At 40°C outside, stepping into this space in Jaipur feels instantly different — nearly 5 to 6 degrees cooler.
There is no air conditioning. No conventional cooling system.
Instead, what makes this possible is smart, climate-responsive design.
Built as Jaipur’s first net zero cooling station, the structure is designed specifically for India’s intensifying heatwaves — and for those who face them the most every day.
Gig workers, street vendors, delivery personnel, drivers, and senior citizens often spend long hours outdoors, exposed to extreme temperatures. This station offers them a place to pause, recover, and find relief.
Powered entirely by solar panels, the station runs its lights, fans, and sprinkler system without relying on conventional electricity.
The cooling itself comes from a combination of traditional materials and simple science.
The result is a noticeable drop in temperature — achieved without air conditioners, and without increasing energy demand.
Every few minutes, a fine mist sprays over khus curtains, keeping them damp. As hot air passes through these curtains, it cools before entering the space. The walls, too, are lined with khus panels, enhancing this effect.
Above, a wind tower helps push rising hot air up and out, allowing cooler air to circulate within.
The result is a noticeable drop in temperature — achieved without air conditioners, and without increasing energy demand.
Built by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation and the Mahila Housing Trust, the station reflects a growing need to design public infrastructure that responds to climate realities.
Located on VT Road near a bus stand, the cooling station is open to anyone seeking respite from the heat. It operates from 7 AM to 5:30 PM, can seat up to 30 people at a time, and provides drinking water, ORS, and basic first aid.
Jaipur is not alone in exploring such solutions.
In Ahmedabad, a “Cool Bus Stop” at Lal Darwaza is already helping over 3,000 people cope with the heat every day.
As heatwaves grow more frequent and severe, such spaces are no longer just innovative — they are becoming essential.
