John Harrison

The Painted Gateway Chorten Restoration Project leads the restoration of 15 Kankani chorten (gateway stupas) in Zanskar and Changthang, Ladakh. These structures, some with sacred murals more than 800 years old, are early examples of Tibetan Buddhist architecture now at risk of deterioration. Led by project director Tenzin Nyandak, the founding principal of the multidisciplinary design firm Studio Nyandak, the project employs local craftsmen and consults an international team of scholars, engineers, and architects to research and apply vernacular restoration methods. Born and raised in Choglamsar, Ladakh, Nyandak is dedicated to mentoring Studio Nyandak’s India-based team of Tibetan and Zanskari architects and engineers and to stimulating local networks and intangible Buddhist heritage. The collaborative team includes Rob Linrothe, John Harrison, Mark Aldenderfer, Ingun B. Amundsen, Karl Ryavec, Sandeep Sikka, Paul Laroque, and Yumtsokyi Bhum.