Green architecture can take many forms. From technology driven eco-buildings to the simplest of earth-friendly design solutions, eco-friendly architecture is no doubt always full of surprises. Biotecture is a simple idea that seems very difficult to achieve.
Biotecture is basically architecture that lives and featured in this video is probably the greatest example of ancient and almost intuitive biotecture. A living ‘Root Bridge’ at Mawlynnong, a village in Khasi Hills near Cherrapunji district in Meghalaya state of India. ( Cherrapunji is acclaimed as the wettest place on earth is bestowed with natural beauty)
The root bridge was formed naturally from the roots of Ficus elastica tree (commonly known as Indian rubber bush). It is really a natural wonder as it rivals human effort by creating such a perfect bridge.
The bridge acts as a hanging bridge and the roots are extended in a single span which connects the tribes of the place with an easy access to the next village.
Before you rush out any bridge construction detail based on this example please remember that ‘Meghalaya’y means The Abode of Clouds. Assam is to the north and Bangladesh on the south. A village near Cherrapunji in the Khasi Hills is the wettest place on earth with an annual rainfall of just under 12000mm (ie 24 times London’s average annual rainfall of 500mm). One could attempt a living bridge with willows in England, but I think it would turn into a dam, because the branches would root into the water.
Image © Seema KK.
