The living root bridges in Cherrapunji, India are proof that sometimes the best eco designs are centuries old. Indeed, it's thought that some of these living bridges, which are made from the Ficus elastica tree, are well over 500 years old.
Cherrapunji, India is noted for its insanely wet atmosphere, and long ago the War-Khasis tribe in Meghalaya used the secondary roots of the Ficus elastica tree to make these living root bridges. Check out the beauty of age-old eco design in the gallery and video above.
Living Bridges
Cherrapunji's Root Passageways Prove Eco Design Isn't New
Trend Themes
1. Eco Design - Exploring centuries-old eco designs like the living root bridges in Cherrapunji, India can inspire innovative and sustainable architectural solutions.
2. Natural Infrastructure - Incorporating natural materials and elements into infrastructure development, such as using living trees to create bridges, can lead to more resilient and environmentally-friendly solutions.
3. Traditional Wisdom - Drawing upon ancient indigenous knowledge, like the War-Khasis tribe's use of tree roots, can provide valuable insight for creating innovative and sustainable designs.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Architects and designers can learn from the living root bridges in Cherrapunji to develop eco-friendly and visually stunning structures.
2. Infrastructure Development - Engineers and urban planners can explore the possibilities of integrating natural elements into infrastructure projects to enhance sustainability and resilience.
3. Cultural Preservation - The preservation of indigenous practices, such as the War-Khasis tribe's use of living root bridges, can be a source of inspiration for eco-conscious tourism and cultural preservation initiatives.