Materiality and Architecture Ecologies : A study of the Living Root Bridges in Meghalaya through materiality and post-pastoral perspectives.

This essay examines the integration of architecture in nature, focusing on the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya, as a study to explore the relationship between humans, materials, and the environment. The Living Root Bridges, constructed by the indigenous Khasi community using tree roots, offer insight into a sustainable architectural approach where vibrancy of material and ecological integration are central. The study addresses how human-material relationships influence architectural design and its capacity to blend with surrounding environments, drawing on the theoretical framework of materiality to discuss agency and function. Furthermore, the essay situates the Living Root Bridges within a post-pastoral context through the poetry of Khasi poet Kynpham Sing Nongkynrih, exploring themes of environmental degradation, cultural identity, green colonialism and ecological exploitation. By examining the Living Root Bridges, the essay highlights the significance of these bridges in the context of both local identity and broader environmental discourse, highlighting the complexities of human-material relationships in architectural ecologies.