In Kohima, the Capital city of Nagaland, people say that Bamboo and Belho go hand in hand — and they might just be right. One may wonder what this means. Well, meet Richard Belho, a leading advocate of bamboo, who champions its sustainability and benefits. Bamboo, abundant in the Northeast, grows rapidly, maturing in just three to five years, making it a highly renewable resource compared to the slower-growing timber.  Bamboo is easily found all over the Northeast, with 46 species growing in Nagaland alone, 28 of which are endemic. Belho has mined this opportunity by promoting the use of bamboo in construction. Bamboo is a vital building material for the indigenous people of the region. In addition to its use in construction, it has been an integral part for ages in handloom weaving, bamboo crafts, and broom-making, showcasing the community’s skill in creating sustainable, handmade products.

Belho’s journey highlights how bamboo can drive meaningful change while preserving cultural heritage. After graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from BMS College in Bangalore and working with renowned architects, he returned to Kohima in 2002 to found ZYNORIQUE. This innovative firm blends modern architectural techniques with traditional Naga craftsmanship, emphasising on bamboo-based and eco-friendly construction.

Belho’s commitment to using bamboo reflects his dedication to both sustainability and cultural preservation. His work demonstrates that bamboo can be used as a practical and eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials, fitting seamlessly into Nagaland’s unique landscape and mitigating the risks of natural calamities. This dedication earned him the Bamboo Pioneer Award from the World Bamboo Organisation in 2010 and the Naturenomics Award from the Balipara Foundation in 2015, recognizing his contributions to bamboo construction and its broader economic and ecological impacts. His work extends into community development through The Green Caravan, which promotes organic farming and supports local entrepreneurs. These accolades, along with the Young Designer Award from Indian Architect & Builders Magazine in 2012, affirm Belho’s impactful fusion of tradition and innovation in fostering sustainable development and preserving cultural heritage.

In a freewheeling chat with NE Stories, Belho talks about his inspiration behind ZYNORIQUE, the current state of architecture in the Northeast and his ongoing projects.

What does the name ZYNORIQUE signify, and what inspired you to start this venture?

ZYNORIQUE's inception takes us back to 2002. The name holds special significance, formed from a fusion of ‘Zyn’ (Design), ‘Ori’ (Original), and ‘Que’ (Unique), symbolising unique original design. The inspiration behind starting this venture was the need for skill development, promoting entrepreneurship, and preserving cultural heritage of Nagaland. The journey began with a commitment to equipping the local youth with professional skills for self-reliance, and it continues to evolve, driven by a passion for sustainable development.

On one end of the spectrum, we are an architectural consultancy firm specialising in bamboo construction in addition to conventional architecture. On the other end, we focus on skill development and capacity building aimed at making the youth self-reliant. 

What were the initial challenges? What motivates you to keep on going?

The initial challenges included limited resources, awareness, and lack of infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, the motivation to empower the local youth and contribute to sustainable development fuelled the journey. The response in Nagaland to bamboo architecture has been positive, as it aligns with the region's eco-friendly ethos and has gained recognition as a viable building technique. Most importantly, I must give credit to the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), Government of Nagaland and our then team leader, (Late) Norman Putsure who was a visionary and a mentor. Also, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, who was instrumental in establishing NBDA and framing the Bamboo Policy of Nagaland, supported us. Without these critical support, development of bamboo as a sustainable material would be an impossible dream. We were given platforms and support for infrastructure, as well as funds to execute our projects.

How do you balance modern and traditional architecture? How do you maintain local architectural traditions while enabling development?

Architecture at ZYNORIQUE encompasses both modern and traditional elements, balancing functionality with cultural relevance. There are similarities between modern and traditional architecture, such as focus on aesthetics and functionality. While occasional conflicts arise, ZYNORIQUE strives for harmony between the two, creating designs that blend modern amenities with local identity.

Why do you focus on bamboo architecture? Do you also use other materials? 

We emphasise on traditional architecture, particularly through bamboo, for its sustainability and cultural significance. While bamboo is a focal point, we also incorporate other eco-friendly materials to uphold our commitment to sustainability. Unlike a designer who mainly focuses on aesthetics and functionality, an architect delves deeper into socio-cultural, socio-economic, and sustainability issues. Architecture involves a broader perspective, including adaptability and resilience in the face of climate change. Therefore, I see myself as an architect, not just a designer, dedicated to these multifaceted dimensions of design.

 Could you briefly talk about some of your eco-friendly projects?

The Bamboo Pavilion at Naga Heritage Village is one of my first projects covering almost 20,000 sq. ft of area. Then, I designed the NE States Pavilion and also the Main Hall at the Agri Expo Bamboo structure. Also, I have worked on projects such as the bamboo market in Kohima, Chapru, Wild Duck, FIFA Cafe, and our Zynorique office. Bamboo architecture has gained considerable traction in the Northeast due to its sustainability and adaptability to local conditions. The material’s resilience and low environmental impact make it a viable option for construction in a region prone to natural calamities like earthquakes and floods.

Which government initiatives are you involved with? How do you collaborate with various government departments?

ZYNORIQUE collaborates with various government departments through consultancy, partnership, and collaborative initiatives. We work with Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency, DUDA Department, Urban Development Department, and more, contributing architectural expertise to governmental projects. We even work with the Agriculture Department on organic agriculture and related activities.

Can you explain how The Green Caravan combines organic farming with architecture? How does it preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainability?

The Green Caravan is dedicated to advancing organic farming and market linkages, playing a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and traditional practices. It supported initiatives such as Amazon Saheli workshops and home delivery services during the pandemic, and serves as a provider for 10 Farmer Producer Companies under MOVCDNER.

The intersection of architecture and organic farming highlights the importance of sustainability, which begins with food. Integrating cultural heritage into sustainable design involves understanding how traditional agricultural practices and local plant knowledge inform architectural projects. By applying architectural principles to farm design, including water management, sunlight optimization, and wind flow, The Green Caravan ensures that these projects not only support environmental sustainability but also honour and preserve cultural practices integral to the community.

And how is bamboo architecture perceived in Nagaland? And perhaps, in the region?

Bamboo architecture is gradually gaining traction in Nagaland in particular and the Northeast as a whole, indicating potential for growth and development. There is also a huge demand for structural bamboo and skilled workers of Nagaland in mainland India. The government’s focus on infrastructure development and cultural preservation has created opportunities for architects. Projects supported by various government departments such as the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency and urban development initiatives are expanding the scope for architectural professionals. These initiatives not only promote regional growth but also offer employment opportunities for architects involved in public and community-focused projects.

Overall, architecture in Nagaland and the Northeast is witnessing a positive shift towards sustainability and cultural preservation. Our efforts reflect this trend and contribute to the region's architectural development. For instance, the architectural community in the Northeast is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices. There is a strong emphasis on using local materials like bamboo, and integrating eco-friendly construction techniques. This shift is not only a response to environmental concerns but also aligns with the region’s traditional building practices that have long utilised natural resources. Architects and designers in Nagaland and the Northeast are working to preserve and incorporate indigenous architectural styles and cultural elements into modern designs. This approach ensures that new structures reflect the region’s unique heritage and traditions, fostering a sense of identity and continuity amidst rapid development. While there is progress, the region faces challenges including limited infrastructure, inadequate resources, and a need for increased awareness about modern architectural practices. These challenges can impede the growth and adoption of innovative design solutions.

Our future vision primarily is focused on any activity that restores and revives the environment and this includes from water management to afforestation. To achieve this, we need continued focus on skill development, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. Over the next decade, our organisation aims to expand its impact, further empowering communities and promoting sustainable design.

The future of architecture in Nagaland and the Northeast holds promise, with increasing awareness and appreciation for sustainable and culturally relevant designs.