S?NJHARA — A Climate-Responsive Courtyard

Priyadarshi Rakshita Maheshbhai

AR2063

Situated in Ahmedabad’s composite climate, S?NJHARA is a pavilion designed to offer thermal comfort through passive architectural means. The project centers around a courtyard that orchestrates spatial transitions between warmth and coolness using jali screens, controlled shading, and natural airflow. Drawing inspiration from the atmospheric qualities of twilight, S?NJHARA creates a layered thermal experience through material choices and orientation. The design embraces the local climate, reducing reliance on mechanical systems while enhancing user comfort. It stands as a spatial response to sun, shadow, and breeze — merging environmental sensitivity with cultural resonance and architectural clarity.

Report Content

THIS STORY BOARD SHOW HOW THE INTERPLAY OF SUNLIGHT AND SHADOE THROUGHOUT THE DAY SHAPES THE THERMAL EXPERIENCE WITHIN ARCHITECTURAL SPACES.

THIS PRESENT THE ANALYSIS OF THE AHMEDABAD'S UNIQUE CLIMATE , CHARACTERISED BY INTENSE SUMMERS MILD WINTERS AND SIGNIFICANT MONSSON SEASON. IT DELVES INTO THE IMPLICATION OF THIS THERMAL CONDITION ON ARCHITECTURE DESIGN . THE CASE STUDY OF THE CLIMATE RESPONSIVE STRATEGIES SUCH AS CROSSVENTILATION , SHADING, AND PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING. THE CASE STUDY OF THE CLIMATE RESPONSES BUILDING WILL FURTHER ILLUSTRATES THE APPLICATION OF THESE PRINCIPLE CREATING THERMAL COMFORTABLE SPACES

Abstract Model and Form Exploration for a Thermal Contrast Courtyard. This study investigates the interplay of solid and void, inspired by jali screens, to define spatial boundaries, enhance thermal comfort, and create dynamic interactions within a courtyard design.

Material Testing and Spatial Evolution for Thermal Comfort. This details material analysis of a pebble-embedded concrete panel for thermal mass and illustrates the spatial evolution of a design focused on natural ventilation, light penetration, and intuitive movement.

A Climate-Responsive Approach. This panel presents a shadow analysis across different seasons to optimize the placement and effectiveness of passive cooling strategies. It highlights design elements such as shaded pathways, thermally responsive walls, stack ventilation utilizing height differences, and evaporative cooling through water features.

Sanjhara Highway Reststop: Ground and First Floor Plans. the layout of a courtyard-centered highway reststop designed for Ahmedabad, showcasing various functional spaces and their organization across two levels.

SECTION

ELEVATION

Experiential Design Through Schematic Analysis.

xploring Form and Spatial Relationships. This physical model explores the interplay of circular forms and their spatial arrangement within an architectural design.