Deep in the rainforests of the Indian state of Meghalaya, bridges are not built, they’re grown. These majestic bridges are woven from the living, growing roots of rubber trees. The powerful but malleable roots of Ficus elastica, or Indian rubber tree, can be woven into latticework structures that, over time, form robust bridges. Because they are made from living trees, the bridges do not rot like conventional bridges might. In fact, they only grow stronger as the tree’s root system matures. The resultant bridges are nothing short of breathtaking.
It’s sustainable living architecture that will grow and live for generations. One of the few examples of the world where humans found a natural solutions, a way of working with nature to overcome the problems a wild river can cause. Bio-engineering at it’s best using nature’s resources without upsetting its balance
BBC Planet Earth video footage
