Discover the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School: An Oasis of Design and Sustainability in the Indian Desert
Our journey towards sustainable design takes us to an extraordinary place today: the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School, located in the arid desert of Jaisalmer, India.
This institution is much more than a school; it is a beacon of hope, education, and sustainability, serving nearly 400 girls between the ages of five and sixteen.
The architecture of the school, conceived by the renowned Diana Kellogg Architects from New York, captures the imagination not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its innovative response to the extreme desert temperatures, which can reach 50 degrees Celsius.
The school’s unique oval design is not a mere aesthetic accident but an ingenious architectural solution that captures the wind to naturally cool the environment by 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
This project not only respects but also celebrates the wisdom of traditional techniques. The school employs a monsoon water collection system through its roof and patio, while solar panels provide electricity and essential shade.
And there’s more: the students’ uniforms, designed by the iconic Sabyasachi Mukherjee, highlight the Ajrak printing technique, which is deeply rooted in local culture.
Located near the village of Kanoi, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School is primarily built of local yellow sandstone, carefully hand-carved by artisans from the region. Demonstrating a commitment to preserving nature, the school was designed and relocated to safeguard two existing trees.
This magnificent project is a testament to female strength, a tribute to tradition, and a commitment to sustainability. Learn more about this story on our Instagram.
Early-Bird Spots of Green Interiors Day Ends Tomorrow
How about we dive together into the green wave enveloping us? I’m talking about the Green Interiors Day – yes, everyone is talking about that event.
Imagine a day entirely dedicated to the art of transforming our spaces with a sustainable touch. More than a simple event, it invites us to embark together toward a more conscious and green future.
Imagine transforming not only the look but the soul of our spaces. We are talking about choices that go beyond beauty, entering the territory of the ethical and sustainable. From materials that leave no harmful footprints on the planet to processes that respect our health and the environment, without forgetting to perfectly align with the climate of our place.
Well Green Interiors Day is this space for learning and connection. It is a golden opportunity to be inspired by the most innovative minds in sustainable design and to be part of a community that breathes the same green ideals.
But look, time is running out! Tickets for the first batch are almost sold out. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss the chance to secure your spot and also take as a gift those extras that will make all the difference in your journey through sustainable design.
And there’s more: after the event, we will extend the good vibes with a very special Happy Hour at Casa Guararapes. It will be the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen bonds with those in this same vibe of change.
I can only thank everyone who is already on this with us. Your choice to join us on this journey makes all of this worthwhile. Together, we are rethinking spaces and rebuilding our connection with the planet in a way that will mark an era.
About Cause, Effect, and Deep Transformations
Today, I want to share reflections beyond our usual discussion about sustainability. It is a more intimate facet of our connection, a confession of how each word and feedback we receive from you echoes deeply within me.
Some of you may not be aware, but the relationship we have built here at UGREEN is a precious dialogue for me. I say this because I read every email that comes to us. It may seem surprising, considering the ocean of messages we receive, but I immensely value this part of my day.
Why? Simply because each line you write is a thread that weaves the rich tapestry of our community. At this moment, I feel the true impact of our work when I realize that we are navigating in the right direction.
The closeness with each of you is the soul of what we do. Feeling the return, absorbing your stories, hopes, and even criticisms, guides us on a path of continuous and meaningful growth.
And, speaking of stories that touch us, I would like to share one that recently warmed my heart. Feedback comes from afar, from the United States, from someone named Keanu. Keanu’s vibrant energy and deep connection with nature remind us that our community is as rich and diverse as the planet.
My journey here was not traced through forests or oceans but between keyboards and screens in a home where art and technology met. Son of a plastic artist and a programmer, I was more familiar with pencils and codes than rivers and mountains.
However, in sustainable design, I found a way to elevate my passion for art to something more profound that inspired and touched people’s lives, bringing comfort, beauty, and efficiency to their environments.
This journey has taught me that, although we may start alone, the path becomes infinitely more prosperous and rewarding when shared. What started as a personal art and technology project evolved into a collective mission of transformation and connection.
Our global community is a testament to this evolution, which fills me with immeasurable pride and humility because I know that none of this would be possible without your constant dialogue.
The feedback we receive is our compass, pointing to where we need to go and showing us how to be more relevant, more connected, and more truthful in our mission. They fuel our continuous transformation, the proof that we are building something truly special together.
Therefore, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. For each shared thought, for each moment of connection, for every time you challenge us to improve. I sincerely hope we can continue to inspire each other, to transform and be transformed, in a journey of mutual growth and learning.
Have a fantastic Thursday,
Filipe Boni
UGREEN
