Architect Apoorva Shroff’s innovative bamboo structure redefines sustainability and community spaces at a university campus
A Landmark in Bamboo Architecture
On Thursday, September 25, renowned architect Apoorva Shroff will unveil The Hungry Caterpillar, a 650 sq. meter structure made entirely of bamboo, at Ashoka University, a liberal education university campus. A first-of-its-kind creation in India, the design fuses natural materials with cutting-edge technology to create a sustainable, immersive environment for students.
Shroff, who trained at a bamboo school in Bali to deepen her knowledge of natural materials, has described The Hungry Caterpillar as both a functional food street and a living metaphor for lifelong learning, growth, and environmental mindfulness.
Inspired by Nature, Built for Community
Nestled beneath a canopy of trees, the project takes its cues from the form of a caterpillar sitting within its cocoon. The bamboo canopies, designed in collaboration with Jans Bamboo and engineered by Atelier One, span up to 19 meters and mimic the layered geometry of folding leaves. Crafted from slender bamboo woven at 45-degree angles, and topped with crushed bamboo mats, the structure ensures natural ventilation and shade while minimizing environmental impact.
Circular Design at Every Scale
The project integrates state-of-the-art sustainable solutions across its components:
- Kitchens: Modular units 3D printed in concrete by Micob Pvt. Ltd. These prefabricated, energy-efficient modules reduce material waste and improve insulation.
- Furniture: Seating designed by Placyle, made entirely from recycled plastic waste, transforming discarded materials into durable, functional furniture.
Together, these interventions highlight how design can merge circular practices with real-world usability.
More Than a Food Street
While intended as a campus food hub, The Hungry Caterpillar aspires to be more than just a functional space. Its playful yet thoughtful design creates an immersive ecosystem where students can gather, learn, and connect. By combining traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation, Shroff demonstrates how architecture can nurture not only communities but also responsibility towards the planet.
Images courtesy: Avesh Gaur and Sohaib Ilyas
Contributor
