Location: Ahmedabad, India
In March 2011, Marie-Ikram Bouhlel co-led the "Instant Lighting" workshop with students from the National Institute of Design (NID) at the historic Sarkhej Roza heritage site in Ahmedabad, India.
This immersive three-day workshop introduced students to the interplay of light and heritage, encouraging creativity and teamwork to create a unique lighting narrative inspired by Indian culture.
The Concept:
The students selected the summer pavilions built for the King and Queen as their focus. Through a fictionalized story, the pavilions were personified, and lighting was used to depict the Queen’s emotional journey. This concept drew inspiration from Bhavas (emotions) and Rasas, core elements in Indian art forms like dance, music, and literature.
- Sringaram (Love): Soft, warm lighting symbolized the Queen’s anticipation of the King’s arrival.
- Shoka (Sorrow): Cool blue light captured the Queen’s sadness as the King failed to arrive.
- Krodha (Anger): Vibrant red light and dynamic effects portrayed her escalating anger and frustration.
Execution:
Students utilized temporary lighting techniques, including colored gels and minimal equipment, to render the emotions onto the pavilions. The approach was highly collaborative and designed to instill awareness of light as a storytelling tool while connecting with the cultural essence of the site.
Outcome:
The final presentations showcased a visually compelling narrative, immersing participants and observers in the emotional dialogue of the Queen and King. These explorations brought new perspectives to the night-time experience of Sarkhej Roza, demonstrating how light can transform and animate architectural heritage.
(The accompanying image capture one of the key moments of the workshop and its vibrant results.)