Sherab Lhamo

Two months ago, Thimphu Thromde announced a three-month moratorium on construction, land transactions, and subdivisions to prepare for the implementation of a citywide design code as part of the Thimphu Structure Plan (TSP) 2023-47.

This moratorium will conclude after November 15, 2024, at which point the new design code will take effect.

An official from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MoIT) said that during this period, the ministry will train urban professionals—including architects, urban planners, designers, and engineers—on the new code’s requirements and implementation process.

“This training is essential for a seamless transition from the previous Development Control Regulations (DCR) to the citywide design code,” the official said.

Unlike the earlier DCR, which focused primarily on buildings, the new code encompasses the entire urban environment, addressing urban blocks, streets, and open spaces.

It introduces mandatory design standards tailored to the city’s seven character zones, promoting diverse urban elements and enhancing sustainability and resilience.

The design code serves as a regulatory tool in urban planning, guiding the physical development of areas by focusing on planning, design, and urban landscape aspects.

“Our goal is to ensure that the vision and aspirations of the plan are realized in relation to surrounding public spaces,” the official said.

To achieve this vision, the citywide design code will provide regulatory guidelines that facilitate the design and delivery of built forms and public realms throughout the TSP plan period.

The TSP 2023 aims to regenerate Thimphu by promoting growth in suitable areas while regulating land use and development in alignment with the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH).

The design code is designed to streamline development practices by offering clear guidelines applicable to both large-scale and smaller plot developments.

This ensures that all growth positively contributes to the urban landscape.

By improving the appearance and functionality of existing streets and public spaces, the design code aims to create more attractive and resilient environments. It will also support sustainable development practices as a companion tool to the TSP.

The citywide design code promises various benefits, including enhanced quality of life for residents and workers, while ensuring the long-term value and sustainability of built assets through the promotion of a cohesive urban environment.

Additionally, it seeks to elevate development quality and public spaces, fostering innovation and flexibility in design.

Non-compliance with the design code could lead to planning permit applications being denied or refused. The code includes a compliance section detailing offences and associated fees.

The design code consists of four main sections: Introduction & Purpose, Design & Planning Process, The Codes, and Definitions & Compliance.

The most critical section ‘The Codes’ is further divided into City-wide codes, Place codes, Development codes, Comprehensive Development codes, and Public Realm codes. Depending on the type of development, stakeholders will need to refer to the relevant section of the code.

The design code reinforces the vision of the TSP by creating identifiable spaces that reflect a distinctive Bhutanese architectural identity while ensuring consistency and certainty in the planning approval process.

During the preparation phase, numerous workshops and consultations engaged private architects, developers, and other relevant stakeholders, including Thimphu Thromde management, Thimphu Dzongkhag Administration, the Bhutan Institute of Architects, Royal Bhutan Police, and the National Housing Development Corporation Limited.