The Patan Museum, a former palace of the late Malla dynasty of the Kathmandu Valley, was restored over a period of fifteen years and completed in 1997 with professional and financial assistance from the Austrian government. Set in one of the world's most beautiful squares, it was conceived not only to display a collection of artifacts as a showcase for the cultural legacy of Nepal, but also to celebrate the Malla-period palace itself. Gotz Hagmuller, who directed the palace's transformation into a state-of-the-art museum, presents the process in narrative essays of exploration and discovery. From the outset, his intention was to create a museum within the cultural context of its collection as an integrated aesthetic whole. This synthesis of art and setting has resulted in one of the most stunning museums in South Asia. What degree of intervention is possible in a monument without changing the authenticity of its historic fabric? This overriding question in conservation and adaptive re-use has been answered with a highly individual solution, based on the architect's intimate knowledge of traditional Newar architecture, his fascination with the interplay of light and dark, the skilful use of deep walls, niches, alcoves and vistas, and his meticulous care over detail - testimony to the artistic legacy of his hometown Vienna.
By:
Gotz Hagmuller, Shaphalya Amatya Imprint: Serindia Publications Country of Publication: United Kingdom Edition: illustrated edition Dimensions:
Height: 286mm,
Width: 240mm,
Spine: 32mm
Weight: 300g ISBN:9780906026588 ISBN 10: 090602658X Pages: 144 Publication Date:06 March 2003 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active
Gotz Hagmuller is the renowned Viennese architect who oversaw the restoration of the Patan Museum.