New York-based architecture firm Diana Kellogg Architects looked to symbols of femininity when designing an all-girls school in India.
The school has an oval shape made from local sandstone. Located in the Thar desert in northern India, Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School is for 400 girls between the ages of 5 and 16. Diana Kellogg Architects explains that they sought out symbols of femininity and the nearby dunes to create a fortress-like structure that could blend in and grow with the landscape. 
“As an architect who designs for women, I have considered feminine symbols across cultures and especially symbols of strength,” architect Diana Kellogg tells WebMD. Dezeen . 
“I ended up choosing this oval shape – representing femininity and representing infinity.” 
Built of locally sourced hand-carved sandstone, this 836-square-foot fortress-like structure consists of three circular sections. An outer wall surrounds the perimeter of the school, an inner wall surrounds the classrooms and an oval courtyard. 
The courtyard is in the center of the school and corresponds to the surrounding walls. Parts of the stone wall have been perforated to cool the space and block the sun. 
“I wanted the school’s design to give shade to the girls in the courtyard. I’ve reduced the width so we can have a canopy cover the open space during the hot months. The ellipse seems to be the most natural way to do this. The circle is familiar to craftsmen because the fortress structure is a series of circular shapes.” 
Wooden doors lead from the courtyard to the computer center and the 10 classrooms are connected by a series of winding corridors. Ventilation holes in the classroom create a light effect throughout the day and allow for natural ventilation. 
A ramp between the perforated walls forms a shaded corridor that leads to an elevated walkway to the roof. 
Perforated balustrades surround the outside of the walkway increasing the height. Its design is a reinterpretation of Jali nets, traditionally used to provide privacy. 
Blue mosaic tiled floors span the walkway, adding a bright and cool contrast against the yellow stone background. 
“Effective design is a process that requires a deep understanding of the history of a place – its culture, topography, and vernacular. I wanted to build a building about space, light and community, not about design – a structure that resonates with the soul and harnesses the energy of nature to nurture and heal women and children. sister.” 
Diana Kellogg Architects oriented the building to maximize the breeze entering the school’s elliptical shape that could passively cool the building. The company also incorporates water harvesting systems to collect and recycle rainwater throughout the school. 
The solar panels that power the lights and fans are mounted into a steel structure on the roof, which acts as a shady canopy and play area for the children. 
“I came up with the idea of a solar roof on the roof of the building – which also acts as a kind of jungle gym with seesaws and swings.” The school is a construction project commissioned by the non-profit organization CITTA that aims to equip and support communities around the world. 
Diana Kellogg will also design two other buildings next to the school. It will feature performance, exhibition, museum and library spaces, as well as a cooperative teaching women’s embroidery and weaving techniques. 
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