Issues related to meeting traditional architectural requirements vis-a-vis contemporary building materials and methods, which seek to minimize building costs, were raised in a panel discussion organized by Helvetas on Tuesday.

Helvetas has been involved in the architecture and construction of several structures in the country like the Wangduecholing district hospital in Bumthang and more recently, the Royal University of Bhutan in Thimphu.

The discussion began with historian Karma Phuntsho (Phd) pointing out how far back records of Bhutanese architecture could be traced. The furthest text reference dates to the 12th century, he said, and refers to the building of the Kichu and Jambay lhakhangs by the Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gempo.

In the 14th century, the first detailed report of Bhutanese architecture was compiled by Tibetan saint Longchen Rabjam. From his report, it is known that the traditional Bhutanese roofs seen today existed then as well, the historian pointed out. More detailed texts become available with the arrival of Bhutanese treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa the next century followed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 1600s, responsible for building most of the dzongs in the country.

Karma Phuntsho also explained that there is a connection between Bhutanese architecture and Buddhism, and that in Buddhism, the built environment should contribute to inner well-being. As a result, spiritual symbols are a part of traditional architecture.

However, vernacular architecture is undergoing a “major transformation”, said another panelist, Nagtsho Dorji, who is the head of the conservation of heritage sites division of the home ministry.

She pointed out that with the availability of new materials and techniques, traditional architectural elements are being deemed structurally redundant and serving more of an ornamental aspect. However, she added that when it comes to structures the conservation department works on, there would be no compromise when it comes to certain traditional designs like the roof, windows, and columns, among others. ... Panelist Hanspeter Buergi, a professor of architecture, pointed out that he had observed many concrete buildings, largely influenced by designs in India, being built in Bhutan today. The professor of architecture, who has worked periodically in Bhutan since 1991, also critically observed that the Helvetas projects in Bhutan may not have disseminated much innovation, and were more costly as a result of high usage of timber.

“We need to find a third way,” he said. He also pointed out that there must be debate about the future of architecture in Bhutan and that the public must be a part of the discussion.