Situated in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School is a distinctive 200 ft x 120 ft oval structure that harmoniously integrates with the arid landscape. It serves over 400 girls in a region where female literacy is a mere 36%. The school, designed by New York City-based architect Diana Kellogg, stands as a symbol of empowerment in the desert kingdom of Jaisalmer.The oval shape of the building, representing femininity and infinity, mirrors the sand-dunes of the region, with its curved walls echoing the architecture of Jaisalmer’s renowned fort. The school was constructed with a focus on economical design and sustainability, as it was built to support girls’ education under a non-profit initiative.Kellogg and her team prioritized community involvement in the construction process, employing local craftsmen, often the girls’ fathers, to build the school using hand-carved Jaisalmer sandstone. This approach not only fostered community participation but also contributed to reducing carbon emissions.The architectural design combines traditional techniques and indigenous heritage details, resulting in a structure that resonates with the region’s authenticity. The building incorporates sustainable design elements, including a roof made from recycled ceramic tile, classroom interiors with lime plaster, and the use of 95% local materials.The design team also implemented ancient local water harvesting techniques to optimize rainwater usage and recycle gray water within the school. The interior of the school features a wall adorned with diyas and small stone flower medallions, each representing a classroom and the project’s donors. The elliptical courtyard, housing classrooms, an office, and a teacher’s room, is furnished with locally made rosewood furniture and traditional charpai woven seating. A parapet wall, a modern interpretation of the traditional Jalis used for women’s privacy, is also a prominent feature.
