1
In the first period of the research (the field study) selected monuments will be measured and surveyed with the aid of combined technical resources focusing on site-layout, building form and dimensions, construction, building material as well as damages on the buildings.

2
The analysis of the surveyed building includes reports as well as the drawing of CAAD plans. In those cases, where buildings have been changed in shape and structure as a result of repair works or have been (partly) demolished, the original form will be reconstructed virtually in a 3D-animated model. In addition to its analytic aspect, which aims at a holistic typology (form, structure and detail), architectural research forms the necessary basis for future repair, conservation and maintenance works.

3
The principal goal of the architectural research is the development of a methodology for the conservation of monastic Buddhist buildings. Most of the monastic buildings in the Western Himalaya are in an ever deteriorating condition. The reasons for the deteroriation are found in their insufficient maintenance, low quality of materials used and the construction principles themselves. Finally, the sustainable use of the religious monuments can be seen as the best guarantee for socio-cultural continuity and the conservation of the cultural heritage as a whole.