Jaalis': A Study On Aesthetics and Functional Aspects in Built Environment

‘Jaalis’: a study on aesthetics and
functional aspects in built

environment.
SWARAJ PATIL
16089
ABSTRACT
• Jaali as perforated screens for permitting light and

ventilation in buildings have been used extensively in
India.
• The study examines and explores the design of Jaalis
over time and its varying attributes according to the
geography, religion and a multitude of factors to its
modern interpretations and adaptations by
contemporary architects through literature reviews
and case studies, in the design of sustainable
buildings, in India.
INTRODUCTION
• ‘Jaali’ word means a net or a fine web. It is an ornamental

perforated screen found in Indian, Indo-Islamic and
Islamic architecture. INDIAN
• As a shading device it is an eggcrate, a combination of

horizontal and vertical shading device at a minuscule scale.
• It appears to be 2-dimensional, but the thickness along with
the interlinked balusters forms many small devices INDO-ISLAMIC
equivalent to a large overhang or a vertical fin.
• Jali essentially does the Job of space division. An important
element related to privacy. The way it has been used in
traditional Islamic houses. But its use as an exterior
element, apart from serving the purpose of privacy, is also
ISLAMIC
to direclty interact with Sun, Wind and light. As can be
seen in constructions in Rajasthan.
HISTORY
• A variation of jaalis in Egypt, Oman etc is the Mashrabiyas.

• The term of Arabic origin means ‘a place for drinking’.
• In the earlier phases it was used to cool drinking water placed
in clay pots. Winds would pass over the porous surface after
passing through the shaded lattice screen and bring down the
temperature of water inside by evaporative cooling.
• Later mashrabiyas were fitted with beds inside, where the
occupant could relax and it suited their privacy notions.
• But unlike the jaali, they were typically carved out of wood.
The artisans would patiently dovetail the pieces together
without nails or glue to allow the wood to shrinks and warp
under high temperature and adjust itself. (Feeney 1974)
EVOLUTION IN INDIA
• The earliest examples is at the Ladh Khan Temple Jaali at Ladh Khan
where the stone slabs on the facade exhibit heavily
eroded composition of simple square perforations
and relief sculptures, lighting up the small dim
interiors.
• The next prominent example are the jaalis between
the columns standing over a proceeding of friezes of
Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebid, built in 1120.
• Jaali became highly popular during Mughal rule, they
were used as partitions, railings, ventilators, windows,
outer walls etc. Influenced by European art they
evolved to contain flowers and vegetation, evident in
Red Fort of Shahjahanabad.
• One of the most outstanding examples of Jaali is also
the logo of India’s premier institute IIM-A.
AESTHETICS
The jaali can be metaphorically be equated to a shady tree
branch, sheltering the person below from the sun, creating
exquisite patterns of light on the plane…a poetry of nature. The
aesthetic aspects are as following:
• PATTERNS
• REPETITIONS: However complex the pattern may appear to
be, they can be identified to be made on a grid.
• INFINITY: It is difficult to identify the starting and the end of
the patterns.
• SYMMETRY: Jaalis are typically made by mirroring of the
basic unit pierced into the red sandstone, marble or other
stones.
• QUALITY OF LIGHT: Natural light is emphasized and
played with by the structure, the façade, materials, the lines and
planes.
• VISIBILITY: It screens the inhabitants from the gazes of the
passer-by, providing privacy due to the light difference.
CLIMATIC ASPECTS: Why Jali is used?
• The small holes increase the velocity of air as it

passes through them, similar to the function of a
funnel, enhancing even the mild breeze outside
and allows for deeper penetration.
• In desert areas, the mesh like structure filter out
the dust accompanying strong winds in the region.
• In Rajput architecture of hot dry desert, floral
motifs are incorporated at the center of a module.
The fenestrations are taller and narrow, which
allows for deeper penetration of light and air.
• As jaalis control the light entering in, reflecting
some light back from the outer surface, they also
reduce the heat associated with it.
THANKYOU!

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‘Jaalis’: a study on aesthetics and

functional aspects in built

• Jaali as perforated screens for permitting light and

• ‘Jaali’ word means a net or a fine web. It is an ornamental

• As a shading device it is an eggcrate, a combination of

• A variation of jaalis in Egypt, Oman etc is the Mashrabiyas.

• The small holes increase the velocity of air as it

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