Introduction

History has told us that the incursion of industrialization and modernization has often taken over centuries old traditions and cultures in many countries. In Bhutan such influences can be observed in the border towns and in the urban areas where modernization and industrialization has encroached into our rich and vibrant traditional values and cultural heritage. The Royal Government of Bhutan, sensing the danger of losing traditional values and culture, has taken steps to preserve and promote the kingdom's distinctive identity. In the early 80's the National Urban Development Corporation was established with the mandate to promote the architectural heritage of the kingdom. Unfortunately ours is an oral society where many of our traditions have bccn passed down verbally. Also with our traditional craftsmen being mostly illiterate, there was a generation gap between the traditional architects and the trained modern architects. In order to bridge this gap, the Department of Urban Development and Housing arranged a three-day Workshop in Thimphu to discuss on the theme "Traditional Architecture in the Light of Emerging Contemporary Trends", and to develop a guideline, particularly regarding architectural hierarchy and entitlement (thopthang). Due to the vastness of the subject, many important issues could not be covered, and these were later discussed in a smaller group of architects and decision makers. This guideline has been developed based on the recommendations of the workshop. An attempt has been made to document the unique styles and features of traditional Bhutanese architecture. It is hoped that this book will serve as a guide to scholars, architects, engineers and builders and as an inspiration for further creativity and growth. Emphasis is placed on the organization of traditional features, their modes of construction, entitlements (thopthang) and minimum requirement of traditional features depending on the type of building. This book should not be perceived as a definitive treatise on the origins and significance of traditional Bhutanese architectural features. In the absence, or the ignorance, of historical texts regarding traditional architecture, it is neither possible nor proper for 'us to provide our present day interpretations of age old traditions. Instead, we hope that this publication will stimulate further research into the area of Bhutanese architecture that still remains largely untouched and unknown. Further, it must be emphasized that this book cannot and should not be used in isolation. Structural stability must be given equal or greater importance than architectural aesthetics which is made even more critical due to our country's location on a sensitive seismic zone. Therefore, this book should be used in partnership with existing guidelines such as the Bhutan Building Rules and other generally accepted Codes and Standards. Note: Replication of traditional architectural features through painting shall not be permitted. Traditional painting on architectural features as per entitlement shall be mandatory.