How bamboo design is reaching out to rural India
![Sangaru Design Studio](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BKG9XL2n6NSLu6jztdnQRn-415-80.jpg)
One of the most inspiring stories emerging in Indian design is that of Bamboo. This however, is not simply a tale of designers creating cutting-edge aesthetically driven products from eco-friendly material; this is about a holistic approach to sustainable design that is empowering artisans in rural India to become self-sufficient.
In Tripura, a state in the north-east where bamboo is cultivated, young designers are coming up with simple products that minimise the use of hardware, are sourced locally and develop local skills. Rebecca Reubens, who runs social design firm Rhizome, which works with the Kotwalia community of Gujarat, has taken the project one step further by opening her own retail outlet, Bamboo Canopy, to provide a vital link to the urban markets these communities are so removed from.
The drive is supported by design programmes at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, which has produced a raft of designers in recent years, including Sandeep Sangaru, Andrea Noronha, Manali Beri, Rajiv Jassal, Garima Aggarwal and M P Ranjan, who are all innovating new techniques for working with bamboo.
'The Tree' bookcase by Sandeep Sangaru for Sangaru Design Studio
'Flying bird' coat hanger by Rajiv Jassal, from the National Institute of Design, India
'Bo' table lamp by Andrea Noronha from the National Institute of Design, India
Laminated stool by Manali Beri from the National Institute of Design, India
Tripod stool by Garima Aggarwal from the National Institute of Design, India
Cube stool by M P Ranjan from the National Institute of Design, India
'Tessellation' coaster by Rhizome, from Bamboo Canopy
'Kids' hanger by Rhizome, from Bamboo Canopy
Bamboo pillar candle holder by Rhizome, from Bamboo Canopy
'Bar mitzvah' bamboo stopper candle stand on reused bottle by Rhizome, from Bamboo Canopy
'Branch' hat stand by Rhizome, from Bamboo Canopy
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
Feel at home at Auberge, Château La Coste's new inn for culture lovers
Auberge La Coste sits at the heart of the art-filled estate, minutes away from the joyful town of Aix-en-Provence
By Harriet Thorpe Published
-
This Nova Lima apartment is a Brazilian family oasis with striking Minas Gerais views
A Nova Lima apartment designed by Jacobsen Arquitetura celebrates its long, natural Minas Gerais vistas
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Commune’s sustainable personal care products look ‘quite unlike anything else’
Commune’s Somerset-made products stand out in the sustainable skincare crowd. Madeleine Rothery speaks with the brand’s co-founders Kate Neal and Rémi Paringaux
By Madeleine Rothery Published
-
India’s stepwells inspire Shalini Misra’s rug collection
Shalini Misra’s Stepwells collection of rugs for Cc-tapis is informed by the traditional structures, recreated in three designs
By Henrietta Thompson Published
-
Meet Æquō, the Indian design gallery presenting the antiquities of the future
Founded by Tarini Jindal Handa, Æquō offers an insight into the multiple personalities of Indian craft
By Maria Cristina Didero Published
-
How this Mumbai-based brand upcycles carbon emissions
Start-up Carbon Craft Design uses harvested pollution to create tiles
By Sujata Burman Last updated
-
World View: Letter from India
Our new series shines light on the creativity and resilience of designers around the world as they confront the challenges wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic. Working with our international contributors, we reach out to creative talents to ponder the power of design in difficult times and share messages of hope. In Mumbai, Bangalore and New Delhi, studios and designers have been connecting with team members through craft, while stepping back to appreciate local sources, writes our design editor, digital, Sujata Burman
By Sujata Burman Last updated
-
A material world: Rajiv Saini designs new Atmosphere flagship in Mumbai
By Sujata Burman Last updated
-
It takes two: Paul Matter debuts his dancing ’Tango’ lights in India
By Daniel Scheffler Last updated