Religious and traditional Open spaces in Kathmandu/Nepal - use for children and their view

The target of this research project is to develop a structure and content based view on the traditional Open spaces in Kathmandu (Nepal) as public places for social and religious education and communication.
When we talk about space, religion, and religious spaces, we dwell between the tangible and intangible aspects. Both are vital to understand how a space functions. Hence, an approach in such research has to consider both quantitative and qualitative methods. It is not possible to separate one from the other. When one looks at the context of Kathmandu, there might have been loss in both of these aspects. To identify the tangible ones are easier than to comprehend the loss in the intangible aspects. Trying to understand children s views in these aspects could contribute to the understanding in the loss of intangible aspects. Questions like, there are religious spaces but nobody is using them, why? Why are there more people at the corner of the shop than a square where the temple is built? Could be interesting aspects to explore.
When religion and open spaces and its integration to the lives of the people comes into discussion, the art and architecture of the spaces cannot be left behind. Most importantly in the case of Kathmandu valley, with its unique architecture and the concept of urban planning, it goes without question that architecture also plays a huge role in defining the divine existence in the city.
This project will be focus on how children in Kathmandu Valley are using and perceiving the open spaces in the context of religion and their views towards them. The logicality that were observed and lived in the past under the shade of religion and tradition is hard for the new generation to understand. Especially when they do not see the linkage and pattern that were observed in the past. As open spaces in these areas have huge religious impact, this study will help look at the open spaces with historical background. Religious open spaces are used by elderly mostly for prayers and meditation. Open spaces like streets and squares all witness religious procession and practices throughout the year in various festivals. There could be a possibility of multi-functional, multi-cultural and mixed age group approach in designing and managing these spaces which could be realised by this project.