# Living Bridges Cherrapunji's Root Passageways Prove Eco Design Isn't New By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2009-08-09 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cherrapunji-living-root-bridges References: [rootbridges.blogspot](http://rootbridges.blogspot.com/2009/08/blog-post.html) The living root bridges in Cherrapunji, India are proof that sometimes the best [eco designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roots-collection-1) are centuries old. Indeed, it's thought that some of these living bridges, which are made from the *Ficus elastica* tree, are well over 500 years old. Cherrapunji, India is noted for its insanely wet atmosphere, and long ago the War-Khasis tribe in Meghalaya used the [secondary roots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treevive) of the *Ficus elastica* tree to make these living root bridges. Check out the beauty of age-old eco design in the gallery and video above. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco Design:** Exploring centuries-old eco designs like the living root bridges in Cherrapunji, India can inspire innovative and sustainable architectural solutions. - **Natural Infrastructure:** Incorporating natural materials and elements into infrastructure development, such as using living trees to create bridges, can lead to more resilient and environmentally-friendly solutions. - **Traditional Wisdom:** Drawing upon ancient indigenous knowledge, like the War-Khasis tribe's use of tree roots, can provide valuable insight for creating innovative and sustainable designs. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture and Design:** Architects and designers can learn from the living root bridges in Cherrapunji to develop eco-friendly and visually stunning structures. - **Infrastructure Development:** Engineers and urban planners can explore the possibilities of integrating natural elements into infrastructure projects to enhance sustainability and resilience. - **Cultural Preservation:** The preservation of indigenous practices, such as the War-Khasis tribe's use of living root bridges, can be a source of inspiration for eco-conscious tourism and cultural preservation initiatives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sheltered Timber Chinese Bridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fw-ji-covered-bridge-on-aqueduct.md) - [Sustainable Growth Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treesoil.md) - [Tree-Like Library Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-of-knowledge.md) - [Bamboo Forest Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-rainforest-pavilion.md) - [Eco-Friendly Rainforest Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mandai-rainforest-resort.md) - [Plant-Based Guesthouse Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rooted-potential.md) - [Sculptural Pedestrian Bridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asiatdarse.md) - [Biophilic Mountain Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-prakriti-biophilic.md) - [Timber-Framed Coastal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timber-residence.md)