Hi

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/5981/tsp005eaec5fow2.jpg

Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, is being redevloped according to the Thimphu Structure Plan (TSP) by team of Indian architects and builders led by India-based Christopher Charles Benninger Architects.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/1082/tsp025eb196anp0.jpg
^ Urban Precincts in Thimphu Structure Plan.

The architcture is based on the traditional dzong architecture of the Indian himalayas, closely related to Tibetan architecture. The architecture in this master plan was was inspired by the architecture in Sikkim state and Ladakh, Kashmir.



------==--=--==------


Urban Design of the Trashi Chhoe Dzong Precinct

The one and half square kilometer zone surrounding the Trashi Chhoe Dzong was declared as special precinct in the new capital city plan. The urban design was prepared to reflect: 1) the symbolic checks and balances between executive, legislative and judiciary branches of governance; 2) the role of the state as represented by his majesty and the je kenpo, or spiritual leader of bhutan; 3) the place of the people within the symbolic geometry of the complex; 4) the integration of the numerous heritage structures, wang chhu river, surrounding hill and mountain profiles and vast open spaces.

The design uses continuous directional references to the apex of the sacred Utse temple as a unifying factor; symbolic placement of the branches of governance around the icon of the state; inclusion of the people in a vast public domain in the form of a memorial plaza to his late majesty, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The vista of eight fold path connects the judiciary to the dzong, and various symbolic gardens link the complex using an auspicious one hundred and eight chortens, auspiciously located within sacred energy zones. Except for vvip movement, essential maintenance, security and physically challenged access, no vehicles can enter the precinct, which is pedestrianized!

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/8289/ud025d342d1sh6.jpg
^ The Secretariat Complex is set within terraces stepping down to the Trashi Chhoe Dzong.

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/8493/ud015d32a86mi7.jpg
^ Chhubar Chhu Circle.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/5504/ud035e1a3aari3.jpg
^ Jigme Dirji Wangchuk Memorial Plaza (Garden of Good Thoughts).

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/5639/ud045d359b4kr5.jpg
^ Parliamentary Complex

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/526/ud055e2013bng5.jpg
^ Vista of Eightfold Path.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3803/ud065e24827im5.jpg
^ Labrynth of Sixteen Emptiness

---=--=--=---


The National Secretariat Complex

The mountain Kingdom of Bhutan boasts of the world’s most pristine environment, ancient Buddhist and Bon customs, and a unique architectural tradition. His majesty has formed a Constitutional Commission, which will bring democracy to the country. To accommodate a democratic form of governance CCBA was engaged to prepare the new capital city plan, and then the Capitol Complex within that framework.

The Royal Secretariat Complex houses ten ministries, with provisions for expansion. It includes the Prime Minister’s Office and the Royal Civil Service Commission. Covering about one million square feet of built up area, the campus includes underground parking; high-tech security facilities; a banquet hall and staff dining; an auditorium; media center, dispatch office; and stationary shops. The campus adjoins and is part of the Trashi Chhoe Dzong Precinct in which the iconic fortress monastery sits. A study of traditional Bhutanese architecture resulted in a campus which blends with the heritage setting, which offering contemporary work places with the latest office spaces and facilities.

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/296/nsec035df42a7lt3.jpg
^ The Secretariat Complex is set within terraces stepping down to the Trashi Chhoe Dzong.

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/830/nsec025df9367hp1.jpg
^ View of the Court showing entrances to the Ministry Buildings.

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/7215/nsec015def0dezt3.jpg
^ View of the Ministry of Finance.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/4488/nsec045e3acb8zo4.jpg
^ View of the interior courtyard in a ministry.

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/5010/nsec065e0003bzt8.jpg
^ Model of the Proposed National Secretariat Complex.

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/8546/nsec065e42071el6.jpg
^ Model of the Proposed National Secretariat Complex.

---=--=--=---


Tshechu Ground

Most Dzongs and many Monasteries in bhutan have an annual festival, known as 'Tshechu.' This comprises of a series of dances in honour of Guru Rinpoche (founder of Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan), performed by monks as well as lay people. Thimphu Tschechu performed in Trashi Chhoe Dzong is one of the most popular festivals of Bhutan which attracts crowds up to 15,000 people per day. The present ground located inside the courtyard of the Dzong is proving to be inadequate for the growing number of people coming to be a part of this event.

To ease this pressure, a new Tshechu Ground was proposed on northern side of the Dzong in the Urban Design Proposal for the Dzong Precinct. The proposed Tshechu ground can seat 25,000 people at a time and utilizes the natural topography of the area to create stepped seating, which will give the spectators the better view of the event.

This ground also forms the starting point of the Vista of Eight Fold Path which connects the Trashi Chhoe Dzong with the proposed Supreme Court, forming a symbolic axis between the 'State' and the 'Judiciary.'

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/4286/tshechu015e53f8ddr8.jpg
^ Tshechu Ground.

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/1927/tshechu025e5791ccq0.jpg
^ Tshechu Ground South Elevation

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/8802/tshechu035e5e62eki4.jpg
^ Tshechu Ground View.

http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/350/tshechu045e5ff63vc4.jpg
^ Tshechu Ground View.

---=--=--=---


---=--=--=---


Dharma Sthal

Four hundred buddhist novices live in the trashi chhoe dzong, the majestic fortress monastery which is the icon of bhutan. Their conditions are unhygienic and their cooking arrangements threaten fire in the ancient wood structure of the dzong. the new design for the dharma sthal moves the monk’s quarters and dining across the wang chhu to its own precinct, connected by an ancient wood bridge.

The circular shape is symbolic of the buddha himself who was known as a flying wheel, or chakravartin, who could cut through ignorance and spread enlightenment. The parts of the wheel also symbolize the phases of a monk’s evolution, with the hub symbolizing ethical principles. The eight spokes reflect the eight fold path, as well as the spreading of the teachings. Finally the rim signifies meditative concentration and discipline. In the design, which has been approved by his majesty and bhutan’s spiritual leader, the je kenpo, there is an opening toward the pointed apex of the main temple of bhutan, the sacred utse! The dharma sthal sits in a “deer park,” reminiscent of the deer forest at sarnath where lord buddha revealed the four noble truths and the eight fold path in his sermon of the turning of the wheel!

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/5682/dharmasthal015dc3a2acx8.jpg
^ Dharma Sthal

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/6711/dharmasthal025dca6fera9.jpg
^ Aerial view showing the Dhrma Sthal positioning in the Dzong Precinct

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/7918/dharmasthal035dce1a5gy1.jpg
^ Dhrama Sthal aligns with the Utse of the Trashi Chhoe Dzong

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/6732/dharmasthal045dd36bavw6.jpg
^ Utse of the Trashi Chhoe Dzong seen from the courtyard of the Dharma Sthal.

---=--=--=---

Cheers!
Jai

Wow, Bhutan has always seemed like a really interesting place to visit due to its strong culture.

Really glad that it's able to modernise without losing its identity.

Impressive and long overdue development for Timphu. Hope the country remains uncrowded and pristine as it develops.

I think the design is similar to the existing ones. Some new architectural design wouldn't be bad either.

Bhutan is COMPLETELY under Indian control.

Anyway, nice to see some development efforts.

Bhutan has a good potential of becoming the tourist hub for the emerging subcontinent countries. :)

I think the design is similar to the existing ones. Some new architectural design wouldn't be bad either.

Bhutan is COMPLETELY under Indian control.

Anyway, nice to see some development efforts.

really? that's interesting...didn't know that..


btw, are there actual pictures/photos besides the renders?

I think the design is similar to the existing ones. Some new architectural design wouldn't be bad either.

Bhutan is COMPLETELY under Indian control.

Anyway, nice to see some development efforts.

What NONSENCE???
Bhutan is a sovreign country that does what it pleases. It just so happenes that they have decided to side with india in return for economy development.
The Bhutanese Govt has closed off themselves so that they can preserve their culture If they were really under India's control we would have dammed them(Great Rivers run here) Built a railway, airport, 5star hotels, tourist facilities and make it a International Tourist destination we would have also thrown in a few call centers for good measure.

Research before you speak. Such ignorant comments not only malalign india But also show a complete disrespect for the Soverignity of ANother country.

What NONSENCE???
Bhutan is a sovreign country that does what it pleases. It just so happenes that they have decided to side with india in return for economy development.
The Bhutanese Govt has closed off themselves so that they can preserve their culture If they were really under India's control we would have dammed them(Great Rivers run here) Built a railway, airport, 5star hotels, tourist facilities and make it a International Tourist destination we would have also thrown in a few call centers for good measure.

Research before you speak. Such ignorant comments not only malalign india But also show a complete disrespect for the Soverignity of ANother country.

clearsky is absolutely right. Bhutan foreign policy, monetary policy and defense are under indian control. If a country does not have control over one of these major elements of sovereignty then it can not call fully sovereign state. Bhutanese are extremely peace loving people and I have great respect for them. India took advantage of China fear and took control over vital elements of Bhutan sovereignty.

I would suggest you check definition of Sovereign first. Then check your facts about Bhutan foreign, defense and monetary policy before making any further comments about ignorance.

According to Article 2 of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty, 1949, Bhutan is required to consult India in the conduct of its external relations.

Really nice project indeed.

lets focus on the project.

And on that note, wow, Bhutan never fails to impress me. I think its one of the feountries that still holds on to its culture so strongly and so beautifully as well. The project looks quite modern yet traditional in design. Hope to visit it someday.

Yes, lets continue on the topic…..
Bhutan has lots of empty spaces and the complex/campus style project really took advantage of that. Contemporary and traditional touch had made the design remarkable.

Bhutan is such a fascinating place and people are extremely friendly. It is so close to Bangladesh and its tempting not to go there. There is very little information about Bhutan on the net. Anyone knows any good site please post.

clearsky is absolutely right. Bhutan foreign policy, monetary policy and defense are under indian control. If a country does not have control over one of these major elements of sovereignty then it can not call fully sovereign state. Bhutanese are extremely peace loving people and I have great respect for them. India took advantage of China fear and took control over vital elements of Bhutan sovereignty.

I would suggest you check definition of Sovereign first. Then check your facts about Bhutan foreign, defense and monetary policy before making any further comments about ignorance.

According to Article 2 of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty, 1949, Bhutan is required to consult India in the conduct of its external relations.

OH MY GOD.


Bhutan is free to trade with any country it wants and In fact Bhutan is full of foreign made cars most of which are not available in India or are illegal in india(Due to emmisssions regulations) Bhutanese for a long time had Brands such Lotte and Japanese foods legally though there companies have no presence in India. True Bhutan trades through India .

Bhutan and China have been, for the past many years having Border dispute negotiations with each other. with no India involvement. Also Bhutan has on many many occassions supported China while India historically votes in favour of Taiwan.
Similarly while India has no relations with Chinese Tibet and recognises only the exiled government of Tibet in India Bhutan had full relations with the Puppet Tibetian Govt in China.

Check Wikipedia the accord was revised on Feb 8th 2007
The revised treaty also includes in it the preamble "Reaffirming their respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity;", an element that was absent in the earlier version. The Indo-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 2007 thus lays to rest any questions that may have existed in regard to the independence and sovereignty of Bhutan.
AND the primary reason Bhutan closed its border with CHina was to stop the influx of Tibetean refugees from Tibet AND not because "India told it to"

-- quoted from Wikipedia. BHUTAN is free to make accords with any states it wants and in fact does diplomatic accords with many other states including China.

INDIA-BHUTAN FRIENDSHIP TREATY 2007

The Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan: Reaffirming their respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; Recalling the historical relations that have existed between our two countries; Recognizing with deep satisfaction the manner in which these relations have evolved and matured over the years into a model of good neighbourly relations; Being fully committed to further strengthening this enduring and mutually beneficial relationship based on genuine goodwill and friendship, shared interests, and close understanding and cooperation;
Desiring to clearly reflect this exemplary relationship as it stands today; And having decided, through mutual consent, to update the 1949 Treaty relating to the promotion of, and fostering the relations of friendship and neighbourliness between India and Bhutan;
Have agreed as follows:

Article 1
There shall be perpetual peace and friendship between India and Bhutan.

Article 2
In keeping with the abiding ties of close friendship and cooperation between Bhutan and India, the Government of the Kingdom of Bhutan and the Government of the Republic of India shall cooperate closely with each other on issues relating to their national interests. Neither Government shall allow the use of its territory for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other.

Article 3
There shall, as heretofore, be free trade and commerce between the territories of the Government of Bhutan and the Government of India. Both the Governments shall provide full cooperation and assistance to each other in the matter of trade and commerce.

Article 4
The Government of India agrees that the Government of Bhutan shall be free to import, from or through India into Bhutan, whatever arms, ammunition, machinery, warlike material or stores as may be required or desired for the strength and welfare of Bhutan, and that this arrangement shall hold good for all time as long as the Government of India is satisfied that the intentions of the Government of Bhutan are friendly and that there is no danger to India from such importations. The Government of Bhutan agrees that there shall be no export of such arms, ammunition and materials outside Bhutan either by the Government of Bhutan or by private individuals.

Article 5
The Government of Bhutan and the Government of India agree that Bhutanese subjects residing in Indian territories shall have equal justice with Indian subjects, and that Indian subjects residing in Bhutan shall have equal justice with the subjects of the Government of Bhutan.

Article 6
The extradition of persons wanted by either state for crimes and for unlawful activities affecting their security shall be in keeping with the extradition agreements between the two countries.

Article 7
The Government of Bhutan and the Government of India agree to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. These shall be extended to such areas as education, health, sports, science and technology.

Article 8
The Government of Bhutan and the Government of India agree to continue to consolidate and expand their economic cooperation for mutual and long-term benefit.

Article 9
Any differences and disputes arising in the interpretation and application of this Treaty shall be settled bilaterally by negotiations in a spirit of trust and understanding in consonance with the historically close ties of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation that form the bedrock of Bhutan-India relations.

Article 10
This Treaty shall come into force upon the exchange of Instruments of Ratification by the two governments which shall take place in Thimphu within one month of the signing of this Treaty. The Treaty shall continue in force in perpetuity unless terminated or modified by mutual consent. In witness whereof, the undersigned being duly authorized thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Treaty.

Done at New Delhi on the Eighth Day of February Two Thousand and Seven, in two originals each in Hindi, Dzongkha and English languages, each text being equally authentic. However, in case of difference, the English text shall prevail.

For the Government of For the Government of

The Republic of India the Kingdom of Bhutan
Sd/- Sd/-
(Pranab Mukherjee) (H.R.H.Trongsa Penlop
Minister of External Affairs Jigme Khesar Namgyel wangchuck)The Crown Prince of Bhutan

Please refrain from such ignorant comments and RESEARCH before POSTING. Dont post the first Google Hit u get.

INDIA-BHUTAN FRIENDSHIP TREATY 2007
Please refrain from such ignorant comments and RESEARCH before POSTING. Dont post the first Google Hit u get.

I hate to do this BUT please refrain from using such a nice forum and thread for indian propaganda. Here are spin india has been putting on latest so called “friendship treaty” episode.

1) “Friendship” treaty you just mentioned is just a supplemental treaty of 1949 treaty. No where in the “Friendship” treaty it says original 1949 treaty is nullified. So using article 2 of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty, 1949 (Bhutan is required to consult India in the conduct of its external relations.) india still control Bhutanese foreign policy.

This “Friendship” treaty is at best to appease growing sense of independence among Bhutanese.

2) In article 4 of “Friendship” treaty clearly emphasize indian control over Bhutanese defense policy. Bhutan is allowed to import arms only from India and India decides what Bhutan can import. What a mockery in Bhutanese independence. You better learn how to read and understand...

“Bhutan shall be free to import, from or through India into Bhutan, whatever arms, ammunition, machinery, warlike material or stores as may be required or desired for the strength and welfare of Bhutan, and that this arrangement shall hold good for all time as long as the Government of India is satisfied that the intentions of the Government of Bhutan are friendly and that there is no danger to India from such importations.”

snoq and kurklk, i suggest you open up another thread if you wish to focus on that issue. Please leave this thread for the discussion of this project. Its a beautiful project and i don't wanna see the thread locked for posts off topic.

Really glad that it's able to modernise without losing its identity.

Indeed. Is there any other projects in Thimpu?