Nestled beneath a canopy of trees, The Hungry Caterpillar reimagines the food street as a playful, immersive ecosystem—where nature and built form intertwine. Inspired by the quiet beauty of a caterpillar nestled in its cocoon, the space invites students into a world that feels both safe and vibrant. Here, sustainability is not an afterthought—it is the very foundation. Every curve, material, and module reflects a conscious effort to create a space that is light on the planet yet rich in experience.
The bamboo canopies, crafted by Jans Bamboo, with structural design by Atelier One, mimic the geometry of folding leaves, curving in two directions to form expressive, lightweight gridshells. Spanning up to 19 meters, these low-impact structures use slender bamboo woven at 45-degree angles and are topped with crushed bamboo mats for natural shading. Jurian Sustainability helped resolve the architectural detailing.
The kitchens—modular units 3D-printed in concrete by Micob Pvt. Ltd.—offer a low-waste, energy-efficient alternative to traditional construction. These precise, prefabricated elements reduce material usage while enhancing thermal insulation, supporting eco-conscious operations.
The furniture, designed by Placyle, is made entirely from recycled plastic waste, transforming everyday pollution into functional and durable seating.
More than just a food hub, this street is a living symbol of how design can nurture curiosity, community, and environmental responsibility. A fusion of tradition and technology, it invites visitors to pause, explore, and connect—with food, with nature, and with one another.
Apoorva Shroff, Founder and Principal Designer of Lyth Design, says, “This structure is constructed entirely from bamboo and sits in harmony with its campus surroundings, yet feels sculptural and immersive. What better way to talk about and teach design than by creating a space that says it all—and more?”
