Jaali (perforated screen)

Jaali (Perforated Screen) and its Contemporary form.

Aesthetics have always been essential part of Building Design and have traced its history, since the beginning of Human Civilization. The methodology evolved with the Civilizations and with that Inherited varied traditional forms of Aesthetics. Making various art forms like Paintings, carvings, regional surface treatments have been present in different Eras of Indian history. One of its form is JAALI ( a perforated screen) which was a very essential element of decoration in Mughal Architecture. Like Hindu Architecture had carvings of their deities depicting stories of their mythology, which became important element of the particular Architectural complex they are part of. Similarly Mughal Architecture had presence of Jali, which had Geometrical or Floral Patterns with intricate details minutely carved in the surface material.

Jalis have been universally used in Mughal monuments, on edges of platforms, causeways and terraces, and also on the edges of the projecting Chhajjas, Jharokhas and Gaukhs (balconies), and along with Chhatris. Jalis are also used gorgeously to close window and door openings for purdah (veil).The Muslim tradition of purdah(Veil) for women have been effectively been translated in their Architecture and hence Jali has a credit of been inspired from a social humane value . Like other methods of Aesthetics, a Jali is not only a surface treatment, but it functions as an opening, a barrier, a mode of privacy with many benefits according to climate because it filters the wind and transfer of wind through the surface makes the wind cooler.

During the day, as sunlight streams through the jalis, the patterns form magical shadows and reflections that grace the adjacent floors and walls. Construction material varied according to the availability of the material like Marble in case of Taj Mahal, Sandstone in case of other monuments which has now evolved to Brick and many other materials in its contemporary stage.

Jali was in modern context is constructed with different materials like concrete, light weight concrete, bricks, fly ash etc. We can even find precast perforated blocks all around the world which is used mainly for interior partitions as well as walls for corridors and verandah.

Brick jali have been used widely in recent times in various modern residences as an aesthetic element, whereas simultaneously functioning serving its other uses like bringing natural light in the interior space, cooling down the breeze and its intensity and creating interacting shadow patterns in Interior and exterior spaces as well. With endless patterns for its execution Jalis have been always been a better substitute for window as it prevents the rain to enter in the space, solves the security reasons of the building. If we see Brick Jali, it uses less number of bricks to create a patterned opening so it very well serves the economic purpose also and is budget friendly. Different types of alternate brick bonds and designed patterns of opening result into a very unique type of opening.

Brick Jali 

Ar. Laurie Baker has intensively contributed to Brick masonry construction and showcased his geniuses in Brick jali construction in his various projects.

Jalis are yet an eminent possibility even in a city, especially in public buildings like schools, institutions or government offices. Also, residential walls enclosing ancillary areas like wash, utility, taller wall tops, family spaces, and such others can have Jalis, beautifully contrasting with the rest of solid walls. As a design element, it is always suggested to use a Jali wall, where there is no requirement of a solid wall. It is an also an important element of design for Low cost housing techniques providing them a multi use feature of Design.

Content:

Ar.Pooja Jaiswal

pooja.jaiswal913@gmail.com