Perforated clay windows
Product design | Design Research | Prototyping
A jaali is the term for a perforated stone or latticed screen, usually with an ornamental pattern constructed through the use of geometry
The jaali helps in lowering the temperature by compressing the air through the holes. Also when the air passes through these openings, its velocity increases giving profound diffusion.
This workshop on jaalis, was intended to expose and sensitise the participants to the value, aesthetics, and significance of traditional cut-work screens, (Jaalis). It enables the understanding of the materials and forms used in the past and present, as well as develop a suitable version that can be adapted for the future.
Initial Sketches
I studied the structures and the details of the jaalis, as well as forms in nature, through photographs and sketches. These inspirations were used to develop our own jaali tile pattern, in terracotta.
Inspiration and Sketches
Process and Mould making
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First, a sketch of the module was made.
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This was then made in clay, carving out the details.
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Once the clay tile was finished and finalised, a slab of clay was rolled out and the tile placed on it.
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Smooth slats were laid out on all four sides, and the joints sealed with small blobs of plaster of paris.
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Once the plaster on the joints were set, liquid plaster was poured and leveled to fill the space created by the slats
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Once this plaster was set, the entire block was turned over and all the clay cleaned out.
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This block was dried over night before pressing slabs of clay into it and making multiples that were then finished and put together to make the jalis.
