Ahmedabad isn’t just a historic city—it’s a canvas of architectural evolution. For architects, designers, and design-savvy travellers, it offers a unique blend of modernist icons, heritage structures, and cultural spaces that continue to inspire design thinking worldwide. From Le Corbusier’s institutional marvels to timeless stepwells and Jain temples, this guide takes you through 6 must-visit architectural places in Ahmedabad that deserve a spot on every design enthusiast’s itinerary.
Whether you’re visiting for Design Perspective: Ahmedabad or just want to immerse yourself in India’s design legacy, these landmarks promise inspiration at every turn.
1. Sabarmati Ashram – Where Simplicity Becomes a Statement
- Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Architect (Museum & Guest House): Charles Correa
Founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917, Sabarmati Ashram was more than his home—it was the heart of India’s freedom movement. The newer additions, designed by Charles Correa, reinterpret minimalism through modernist sensibilities. Clean lines, open courtyards, and an emphasis on natural light make the space both contemplative and contemporary—a must-visit for those who value thoughtful, human-centric design
2. Adalaj Stepwell – Carved Stories in Stone
- Location: Adalaj village, near Ahmedabad
- Architect/Patron: Queen Rudabai (1498)
Built in 1499, this five-story deep stepwell is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, storytelling, and structural design. Combining Hindu and Islamic motifs, the intricately carved stone walls depict scenes from mythology, everyday life, and flora. The structure ingeniously balances aesthetics with climate responsiveness, offering cool respite in the city’s heat
3. BAPS Akshardham Temple – Spiritual Grandeur in Pink Sandstone
- Location: Gandhinagar, near Ahmedabad
- Inauguration: October 30,1992
- Built by: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
Dedicated to Bhagvan Swaminarayan, this grand complex isn’t just a temple—it’s an immersive cultural space. With intricately carved facades, lush gardens, and interactive exhibits, BAPS Akshardham is a celebration of spiritual design meeting public engagement. From stonework to spatial planning, it offers both reverence and revelation
4. Calico Museum of Textiles – Where Fabric Meets Form
- Location: Shahibaug, Ahmedabad
- Founded: 1949 by Gautam and Gira Sarabhai
Design enthusiasts will find paradise in the Calico Museum, which houses centuries of Indian textile heritage. From brocades and Kalamkaris to rare manuscripts and Mughal pieces, the museum offers inspiration at every turn. The space, curated and partially designed by Gira Sarabhai, reflects both intellectual rigor and cultural reverence
5. Hutheesing Jain Temple – Marble Devotion
- Location: Kalupur, Ahmedabad
- Architect: Premchand Salat
- Commissioned by: Shethani Harkunvar in 1848
This stunning Jain temple is a marvel of marble. With over 50 shrines and a towering Manastambha (column of honor) at the entrance, it’s a symphony of devotion, detail, and design. Each carving reflects a meticulous artistic discipline unique to Jain temple architecture
6. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque – The Poetry of a Jali
- Location: Near Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad
- Year Built: 1572–73
- Architect: Sidi Saiyyed
Renowned for its intricately carved Tree of Life jali (stone lattice window), this mosque is less about scale and more about soul. The craftsmanship of the jalis, described as the “most artistic stone lattice work in the world,” embodies timeless grace and technical mastery
Conclusion: Why Ahmedabad Should Be on Every Architect’s Radar
Ahmedabad isn’t just a city you visit—it’s a city you learn from. Every building here, whether centuries-old or a product of post-independence modernism, tells a story of design rooted in culture, climate, and community.
And this year, Design Perspective: Ahmedabad brings that legacy to life.
Join us to revisit these icons not just as landmarks, but as design lessons. Hear from new-age designers, connect with creative minds, and experience Ahmedabad as a city where design past meets design future.
🔗 Register Now for Design Perspective: Ahmedabad
Let the city speak to your design soul.