PHOTORAMA

Project Details

THEME : photography

CATEGORY: contest

COLLABORATOR: brihati

DATE: september 2018

Embarking on a visual odyssey that transcends time and space, AMD PHOTORAMA – Photography Competition unveils the hidden treasures of Ahmedabad's heritage.

Through the lens of skilled photographers, the sophisticated tapestry of distinguished architecture, the vibrant socio-economic fabric, and the resonating character of the city find their voice in captivating two-dimensional frames.

From every corner of India, over a hundred entries converged, each offering a unique perspective on Ahmedabad's UNESCO World Heritage City. This journey culminated in an exhibition at the LxS Open House in the heart of Ahmedabad Old City, where the final shortlisted entries breathed life into the heritage they captured. In these images, the city's history, culture, and essence intertwine, inviting visitors to explore the layers of India most renowned Heritage.


photographies by the three winners

AMD PHOTORAMA is an immersive Photography Competition designed to be an integrated platform, aiming to unravel the concealed treasures nestled within the rich tapestry of Ahmedabad's Heritage. This unique endeavor beckons individuals possessing the prowess to encapsulate the elegance of distinguished architecture, the essence of character, and the intricate socio-economic fabric into a singular, two-dimensional photographic frame. The call resonates far and wide, inviting participants from across the expanse of India and beyond to traverse the enigmatic labyrinth of Ahmedabad's Old City, and through their lens, cast forth their distinctive interpretation of a UNESCO World Heritage City.

In this endeavor, the essence of diversity emerges, as manifold as the gazes that converge upon the city. The photographer, in this instance, becomes more than a mere capturer of moments; they assume the mantle of a messenger, entrusted with the task of crystallizing a fleeting instant within a particular frame. In this process, the photographer also unveils their personal interpretation and vision of the scene. Anchored at the heart of this enterprise is the LxS Heritage Map, an interactive cartographic marvel poised to metamorphose into the virtual compass guiding explorations of Ahmedabad's heritage.

Yet, the enormity of this endeavor extends beyond the solitary shutter click. It's a collective enterprise that beseeches the active participation of the city's inhabitants. The city yearns to be meticulously documented, each nook and cranny carefully cataloged. And who better to undertake this monumental task than the very citizens who breathe life into the urban fabric? As the lens captures the city's essence, its residents stand as the custodians of its myriad stories and secrets, ready to contribute to this shared chronicle.

The overarching objective unfurls with clarity - the creation of a comprehensive database chronicling the present tapestry of the World Heritage City. This treasure trove of information will find its haven organized by location and meticulously delineated across the canvas of our website's map. Here, users can effortlessly traverse the heritage sites, unearthing layers of significance within the city's architectural marvels, its bustling pols, and the vibrant tapestry of daily life. The harmonious amalgamation of these elements forms an interactive narrative, a guide that unveils the heart and soul of Ahmedabad's heritage, connecting the past with the present in an intricate mosaic of timelessness.


Diving into the thematic tapestry of AMD PHOTORAMA, we unravel a collection of diverse perspectives that coalesce into a rich mosaic, reflecting the multifaceted character of Ahmedabad's heritage. The recognition that every gaze casts a unique reality upon the same place forms the foundation of this endeavor. In the role of the photographer, a profound responsibility emerges - that of capturing a singular moment within the confines of a single frame. Yet, this act goes beyond mere documentation; it's an artistic transmission, a vehicle for sharing one's own interpretation and vision of that captured moment. Within the ancient walls of Ahmedabad's Old Town, this competition finds itself amidst a symphony of stimuli, each waiting to be categorized and compiled for a clearer and more comprehensive understanding.

Our journey through these evocative snapshots begins with the "ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS > THE HOUSE." The traditional narrow house typology, the Haveli, stands as a silent witness to the city's identity. Its intricate facade and ornate wooden elements have etched themselves into the collective memory. This typology reflects the intimate interplay between private and public spaces, open and closed domains, a response to the ever-changing seasons. The details beckon closer inspection - the intricate wooden and stone carvings, the intriguing doorways and windows, the captivating frontal elevations, and the enigmatic interior spaces, all weave a tale of cultural expression and architectural significance.

Moving along the streets and pols, we encounter "STREET AND POLS > THE NEIGHBORHOOD." This is the morphostructure of Ahmedabad, a dense mass of built form, a bustling anthill where the order of streets shapes the activities of society. The intricate hierarchy of these paths, both functional and visual, orchestrates a well-structured society. The streets themselves become narrative pathways - each pol entrance board, urban element like chabutras, wells, and otlas, as well as the perspectives and aerial views, collectively compose a journey of exploration.

As we delve deeper, "NATURE IN THE CITY" emerges as an unforeseen narrative. Amidst the urban sprawl, a few ancient trees stand resilient, their presence a testament to the enduring force of nature. These remnants of green become havens for the animals that coexist in this environment, a living testament to Indian society's reverence for the larger ecosystem.

The focus shifts to "PEOPLE," for a place's soul lies in its inhabitants. Monuments and dynasties might find themselves etched in tales and myths, but it's the common folk whose stories truly shape the heritage. Each face, each portrait holds within it a narrative waiting to be shared. Daily activities of street vendors, the fervor of religious ceremonies, the essence of traditional street food - all paint a canvas of human life that's vibrant and rich.

Yet, this narrative isn't without its shadows, and so we turn to "CRITICAL VIEW / PROBLEMATICS." In acknowledging the complete spectrum of a city's existence, we uncover the less-celebrated aspects. Amidst the beauty and grandeur, there's the other side of the coin, the stories that often go untold. The underbelly of traffic congestion, the weight of ruined and neglected structures, the ominous presence of garbage and pollution - these are chapters that demand attention.

In the interplay of these diverse perspectives, AMD PHOTORAMA strives to capture the essence of Ahmedabad's heritage in all its shades and hues. It is an endeavor that celebrates the multidimensional character of a city, offering a holistic portrayal that traverses through history, culture, people, and the intricacies of its daily life.