Architecture students in their 7^th semester recently completed an excursion to core area of Patan, Lalitpur, exploring it as a representative example of a typical neighbourhood in historic cities of Kathmandu Valley.

This visit, part of the Neighbourhood Planning Studio, took place on 28^th Shrawan 2081 with 42 students guided by 4 teachers namely Prof. Dr. Mohan Moorti Pant, Ar. Sunaina Karmacharya, Ar. Libas Phaiju and Ar. Rijina Bajracharya. The objective was to familiarize students about residential environment of traditional settlement of Patan, focusing on neighbourhood concept, structure and hierarchy of community facilities.

The teachers led the students from Patan Dhoka to various significant sites including Nyakhachuka, Nag Bahal, Tapahiti, Ilanani, Kwa Bahal, Bu Bahal, Hakha Bahal, Nhyaka Bahi, Su Bahal, Guita, Bhinchen Bahal and Dupat. During the visit, students concentrated on the hierarchy and network of courtyards within residential quarters of Patan, observing street, street squares and inner courtyards in traditional planning system. They learned how bahal and bahi function as centre of neighbourhoods in traditional towns, alongside elementary schools. They observed how the key elements of neighbourhood planning discussed in the studio are relevant and functional in traditional settlements, while those areas have evolved to meet contemporary needs. Students also noted the difference in the formation of bahal and bahi as well as variation in neighbourhood size and structure in different communities. The experience underscored the significance of traditional neighbourhood planning concepts in urban development, providing students valuable insights to appreciate it and implement such planning precedents in their future works.