Plans are underway to turn the village of Uesuna in Paro into a cultural heritage site. The Dzongkha Ministry of Culture and Development strives to maintain architectural designs and classic living tactics while selling tourism and economic growth. Students from the Faculty of Science and Technology collaborated with the branch to expand proposals and concepts for this initiative. The village of Uesuna is located along the Paro-Thimphu road.
Twenty-five final-year architecture students from the Faculty of Science and Technology (CST) stayed at Uesuna for a week.
The village, which has more than 30 homes, allowed scholars to talk to locals about preserving classic architectural designs, lifestyles and challenges, as well as promoting tourism and improving livelihoods.
This initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Culture and Development of Dzongkha and the CST.
In addition to drawing up plans for Uesuna as a cultural heritage site, the task aims to revise the CST’s architecture curriculum to include modules on classical structure and conservation of heritage sites.
Deki Choden, a student, said: “We must perceive the physical diversifications of classical buildings and those built today. It doesn’t fit in length and style. We did the documentation, the site study and the detailed plans. We receive reports on how to promote and maintain culture in real life.
Pem Choki, an architect at the Ministry of Culture and Development in Dzongkha, said: “Uesuna is strategically located between the capital and Paro, which is ahead compared to the rest of the districts. However, the facets of culture are the least considered. That is why we have brought here the scholars who will examine and document the characteristics of the village and, during the course, be able to protect how we can maintain and publicize the culture and culture.
The scholars developed five plans to promote economic expansion while preserving tradition, including agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts.
The projects aim to expand Heritage Grains (to maintain local grains for self-sufficiency), Echoes of Time (i. e. turn the entire village into a living museum), Isu-Zay (to promote regional cuisine), Ueusukor (build a hiking trail around the village) and Your Chim: updating classic designs with modern comforts.
The residents of Uesuna welcomed the plans and projects through the students.
Gyem Lham, a villager, said: “I am making plans to renovate and turn my space into a museum. However, due to monetary constraints, I was unable to do so. There are tourists who stop in our town but we do not enjoy it. Not at all.
“Academics asked us questions about our agricultural products compared to the past. Now we focus more on vegetables. In the past we grew wheat, buckwheat and other crops, but we don’t grow them anymore,” said Sangay Dem. villager.
“Our people are grouped and unique. Tourists can enjoy a beautiful view from the top of the town. This is another initiative that can improve our economy and our livelihoods. This will benefit us greatly,” said Dawa, Mendrel-Uesuna Tshogpa.
If the villagers decide to go ahead with the idea of village revitalization, they should go to the Dzongkha Ministry of Culture and Development for more information and its implementation.
In addition, the task aims to demonstrate how cultural preservation and sustainable network progression can coexist, serving as a style that could be replicated in other rural communities.
Namgay Wangchuk, Strike
Edited by Tshering Zam.