Thimphu 2020 Thimphu 2020

Alternative Visions for Bhutan’s Capital City Alternative Visions for Bhutan’s Capital City Thimphu City Corporation – World– MIT Bank Thimphu City Corporation – World– MIT Bank

South Asia Urban Course Management South Asia Urban Course Management

Thimphu 2020 Thimphu 2020 Prepared for the Prepared for Prepared for the Prepared for World Bank Institute World Bank Institute Thimphu, Bhutan Thimphu, Bhutan June 2001 June 2001 ThimphuThimphu 20202020 AlternativeAlternative VisionsVisions forfor Bhutan’sBhutan’s CapitalCapital CityCity

“For“For Bhutan,Bhutan, therethere areare imperativesimperatives thatthat transcendtranscend narrownarrow economeconomicic interpretations…”interpretations…” “Our“Our independence,independence, sovereigntysovereignty andand securitysecurity willwill continuecontinue toto bebe dependentdependent uponupon thethe assertionassertion ofof ourour distinctive Bhutanese identity … in dynamdynamicic and developmentdevelopment orientedoriented waysways soso asas toto ensureensure thatthat itit maintains its relevance … for a society in transformation” “…“… architectsarchitects andand buildersbuilders [should][should] maintainmaintain andand adapadaptt asas necessarynecessary ourour traditiontraditional and distinctive formsforms of architecture … which can be interpreted by local communities as a commitment to Bhutanese traditions and values and not as alien intrusions. … It would not be difficult for us to project an image to the world thatthat wewe mightmight referrefer toto asas “sophistication“sophistication andand civilization”.civilization”. Sophistication would give expression to the typestypes ofof economiceconomic activityactivity wewe wouldwould likelike toto promote,romote, linkedlinked toto ourour naturalnatural …… endowments,endowments, whilewhile civilization would refer specifically to the distinctiveness and uniqueness of our cultural heritage.” “It“It isis possiblepossible toto bebe thethe sasame, while being distinctly different” – Bhutan Vision 2020, Royal Planning Commission 1999 Contents

! Introduction: A Course and Studio ! Thimphu Today

"" Areas of investigation

"" Existing Strategic Plan ! Alternative Scenarios

"" Assumptions and Goals

"" Key QuQuestionsestions

"" The Mature City

"" The Cultural City

"" The River City ! Towards a Consensus Vision

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 3 Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Lyonpo Leki Dorji, Honorable Thimphu Urban Design Studio Deputy Minister of Communications for his unwavering Participants included: and strong support. We are also indebted to Tshering Thimphu City Corporation Dorji, Director-General,, UrbanUrban DevelopmentDevelopment andand HousingHousing Thimphu City Corporation Department, Ministry of Communications; Ms. Kreszentia Phuntsho Wangdi,, ThromponThrompon M. Duer,, WorldWorld Bank;Bank; Dr. Mila Freire,, WorldWorld BankBank Institute;Institute; Tshering Phuntsho, Planner and especially Dr. Kim Cuenco,, WorldWorld Bank,Bank, forfor theirtheir R.S. Tamang, Deputy Director support and encouragement. Particular appreciation is Sangay Penjore, Development Control offered to Phuntsho Wangdi,, Thrompon,Thrompon, Thimphu,Thimphu, andand hishis Cheungay Penjhore, Head, Sanitationtation staff for their generous hospitality hosting the studio at the Karma Tshoring, Survey Section City Corporation. Very useful critiques and valuable Mahesh Pradhan, Engineering insiinsights on the scenarios were provided by City Sonam Tashi, Architecture Cell Councilors, and we are grateful forr theirtheir paparticipation.rticipation. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Prof. Dennis Frenchman World Bank Institute Dr. Reinhard Goethert South Asia Urban Prof. Jan Wampler Management Course Students: Participants made Alexis Bennett significantficant contrcontributionsibutions inin Rosemary Dudley analyzing and detailing the Trevor Hardy alternatives, and their Rachel Loeb participation is much Karl Munkelwitz appreciated. Komal Dutta (Delhi)

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 4 Thimphu City Corporation Massachusetts Institute of Technology The World Bank

Mr. Phunjtsho Wangdi School of Architecture and Planning World Bank Institute Thrompon Prof. Dennis Frenchman Dr. Mila Freire, Course Coordinatorinator P.O. Box 215 Dr. Reinhard Goethert World Bank Institute Thimphu, Bhutan Prof. Jan Wampler 1818 H Street, NW Email: [email protected] 77 Massachusetts Avenue Washington, D.C. 20433 Cambridge MA 02139 Email: [email protected]

City Design and Development Program Bhutan Urban Development Project Room 10-485 Dr. Kim Cuenco, Task Manager Note: Note: Email: [email protected] The World Bank Panoramas and attachments 1818 H Street, NW requirerequire QuickTimeQuickTime SIGUS -- Special Interest Group in Washington, D.C. 20433 and MS Word to Urban Settlement Email: [email protected] view. Room N52-357A Move cursor on panoramas to view. E-mail: [email protected]

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 5 “For Bhutan, there are imperatives that transcend narrow economic interpretations… IntroductionIntroduction “Our independence, sovereignty and security will continue to be dependent upon the assertion of our distinctive Bhutanese identity … in dynamic and development oriented ways so as to ensure that it maintains its relevance … for a society in transformation.” – Bhutan Vision 2020

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ThimphuThimphu 2020 2020 – - CityCity CorporationCorporation- -MIT- MITWorld - World Bank Bank 6 A Course and a Studio

Thimphu will grow, and probably willwill growgrow fast.fast. conserving the unique historical cultureculture andand Where and how will thisthis growthgrowth taketake place?place? heritage. Time is of essence: change is How will the pressures of urbanization impact occurring at an ever increasing pace. thethe traditionaltraditional cultureculture andand forms?forms? HowHow willwill thethe built environment confront the challenges of The Thimphu 2020 studystudy usesuses thethe builtbuilt formform globalization, with the opening up to tourism, as an entry point for exploring a broad range of informationinformation techtechnology and the ‘new‘new fundamentalfundamental issuesissues whichwhich includeinclude urbanurban land,land, economies’? planning, and economic development. The overarching goal was the development of a Form matters. The spatial layout of the city has livablelivable city,city, bothboth nownow andand inin thethe future,future, profound and long-term effects. Form dictates respectingrespecting thethe landland andand thethe culturalcultural traditions.traditions. initialinitial capitalcapital investmentinvestment andand setssets long-termlong-term maintenance requirements. A studio and a parallel course on urban management explored these challenges. A These issues are particularly acute for Bhutan studio developed three alternative urban with its unique cultural and natural assets. It is growth scenarios for Thimphu, which became imperativeimperative toto strikestrike aa balancebalance betweenbetween thethe basisbasis forfor examinationexamination inin thethe course.course. accommodating growth and change, while

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 7 World Bank Institute South Asia Urban Management Course This course provided local government officials Approximately 50 professionals from through- and planning professionals with a platform on out Bhutan attended the 2-week course. which to learn and explore the key aspects of urban planning and management. Participants A key element of the course was the use of were provided with a comprehensive knowledge alternative development scenarios for of the challenges and issues facing urban cen- Thimphu as vehicles for understanding urban tersters andand theirtheir administration,administration, andand skillsskills forfor suc-suc- management issues, while exploring tradeoffs cessful leadership and effective management. thatthat thethe builtbuilt formform scenariosscenarios entail.entail.

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Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 8 The Studio

A team of Thimphu City Corporation staff and ! Review existing plans; MIT faculty with advanced graduate students MIT faculty with advanced graduate students ! Determine goals and assumptions; tackledtackled thethe issuesissues ofof thethe growth of Thimphu ! Undertake field investigations Valley through a design studio. The goal was ! Undertake field investigations toto prepareprepare alternativealternative scenariosscenarios exploringexploring ! IdentifyIdentify keykey questionsquestions facingfacing thethe citycity urban planning issues and their implications on urban planning issues and their implications on ! Determine concepts and directions; livabilitylivability andand thethe builtbuilt form.form. TheThe scenariosscenarios ! Design alternative scenarios. highlighted the critical cultural issues and ! Design alternative scenarios. explored ways to incorporincorporateate and maintain the traditionaltraditional heritageheritage whilewhile engagingengaging thethe changing world. Three scenarios were prepared, with a time horizon of 2020 and a targettarget populationpopulation ofof 150,000:150,000: aa ‘Mature‘Mature City’City’ concept with a concentrated center, a ‘Cultural City’ concept with two subcenters, and a ‘River City’ concept with a linear development pattern.

The studio process involved six steps:

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 9 “…architects and builders [should] maintain and adapt as necessary our ThimphuThimphu traditional and distinctive forms of TodayToday architecture … which can be interpreted by local communities as a commitment to Bhutanese traditions and values and not as alien intrusions”

– Bhutan Vision 2020

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Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 10 AreasAreas ofof InvestigationInvestigation

Natural systems Major form elements Considered were: Considered were: ! Downtown form and function ! River and drainage Downtown form and function ! Royal City vs the local city; symbols; Image to ! Parks and recreationrecreation Royal City vs the local city; symbols; Image to outside world; scenography; regional context ! Agriculture ! Open spaces, forests, hillsideslsides Settlement patterns ! Hazards: earthquakes Considered were: Types of buildings ! Clusters ! Why these clusters groupings Considered were: ! Spaces between ! Commercial, housing and institutional typestypes ! Dimensions – lots and buildingsildings Real estate market ! Construction economies Considered were: ! Reasons for and attitudes about types ! Land rents and uses Social and cultural aspects ! Roads and access

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 11 Natural Systems Thimphu exists today due to the natural The steep, rocky terrain limits where systemstems thatthat underlieunderlie it.it. TheThe ThimphuThimphu River,River, agriculture can take place. Hence, the feederfeeder streams,streams, andand hillsidehillside forestsforests havehave beenbeen majority of agricultural land in the valley is thethe sourcesource ofof life,life, providingproviding agriculturalagricultural clustered south of the city. The future use of sustenance and general livelihood for thisthis landland isis nownow uncertainuncertain duedue toto thethe centuries. construction of a new, four-lanefour-lane exexpressway thatthat willwill bisectbisect thethe valleyvalley andand spurspur The city’s natural systems can be classified The city’s natural systems can be classified development. Furthermore, relativelyrelatively littlelittle intointo threethree categories:categories: landland withinwithin thethe city,city, or expansion areas, ! Natural (forest, bush cover, river, and or expansion areas, watersheds) has been set aside forfor publicpublic openopen ! Agricultural (orchards,rchards, ricerice paddies,paddies, grazinggrazing space or recreation. lands)lands) space or recreation. ! Recreational (public open space, parks, stadium) Planning is needed toto maintainmaintain thethe The two latter categories are dependent upon balance among thethe first.first. SignificantSignificant ricerice paddiespaddies aroundaround andand inin agriculture, public thethe citycity areare fedfed by an extensive irrigation green space, and system.tem. StreamsStreams cross-cutcross-cut thethe urbanurban fabricfabric atat development , or regularregular intervals,intervals, providing pathways forfor ped-ped- thethe elementselements thatthat estrians , and rights-of-way for under-ground initiallyinitially broughtbrought lifelife waste. The forests’ abundance of timber and toto thethe valleyvalley willwill bebe wildlife emphasize the city’s dependence on lost.lost. thethe surroundingsurrounding naturalnatural resources.resources.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 12 Types of Buildings Traditional forms of building inin thethe valleyvalley rangerange fromfrom thethe traditional,traditional, 2-32-3 storystory ruralrural homehome toto thethe enormous Trashi Chhoe Dzong. More recently higher-density 4-5 story housing, commercial, and mixed-use buildings have begun to be developed in the central city. This poses an issueissue ofof howhow toto adaptadapt traditionaltraditional stylesstyles toto newnew uses and densities. Some new forms have emerged, such as the 5-story office building with a ground floor retail arcade. Traditional wood and packed earth construction is giving way to reinforcedreinforced concreteconcrete andand eveneven prefabricated technologies thatthat trytry toto mimicmimic traditionaltraditional formsforms andand decoration.decoration. InIn thethe processprocess some qualities of traditional architecture are being lost, a key issue for the city. Pressures to accommodate a growing population and to modernize building methods isis encouragingencouraging aa competitivecompetitive construction industry.industry.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 13 Social and cultural influences Bhutanese life includes a richrich historyhistory andand sophisticated layelayeringring of culturalcultural and socialsocial customs, ranging from annual national festivals toto dailydaily familyfamily worshipworship and activities. This layelayeringring ofof usesuses isis reflectedreflected inin thethe physicalphysical formform of Thimphu and will continue to influence the futurefuture growthgrowth ofof thethe ValleyValley andand serveserve asas anan importantimportant frameworkframework forfor communitycommunity partici-participation and neighborhood vitality. The daily routineroutine ofof thethe citizencitizen beginsbegins withwith morningmorning prayerprayer and concludes with social time among family and friends. This social life extends to weekly and annual patterns as well as cultural activities of the residents. Weekends are spent at the central market place, visiting Chortens, walking inin thethe forest,forest, travelingtraveling toto neighboringneighboring townstowns toto visit relatives, or watching archery matches at thethe locallocal grounds.grounds. AnnualAnnual religiousreligious festivalsfestivals andand ritualsrituals areare practicedpracticed asas communitycommunity eventsevents atat thethe locallocal andand nationalnational level.level. TheseThese includeinclude Coro-Coro- nation Day with parades and cultural perform- ances by school children and the Tsechu Festival at the Trashi Chhoe Dzonga.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 14 Settlement patterns

The organization of buildingbuilding forms in Thimphu Recent residential development: EffortsEfforts havehave rangesranges fromfrom eaearly,rly, unplannedunplanned settlements to been made to plan by establishing a grid of streets, highly structurstructureded patterns of government hous- with plots arranged as desireddesired by individual ing.ing. SomeSome keykey typestypes areare describeddescribed below.below. owners.

Traditional agricultural villages:: BuildingsBuildings areare staggered in plan and section to preserve access and views to surrounding fields.

Government sponsored housing: hashas tendedtended toto bebe developed with repetitive forms that follow the topographytopography inin parallel rows.

Traditional commercial development: isis linearlinear and allows for open views of mountain between buildings and down streets.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 15 Major form elements Royal Government Presence: The primary Royal Downtown:: TopographyTopography dictateddictated thethe Government buildings are clustered at the development of Downtown Thimphu. Norzin northern end of the Thimphu core area. Lam Road defines the commercial heart of Surrounded by open space, a formal entry roads downtown Thimphu, while the weekend market leadsleads toto thethe heartheart ofof thethe kingdom,kingdom, thethe TrashiTrashi and sports grounds located on the river, and Chhoe Dzong. The High Court, National thethe residentialresidential areasareas situatedsituated aboveabove andand toto thethe Assembly and Royal Arts Center complete the west of downtown complete the development park-like setting for the national government. zones. Originally lined with two-story traditional Additional ministries and offices are located structures, many of the building in the throughoutthroughout thethe GreaterGreater ThimphuThimphu area.area. TheThe RoyalRoyal commercial core are being replaced by four- residencesresidences ofof thethe KingKing andand QueenQueen sitsit highhigh aboveabove story mixed-use concrete buildings. There is a thethe towntown onon thethe city’scity’s edges.edges. concerted effort to maintain the street wall with arcades along commercial streets. However, due to topography, some four-story buildings are actually six-story on one side.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 16 Real estate market

Roads: Thimphu’sThimphu’s unique topography InIn recentrecent years,years, downtown Thimphu has been determined thethe llayoutayout and position of the city’s under pressure forfor hhigherigher density development, roads.roads. MajorMajor roadsroads runrun inin aa north-southnorth-south thatthat waswas recentlyrecently recognizedrecognized byby raisingraising thethe direction parallel to the river, while smaller height limit to five stories. Speculation has now roadsroads snakesnake upup thethe hillsidehillside providingproviding accessaccess toto spread to land recently changed to Urban class- residentialresidential areas.areas. PedestrianPedestrian pathspaths leadingleading toto ification,ification, wherewhere ricerice paddiespaddies areare beingbeing boughtbought upup thethe commercialcommercial areasareas andand riverriver alsoalso provideprovide inin anticipationanticipation ofof growth.growth. ThisThis hashas beenbeen fueledfueled inin circulation through- thethe southsouth byby the construction of a new highway. out the city. The For the moment, the government has put a planned expressway moratorium on construction inin thethe expansionexpansion will have a large areas until a structure plan is adopted. impactimpact onon develop-development ; shifting land values, decreasing transportationtransportation costs,costs, and increasing potential growth opportunity in the southern part of the valley.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 17 ExistingExisting StrategicStrategic PlanPlan

! Inner city targeted to absorb ! Minimum land reserved for parks 100-130,000, depending on and open space. assumptions. ! New valley expressway and ! Expansion areas absorb 43,000 arterial roads planned. minimum – virtually all land at lowlow density.density.

! Agricultural plats reorganized to rectilinear form to facilitate development.

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 18 ItIt wouldwould notnot bebe difficultdifficult forfor usus toto project an image to the world that we might refer to as AlternativeAlternative ScenariosScenarios “sophistication and civilization”. Sophistication would give expression to the types of economic activity we would like to promote, linked to our natural … endowments, while civilization would refer specifically to the distinctiveness and uniqueness of our cultural heritage.”

– Bhutan Vision 2020

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Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 19 AssumptionsAssumptions andand GoalsGoals

! Scenarios embrace Bhutan ! All 150,000 population could be Vision 2020: Conserve accommodated in innerinner ThimphuThimphu landscapelandscape andand cultureculture ofof Bhutan;Bhutan; at low density compared to most this is particularly critical in the cities (4 –6 stories, 20% lot capital as symbol and example. coverage, using information from existing structural plan) ! Scenarios accept existing planning horizon for Thimphu: ! Therefore, the city has choices. 150,000 population in 20-25 The central question is: years. What kind of city do you want? ! Amount of development in expansion areas is an issue of public policy (some will occur).

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 20 KeyKey QuestionsQuestions

! What will make Thimphu aa ! How dodo wewe attractattract and great capital citycity?? accommodate visitors to thethe city to support economic ! How dodo wewe improveimprove development while supporting accessibility while minimizing heritage and culture? the impact of the car? ! How do we address the ! How dodo wewe maintainmaintain culturalcultural housing shortageshortage?? and natural assets in the face of pressures for ! How can wewe moremore effectivelyeffectively modernization? plan for the city?

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 21 TheThe ThreeThree ScenariosScenarios

1. The Mature City 2. The Cultural City 3. The River City Concentrated center Subcenter development Linear development

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 22 1.1. TheThe MatureMature CityCity

Central Thimphu is consolidated and densified to absorb maximum growth, allowing much of the traditional valley agricultural landscapelandscape toto bebe conservedconserved asas aa new National Park.

Mature City Team Meghraj Adhikari,ikari, Deki Chhoden, Sangay Dawa, Aku Dorji, Tsheten Dorji, Rinzin Jamtsho, Rachel Loeb (MIT), Karl Munkelwitz (MIT),(MIT), SherubSherub Phuntsho,Phuntsho, TsheringTshering Phuntsho, D.K. Pradhan, Mahesh Pradhan, Manjusha Rai, Biresh Shah, Sonam Tashi, Dechen Yangden, Karma Yezer

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 23 Key Characteristics – The Mature City

1. What will make ! A formal park setting for the Dzong, the Assembly, the Thimphu ‘A Great High Court, and other symbolic structures will be joined Thimphu ‘A Great with a park along the river. Capital City’? with a park along the river.

2. How can we improve ! The expressway in the south is implemented as designed, accessibility while but splits into two urban boulevards that move through the downtown and royal government district, linking them minimizing the together.together. impactimpact ofof thethe car?car? ! Additional boulevards run immediately above and below Norzin Lam, connected by cross streets, and provide a block framework for downtown development.

3. How do we maintain ! Selected historic structures and places are preserved in cultural and natural thethe downtown.downtown. ExtensionExtension areasareas areare interspersedinterspersed withwith assets in the face of compatible new higher density structures. pressures for growth ! A Thimphu Chu National Park is created to protect rice and modernization? paddies and traditional landscape in the river valley north and south of the core; farming is subsidized but land may be sold only to government.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 24 Key Characteristics – The Mature City (cont.) 4. How do we attract and ! Thimphu serves as a base for exploration of the new accommodate visitors National Park and the outlying mountain areas of Bhutan. that support economic ! Hotels, shopping and services, and museum are development while concentrated in Thimphu as elements of a more strengthening heritage? cosmopolitan structure.

5. How do we ! InfillInfill housinghousing isis developeddeveloped onon scatteredscattered sitessites inin thethe core address the area – on eastern slope and inin downtown.downtown. housing shortage? ! Higher densities and heights (7-8 stories) are allowed near main streets.

! Mixed income throughout and mixed use (housing over shops and offices) is encouraged.

! A mix of public and private investment is used to finance development. 6. How can we ! Expand the city’s planning function to create a Thimphu Development Authority, with the ability to finance and more effectively implementimplement whatwhat isis planned, and to review design and plan for the city? development.

! Centralize planning functions at city level in the core area.

! Establish a National Park under Royal jurisdiction in the expansion areas – to be managed and to protect the landscape.landscape. SubsidiesSubsidies givengiven toto maintainmaintain traditionaltraditional farming.farming.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 25 Greater Thimphu 8 km The Mature City Concentrated center National Park along River Thimphu takes on a dense compact urban form preserving the agricultural Low density edge Development environment north and south of the city as a National Park. The Park would serve Royal Government as an urban growth District boundary, limiting 4 km development to the city Consolidated downtown center and hillside edges of area the valley. A ‘Royal (150,000 population) Government District’ would Expressway concentrate ministries east of the Dzong, set within a formal park that would National Park along extend down the river into River the downtown. Entering Thimphu via the new 0 km highway, visitors enjoy views of rice paddies, mountains, and villages: the essence of Bhutan. N

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 26 Central Thimphu 2 km The Mature City The Royal Concentrated center Government District Boulevards extend from the end of the highway Residential Infill through the city, linking it with the ‘Royal Govern- ment District’. A park and New Market scenic parkway along the river connect the National Commercial 1 km Park into the downtown. Center These elements reinforce (6 story) a coherent image for the capital city. Boulevards

A high density commercial Scenic Parkway core is developed between the boulevards, including space for a new 0 km market relocated from the river. Infill housing consolidates a new neighborhood on the western hillside. N

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 27 Downtown Area Two tree-lined boulevards distribute traffic and strengthen the formal image of the capital city. Existing secondary streets are rationalized to create blocks, and an armature for higher density development.

0 km 1/2 km 28 Commercial Center Street intersections focus development and create activity nodes along boulevards. A new market provides a higher quality setting for this key activity andand relief from thethe strongstrong linearitylinearity ofof thethe main street. The existing urban scene The new market area has higher density buildings behind.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 29 Residential Infill Appropriate design of infill construction on slopes can preserve views of hillsides and insure that adequate sunlight penetrates units. Neighborhoods have ample garden space for residents and a mix of building types and incomes. Pedestrian paths leading to parks supplement access through the neighborhood.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 30 Park System The creation of a national park in the valley is intendedintended toto limitlimit growthgrowth andand protectprotect thethe agricultural tradition.. TheThe roadroad alongalong thethe riverriver isis maintained as a river parkway leading toto thethe RoyalRoyal Government District, which expands across thethe riverriver fromfrom thethe DzongDzong andand towardstowards thethe edgeedge ofof thethe mainmain citycity ..

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 31 Opportunities & Problems: The Mature City

Opportunities Problems

! Preserves agricultural land ! No plan for development of peripheral areas ! Optimal use of existing infrastructureinfrastructure andand servicesservices ! Architectural issues: Can 5-6 story buildings preserve ! Ease of transportation, compact traditional architecture? circulation ! Potential traffic congestion, lack ! Reduces pollution of parking

! ! Efficient Management ! Demolishing of private buildings to increase density; resistance to ! Return to traditional cluster living change style (on a larger scale) change

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 32 ManagementManagement Considerations:Considerations: TheThe MatureMature CityCity

Service Positive Negative Water Supply Easy to supply, less length Network must be redesigned for taller buildings, disruption of other Sanitation and therefore lower cost taller buildings, disruption of other Sanitation services, accessibility an issue in construction? Solid Waste Easier to collect waste, much cheaper Schools No major road crossings, Expansion of school area and common directions for playgrounds constrained protection Health Allows focus with higher Potential space constraints Clinics levellevel ofof servicesservices Roads Easy access to all Congestion, wear and tear on services roads is high, maintenance cost is high Parks Space constrained inside city, but offset by surrounding park areas Pubic Toilets Customary maintenance issues

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 33 Livability:Livability: TheThe MatureMature CityCity (Thinking(Thinking asas aa resident)resident)

Why do you like this town that ! Countryside is close you’re living in? ! Live close to each other ! Easy access to services, amenities

! On slope, near edge Where would you live? ! Close to open spaces ! Close to working place

What are you proud to show ! Along the river walk to Dzong and open space surrounding it foreign visitors? ! The tower ! Everything is within walking distance! Click here for Summary Presentation by Course Team.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 34 2.2. TheThe CulturalCultural CityCity

Historic fabric of core city is preserved and enhanced as a cultural and educational setting at low density. Major growth is absorbed in two new townstowns atat thethe north-southnorth-south ends of the valley.

Cultural City Team Thukten Choeda, Pema Choki, D.C. Dhimal, Tia Duer (World(World Bank)Bank) ,, KarmaKarma Dupchuk,Dupchuk, KomalKomal DuttaDutta (Delhi),(Delhi), T.R. Gurung, Ngawang Gyaltshen, Phuntsho Gyeltshen, Wangdi Gyeltshen, Trevor Hardy (MIT), Dorji Nidup, Lhaden Pema, Tinley Penjore, Budhiman Pradhan, P.L. Shubbha, Dechen Singye, Ugyen Tenzin, Peldon Tshering, Phuntsho Wangdi, Tashi Wangmo, Tshering Yonten

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 35 Key Characteristics – The Cultural City

1. What will make ! Conservation zone is established around Dzong, high court, Thimphu ‘A Great and Assembly to reestablish traditional setting with agriculture and natural features. Other structures are removed. Capital City’? ! Relocate ministries and administrative functions toto expandedexpanded towntown northnorth ofof thethe Dzong.Dzong.

! City core becomes idealized symbol of Bhutanese culture.

2. How can we improve ! Expressway south is built as designed, but splits into two accessibility while urban roads that ring the downtown: one east of the river, accessibility while thethe otherother toto thethe west.west. TheseThese reunitereunite northnorth ofof thethe Dzong,Dzong, minimizing the impact ending at north new town. of the car? ! Historic downtown is partially pedestrianized; served by high-tech, low-cost bus system on dedicated streets. InterceptIntercept parkingparking andand transittransit nodesnodes areare locatedlocated atat eacheach endend of expressway.

! Traditional long, uninterrupted streets parallel to the river are kept; linked by pedestrian paths.

3. How do we maintain ! Downtown is emphasized as a traditional enclave, where all cultural and natural historic structures and settings are preserved and enhanced. cultural and natural New buildings and places are strictly traditional in style. assets in the face of pressures for growth ! Dzong area is conserved and returned to a traditional setting. and modernization? ! Development of educational and cultural activities and facilitiesfacilities areare promoted.promoted.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 36 Key Characteristics – The Cultural City (cont.)

4. How do we attract ! Downtown becomes a living museum and attraction — a and accommodate venue for learning and experience with facilities for traditional crafts, dancing and music, and festivals. visitors that support traditional crafts, dancing and music, and festivals. economic ! InterpretationInterpretation occursoccurs throughoutthroughout thethe city,city, focusedfocused atat aa newnew development while National Museum of Architecture and Building locatedlocated nearnear thethe southsouth transittransit node.node. strengthening heritage? ! Smaller traditional hotels and services are located within the historic fabric of downtown; larger hotels and meeting facilitiesfacilities areare locatedlocated inin ‘Gateway‘Gateway South’South’ newnew town.town.

5. How do we ! Major new housing of a variety of types, densities and income address the are created in the new towns. housing shortage? ! Limited low-scale housing is constructed within the historic downtown area.

! Consolidate neighborhood on eastern slope with infill housing. Local shops, services along ring road.

! A mix of public and private investment finances development. 6. How can we more ! Non-profit corporation is established to plan and guide development of new towns in cooperation with Thimphu City. effectively plan for The Corporation becomes conduit for international financing. the city? ! Downtown ‘Thimphu Historic District’ is established with citizen board to administer design guidelines.

! Tax increment levied on commercial/visitor uses toto financefinance downtown civic improvements, services. 37 Central Thimphu 8 km The Cultural City Subcenters New Town; government focus The Cultural City evolves (30,000 pop.) primarily as a response to the dynamics of economic conditions. Significant Dzong area conserved upgrading of the existing as traditional setting historic center will precede the establishment of a new Downtown preserved town ‘Gateway South’ and enhanced: 4 km Cultural focus focused on education, the (80,000 pop.) development of which will be tied to the completion of the expressway. Similarly, expanding government New Town ‘Gateway functions will provide the South’ with educational focus focus for a new city to the (40,000 pop.) north – a diplomatic city. The traditional landscape 0 km setting of the the Dzong, the Assembly, the High Court and other key buildings will be conserved to enhance their role as a N symbol for the nation. Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 38 Central Thimphu The Cultural City Subcenters

Diverting from the express- Ring roads way, ring roads carry traffic around the historic city Conservation center, which will be partially zone pedestrianized. At the end around Dzong of the expressway, a new transportation hub will facilitate transfer to a low-tech, Consolidated high-volume transit system, neighborhood looping around the downtown. Within the downtown, traditional structures will be Downtown conserved and new ones traditional setting; pedestrian constructed to create a more integral setting focused on a Transit loop new ‘Museum of Bhutanese Architecture and Construc- Transit hub; tion’. The museum and remote parking associated public space will complete the existing Clock N Tower square. 0 km 1 km

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 39 The Historical Center New ‘Museum of Traditional Bhutanese Architecture and Construction’ anchors development.. New structures reinforce traditionaltraditional setting.setting. Transit hub provides parking and low-techlow-tech transittransit accessaccess point.point.

N 0 km 1/4 km

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 40 The cultural heritage

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 41 Opportunities & Problems: The Cultural City

Opportunities Problems

! Builds a great Cultural City ! Overexploitation by tourists: center overrun ! Tourism benefits, jobs ! Shortage of materials hampers ! Model city for traditional archi- traditional architecture due to tecture; supported by research forest management policies and development center (existing problem) ! Preserves environment, history ! Increased land competition? ! Reduces congestion at center; Increased pressure to develop Transit system linking sub- agricultural land in between centers ! Two sub-centers increase costs ! Planned developments for commuting, and duplicate costs in providing services and ! Choice of where to live: satellite infrastructureinfrastructure towns or historic city

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 42 Management Considerations: The Cultural City

Services Positive Negative Roads Already existing

Drainage Localised drainage, efficient, no pollution to river Water Supply Allows planning of an Sewage and Solid Waste overall system

Medical facilities New hospital caters to the Higher initial neighbouring villages: relieves costs from need pressure on referral hospital for three systems

Recreation spaces No monotonous single space: Each town has independent community recreation space Maintenance Maintenance reduced due toto better planned networks. Possibility of privatising infrastructureinfrastructure facilitiesfacilities

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 43 Livability: The Cultural City (Thinking as a resident)

Why do you like this town ! Lot of facilities; environment friendly; that you’re living in? convenient for day-to-day needs; employment opportunities, sense of friendship and community (wide diversity), choices

Where would you live? ! Most stay in city center: when young stay in ‘romantic’ area (south), and when adult, near workplace and school (center), and when older, near religious and cultural center (north)

What are you proud to ! Cultural monuments and architecture, handicrafts and dress, natural beauty, show foreign visitors? market area (lots of people), games (archery), boulevards and footpaths, Click here for dances Summary Presentation by Course Team.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 44 3.3. TheThe RiverRiver CityCity

Higher density settlements of different sizessizes areare developed up and down the river, including in the central city. Settlements provide housing, employment, community shopping and services.

River City Team Alexis Bennett (MIT), Latha Chhetri, Tashi Chophel, Karma Dorji, Langa Dorji, Lhaten Dorji, Rosemary Dudley (MIT), Ugyen Lhamo, Rinchen Lhazom, B.B. Monser, Karma Namgyel, Kinzang Norbu, Daniele Pini (Ferrara),(Ferrara), K.B. Rana, Tshewang Tenzin, Dawa Zangmo

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 45 Key Characteristics – The River City

1. What will make ! The river becomes both a setting for functions and an Thimphu ‘A Great imageimage ofof thethe capital.capital. Capital City’? ! Ministries and government functions are developed at various locations along the length of the river.

2. How can we improve ! Expressway built with no frontage roads; instead a new accessibility while valley local road – primarily for public transit – winds in minimizing the impact and around expressway connecting settlements. of the car? Downtown, the road east of river is widened. ! More bridges give greater connectivity between development nodes across river, particularly downtown.

! Natural pathways follow streams to provide pedestrian linkslinks perpendicularperpendicular toto thethe river.river.

3. How do we maintain ! The river and rice paddies are conserved and cultural and natural maintained as a cultural asset, where not otherwise assets in the face of developed for settlements pressures for growth ! Downtown retains it traditional setting with more green and modernization? spaces at several scales linking to the river. ! The total area along the river becomes a cultural and national presence.

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 46 Key Characteristics – The River City (con.)

4. How do we attract and ! The river becomes a spine for visitor activity in the valley. accommodate visitors ! Settlements would naturally develop different themes and that support economic reasons to attract visitors – one a museum of agriculture, development while another a museum on architecture, another a conference strengthening heritage? center, etc. Visitors move between them with a low-tech strengthening heritage? transittransit system.system.

! Hotels and services are scattered among the settlements.

5. How do we ! New, higher density housing clusters are developed around address the existing settlements along the river and in the downtown housing shortage? area. Mixed income development is encouraged. ! Housing types and density would vary as appropriate to the size and location of each settlement.

! A mix of public and private investment is used to finance development.

6. How can we ! Cooperating planning agreement among levels of more effectively government spells out responsibilities along the river. plan for the city? ! Growth boundaries for higher density settlements and an ‘urban‘urban code’code’ toto guideguide designdesign andand development.development.

! Public infrastructure investment along river and in settlements to attract private investment.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 47 Greater Thimphu The River City 8 km Linear Development

The River City alternative Dense Settlements respects Thimphu’s existing expand around existing relationship with the surround- (1000-3000 pop.) ing natural landscape and village settlements. Using the existing settlement patterns Institutional Centers as cues for future develop 4 km ment, the unique character of The Royal District the valley can be maintained and flourish as a sustainable city in the 21st century and “Green” Downtown beyond. The city will be wov- (80,000 pop.) en together with a natural public space system organi Public Amenities zed by pedestrian walkways. The future expressway – “The Greenway” – will pass The ‘Greenway’ 0 km through rice paddies and be planted with indigenous Poplar Dense Settlements trees and seasonal Bhutanese (1000-3000 pop.) flowers, creating a unique gateway into the Capital City. N

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 48 Central Thimphu The River City Linear Development

Sensitive consideration is given to enhancing and Dense Settlements expanding the existing settle- expand around ments and spatial patterns existing development along the River and its tributaries. Phased growth of the settlements will follow Stream Pathways development of infrastructure and network systems Community Spaces that avoid large initial capital costs, addressing management and economic feasibility issues. Decentralization will New Bridges provide natural “checks and balances” through community participation and social Enhanced Riverfront Activities networks that can prevent undesirable planning results. No settlement relocation is considered.

0 km 1 km

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 49 Urban Pathways The existing cascading streams can be developed further to provide pedestrians with attractive, ‘‘wayfinding’finding’ pathways to move throughout the city.. They can also serve as green space where people can congregate..

0 km 1/2 km 50 Village Patterns Better infrastructure within existing villages improvesimproves thethe ququality of lifelife andand makesmakes moremore efficient use of the land.

Bridges Additional vehicular and pedestrian bridges link focused development east of the river to downtown Thimphu and beyond. The bridges also provide residents with a stronger relationshiprelationship withwith thethe riverriver whilewhile providing them with greater access.. Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 51 The ‘Greenway’ The new highway is buffered with trees throughoutthroughout thethe valleyvalley conservingconserving thethe pristine nature of the rice paddies and natural landscape. Existing and new villages are densified to allow existing agricultural land to be preserved in its current state while maintaining the community scale of village life. Pedestrian Network Additional traditional bridges connect villages to each other and improve access to public amenities.

52 Opportunities and Problems: The River City

Opportunities Problems

! Guidelines for development ! Danger of sprawl follow traditional accustomed patterns ! More difficult management due to many growth poles ! Increased economic potentials for dispersdisperseded communitiescommunities ! Public transport complicated, constrained, although linear ! Maintains unique llandscape valley system encouraged and cultural heritage ! Infrastructure more dispersed ! Lower, diffused density and higher costs

! Provides more public and ! Increased pressure to develop community spaces, and easy agricultural land access to green areas ! Potential river pollution; higher ! The best development ‘form’? open space maintenance

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 53 Management Considerations: The River City

Service Positive Negative

Water Supply Follows river; water Installation and Sanitation source close maintenance costs higher since longer networks Schools Encourages more private More monitoring Health services and community necessary: more involvementinvolvement inin activeactive rolerole administration

Transportation Reduces traffic congestion, Requires transportation self-contained settlements linklink toto centercenter reduce commute time and reinforce community and family life

Electricity Along open spaces makes Longer network = higher cost effective costs

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 54 Livability: The River City (Thinking as a resident)

Why do you like this town ! Environment is preserved. The open that you’re living in? space; allows less crowding and is consistent with traditional way of life

Where would you live? ! Far from downtown, near the river

What are you proud to ! Around and along river and the steams, show foreign visitors? across bridges which highlight views ! Dzong and other historic monuments ! The many green corridors Click here for Summary Presentation by Course Team.

Thimphu 2020 - City Corporation-MIT-World Bank 55 TowardsTowards aa “It is possible to be the same, Consensus Vision while being distinctly different” Consensus Vision – Bhutan Vision 2020

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 56 NextNext StepsSteps

Which scenario to choose? Or, the River City concept may be combined with the Mature City concentrated center. None of the scenarios are sufficient for a final Some of the existing villages would be allowed plan, but are intended as conceptual approach- toto grow,grow, butbut thethe bulkbulk ofof developmentdevelopment wouldwould bebe es for exploring alternatives.. Likely,Likely, aa concentrated at the center. combination of the three approaches would be adopted, where the strongest elements of each Another option would be a Cultural City would be combined with the realities of existing concept with its growth at either end, while development into a comprehensive develop- also allowing some villages to expand. ment strategy and plan.

For example, the Mature City scenario with concentrated growth at the center may be appropriate to balance with smaller developments toto thethe NorthNorth andand SouthSouth similarsimilar toto thethe approachapproach inin thethe CulturalCultural City.City. HereHere thethe advantagesadvantages ofof lowerlower servicingservicing costscosts fromfrom aa concentratedconcentrated approach are combined with anchors at either end drawing off potential growth in the valley.

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 57 And after 2020? Each of the scenarios severely curtails or avoids altogether development in the valley. Even in the future, the valleys should remain intact,intact, maintainingmaintaining aa keykey elementelement ofof whatwhat makes Bhutan and Thimphu unique. NewNew development should shift elsewhere, potentially to Paro or other suitable areas.

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 58 Where to start? They would be adjacent to existing built-up areas of the city to taketake advantageadvantage ofof existingexisting Clearly the development pressures on facilities.facilities. Thimphu require quick action, and the demand forfor housinghousing andand facilitiesfacilities needsneeds toto bebe Designating limited development areas offers addressed. However, in absence of a well- twotwo advantages:advantages: thoughtthought out,out, coherentcoherent developmentdevelopment approach,approach, continued approval of development - or non- ! ItIt providesprovides anan opportunityopportunity toto meetmeet thethe immediateimmediate demand for housing and does not stop action by government resulting in de facto development completely. approval - is not helpful but can be destructive ! ItIt signalssignals toto developersdevelopers areasareas thatthat wouldwould allowallow and give rise to false premises for future development, and makes clear the areas that are development. So how to move? ''off-l''off-limits'imits' withwith strictstrict enforcement.enforcement. ItIt removesremoves ambiguity from investment decisions. Areas need to be designated that provide an Essentially this is a holding action, buying time opportunity for immediate development. toto decidedecide whichwhich developmentdevelopment strategystrategy isis bestbest These areas should be severely limited, and forfor thethe overalloverall growthgrowth ofof Thimphu.Thimphu. should already be provided with services to avoid any development costs to the city.

Thimphu 2020 – City Corporation - MIT - World Bank 59

Tashi Delek! Tashi Delek!

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