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ABSTRACT
The jaali is used extensively in medieval Indian architecture an aesthetic and functional architectural element that is a determinate of the quality of light in interior spaces. A documentation and analysis of jaalis used in tombs from 13th to 17th century in and around Ahmedabad was carried out to understand their daylight performance. On the basis of this primary information, a computer model was derived and simulated for an office space to test the applicability of the jaali in contemporary spaces. The results are promising, opening up possibilities of absorbing learning from traditional architecture in the contemporary context.
INTRODUCTION
Jaali is an Indian term for stone lattice screens used as punctures in the wall surface in ornamental or geometrical patterns extensively in Indian architecture, especially in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The physical function of a jaali is to reduce the amount of light admitted inside and to cut out its blinding glare. It also allows the passage of air but arrests powerful gusts, essentially making it a climate control device for various regions in India. Although the jaali was majorly used as an aesthetic element in the built form, it had a major effect with respect to interior day lighting. Building occupants generally prefer to live and work in an environment where there is particular admission of daylight for indoor illumination, as it affects the worker satisfaction and performance (Ali 2005). Also, a high availability of daylight levels can be disadvantageous for optimal visual conditions due to excess of sunlight (Bellia et al 2008). Along with quality of light, quantity of light also affects the building occupants as higher quantity of light invites glare. Daylight is a preferred light source for working spaces and day lighting through openings is critical for study as it provides higher task illuminance on work planes (Borisuit et al 2011). In this context, it is important to analyse the quality and quantity of daylight received from a jaali through simulations, to understand its properties in contemporary context. The current study is focused on understanding the role of jaali windows inside an office space, where the quantity and quality of daylight within the interiors are analysed through adequate illuminance, uniformity and glare.
ANALYSING THE TRADITIONAL JAALI
A documentation and...