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