CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

THESIS TOPIC: HAJJ HOUSE COMPLEX, MUMBAI The concept of a Hajj House Complex is a result of the Islamic ritual of Haj, which is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca. A Hajj house complex provides accommodation to Hajj bound Muslims, while also giving space for other congregation activities. This complex includes elements from Islamic as well as Indo-Islamic architecture, and jaali as an element is extensively used as it is considered as a sacred element in Islamic religion. A perforated stone or latticed screen, comprising of ornamental patterns made with the use of calligraphy and geometry, is known as a jaali. Jaali is an effective element replacing the modern day glass for a transparent view, as well as for controlling glare, heat and allowing the wind to penetrate through it. One other feature amongst these is the ‘visual connection’, which is also maintained with the use of jaali in different spaces. “The experience of peering through a jaali adds an aesthetic element to one’s visual perception of a space.”

1.1.1 VISUAL CONNECTIVITY IN ARCHITECTURE

Connectivity within spaces is an essential concept of architecture, as it gives a sense of cohesiveness between spaces. It can either be physical connectivity or visual connectivity. Visual connectivity refers to the extent to which a place can be viewed from other places; it is a tangible aspect of a space. One way to define the connectivity between spaces depends on the type of partition used in a space. Opacity, transparency and translucency are the three aspects of a partition.

Visual connectivity via jaali design a) Opacity - A complete physical and visual separation, and the degree of visual connectivity is zero.

b) Transparency - A physical separation with full visual connection and the degree of visual connectivity is full.

c) Translucency - Some visual connection with full physical separation and the degree of visual connectivity is partial.

FIGURE 1.1 FIGURE 1.2 FIGURE 1.3

FIGURE 1.4 FIGURE 1.5

FIGURE 1.6 FIGURE 1.7 FIGURE 1.8

1.2 CRITERIA OF SELECTION

Visual connectivity within a space can be modulated according to the requirement of the space, with the help of a jaali wall. A jaali is a result of geometric patterns evolved over time and geometry in Islamic architecture plays a significant role as an aesthetic element and an element which is considered as a form of sacred art and ornamentation. Jaali also promotes ventilation, thus it will cater to the humid climate of Mumbai.

1.3 HYPOTHESIS STATEMENT

Use of Jaali as an architectural element regulates visual connectivity between spaces.

1.4 AIM

To establish the role of Jaali as an essential tool in regulation of visual connectivity between different spaces.

1.5 OBJECTIVES

• To study the significance and use of Jaali in classical Indo- Saracenic buildings.

• To study the significance and use of Jaali in contemporary buildings.

• To study how Jaalis operate as an element of visual connectivity in different buildings.

• To analyse how visual connectivity is controlled on the basis of a Jaali with respect to design attributes like pattern, thickness, user distance, proportion, material, color and the finishing.

• To evaluate the parameters studied and conclude the function of Jaali as an element of visual connectivity.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION

• To study the role of Jaali as a visually connecting element as well as an element of separation between two spaces.

• The research is limited to the architectural elements under Indo- Saracenic architecture.

• This research is limited to analyzing the effects of Jaali on the basis of visual connectivity. It does not include study of other climatic aspects of a jaali which is regulation of daylight and wind.

1.7 PARAMETERS

• Establish the role of visual connectivity on the basis of the degree of visibility which is either full, partial or zero.

• Calculating the solid-void percentage and visibility percentage on the basis of the change in the width of the balustrade area of the jaali.

• Calculating the visibility percentage on the basis of the change in the thickness of the jaali according to the material.

• Calculating the visibility percentage on the basis of the distance of the user from the jaali wall and how it affects the user’s visibility.

• Noting the difference in visibility on the basis of variation in the color of the jaali and the amount of light entering in a space via the jaali.

• Noting the effect of jaali if its placement is changed, i.e., whether the visibility is affected if it is used as a horizontal element or a vertical element.

1.8 METHODOLOGY

S. NO. OBJECTIVE

1

To study the significance and use of Jaali in classical Indo- Saracenic buildings.

2

To study the significance and use of Jaali in contemporary buildings.

DATA REQUIRED SOURCES

Historical background of Indo Saracenic architecture and evolution of Jaali.

Modern day design and use of jaali.

Secondary :

Books, Internet, and Research Papers.

Secondary :

Books, Internet, and Research Papers.

3

4

To study how Jaalis operate as an element of visual connectivity in different buildings. Looking into different case studies where jaali has been used extensively.

Secondary :

Books, Internet, and Research Papers.

To analyse how visual connectivity is controlled on the basis of a Jaali with respect to design attributes like pattern, thickness, user distance, proportion, material, color and the finishing. Study the various aspects of jaali according to the parameters identified. Primary : Calculating and analysing using various softwares.

Secondary :

Books, Internet, and Research Papers.

5

To evaluate the parameters studied and conclude the function of Jaali as an element of visual connectivity. Analyzing and combining above objectives and giving suggestions on what amount of visibility percentage should be taken into account for different spaces.

Primary :

Comparative study of the analysed data to reach at a conslusion.

TABLE 1.1

FIGURE 1.9