Sep 10, 2019
Background
In 2012, PPA was approached by the AmbujaNeotia Group of Kolkata to prepare a proposal for the design and planning for the Education city in Bhutan. It was to be part of the document in the bid to manage the planning and building of the city. This project did not progress beyond the proposal stage.
Excerpts from the Vision Document of the Education City:
The Royal Government of Bhutan (the “RGoB”) has a long-term vision of developing Bhutan into a world-class regional hub for health, education, finance, ICT services.
Concept: Education City shall be developed as a balanced enterprise that strives to attract strong academic and research institutions and programs while being economically self-sustaining
Safe & secure environment, Green country with ideal weather for education, Proximity to India, Vibrant culture, English speaking population, Attractive regulatory environment, Strong government relations with India and SAARC, Peaceful and Happy country (GNH), Stable geopolitical environment
The proposal rooted in the context – physically and culturally found that GNH (Gross National Happiness) – a marker of social and economic progress, a pertinent starting point.
Gross National Happiness
Excerpts from the video by Simpleshow :After the 4th Dragon King of Bhutan came to power, he looked at other models of Economy and realized that in the pursuit of Wealth and Power, some of the citizens managed to achieve it but some we subject to abject poverty and social isolation. Apart from that, there was also large scale ecological damage to the environment.
GNH was born after he realized that ‘every human being’ aspires for happiness and that the development of any country should also be measured in its citizens happiness. Furthermore, people get a lot of positive energy by being with others and sharing interests. Participating together in cultural life, traditional and cultural heritage lead to a stronger communityfeeling. Healthy Family Relationship, Community Activities, and Religious Aspects are factors for achieving happiness. It gives the Bhutanese people a strong sense of values and identity.
The Thimpu Structure Plan
The importance of Integrating with an already existing planning policy and framework is extremely essential. This provides the direction in which growth and urban centers are planned. The Thimpu Structure Plan was framed quite recently and has been adopted as the basis by which Thimpu will expand in the coming future. This has direct relevance to the Site and the context of the ‘Education City’.
Important and relevant data from the Structure Plan has been adopted in the preparation of this Concept Proposal.
