Metro Station, Bangalore
About
This BMRCL concept reimagines Bangalore metro stations with low-embodied-energy materials, converting tunnel excavation waste into construction blocks for circular use. Inspired by Rangoli motifs, the design creates green public spaces under a lightweight woven bamboo lattice roof that shelters platforms, concourses, and flows while filtering daylight across long spans.
Bundled, split, and woven bamboo forms a grid shell supported by masted pylons housing services; BMCS roofing replaces metal cladding. Compressed earth blocks and debris-based high-strength blocks build ancillary walls and paving, prioritizing local, low-processing resources.
Green pockets, water features, porous surfaces, BIPV, and closed-loop water/waste systems enhance microclimate and efficiency. Targeting major cuts in carbon and cost versus steel-concrete norms, this labor-friendly, scalable approach earned RTF Awards 2017 (Transportation Terminal-Concept) for vernacular, waste-driven infrastructure resilience.
Location: Bangalore, India
Project Type: Transportation Terminal / Competition
Client: Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), Government of Karnataka
Award: Second Prize - RTF Awards 2017
Project at a Glance
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Primary/Low-Energy Materials
Bamboo; compressed earth blocks; reused construction debris and tunnel-excavation waste; local stone and mud.
Use of excavated debris converted into high-strength blocks to reduce landfill and embodied energy.
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Natural Ventilation
Lattice roof and green pockets provide passive cooling and pollution mitigation; small water features to moderate humidity.
Renewables & Systems
BIPV for onsite energy; closed-loop water and waste systems proposed for self-regulation.
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Foundation
Bamboo columns and woven members with local anchors; ancillary structures in waste-made blocks.
Structure
Woven bamboo lattice / grid shell and masts supporting lightweight roofs; bamboo pylons housing circulation cores.
Fabrication
Traditional bamboo weaving techniques adapted into an engineered grid matrix for high strength-to-weight performance.
Roofing
BMCS (Bamboo Mat Corrugated Sheets) proposed as a low-impact roof cover alternative.