A Dynamic Public Space for Sports, Culture & Community

Kalika Sports Club Maidan is envisioned as a vibrant urban public space that blends sports, ecology, inclusivity, and community life. Located in Dhangadi, one of the fastest-growing cities in the Far-Western region of Nepal, the site lies close to the main city and is well connected via the Hulaki Highway, making it easily accessible to the public.

Project Vision

Dhangadi is home to a culturally diverse population with people of all age groups and interests. The city’s youth, in particular, demonstrate strong sportsmanship and aspiration. Recognizing sports as a powerful catalyst for social connection, physical health, and mental well-being, the Kalika Sports Club is designed to strengthen grassroot-level sports development while encouraging inclusive public engagement.

The project aims to transform the site into a lively community hub, where sports, recreation, and everyday social interactions coexist harmoniously.

Ecological & Contextual Design

The site is partially surrounded by dense green forest, prompting an environmentally responsive design approach. The proposal emphasizes:

• Retention of existing trees, especially along site boundaries
• Permeable stone and brick pavements for groundwater recharge
• Rainwater management systems, including recharge pits
• Native and decorative planting to enhance biodiversity

To ensure safety while maintaining openness, minimal vertical fencing, along with sensor-based alert systems, is introduced to restrict wild animal movement without disrupting the natural landscape.

Public seating areas are thoughtfully placed under shaded trees, promoting comfort and interaction.

Inclusive & Accessible Public Amenities

The master plan integrates a wide range of public facilities, all designed with universal accessibility in mind:

• Public toilets
• Ample vehicle and dedicated cycle parking
• Café and social spaces
• Children’s play area
• Jogging and walking tracks

All levels are connected via wheelchair-friendly ramps with a standard 1:12 slope, ensuring accessibility for people of all abilities, ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.

Women-Centric Design Approach

Special emphasis has been placed on women’s safety, comfort, and participation. The design includes:

• Dedicated parenting and lactation rooms
• Female restrooms with menstrual pad changing and disposal facilities
• A yoga and meditation area located atop the stadium block, promoting physical and mental well-being for women and the wider community

These provisions actively encourage women’s engagement in sports and public life.

Sports Infrastructure

Despite a limited site area, the project accommodates regulation-compliant sports facilities, including:

• Football ground (45m × 90m) — meeting FIFA’s minimum recommended dimensions and suitable for regional-level tournaments
• Standard badminton court
• Wushu arena, strategically placed behind spectator seating

The layout allows smooth circulation for players, spectators, and event organizers.

Water Management Strategy

Given the site’s lower elevation relative to the road, it is prone to waterlogging. To mitigate this:

• A comprehensive drainage network channels rainwater to nearby lower grounds
• Recharge pits are installed along all sides of the site
• Permeable surfaces further reduce surface runoff

Materials & Modularity

The design prioritizes locally available and sustainable materials, reinforcing both economy and identity:

• Wood and bamboo are extensively used, especially in roofing
• Modular seating systems combine wooden planks with reinforced concrete slabs for durability
• A grid-based mass–void composition creates a visually striking form

This architectural expression establishes the sports club as a local landmark, welcoming the community with openness and warmth.

Community Impact

With open-air amphitheaters, spectator seating, and flexible public spaces, Kalika Sports Club is more than a sports facility—it is a social and cultural platform. The project encourages interaction, performance, recreation, and collective well-being, contributing meaningfully to Dhangadi’s urban growth.