Spaces Vol 1 Is 6

mortar. On removal of this cladding in
fall 2004, and expecting to find the
colossal stone arch with sculptural figures
with flanking assembly of columns and
entablature, a much-reduced version of
this 17th c. composition was found. This
20th century rebuilding can be
hypothesized to be prompted by some
major cracks resulting from the great
earthquake of 1934.
RESTORATION DESIGN QUESTIONS
Having discovered that the 17th century
structure was completely lost, a study of
the 20th century structure was done to
evaluate whether it was worthy of
conservation, and if so, by which means.
Where major rebuildings have intervened
between the building’s original
construction and the most recent
restorer, they were undertaken with
intention and design, however
inappropriate. The 1971 repair done to
the shrine (addition of roof structure)
was neither traditional nor due
consideration was given to the prime
image. Thus, it did not merit to be
conserved. Likewise, the 20th century
structure failed to convince us of its
restorability for following reasons:
• The rear wall, a veneer of stone blocks
was structurally unstable and of poor
workmanship. The surfaces of more than
60% of these stones were damaged by
cement mortar, which was used to attach
the marble cladding and cement slabs.
Above: A reduced and simplified
version of the original structure
exposed on removal of top layers.
Below right: The shrine as it stood in
December 2003 before restoration.
Below: The roof structure with
corrugated zinc sheets supported by G.I.
pipes (inventory of Kathmandu valley
1971/UNESCO).
Photo: Raju Roka, 2003
Photo: Raju Roka, 2004
SPACES SEP-OCT 2005 35