Let's explore the Stepwell of Chand Baori in Abhaneri, Rajasthan, India, as a project where
water, its scarcity in the arid location, and its integration as a central design element are
profoundly evident.
Building Typology: Stepwell (also known as a Vav or Baori) - a traditional Indian water storage
system.
Location: Abhaneri, Rajasthan, India - a region characterized by a hot, dry climate and
significant water scarcity historically.
Centrality of Water in its Design:
1. Water as a Service Requirement (Survival): The primary purpose of Chand Baori was
to provide a reliable and accessible source of water for the local community throughout
the year. Rajasthan experiences long periods of drought, and groundwater levels can be
deep. The stepwell's ingenious design allowed people to reach the water table, even
when it was significantly low during the dry seasons. The deep, stepped structure
effectively acted as a reservoir, collecting and storing rainwater during the monsoons to
sustain the population.
2. Scarcity of Water Driving the Design: The arid climate and the inherent scarcity of
water were the fundamental driving forces behind the stepwell's unique architectural form.
○ Deep and Wide Structure: The immense depth (approximately 100 feet with 13
levels) and the broad expanse of the well were designed to maximize water storage
capacity, capturing as much rainwater as possible during the brief monsoon season.
○ Stepped Terraces: The intricate network of steps (over 3,500 steps arranged in a
precise geometric pattern) allowed access to the water at various levels as the
water table fluctuated throughout the year. This ensured that water could always be
reached, even when it was very deep.
○ Cooling Effect: The deep, enclosed structure of the stepwell naturally provided a
cooler and more humid environment compared to the scorching surface
temperatures. This made the act of fetching water and the spaces around the well
more bearable for the community. The water itself would also remain relatively
cooler due to reduced evaporation and exposure to direct sunlight.
3. Water as an Element of Design (Aesthetic and Social): While primarily functional,
Chand Baori also exhibits remarkable architectural beauty and served as a social space.
○ Geometric Precision: The symmetrical and intricate arrangement of the steps
creates a visually stunning pattern. The play of light and shadow on the steps adds
to its aesthetic appeal. The geometric design wasn't purely ornamental; it also
contributed to the structural stability of the massive excavation.
○ Social Gathering Space: Stepwells were not just places to collect water; they often
served as community gathering spaces, especially during the hotter parts of the
day. The shaded areas around the well provided respite, and the steps offered
seating. Chand Baori has platforms and pavilions at different levels, suggesting its
use for social and possibly even ritualistic purposes.
○ Reflective Surface: The water surface itself acted as a reflective element,
mirroring the sky and the surrounding architecture, adding to the visual appeal of
the space.
In Conclusion:
Chand Baori stands as a powerful example of how the scarcity of water in a specific location
(Rajasthan) profoundly influenced the design of a building typology (the stepwell). Water was
not just a service requirement but the very raison d'être of the structure. The ingenious design
not only addressed the critical need for water storage and access but also integrated water as a
central element that shaped the architectural form, created a unique microclimate, and fostered
social interaction. It's a testament to the traditional wisdom of adapting architecture to the
environmental context and the crucial role water can play in shaping human settlements and
their built environment.
