Nepal Correspondent Niharika Mathema

Introducing Nepal Correspondent Niharika!

In January 2022 we launched the Global Walkability Correspondents Network, as a way to build solidarity among walkability advocates around the world and continue to create media on sustainable mobility and urbanism.

Photo: Niharika Mathema

We are happy to welcome Niharika as Nepal Correspondent to our growing network of individuals who are passionate walkability advocates.

I firmly believe that pedestrian-focused principles should be at the forefront of cities’ efforts to rethink streets and sidewalks as public spaces.

NIHARIKA MATHEMA
Photo: Niharika Mathema

WHO

I am an Architect, Placemaker and Urban Rejuvenator, specialising in Sustainable Development with a passion for people and places. I strive to enrich people’s everyday experiences in the city by focusing on the spaces in between buildings.

Photo: Niharika Mathema

I hold a Master’s degree in Energy for Sustainable Social Development. My Master Thesis in “Sustainable Placemaking” has received high accolades and I am the founder/initiator of Placemaking Nepal, a self-organized collective of Placemakers dedicated to “Creating Meaningful Places for Memorable Experiences“.

Photo: Niharika Mathema

Many cities around the world have adapted to making streets more walkable, prioritizing pedestrian movement and closing streets to automobiles. Kathmandu is moving in the opposite direction where a safe, inclusive and vibrant, walkable urban environment is not as common.

NIHARIKA MATHEMA

I was born, brought up and reside in Kathmandu and have been leading the Placemaking conversation in Nepal and amplifying the Movement by building awareness and sensitising people about the importance of public spaces for improved quality of life, social wellbeing, economic vibrancy and healthy environment. I am committed to work towards a better urban future and bring transformative changes in communities in unique ways, with a special focus on the public realm.

Photo: Niharika Mathema

WHY WALKABILITY

Of all public spaces, streets and sidewalks emerge as the most “public”. We all are pedestrians at some point. Many cities around the world have adapted to making streets more walkable, prioritizing pedestrian movement and closing streets to automobiles.

Photo: Niharika Mathema

However, Kathmandu is moving in the opposite direction where a safe, inclusive and vibrant, walkable urban environment is not as common. For our city leaders, wide streets with more cars and heavy traffic flow are seen to be the most important mobility activity and a sign of development.

Photo: Niharika Mathema

I firmly believe that pedestrian-focused principles should be at the forefront of cities’ efforts to rethink streets and sidewalks as public spaces.

I strive to enrich people’s everyday experiences in the city by focusing on the spaces in between buildings.

niharika Mathema
Photo: Niharika Mathema

Niharika is an Architect, Placemaker and Urban Rejuvenator, specializing in Sustainable Development with a passion for People and Places. She strives to enrich people’s everyday experiences in the city by focusing on the spaces in between buildings.

Read Nepal Correspondent Niharika’s content here

Learn more about the Global Walkability Correspondents Network here