Pearl Academy of Design

Location: Jaipur,India
Design firm: Morphogensis
Typology: Educational
Years: 2005–2008
Status: Complete

Facade facts

Facade summary: An environmentally responsive double-skin facade featuring an outer modular perforated concrete jaali screen and an integrated subterranean stepwell cooling basin.
Documented intention: Morphogenesis intended to create a 'zero-energy' cooling envelope that translates traditional vernacular architectural devices of Rajasthan into contemporary,cost-effective industrial construction methods.
Street relationship: The solid, elevated screen wall screens the academic interior from the surrounding industrial area,creating an introverted,protected sanctuary.
Climate relationship: The outer jaali screen blocks up to 60% of direct solar radiation. By preventing direct sun from striking the inner glazed envelope, it significantly lowers the cooling load of the academic spaces.
Window pattern: Repetitive, rectangular punch windows configured to line up with the interior classroom/studio layouts.
Glazing: Single-glazed,clear performance glass
Depth: The facade features a deep 4-foot (1.2 meters) cavity between the outer perforated screen and the inner weather envelope.
Rhythm: Continuous, screen-like envelope that wraps around the curvilinear form of the building, punctured occasionally for access or view portals.
Locally cast concrete blocks with stone dust: Locally cast concrete blocks with stone dust — Outer perforated screen envelope (Jaali) — Matte,slightly textured
Brick masonry and concrete frame: Brick masonry and concrete frame — Inner weather envelope — Smooth,painted plaster
Glass: Glass — Inner facade windows — Reflective /Transparent
Double-Skin Facade: Double-skin facade utilizing an outer modular self-supporting screen anchored back to the main concrete frame.
Modular Perforated Block Screen (Jaali): Perforated screen facade constructed from custom-cast triangular cementitious blocks containing local stone dust.

Description

The facade of the Pearl Academy of Fashion in Jaipur uses a modern double-skin system inspired by traditional Rajasthani architecture to block harsh desert heat. [1, 2] The Outer Jaali Screen • Material: The outer wall is a perforated screen called a jaali. It is made of Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC). • Design: The pattern is a modern update of traditional regional lattice work. • Density: The size of the holes changes depending on which direction the wall faces. Architects used computer programs to figure out the best shadow and light levels for each side. The Air Gap and Inner Wall • Distance: The outer jaali sits 4 feet away from the real inner wall. • Thermal Buffer: This 4-foot space traps air and acts as a thermal buffer. It stops direct sunlight from hitting the inner glass and concrete walls. • Three Filters: The outer skin filters light to make it soft, filters the air, and gives privacy to students inside.

Visual analysis

The outer screen reads as a continuous, sculptural fabric wrap that shields the inner volume, dramatically floating above the open, stepped stone pools below.