Abstract:
Traditional urban spaces contribute to delivering city’s unique ethos
that helps to build urban identity and gives character to a place. However,
these historic hubs are constantly being challenged by the growing
conflict between the modern needs and the traditional values. This
chapter presents a case study of Patan Durbar Square, one of the historic
palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley built during the Malla period. The chapter examines how the palace square strives to exhibit a collective
identity and what symbolic messages it conveys against the backdrop of
the currently changing urban setting. This research is based on
observations of the study area followed by interviews with the key
informants and interactions with the general public. The study employs
qualitative evaluation of the urban space in question and offers a detailed
description of the phenomenon of spatial transformation. Through the
discussion of the issues and challenges faced by the current
transformation of the Durbar Square area, this research highlights that in
developing and managing historic urban squares in old and cultural cities
like Kathmandu, undermining its ancient forms to participate in
modernization will question its legitimacy, especially when contemporary
changes are set within the already existing built environment.
