Nikhila Gudipati

AR2021

Legato in sheet music signifies a smooth transition between two notes.
 In the humble presence of Sabarmati Ashram, Legato, the kinetic roof sits at the end of the journey, looking towards the horizon. Light and floating in its design, its non abrupt nature invites for a smooth and calming experience within it. Walking from the pavilions, one enters the Upasana Mandir, which is now a stepped plaza, inviting for gatherings in the morning for yoga or taking a seat one breezy evening, contemplating and looking towards the river. As a design that accepts and allows, its kinetic nature amplifies this attribute. Its movement corresponds to the usage of the space below, the smooth and gradual change in volume leading to various experiences. 
 The transition from various elements to another, from the ground to the column to the roof, isn’t loud or abrupt. The design reflects this through an attempt to maintain the organic nature present in the surroundings through the curves and the concept.
 Once one enters the space, they step down into a free space walking on a mud plinth. The only presence at ground level is the base of the columns that curve as they gently meet the ground amongst a pile of pebbles. The columns rise lie trunks to hold members that act like branches, that eventually spread to hold the roof. The light presence of the roof with no overbearing presence above, mimics the foliage. As one walks further, the roof rises and curves, form a different density of shade and varying the experience below. Towards the end it rises to its fullest extent and with the widened view, one can calmly observe and look at the horizon and the river, while sitting at the lowest step of the mud plinth. Legato reflects in every aspect of the space, from its detail to its overall form, and finally even to the journey and experience it encompasses.