The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls' School

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL
In the heart of the Thar Desert in Jaisalmer, India, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’
School stands as a symbol of hope and innovation. This unique educational institution
breaks traditional boundaries, merging seamlessly with the desert surroundings while
demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.

The school is named after “Ratnavati,” a princess of Jaisalmer and the daughter of
Maharawal Ratan Singh. The establishment of the school was driven by a desire to
address educational inequality and empower disadvantaged girls. The architecture of the
school, designed by forward-thinking architects, showcases human creativity in
overcoming environmental challenges. Its oval shape promotes natural ventilation,
essential for dealing with high temperatures, while the use of locally sourced sandstone
ensures excellent thermal mass properties, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor
climate without relying heavily on traditional cooling systems.

Sustainability is at the core of the school’s design. Solar panels cover its rooftop,
capturing the plentiful sunlight to power the school’s operations. Wind turbines take
advantage of the desert’s strong winds to further supplement the school’s energy needs.
Cutting-edge battery storage systems guarantee a consistent power supply, even during
times of low sunlight or wind. This holistic approach not only lowers operating costs but
also establishes a groundbreaking model for the use of renewable energy in educational
institutions.

However, the importance of the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School goes beyond
its architectural and sustainable features. It acts as a catalyst for change in the lives of
young girls, offering them access to quality education and equipping them with the skills
they need to shape their own futures and contribute to the development of their
communities. The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School is more than just a school - it’s a
beacon of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, lighting the way towards a
future where education and environmental conservation go hand in hand.

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Fig 1.1 Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls' School

1.2 RAJASTHAN

1.2.1 Historical Contexts

Rajasthan is located in northwest India and the country’s largest state as per area
and certainly the most colorful state in the country, also is a real treasure trove of historic
architectural monuments. While its architectural heritage has been well-known
throughout history for its unique architecture & value all over the entire world.
Architecture of Rajasthan is mainly based on Rajput school of architecture which was a
blend of the Mughal and the Hindu structural plan.

1.2.1 Climatic Contexts

The climate of Rajasthan has varied contrasts mainly due to the presence of
Aravallis. On the basis of rainfall intensities, we can divide Rajasthan into arid, semi-arid
and sub arid regions. In the extreme western parts of this region, we can observe rainfall
less than 10 cm and the remaining areas have recorded less than 20 cm rainfall. Recorded
average temperature of this region during summer is greater than 34 degree Celsius and
during winters, it remains between 12 degree Celsius to 16 degree Celsius. In the semi-
arid region, the average temperature during summers can be observed in between 32
degree Celsius to 36 degree Celsius while in winter, the temperature ranges between 10
degree Celsius to 17 degree Celsius. Rainfall ranges from 20 to 40 cm.

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 GENERAL
The present chapter includes the review of all possible research works regarding
the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School in Rajasthan.This section includes the introduction
of Architect Diana Kellogg and also the citta india non profit organization responsible for
this marvellous architecture.

2.2 LITERATURE SURVEY

Himanshu Nitnaware., (2021): The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School in Rajasthan is
an architectural marvel designed by Diana Kellogg, providing education and
empowerment to girls in the harsh Thar desert. Built with local yellow sandstone and
without air conditioners, the school features an oval-shaped structure, a courtyard, and
sustainable elements like solar panels and geothermal cooling. The Gyaan Centre within
the school will educate 400 girls and also includes a textile museum and artisan exhibition
space1. The project, conceptualized by CITTA founder Michael Daube, aims to preserve
traditional arts and empower women, while also attracting tourism and hosting global
event.

archdaily., (2021): The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School, designed by Diana Kellogg
and commissioned by CITTA, is a beacon of education for over 400 underprivileged girls
in Jaisalmer, India1. Symbolizing feminine strength with its oval structure and local
sandstone construction, the school is part of the GYAAN Center, which also includes The
Medha and The Women’s Cooperative. Emphasizing sustainability, it features a solar
canopy and cooling design, aiming to empower women and raise global awareness about
their challenges. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to community
involvement and the pursuit of female literacy and independence.

Amrit Dhillon., (2020): The article discusses the Rani Ratnavati Girls’ School and
Women’s Cooperative in Jaisalmer, India, founded by Michael Daube of Citta. It
highlights the school’s focus on education for girls from poor backgrounds and
preservation of traditional crafts. The Gyaan Centre, as it’s known, also offers economic

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opportunities for women through skill development in weaving and printing. Despite
challenges, the initiative has gained support from local society and aims to empower
women with education and economic independence, reflecting a growing global
understanding of women’s issues. The school’s design, inspired by local architecture,
instills pride and a sense of freedom among students.

Ilma Nafee et.al (2018) The study explores the intersection of vernacular and modern
architecture, focusing on sustainable design strategies in Rajasthan. It investigates how
traditional design principles can integrate modern, green building strategies while
preserving cultural identity. The research analyzes existing vernacular structures and
modern architectural practices through fieldwork studies. It proposes blending modern
strategies with local materials and construction techniques to enhance the efficiency of
the built structure, maintain cultural identity, and harmonize with the natural environment.
The goal is to foster sustainable development in rural areas, providing comfortable living
conditions while preserving vernacularism in the architecture.

2.3 Architect Diana Kellogg

Diana Kellogg is a prominent architect celebrated for her innovative designs and
dedication to sustainable architecture. With a career spanning over three decades, Kellogg
has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape, blending her passion for design
with a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Kellogg's portfolio boasts a diverse range of projects, each reflecting her signature
style of incorporating contextual elements and sustainable practices. One of her notable
works includes the breathtaking Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls' School in Jaisalmer, India.
This project showcases Kellogg's ability to harmonize architecture with the surrounding
environment, providing a sustainable and empowering educational space for young girls
in a challenging desert landscape.

2.4 CITTA INDIA

CITTA India is a non-profit organization that works towards making the world a
better place. They believe that ending poverty begins with respect and understanding, and
they take a localized approach that harnesses the power of local cultural history and
community ties to bring education, equality, and economic opportunity to everyone in
their partner communities.

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The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School is a testament to CITTA India’s

commitment to bringing education and economic independence to the women of
Jaisalmer. It’s a significant step towards leveraging education to power a sustainable,
equal-opportunity future.

Fig 2.1Architect Diana Kellogg

Fig 2.2 CITTA INDIA

Fig 2.3 Michael Daube, Founder of CITTA.

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CHAPTER 3

ARCHITECTURE DETAILS

3.1 SITE LOCATION

A school in the middle of Thar desert, an architectural marvel, located just a six-
minute drive away from Jaisalmer’s famous Sand Dunes, took shape in Kanoi village,
with an aim to educate girls and empower them. The structure replicates the undulating
planes of the sand dunes and is a metaphor for the rippling effect that education can have
on impoverished areas. The building, at a glance, comes across as a modern combination
between minimalism and sleek design, unlike the traditional girls’ school image that
comes to mind.

3.2 DESIGN
The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School, An oval-shaped structure with a paved
central courtyard, the nearly 9,000 square foot .The school, built entirely out of local
hand-carved Jaisalmer sandstone by local craftsmen, serves over 400 girls from below the
poverty line.

The design of the school is inspired by feminine symbols of strength and the sand-
dunes of Jaisalmer. The structure comprises oval-shaped elements, symbolizing the power
of femininity and infinity. These include a large exterior wall, an interior wall enclosing
the classrooms, and an oval courtyard.

The school is part of the GYAAN Center, which also includes a performance and
art exhibition space, and a Women’s Cooperative. The center aims to empower and
educate women, helping them establish economic independence.

The school incorporates sustainable design elements such as a solar panel canopy
on the roof for cooling and ancient water harvesting techniques. The design of the school
blends seamlessly with its desert surroundings, creating a space that is both functional and
aesthetically pleasing.

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Fig 3.1 Side View

Fig 3.2 Plan of Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School

Fig 3.3 AXO View

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3.3 Materials & Workmanship

Local material i.e. sandstone was used to help reduce the carbon emissions as well
as provide protection from extreme heat during the day and warmth during evening hours.
Darker Jodhpur stone was used for the transom windows as it is stronger and more
supportive. Some talented artisans of the village surrounding the school also participate
here as they help to reduce the carbon footprint from transportation and logistics. The
inner walls of the building are plastered with the help of lime in order to insulate the
entire building. To allow enough room for ventilation, drawings were revised to make the
classrooms and other offices bigger in size. Climatically, the building incorporates the
local typology of jalis, natural light, ventilation and thermal protection in simple as well
as in effective ways.

pre-cut golden Sandstone: The outermost layer is made of sandstone, which is locally
sourced and hand-carved by local craftsmen. This layer gives the school its distinctive
aesthetic and blends seamlessly with the surrounding desert landscape.

Fig 3.4 Golden sandstone

Marble: The middle layer is made of marble, a durable and versatile material known for
its elegance. This layer adds a touch of sophistication to the structure.

Fig 3.5 Marble

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Lime Plaster: The innermost layer is made of lime plaster. Lime plaster is a natural,
porous material that has a cooling effect, making it an ideal choice for the desert
environment.

These three layers work together to reflect sun rays and provide a cooling effect
within the school. The windows are also designed at a height of 6 feet to keep the sun
away from the students. This thoughtful design ensures a comfortable learning
environment for the students.

Terracotta tiles: most importantly, the terracotta tiles reflect sunlight. This reflection of
light helps to reduce heat absorption, thereby keeping the building cooler in the desert
environment. This is a clever use of materials and design to naturally regulate the
building’s temperature, contributing to its sustainability and the comfort of its occupants.

Fig 3.6 Terracotta Tiles used for roofing

3.4 Cooling Techniques

The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School employs several innovative cooling techniques to
maintain a comfortable environment without the need for air conditioning:

Elliptical-Shaped Structure: The school’s unique elliptical shape is strategically angled

towards the prevailing winds. This design allows the structure to effectively circulate cool
air throughout the building, reducing the need for artificial cooling.

Jali Wall: Incorporated into the design is a jali wall, a traditional architectural feature
made from a sandstone grid. The jali wall promotes the acceleration of wind through the

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Venturi effect, a principle in fluid dynamics where a fluid’s velocity increases as it passes
through a constricted section of a pipe. In the case of the school, the wind passing through
the jali wall’s grid accelerates, enhancing the natural ventilation within the building.

Fig 3.7 Elliptical shape

Fig 3.9 Jali Wall

The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School is designed to withstand temperatures of

up to 50 degrees Celsius. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the cooling techniques
employed in its design. The strategic use of local materials, the building’s elliptical shape,
the jali wall, and the natural ventilation all contribute to maintaining a comfortable
interior temperature even in extreme heat. This makes the school a suitable learning
environment for the students, despite the harsh desert climate. It’s a great example of how
thoughtful design and architecture can create sustainable and resilient structures.

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CHAPTER 4

SUSTAINABILITY
The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School in Jaisalmer, India, is a model of
sustainability. It’s built from local sandstone by local craftsmen. The school’s unique oval
shape promotes natural ventilation, and it uses solar panels and wind turbines for
power.The courtyard functions as a central space and it can harvest 3.5 lakh litre of water
and store it in its belly.

The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School is a model of sustainable design,

incorporating several innovative features to minimize its environmental impact:

Rainwater Harvesting: The school uses drain pipes to collect rainfall, which is then
directed to the courtyard through holes. The collected water is stored in a large water tank
with a capacity of 3.5 lakh liters. This system not only conserves water but also provides
a sustainable water source for the school.

Fig 4.1 Rainfall drain pipe towards courtyard

Solar Energy: The school is powered by solar panels, harnessing the abundant sunlight
in the desert environment. This renewable energy source provides a continuous power
supply, reducing operational costs and showcasing an exemplary model of sustainable
education.

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Fig 4.2 Solar panels installed at Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School

Natural Cooling: The school’s elliptical shape and strategic use of locally sourced, heat-
reflective construction materials facilitate natural ventilation. These design elements,
along with well-positioned shading mechanisms, help mitigate heat absorption, ensuring
comfort during the unforgiving summer months.

Local Materials: Nearly 100% of the construction materials were locally sourced, greatly
reducing carbon emissions. The use of local craftsmen also ensured that the building
process supported the local community.

These sustainable features make the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls’ School a beacon
of environmental responsibility, setting a potent precedent for future educational
institutions.

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CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION
Sustainable development in rural areas can be achieved by integrating traditional
construction techniques and locally available materials with modern Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) strategies. Traditional buildings, built with local
materials and vernacular designs, are sustainable and ideal for today and the future.
Climate change, causing disasters like droughts and heat waves, adds stress to ecological
and socio-economic systems. Techniques like using jalis and courtyards can improve
natural light and ventilation, especially in areas like Rajasthan. Traditional structures,
made with environmentally friendly materials, are thermally comfortable and resilient to
extreme weather and earthquakes. Introducing modern technology in a minimalist way
can add value to traditional systems without overpowering them. Sustainable construction
should use major materials that are locally available and simple construction techniques.
Local architecture and vernacular architecture promote residents’ good health and
positive energy creation.

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REFERENCE
1. “Reviving Vernacular by Implementing the Modern Technologies and Green Building
Strategies”, Dania Irshad, 25 November 2022.

2. “THE RAJKUMARI RATNAVATI GIRL’S SCHOOL / DIANA KELLOGG ARCHITECTS”,

ARCHDAILY, 29 APRIL 2021.

3. "This School Made of Sandstone in the Middle of The Thar Desert Needs no ACs". The
Better India. 18 January 2021.

4. "'I feel free here': how a miracle girls' school was built in India's 'golden city'". The
Guardian. 30 October 2020.

5. “THE RAJKUMARI RATNAVATI GIRL'S SCHOOL”, JAISALMER INDIA.

DIANA KELLOGG ARCHITECTS 2020.

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