One of the most important Structural Elements of the Thimphu Structure Plan will be the Open Space System. This will be in the form of an open green corridor that will run along both sides of the river. It will focus on the Dzong at the northern end and straddle the river on down to the archery grounds, move past the city core and on down through the valley to the City Gateway. Placing sports facilities, gardens, and natural open areas along it will maintain this system. The river itself would act as the major feature in this system. Fingers of open space would move up into the gullies through which major drainage streams, or small rivulets move. Where possible the open space system would take in heritage sites, including some settlements along the river. There is a system of small Chortens that act as ancient markers along the old footpaths leading up the river into the city and the Dzong. These must also be given their prominence in the open space system.

There are other heritage sites above the city in the form of Lhakhangs, Monasteries and Prayer Flags which can also be creatively brought into the image of the city.

There are a number of institutions like the Royal Institute of Management, which already are placed along the river’s edge. As more institutions emerge in the city these should also be located along the river, keeping a proper set back to protect the open space system. Along with the walkways, the pedestrian bridges and open spaces the river can be reclaimed as a major element of the city. It is important that the present open areas along the Wang Chhu be assessed.

The Wang Chhu Provides Structure to the Open Space System

Royal Pavilions at the Playing Fields

Open Spaces Become Public Domains

The Proposed Open Space System

Natural Open Spaces and Heritage Spaces Work Together to
Create a Unique Urban Fabric

The golf course must be maintained as an open buffer to the Tashichho Dzong. Other lands owned by the government must be assessed as to the role they can play in developing this open space system. It may be necessary to exchange lands with private parties where these private lands eat into the open space system.

Thus, there will be a thematic element of the grand National Open Space that moves along the Wang Chhu. While organic in its shape, it has the same purpose as the Washington Mall or the Central Vista in New Delhi.

There are many examples of cities in America, like Boston and Kansas City that have been able to recapture their open spaces, by reclaiming river beds, old industrial areas and integrating them into their existing park and open space systems.

It is important that we look at the open spaces in the city of Thimphu carefully and reclaim what we have. The creation of small playgrounds by the Thimphu City Corporation is a laudable step in the right direction. This must be expanded into a major green, open space system. This effort will create a national asset, which will be remembered for centuries to come!