HERITAGE INTERPRETATION
Reimagining Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Project Overview
Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to India's rich astronomical expertise, housing remarkable instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Although its historical and architectural beauty are well-known, its scientific relevance is often overlooked by visitors.
This project tackles the visitor disconnect at Jantar Mantar by redesigning the entire visual structure. The goal is to create an engaging and personally resonant narrative that makes the site's complex scientific and cultural history easily accessible.
Problem Statement
Visitors struggle to connect with the historical and scientific significance of Jantar Mantar.
Existing narratives and interpretive materials are not effectively engaging visitors.
Identify opportunities for improvement and Enhance visitor experience
Help visitors understand the historical, scientific, and cultural significance of the site.
Objective
Importance of Jantar Mantar in Jaipur Tourism
Educational Resource:
A valuable site for understanding astronomy and the history of scientific instruments.
Architectural Heritage:
Features massive structures and intricate designs that are visually engaging.
Historical Significance:
Represents a major period in Jaipur's history and the rich heritage of Rajasthan.
Tourism Contributor:
Its unique appeal draws tourists, supporting Jaipur's local economy.
Scientific Advancement:
Shows the knowledge and advancements used to accurately measure time and celestial bodies.
Cultural Experience:
An integral part of Jaipur's landscape, offering a chance to experience rich local traditions.
Stakeholder Mapping
Primary
Secondary
Visitors:
- Indian families
- Group tourists
- Solo tourists
- School and college students
- Teenagers
- Young professionals and couples
- International tourists
Local Community:
- Residents
- Businesses
- Schools
- Community organizations
Government Officials:
- Archaeological Survey of India
- Jaipur Municipal Corporation
- Tourism Department
Educational Institutions:
- Universities
- Colleges
- Schools
Cultural Experts:
- Historians
- Astronomers
- Art historians
- Design Professionals:
- Architects
- Graphic designers
- Exhibit designers
Media:
- Local and national newspapers
- Television channels
- Social media influencers
Misuse and Damage:
Instruments suffer degradation due to visitors climbing on and misusing the machinery.
Visual Disconnect:
The site currently lacks visual consistency, contributing to a non engaging experience.
Poor Wayfinding Flow:
Essential information (maps, critical details) is located at the end of the visitor's route, missing crucial initial visibility.
Ineffective Interpretation:
Existing explanatory slabs fail to effectively engage or inform visitors.
Project Strategy
Unified Visual
Language
1
2
3
Intuitive
Wayfinding & Flow
Simplified Scientific Narrative
Visual Identity & Branding
A cohesive system (logo, color palette, typography) that highlights the scientific and cultural background of Jaipur's heritage.
Physical Wayfinding System
Strategic placement of signage and directional markers that seamlessly integrate with the new visual identity to guide self-guided discovery.
Interpretive Guidebook & Digital Link
A user-friendly guidebook focused on young visitors (kids/students), using diagrams and stories to explain the complex instruments.
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About the Logo
The logo is derived from the Samrat Yantra's architecture combined with celestial arcs to represent the measurement of time and the sky. It embodies the site's blend of architecture and astronomy. The steps also abstractly suggest a path or journey, mirroring the visitor's experience of discovery, one step at a time.
Deep Magenta
(Accent)
#CE3C8F
R 206
G 60
B 143
Used sparingly for highlights in interpretive graphics or cultural storytelling elements.
Sandstone Beige
(Highlight)
#EACD99
R 234
G 205
B 153
Used for main signage backgrounds and architectural illustration bases.
Cosmic Navy
(Primary Text)
#312B7C
R 49
G 43
B 124
Used for primary body text and map lines.
Desert Gold
(Base)
#DDAE65
R 221
G 174
B 101
Used as a warmer architectural tone and for secondary backgrounds.
Gelica
Semi Bold
(Heading)
Used for primary titles, instrument names, and cover page headers.
Gotham
Bold
(Sinage)
Used for all wayfinding text for clarity and accessibility.
Adobe Garamond Pro
Regular
(Body Text)
Used for all body copy and detailed panel descriptions.
Gelica
Regular
(SubHead)
Used for secondary information and introductory descriptions.
Usage Examples
Letter head
Envelope
Card
Brand Mascot
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3
About the Guidebook
This interactive guidebook serves as an essential companion for exploring Jantar Mantar. Designed with captivating visuals specifically to engage the young audience, it transforms complex concepts into simple discovery. Inside, readers will find easy-to-understand explanations and diagrams illustrating the scientific functions of the instruments, alongside interesting historical facts about their construction and use. To make learning fun, the book also features built-in quizzes and simple games that encourage active participation.
Grid and Layout
Bottom Margin = 1.27 cm
Gutter = 0.85 cm
Spread Width = 42 cm
Page Width = 21 cm
14.8 cm
Top Margin = 1.27 cm
Top Margin = 1.27 cm
Top Margin = 1.27 cm
Baseline = 12 pt
Cover Page
Guidebook Pages
Work in Progress
Thank You!
We would like to thank our anchor faculties, Shilpi Munda and Jagadish Kumar, and our project guide, Tanishka Kachru, for their continuous guidance and support throughout this project. Special thanks to Smt. Pratibha Yadav, the Superintendent of Jantar Mantar, for her invaluable insights and participation in the research study.
