ATHARVA | Vol I, 2024
"Nepali Design Meets Innovation: Design Cell Insights."
About Ar. Arun Dev Pant
Ar. Arun Dev Pant, of Kathmandu's Design Cell, merges contemporary design with Nepalese customs, earning accolades for sustainable, community-focused work. He studied at the International School in Tokyo, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for both his Bachelor of Architecture VRCE and Master of Urban Planning. His projects, such as the Gokarna Bagmati bridge and SIRC Kavre, prioritize accessibility, alongside renowned developments like Shangri-La Village Resort and Chandragiri Hills Resort.
Captivated by art and science during high school abroad, I was drawn to the intersection of these fields, especially in traditional architecture. Influenced by captivating contemporary and Japanese designs, I chose to pursue a career in architecture.
2. What principles shape your architectural creations?
3. Reflect on key projects that have shaped your architectural approach.
First project: significant learning with extensive design methodologies. Sangrila Village Resort and ICTC building validated context-based design, marking personal milestones and paving the way for further achievements.
4. Have client expectations shifted over time, and how have you adapted to meet these changes?
Architects drive change by raising client expectations through outstanding solutions, setting new industry standards for continuous improvement.
5. Why is preserving and repurposing historic buildings crucial for maintaining cultural identity and historical continuity in contemporary urban environments?
Adaptive reuse transforms old structures worldwide, like railway stations into markets, making them meaningful again. In Nepal, limited large-scale projects and private sector initiatives hinder adaptive reuse potential.
6. What significant challenges have you faced as an architect, and how have you navigated them over the years? In Nepal, what challenges do architects encounter, and how do you address them in your practice?
State-level projects often prioritize contractors offering the lowest bid, which can undervalue design, making government projects less appealing to architects. However, in the private sector, success stories from well-designed projects have shifted perceptions, with clients increasingly willing to invest in design. Paperwork and legal work present time-consuming challenges for architects in Nepal.
7. How do you approach collaboration to achieve successful architectural outcomes?
With my partners, who are also my college hostel mates, we've been collaborating for 25 years. Our bond, cultivated since college, creates a familial atmosphere within our team. We handle various project aspects together, including structures and mechanical and electrical work, with professional cooperation.
8. What excites you most about the future of architecture? Any upcoming projects you're enthusiastic about?
Excited about future residential projects, particularly one in Budhanilkantha featuring Mustang architecture elements and a courtyard. Currently engaged in a similar project for the same client in Santa Fe, marking a full circle moment after 30 years. It's intriguing to adapt designs to a new location while maintaining a long-standing client relationship.
9. What advice do you have for aspiring architects or students entering the field?
Patience is crucial in architecture. Mastery often comes after decades of experience, with at least a decade to get started and then another 50 years of continuous work to become a complete architect.
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