What does Patan Durbar Square mean to the community?

Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Boasting intricately carved temples, courtyards, and statues, it stands as a testament to the Newari artistry and the religious diversity of the Kathmandu Valley. 

Many of the historic buildings in Patan Durbar Square were damaged during the 2015 Kathmandu Valley earthquake. The US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has supported the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust on several projects to restore the buildings.

In 2022 as part of the U.S. Community Heritage Exchange Initiative, CyArk hosted 3D documentation and storytelling workshops with 10 community members. The trainees worked alongside CyArk both virtually and in the field to document the Sundari Chowk within Patan Palace. 

The trainees worked to develop a tour which includes scripted content as well as interviews with other members of the community to share the significance of the site. The published tour combines 3D modeling, engaging narratives, personal experiences, and interactive exploration. 

Hear from community members about their connections to this place.

“We really like to work for heritage, if you work for heritage everyone can see it” 

“In the Historical place which was constructed by our forefathers, my work has made some contribution to revive the lost things. That is the proud thing for me.” 

“It is very important to preserve and protect these heritage monuments be it tangible and intangible, and technology has played a very important part in it. It helps us to pass down these heritages to the coming generation and also to the millennium to come”