A mix of tradition with modernity

Our culture is profoundly unique and beautiful. This is purely based on the tradition that inherited from our forefathers. The same tradition should be inbred to our young generations in the same manner. The houses are the most appreciated indicating the paramount importance of tradition while constructing houses.

The September 4, Kuensel issue had an exciting headline for one of the articles that was titled, ‘Towards purely Bhutanese buildings’. It states that MoWHS is drafting guideline. This is good to hear, as until now people did not follow the guideline that was drafted a decade ago. Will people follow the new guideline? I am not sure.

Thimphu is the capital city. Thousands of people from all parts of the country reside here. Next to Thimphu is Paro where we have International Airport.

Thousands of tourists visit the country every year. Now the fact is, the houses built in these two towns are fully modern and traditional aspect is almost missing. Nearly, 70 percent of the houses are modern and only 15 percent is traditional and 15 percent a mix of tradition and modern architecture. This is how our tradition losing its value.

For instance, in Thimphu houses exhibiting modern architectural designs are covered with glass, no traditional designs are incorporated but isn’t any action taken against it. There is a need for guidelines to be implemented strictly than keeping lenient. This would help preserve our tradition and pass on to our young ones.

Some houses along the Norzin Lam and Changlam are fully traditional in their appearance. With modernization, it is good to be equipped with modern facilities, which are acceptable in the society. These houses are preserved for a good cause. People who own these houses earns lesser than modern building owners.

In concrete buildings, the architectural design can be traditional like RMA office building as shown in article. If government agencies and other organizations or Private homes were built incorporating traditional methods, they look good and help preserve our traditional architecture. However, I am sure that the new guideline would work well and people would implement it wisely.

Go to Trashi Yangtse, 90 percent of the houses are in traditional structures. The houses look like altar (Choesham). This is why Trashi Yangtse town is said to be one of the beautiful towns in the country. However, in future there are chances of altering it with modernity.

Therefore, ‘Traditional Bhutanese architecture guideline’ is need for good cause.