Winter light in Ahmedabad is smooth, crisp and as these photographs stand testimony – beautiful. The west façade of the Ahmedabad Textile Mill Owners’ Association [ATMA] Building in Ahmedabad is designed to protect the interior space from the harsh, west sun. On rare days in December, January and February, the late setting sun washes the concrete walls and stone floors of the building in a uniform layer of light.
This light is moderated by the detached screen – a ‘free façade’ that is anchored to the building frame yet independent of the same. The curves, straight lines, double walls, free columns and dramatic mezzanines of the building cast complex shadows. Le Corbusier’s concrete – formed in many incredible casts arrests the light and reflects the right amount with the right intensity. Slowly, the golden hour passes and everything fades to darkness ⊗
