Jaisalmer, India

“Effective design is a process requiring a deep understanding of the history of a place – its culture, its topography and its vernacular”, said Diana Kellogg, Founder, Diana Kellogg Architects.

“I wanted to create a building about light and community—a structure that resonates with the soul of its people and enforces the natural energies to nurture and heal the women and girls.”

Designed by Diana Kellogg and commissioned by CITTA, a non-profit organization that supports
development in some of the most economically challenged, geographically remote, or marginalized communities in the world, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School is an architectural marvel.

The school, which stands atop numerous acres in the heart of the mystic Thar Desert in Rajasthan, will serve more than 400 girls, from kindergarten to class 10, from below the poverty line residing in the mystic Thar Desert region of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India—where female literacy barely touches 32%.

Standing like a beacon in its desert kingdom of Jaisalmer, the school will be the first in a complex of three buildings are known as the GYAAN Center, which will also consist of The Medha—a performance and art exhibition space with a library and museum, and The Women’s Cooperative where local artisans will teach mothers and other women weaving and embroidery techniques from the region.

The GYAAN Center will empower and educate women, helping them establish economic independence for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Since the GYAAN Center is designed by a woman for women, Kellogg looked at feminine symbols across cultures when starting the design process—specifically symbols of strength, landing on a structure of three ovals to represent the power of femininity and infinity, as well as replicate the planes of the sand-dunes in the region of Jaisalmer.

The design team followed the local ancient water harvesting techniques to maximize the rainwater and recycle gray water in the school.

While the building is oriented to maximize the prevailing wind and keep maximum sunlight out, the team also employed solar panels for the lighting and fans in the building.

The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School is made entirely out of local hand-carved Jaisalmer sandstone by local craftsmen. It was vital to Kellogg to include the community in a building made for the community.

Using local material to create infrastructure helped reduce carbon emissions, and Kellogg chose to build a solar panel canopy on the roof as a cooling system where temperatures peak close to 120 degrees.

The elliptical shape of the structure also helps bring aspects of sustainability, creating a cooling panel of airflow.

Both the canopy and jalis keep the heat out and the elliptical shape of the structure also helps bring aspects of sustainability creating a cooling panel of airflow.

Inside the school, visitors are greeted by a sweeping staircase and a wall decorated with diyas, small stone flower medallions signifying each classroom and the donors for the project.

Winding corridors lead you to classrooms, a computer center and a sprawling terrace, all donned with furniture made locally out of rosewood with classic Charpai woven seating.

A parapet wall is also featured as a reinvention of the Jallis, screen walls traditionally used to hide women for privacy.

Famed Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee was tapped to create the uniforms for the students of The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School.

Sabyasachi used Ajrak, a traditional textile from the region that is block-printed with natural dyes using a technique that predates modern history.

They were made to reflect the region’s craft heritage to highlight the beauty and power inherent to the crafts, as well as provide a better sense of community, connection, and pride for their home.

The GYAAN Center will equip young women with the tools to further their education and independence as well as raise awareness surrounding the issues faced by women in India on a global scale.

“We couldn’t be more appreciative to Diana for her time and artistry to make the school a reality,” said Michael Daube, Founder & Executive Director, CITTA.

“To make a true impact for our students will mean changing attitudes of what girls and women are capable of. This is our first step in that effort.”

Project: The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl’s School
Architects: Diana Kellogg Architects
Client: CITTA
Photographers: Vinay Panjwani