1.3.5 STRATEGY FIVE: RESOURCE UTILIZATION
The balance between nature and human settlements can be defined and maintained. Forests, natural drainage systems, the fragile soil cover, flora and fauna systems and subterranean aquifer systems all sustain the valley’s structure. By limiting the expanse of urban growth, the valley’s land can be utilized instead of exploited. Land must be categorized according to its soil type and slope to assess its development suitability. Land must be designated for conservation and protection according to the biomass cover, fauna and avifauna habitats, and as natural areas preserved for future generations. The water run-off and its relationship to paved and plinthed areas must be assessed, and sealing of the land cover strictly limited.
1.3.6 STRATEGY SIX: URBAN PRECINCTS
There can be precincts in the urban structure that sanctify various human activities, separating non-conforming activities from each other, and integrating complimentary activities. Unlike a ‘zoning plan’ which separates land uses and isolates activities, precincts bring compatible activities together in a manner which enriches the life of the city. Precincts will reflect Bhutanese culture through the delineation of areas dedicated to heritage and religious ceremonies; to traditional sports and to recreation; to trade and commerce; to governance; to urban villages, etc. The major residential type of precinct will be the Urban Village, centered on a Neighborhood Node. These are high and medium density, compact, walkable urban nodes. They will be linked together through public transport along a movement corridor.
As a part of the strategy to create ‘urban precincts’ having their own natures, densities, mixes of land use, preserves and boundaries, it is also essential to have rules that define and guide the public, regarding what can be done and what cannot be done in specific precincts. Thus, an important component of this strategy is the definition of development guidelines, which will bring the development of the city within a civil code of conduct.
1.3.7 STRATEGY SEVEN: PUBLIC ASSETS
Every city has public assets in terms of natural features, religious and public structures, open spaces and heritage buildings. There are also views and vistas that are meritorious, and can play a significant role in a city’s plan. It is an important strategy to identify these assets and to use them in setting alignments, vistas, axis, and views. Waterfronts and viewpoints must be integrated into the open space system. Natural assets must be preserved and protected.
Heritage structures and precincts can become the visual nodes toward which vistas and street alignments are oriented. They can be used to frame urban spaces and open areas, or be the focus of such spaces.
As a capital city, Thimphu requires a major open space system to set out its major national institutions. The Wang Chhu, makes an excellent visual corridor along which to organize such an open space system. At the northern, upper end of the valley, the Tashichho Dzong presides. It is the center of government and the seat of the Buddhist religion in the country. At the lower, southern end of the valley, the historic Simtokha Dzong rests. The Lhakhangs and Monasteries, over looking the valleys can act as visual markers. At a finer scale the Chortens, Prayer Wheels, Mani Walls, Gates and Prayer Flags can be drawn into the scheme of the plan as auspicious markers and symbols.
A cycle track cum walkway can circle the city, both as a recreational feature and as a demarcation between the built-up limits of the city and the forests reaching up above.
A key strategy for a city with significant
natural, heritage and religious assets is to weave them into the visual and
open space systems of the plan. This will give a unique sense of place to the
city.