Footpaths would move along the river and then reach up into the city along these small valleys and rivulets. There is already a rudimentary system of footpaths being developed by the City Corporation, which are already intensely used. The King’s subjects are enthusiastic “walkers” and the Chhubar Chhu footpath is proof of that. This footpath, and other new ones, should be extended down to the river. At these places and at other locations footbridges would be constructed over the Wang Chhu. This system of “off street” footpaths must be extended so that people can walk down to the river and into the city core with ease. We must be as serious about planning for footpaths as we are about planning for cars! We must make it attractive to walk.

We must integrate pedestrian bridges into the footpath network to make the river a more vibrant place. Off street footpaths, merged into the open space system, along with watershed development in the rivulet gullies make imminent good sense. There must be a boundary footpath (see Forest Boundary) which links picnic areas, viewpoints and religious places and there must be another loop around the river. Both will be joined together by systems of stairs and ramps. There are numerous models, which have been developed, like Radburn, USA, which pioneered the idea of providing clear domains for pedestrians and for automobiles. It is this balance we must seek here in Thimphu, not one extreme, or the other!

Walkable, Compact Nodes Support Public Transit and Efficiency

Pathway System Accumulates the Traditional Bhutanese Way of Life

2.16 FOREST BOUNDARY AND CITY LANDSCAPE

The city is surrounded by steep hills, which reach up into the mountains. There are Monasteries and Prayer Flags presiding over the city. There are lush forests providing a magnificent backdrop. This forest carpet acts as an air filter and a breathing lung for the city.

There are already intrusions up into the forest. This will ultimately result in soil erosion and landslides. It is important to conserve and enhance this natural asset of the city. A boundary can be defined in the form of a Peripheral Footpath and Cycle Path. There can be picnic spots, small archery lanes, camping grounds, grottos and lookout viewpoints over the city. The path can follow a contour line, easing ones movement on foot or on mountain bicycles. No development should be allowed above this facility, which acts as a “boundary.”

Just as we are concerned about the forest areas above the city, we must be concerned about the greenery of the city itself. There are species of trees and plants, which thrive here, like Pear Trees, which have their own seasonal colors. The parks in the center of the Urban Villages and the plazas and courtyards in the Urban Core must all have color and scent themes, which relate to the seasons. Likewise the boulevards and the landscaping around the monuments and religious structures must be planted with thought and consideration. Greenery does not mean wild trees. It means well considered and articulated planting related to visual needs in terms of colors, shade, directing views, blocking and opening vistas and in terms of the other senses like smell and even touch.

Landscaping along the Wang Chhu, to define and articulate the “National Open Space,” is essential.