Conceptual Design for College Building
Design Competition by SONA for Xavier Academy 2024
This is a Conceptual Design for College Building Competition of Xavier Academy in joint Collaboration with SONA (Society of Nepalese Architecture), focuses on transforming values from inspirations of traditional architecture to modern form of architecture with renewed energy level. The design concept for a multistorey institutional building aims to address urban congestion and limited land area by incorporating vertical greenery, cultural heritage, and sustainability.
Design Concept
As cities become more congested, the traditional approach of incorporating greenery on a horizontal plane becomes less feasible. Instead, our design shifts the focus to vertical integration of green spaces. By incorporating small green pockets throughout the building’s height, we create a vertical oasis that contributes to the well-being of the building’s users while making efficient use of limited land.
Our design is deeply rooted in the belief that an institutional building should not only serve its functional purpose but also shape the future of its users. By blending cultural heritage with forward-thinking design, we aim to create a space that reflects the past while paving the way for the future.
Design Philosophy : Cultural Integration
Understanding the significance of cultural heritage, we have drawn inspiration from the traditional architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. The design philosophy incorporates elements reminiscent of Durbar Squares, such as temple plinths, to foster a sense of familiarity and continuity. These elements are reimagined as communal spaces where students, teachers, and visitors can gather, socialize, and engage in meaningful interactions, much like the traditional squares.
Key features include:
Telescopic Windows and Brick Jaali: These design elements showcase the versatility of brick while ensuring a connection with the region’s architectural history.
Brick as a Core Material: By emphasizing brick’s role, we maintain a link with the past and provide a warm, familiar environment for users, in contrast to the often-alienating nature of modern materials like glass and metal.
Sustainability:
Local Materials: We emphasize the use of locally available materials, such as brick, which reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation and supports regional industry. This choice also simplifies procurement and aligns with sustainable practices.
Limited Glass Usage: Based on our experience with the overheating issues caused by glass curtain walls from the south-west and west facing facade, we have minimized the use of glass. This decision addresses the climatic challenges of Kathmandu, reducing energy consumption and enhancing occupant comfort.
Preservation of Existing Trees: A key element of our sustainable approach is the preservation of the existing camphor (Kapoor) tree on the site. Rather than opting to cut down this mature tree to make way for new planting—which would take decades to reach maturity—we have integrated it into the design. This approach reflects our commitment to sustainability by valuing and preserving established natural resources. As we believe, it is more sensible to save an existing tree that can thrive for 200 years rather than cut it and then planting new ones that will take lengths of time to grow.

The size, scale and volume of the entrance has to radiate the sense of welcoming and arrival gesture to both the users and the guests. Therefore, the design boldly uses the double height volume with an advantage of glorifying the existing triple story height Camphor (Kapoor) Tree to receive visitors amidst a natural setting, which is then further guided by the reception tucked neatly aside. The series of steps below the double height ceiling, mimicking the high plinths from our temples and proud heritage architecture, is yet another design element that welcomes the users to sit, interact, wait, and share experience making this an inclusive “Learning steps” for all.

Conclusion
Our design concept for the multistory institutional building integrates vertical greenery, cultural heritage, and sustainability to create a space that honors the past while embracing the future. By leveraging traditional materials and practices alongside modern design principles, we strive to offer a solution that is both innovative and respectful of its context.
Gallery of Interior Planning
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