At the School of Design, Rishihood University, there is a continuous effort to cultivate mindsets where sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship intertwine and interact. The faculty conducted a bamboo and cane elective workshop as part of an initiative to encourage 5th-semester Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) students from diverse specializations—Interior Architecture, Fashion and Textile, Product Design, and Communication Design—to explore eco-friendly materials in a hands-on environment. The endgame was putting the spotlight on bamboo and cane, potentially inspiring learners not just to view them as “traditional” materials but as catalysts for sustainable designs and innovative products, perhaps even some startup ideas.
Bamboo and cane have long been considered sustainable alternatives in design, but their true potential is often overlooked. As a material, bamboo is known for its versatility, strength, and eco-friendliness, making it a perfect subject for exploration in contemporary design education. This workshop aimed to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern design thinking, encouraging students to look at bamboo through fresh eyes.
As an architect and industrial designer from SPA Delhi, my love for bamboo began a decade ago during my internship at FIRKI Studio, Noida, where I explored this material in depth and received first prize at the prestigious CGBMT award- Bengaluru for my work. The experience of working closely with bamboo ignited a passion for exploring the material’s possibilities and sparked ideas for incorporating sustainable materials into product design. Years later, the goal has become to pass this knowledge forward, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and design skills around sustainable materials.
The workshop was carefully designed to blend learning and practical experience. It began with a set of three initial classes to introduce students to the material, its structural qualities, and its potential in various design disciplines. Following this, bamboo entrepreneur Muthuraman Sir delivered an intensive two-hour session on the practicalities of working with bamboo, providing valuable insights into its craftsmanship.
This set the stage for the five-day hands-on workshop, where students were challenged to develop and prototype individual products. The aim was ambitious: to create five products in five days, with bamboo and cane as the core materials. Although the goal of five products per student was challenging, students were able to produce three working prototypes each, an impressive feat considering the time constraints. Two skilled artisans were also present throughout the workshop to assist and guide students, helping them refine their techniques and adapt to the nuances of working with bamboo.
The materials were provided by the school, including traditional tools such as the banka (a large splitting knife) and khaamps (short sickle-shaped knives), along with power tools like drills, jigsaws, and sanders. Students were encouraged to use their creativity in integrating bamboo with other materials like mirrors, electric bulbs, threads, and wax to bring their designs to life.
All these constraints and disruptions translated to deeper learning and greater appreciation for the craft. Mentorship from artisans and guidance from faculty helped students learn not only about bamboo’s natural properties but also how to work around the challenges it presents. As the participants shared their frustrations and successes, it became clear that collaboration played a crucial role in overcoming the hurdles.
Gradually, the workshop became a collaborative effort where students exchanged ideas and techniques, supporting each other in bringing concepts to life. The ability to adapt and learn in real-time became a core aspect of their design process: this will undoubtedly prepare them for similar challenges they might face professionally further down the road.
Each student brought their own perspective to the workshop, based on their design specialization. The diversity in approaches enriched the experience, allowing bamboo to be viewed from multiple angles.
The workshop emphasized several core learning objectives, all of which aligned with the overarching philosophy of the B.Des. program at Rishihood University:
The prototypes developed were impressive, especially considering the time constraints. Some projects stood out for their innovation and practicality:
Students faced difficulties but quickly adapted, which is a key part of the learning process. While many of them initially struggled with the properties of bamboo, they soon began experimenting with the material and working creatively under time pressure. A few students even sold their products during the exhibition, demonstrating the potential for these ideas to be developed into viable market products.
Reflecting on the workshop, hands-on learning is one of the most effective ways to instil important lessons about design, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. While students initially struggled with the material’s unfamiliar properties, they quickly adapted, learning to work with bamboo in innovative and creative ways. The interdisciplinary nature of the workshop also provided a rich learning environment, encouraging students to think beyond the boundaries of their specializations.
This workshop serves as a testament to the importance of blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design thinking. It demonstrated how working with natural materials can inspire innovation, sustainability, and new ways of problem-solving. For educators, it reinforces the value of creating opportunities for students to engage directly with materials, pushing their creative boundaries while fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.
The bamboo and cane workshop aligned with the broader goals of the B.Des. program at Rishihood University—promoting hands-on learning, sustainability, and innovation. These core principles are essential for the next generation of designers, who must rise up and meet the challenges of environmental degradation head on: by creating eco-friendly solutions to save our planet.
Design students and educators must be constantly encouraged to embrace natural materials like bamboo and cane in their work. By doing so, they can challenge themselves to think more in order to solve problems efficiently, and create designs that leave behind positive environmental and societal impact. Startups focusing on sustainable materials could be the key to shaping a future that is both innovative and responsible. Through rapid prototyping and an entrepreneurial mindset, the next generation of designers can truly make a difference.
You can also be a part of next generation of design entrepreneurs and leaders and learn from such workshops during your undergraduate journey. Enroll in one of the best b design college in Sonipat, Delhi NCR now
Associate Professor- Product Design
School of Design,
Rishihood University
Our students get the following advantages after joining the BDes program:
Students can choose from product design, fashion & textile, communication design, Media & architecture.
The stages of selection criteria include:
