. Post-Modernists aimed to add more human
perspective of views as well as Alberti. Le Corbusier
characteristics to architecture by drawing inspiration
emphasized the modular ratio using the modular
from the past.
expression according to the gold relationship [1].
This article explores the emergence of these new
The necessity to define the relationship between
architectural styles in Nepal and how it came
history and design has been brought to light by the
influence by precedent of architecture. The need of
resurgence and growth of interest in architectural
research demand for complex geometric in the light of
history and historic architectural examples.When we
modern geometric representatives raises questions
study history in the academic sense of understanding
about the relationship between geometry and
where we fit into a certain timeline or in the academic
architecture. Nepalese Modern Architecture has been
sense of understanding the past, we may end up
unconsciously being inspired by works seen in
knowing nothing more about the past as architects
surrounding, magazines of internet sources like arch
than names, dates, and recognized styles. If one can
daily without being aware about geometry behind the
look through and outside of the layers of classical
work of architecture.
architecture, inside which architecture is frequently
classified and presented, history may be a source of
richness for architectural design. 2. Literature Review
In this work, a theory that goes beyond the present
and discloses an architectural concept is sought after. A concept that may be used by a designer to shape or
Building inspection and analysis are the method used influence a design is known as a formative idea. The
in this search. The development of theory to provide concepts give means to plan choices, establish order,
concepts for architectural design is the intended and intentionally produce shape. Using various
outcome [2]. ordering strategies might lead to varying outcomes.
Presenting examples of the idea’s general
manifestations allows for the definition and
exploration of each notion [5]. To establish a
formative notion in which constructed shape is
determined using the principles of plane and solid
geometry , the following quality requirements are
used:
• Structure
• Natural Light
• Massing
Figure 1: Alberti’s system of musical proportions and • Plan to Section or Elevation
Le Corbusier’s The Modular • Circulation to Use-space
• Unit to Whole
Today, the world is experiencing a huge shift in the
way people live, think, and express themselves. This • Repetitive to Unique
cultural phenomenon is known as postmodernism. • Symmetry and Balance
While modernism was fairly rigid and focused on
functionality, postmodernism introduced a more • Geometry
relaxed attitude, with an emphasis on self-expression • Additive and Subtractive
and personal identity. In architecture, this new style
has led to the use of non-traditional materials such as • Hierarchy
green windows, arches, domes, and even towers that

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2.1 Concept of Geometry accommodate sites, designate entrances, and stress the
significance of architecture. As a problem in the
Architecture is shaped by the concept of geometry,
analysis, massing can reinforce the concepts of the
which incorporates the principles of both solid and
section to plan, plan to section, geometry, additive and
plane geometry to define created form. The recurrence
subtractive, and hierarchy [5].
of the fundamental geometries through multiplication,
combination, subdivision and manipulation is
recognized as the development of grids in this issue. 2.3 Bauhaus
Since the beginning of recorded architectural history, Bauhaus architecture prioritized function above all
geometry has been employed as a design tool. else, with a core principle of ”truth to materials”. Many
Buildings’ most prevalent determining factor or Bauhaus buildings are geometric, with flat roofs and
feature is geometry. It may be used on a wide variety streamlined facades. This was meant as a stark rebuke
of spatial or formal levels, including the usage of of industrialization, the coldness of mass production,
basic geometric forms, numerous form languages, and consumerism.
proportional systems, and complicated forms
produced by sophisticated geometric manipulations. It is distinguished by its strict economic sensitivities,
The area of measurement and quantification where geometric design, and reverence for useful materials.
geometry may generate architectural forms is relative. It still has an impact on us now, as seen by how
This analysis’s main considerations include size, frequently historical components are incorporated into
position, shape, form, and proportion. Additionally, it contemporary environments. Influenced architecture,
focuses on how combinations, derivations, and typography, furniture, and weaving [6].
manipulations of fundamental geometric
configurations lead to consistent changes in geometry
and form languages. Grids are scrutinized for their
regularity, configuration, intricacy, consistency, and
variety. All of the problems employed in the study can
be strengthened by geometry, which is a prevalent
characteristic of structures [5].

2.2 Massing
Massing refers to the aspect of a building’s
three-dimensional layout that is most perceptually
dominating or frequently experienced. More than only
Figure 2: Bauhaus-Building Dessau
a building’s elevation or silhouette make up its mass.
It represents how the structure appears to the eye as a
Bauhaus building is the important landmark of
whole. It is too restrictive to think of massing as only
architectural history. The outside of the workshop
this, even though it may encapsulate, resemble, or
wing is defined by the glass curtain wall hung ahead
occasionally mirror the shape or the elevation. For
of the load-bearing framework, which also clearly
instance, on a structure’s elevation, fenestration might
displays the building materials. This design adheres to
not have any impact whatsoever on how big the
the idea of unadorned functionality [6].
building appears to be. Similar to the silhouette, it
might not accurately depict useful differences in Planning of Bauhaus consist of three connected wings
shape and be overly broad [5]. or bridges. The majority of Bauhaus structures are
cube-shaped, emphasizing straight angles, however
Massing, which is viewed as a byproduct of designing,
others have rounded corners and balconies.
can be the outcome of choices made on matters other
Characteristic of the building depends upon Simple
than the three-dimensional arrangement. Massing
geometry, rectangular featuring the elimination of
may be viewed as a design concept that is related to
surface decoration and extensive use of glass. A focus
ideas of context, collections, unit patterns, both
on simple geometric forms such as the triangle, square
primary and secondary elements, and single and
and circle [6].
multiple masses. Massing has the power to express
circulation, define and articulate external spaces, The plan, elevation, and section for the Bauhaus

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Geometry in Modern Architecture and Postmodern Architecture in Nepal

convey circulation, stress importance in architecture,

fit site, define and articulate outdoor areas, and meet
site needs.

Figure 3: Top view of Bauhaus-Building Dessau

building are all rendered at the same scale in the

study’s analysis section. It aids in recognizing and
outlining formal archetypal patterns or initial concepts
from which architecture may develop. The drawings
help, as abstractions that are intended to convey
Figure 5: Geometric representation of Bauhaus
essential characteristics and relationships of the
building. The drawings also display the precise Building
physical characteristics that enable comparisons of the
characteristics of buildings regardless of their design,
kind, function, or period. The diagrams are created
using the building’s three-dimensional shape and
space layouts [7].

Figure 6: Massing representation of Bauhaus

Building

Figure 4: Precedents of Bauhaus Building, Analysis

diagrams and Formative ideas

The basic geometric configurations that used to

determine a building’s form that include the square
and rectangle as used in Bauhaus. Two adjacent
squares with a shared side assist to identify the
boundaries of the overall plan configuration and Figure 7: Massing elevation shape representation of
immediately determine the limits of the plans. Bauhaus Building
Additionally, two squares were overlapped to produce
a unique condition in the common region. Rectilinear
• Similar Functions housed in separate wings
grids occur in the Bauhaus which is coincident with
structure. • Corridors connecting different wings
The Bauhaus building’s massing may also be used to • No central point in the layout

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• Provides decent flexibility and expandability 4. Context of Study

• An outward looking complex
Saraswati Sadan was designed by Bed Prasad Lohani
• Separate wings are designed as separate buildings in 1892. He was the country’s first concrete building,
housing specific functions Saraswati Sadan represents a turning point in
contemporary architecture in Nepal. Reinforced
• Strong separation between wings imposes certain
concrete and reinforced brick concrete were among
restrictions on planning flexibility
the brand-new, cutting-edge materials and
• Use of glass intended to create a feeling of lightness technologies used in its construction. The main
to structure architectural structures were initially constructed
• Absence of ornamentation to the building was between the 1940s and the 1960s, during the early
prevalent in practice during the period modern period. These structures are highly inspired
by architectural and engineering ideas that transcend
beyond historicity and are mostly defined by the early
3. Methodology usage of reinforced cement concrete. Are a good
example of early modern architecture and contain
In this research, qualitative approach is used to aspects of ”modern” architecture (Nepal 2020). It was
explore, analyses and to understand the perceptions of developed by Bed Prasad Lohani, who brought
use of geometry and the emergence of these new concrete construction to Nepal. Experimented with a
architectural styles in Nepal. A systematic qualitative variety of elements in constructions, including domes,
research approach has been used to accomplish the RCCs, and RBCs [8].
goals of this research. There are three steps to the The constructions are clear, practical, and sound
research methodology procedure. The literature structurally. It represents a turning point in
review that starts the first step is done in order to contemporary architecture in Nepal. It is constructed
create the research topics. It is followed by a with cutting-edge technology and materials, such as
preliminary map analysis of the building’s structure, reinforced concrete and reinforced brick concrete [8].
which gives rise to the notion for additional research
into buildings and their comparable design concepts
that can be found in many of the works of architects
regardless of period, style, location, purpose, or kind
of building. The commonalities can be categorized
into overarching themes or formative concepts that
may have been utilized to generate the architectural
designs.
To compare and analyses the changes that have
occurred over time that vary Nepali contemporary
architecture and with valley honest context, carrying
out documentation and survey analysis by studying
the record of the drawing available.
A case study is a popular research technique in the Figure 8: Saraswati Sadan in Kathmandu
social sciences. Case study research is chosen for the
study because it calls for in-depth exploration of a Large spans have been achieved by using thick beams
particular person, organization, or event to examine and strong walls. The balconies’ free-floating
the reason. An assessment of a person, organization, cantilever look is achieved by using inverted beams as
or event that is descriptive and exploratory is known well. In the design, it has been experimented with
as a case study. A case study investigation uses many levels and light. The structure has been equipped with
sources of evidence, contains quantitative evidence, clerestory windows and skylights to let in natural,
and gains from previously developed theoretical diffused light [9].
hypotheses.
The basic geometric configurations that used to
determine a building’s form that include the square,

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Geometry in Modern Architecture and Postmodern Architecture in Nepal

Figure 11: Massing representation of Saraswati

Sadan

circulation and an organizer of surrounding areas. The

Figure 9: Precedents of Saraswati Sadan Building, notion of linear configurations, which separates
Analysis diagrams and Formative ideas circulation from user space, has been used to spine or
corridor organisations. The exact geometric
combination of the building’s massing is a rectangle
covered by a semicircle.

4.1 Comparison between Bauhaus and

Saraswati Sadan
• Both buildings are the important landmark of
architectural history
• Built using new and innovative materials and
technology including reinforced concrete and
reinforced brick concrete.
Figure 10: Geometric representation of Saraswati
Sadan • Design is simple, functional, and structurally
stable.Played with levels and light in the design.
• Use of Glass windows have been used in order to
rectangle, Semi circle, hexagon as used in Saraswati
allow natural diffused light to enter the building.
Sadan. To make each basic form as observable as an
entire figure, more than two additional basic forms • Absence of ornamentation
have also been joined. Although each form has been
• Functionality predominates ornamentation and uses
hinted, it is not necessary that it really exist. It is now
asymmetry and regularity versus symmetry
feasible to identify a geometry within, next to, or
overlapping another within the domain of • characterized by geometric design, respect for
combinations, such as in a rectangle, square, or practical material, and its severely economic
semicircle. Because one geometry lies within another, sensibilities
the inner geometry was used to represent an item, a • Continues to influence us today, where any modern
room, a courtyard, a predetermined area, or an environment often incorporates elements of the period.
inferred space. Influenced architecture, furniture, typography, and
The Saraswati Sadan building’s massing might weaving
similarly define and articulate external spaces, fit site, • Aim of Buildings constructed in different era help
designate entry, express circulation, and stress value to gain independent access to the new innovations of
in architecture. The visually dominant or most crafts and industries
prevalent three-dimensional configuration of a
structure is shown as its massing. It displays the • Buildings are usually cubic, favor right angles,
perception of the structure as a whole. In many although some feature rounded corners and balconies
instances, the center space, although appearing to be
dominant from the outside, functions as a hub for

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5. Analysis, Discussion and Findings The study concludes that the post 50s buildings were
designed mainly by foreign trend architects with not
Geometry which is used for taking intangible concepts only strong Bauhaus Influence but also the history
and ideas and establishing them in built environment which acts as determinant or characteristic in
by the use of the Geometric Principals in the buildings. buildings along with drawing from local architectural
Factual graphic information of Bauhaus and Saraswati context. A formative notion aids in comprehending
Sadan represent a range of time, function and style the idea that a designer may utilize to shape or impact
which accompanied the detail analysis of the building. a design. The concepts include strategies for planning
Although the dominating patterns in this study have choices, establishing order, and intentionally
been established, that does not imply that there aren’t producing shape. The ideas cover methods for
any other patterns. The analysis of the buildings organizing decisions, creating order, and purposefully
which represent the evolution of modern architecture creating shape.
investigate the formal and spatial characteristics of the The diagrams highlight particular physical
buildings in each work in such a way that help to characteristics that enable a comparison of that
understand the building parti. Visual connection has characteristic between buildings regardless of style,
been established by user and the environment in both kind, purpose, or time.
the context study building.
Finally, it serves as a new concept for future
Following are the key findings emerged from the researchers of the field and for all architects. The use
Study: of various techniques of analysis that emphasize what
• The fundamental principles of both solid and plane is fundamentally the same, rather than different, in the
geometry, which are used to establish architectural way we think about architecture is also examined, and
form and include the square and rectangle, are we want to explore archetypal notions that can aid in
embodied in the Bauhaus and Saraswati Sadan. the production of architectural form.

• Two squares were overlapped to produce a unique

condition in the common region. References
• Because of one geometry lies within another, the [1] Urmila Srinivasan. Approaches to the use of Geometry
inner geometry was used to represent an item, a room, in Architecture: A study of the Works of Andrea
a courtyard, a predetermined area, or an inferred space. Palladio, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Frank Gehry. PhD
thesis, 2009.
• Building designs from different eras use massing to [2] A. Hasan and P. Tiwari. Geometry concepts in
convey circulation, define and articulate external architecture. 2018.
spaces, accommodate sites, and underline the [3] N. Crowe. Nature and the idea of a man-made world
importance of architecture. : an investigation into the evolutionary roots of form
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• The notion of linear configurations, which separates [4] J. Sharp. Richard padovan-proportion: Science,
circulation from user space in both the buildings. philosophy, architecture. page 113–122, 2002.
[5] R. H. Clark and M. Pause. Formative Ideas. 1996.
6. Conclusion [6] Art in context, editor. Bauhaus Architecture – An In-
Depth Look at Bauhaus Building Styles. 2022.
This research paper helps to gather the idea about the [7] Modernist architecture: the bauhaus and beyond.
use of different geometry, which has also been used as [8] tbculture. The built culture, 2021.
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design. architectural and industrial heritage of nepal. 2020.

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