New York architect Diana Kellogg designed the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School, which is currently providing a comfortable and sustainable learning environment for 120 girls in Jaisalmer, India.
New York architect Diana Kellogg designed the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School, which is currently providing a comfortable and sustainable learning environment for 120 girls in Jaisalmer, India.
Diana Kellogg Architects
In Jaisalmer, temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees at the peak of summer. Kellogg took inspiration from traditional practices and incorporated natural cooling methods into her modern design.
In Jaisalmer, temperatures can reach up to 120 degrees at the peak of summer. Kellogg took inspiration from traditional practices and incorporated natural cooling methods into her modern design.
Diana Kellogg Architects
From above, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School looks like an egg in the desert, symbolising female strength. On a practical level, the ellipse encourages the circulation of wind throughout the building.
From above, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School looks like an egg in the desert, symbolising female strength. On a practical level, the ellipse encourages the circulation of wind throughout the building.
Diana Kellogg Architects
Like many structures in Jaisalmer, the school uses sandstone as the base material. It is quarried in abundance in the region and keeps heat out during the day.
Like many structures in Jaisalmer, the school uses sandstone as the base material. It is quarried in abundance in the region and keeps heat out during the day.
Diana Kellogg Architects
Another advantage of using sandstone for the school is that it blends in and has a "real connection" to the surrounding environment, Kellogg says. For the students, using a familiar material can help them feel more comfortable and in turn, help them do better in their studies.
Another advantage of using sandstone for the school is that it blends in and has a "real connection" to the surrounding environment, Kellogg says. For the students, using a familiar material can help them feel more comfortable and in turn, help them do better in their studies.
Diana Kellogg Architects
Wrapping around the school are gridded jalis walls. These sandstone lattices provide shade from the sun while also accelerating wind flow which helps to cool down the school grounds.
Wrapping around the school are gridded jalis walls. These sandstone lattices provide shade from the sun while also accelerating wind flow which helps to cool down the school grounds.
Diana Kellogg Architects
Inside the school, spacious and bright classrooms are built with high ceilings and windows to release any rising heat or humidity. With all the different cooling mechanisms in place, indoor temperatures are generally 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the outdoors, according to Kellogg.
Inside the school, spacious and bright classrooms are built with high ceilings and windows to release any rising heat or humidity. With all the different cooling mechanisms in place, indoor temperatures are generally 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the outdoors, according to Kellogg.
Diana Kellogg Architects
By using locally sourced materials and incorporating local designs, Kellogg has built a structure that is well adapted to the Jaisalmer climate.
By using locally sourced materials and incorporating local designs, Kellogg has built a structure that is well adapted to the Jaisalmer climate.
Diana Kellogg Architects