Handbook of Research on Seismic Assessment and Rehabilitation of Historic Structures


Book Description

Rehabilitation of heritage monuments provides sustainable development and cultural significance to a region. The most sensitive aspect of the refurbishment of existing buildings lies in the renovation and recovery of structural integrity and public safety. The Handbook of Research on Seismic Assessment and Rehabilitation of Historic Structures evaluates developing contributions in the field of earthquake engineering with regards to the analysis and treatment of structural damage inflicted by seismic activity. This book is a vital reference source for professionals, researchers, students, and engineers active in the field of earthquake engineering who are interested in the emergent developments and research available in the preservation and rehabilitation of heritage buildings following seismic activity.




Kirtipur


Book Description




Urban Growth and Spatial Transition in Nepal


Book Description

This book carries out an initial assessment of Nepal s urban growth and spatial transformation, with a focus on spatial demographic and economic trends, economic growth drivers and infrastructure requirements of Nepal s urban regions.







Vaastu: The Art And Science Of Living


Book Description

Vaastu Shaastra is the art and science of living a happy and contented long life. In the modern-day world of high-speed technology, many diseases are arising out of faulty lifestyles. Classical principles of Vaastu Shaastra describe the ancient way of living which need modifications in the present-day context. This book is an intelligent amalgamation of the ancient practice of Vaastu living and modern technologies of house building and architecture. It offers an introduction to Vaastu Shaastra, systematising and standardising its techniques and methodologies. The book has been divided into three sections. The first section has been devoted to the understanding of the key concepts, principles and forces of Vaastu that exert an influence on any given space. The second section of the book reveals how to create heaven on earth; right in your home. It shows how we can achieve internal peace by first achieving external peace in the house. The third section is related to the day-to-day use of Vaastu. One chapter has been devoted to Vaastu of workplace which, in many aspects, is different from residential Vaastu. This book has been written according to the established principles of Vedic Astrology; an inevitable part of Vaastu Shaastra. The effect of the nine planets is considered in Astrology while mainly the effect of planet earth is taken in Vaastu. Astrology depends on dashas (Planetary Periods) while Vaastu depends on dishas (Directions), Jyotish assumes the existence of Kaal Purush (Time Personified) while Vaastu assumes the existence of Vaastu Purush (Space Personified). The book incorporates current knowledge of building science to explain the ancient wisdom of Vaastu Shaastra only to bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern way of thinking. No attempt has been made to transgress into the other parallel systems known as Feng Shui and Pyramidology, which require totally separate study. The work is meant primarily for those who want to learn Vaastu from the very beginning and pursue it seriously in a scientific manner. The book will also serve as a stepping-stone for those who intend to indulge in hitherto unexplored areas of Vaastu Shaastra like suitability of certain directions for certain activities, hidden meanings of Vaastu Purush; forty-five demi gods; ten dikpalas; three energies and Panchmahabhootas, predicting the fate of a house and its inhabitants through Vaastu kala, etc.




The Dura Language


Book Description

In The Dura Language: Grammar & Phylogeny Nicolas Schorer provides the definite descriptive account of this hitherto poorly documented language of Lamjung, Nepal. The Dura language is effectively extinct, although attempts at revival may be undertaken by well-intentioned members of Dura ethnicity. On the basis of a comprehensive study and analysis of all of the extant Dura language material, the book outlines the phonology, nominal and verbal morphology, lexical and syntactic properties as well as the phylogenetic position of the language in unprecedented detail. The result of the phylogenetic inquiry will help explain some of the sociocultural realities associated with the Dura community in Nepal and is a significant contribution to our understanding of the linguistic landscape of the Himalayas.




Change and Continuity


Book Description




Evolving Narratives of Hazard and Risk


Book Description

This book presents a range of academic research and personal reflections on the Gorkha earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015. For the first time, perspectives from geography, disaster risk reduction, cultural heritage protection, archaeology, anthropology, social work, health and emergency response are discussed in a single volume. Contributions are included from practitioners and researchers from Nepal and Durham University in the UK, many of whom were in Nepal at the time of the earthquake. Evolving Narratives of Hazard and Risk explores the event of the earthquake, its consequences and its impacts, to provide a holistic and multi-perspective understanding of this special hazard and its significant ramifications for social, political, economic and cultural aspects of life in Nepal. The book highlights how these multiple perspectives are needed to inform each other in order to develop and shape new ways of thinking and interacting with environmental hazards. This collection of works will be of interest to students and academics of Environment Studies, Human Geography and Environmental Policy, and will be of particular relevance to those involved in risk research and managing risk and hazard events.




The Nepalese Caitya


Book Description

Includes not only architectural information, but also the cultural significance of these Buddhist monuments.




Popular Buddhist Texts from Nepal


Book Description

Drawing on textual and anthropological research, this book demonstrates how popular ritual texts and stories have shaped the religion and culture of the only surviving Mahayana Buddhist society, the Newars of Kathmandu.