The project, named The Great Rhinoceros Gate, is located in the unique geographical region of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. Designed and constructed by STUDIOARO, the building is inspired by the majestic rhinoceros bird and is crafted entirely from locally sourced bamboo and sugarcane. Positioned at the entrance of the new airport, it serves as a symbolic gateway that bridges the rich culture and traditions of the region with the modern world.
When Arunachal Pradesh announced the construction of a new airport for its capital, the local community greeted the news with great enthusiasm. Historically, Arunachal Pradesh was an inland region, somewhat isolated from the outside world until recent times. This new airport plays a vital role in connecting the area to the broader global community.
Arunachal Pradesh is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, home to numerous tribes and sub-tribes, each with unique myths, customs, and arts.
Arunachal Pradesh is also a renowned biodiversity hotspot, hosting thousands of species of animals, plants, and insects, many of which are endemic to the region. Bamboo holds a special cultural significance here, with numerous varieties of bamboo and sugarcane found throughout the area. Traditional homes are still built using bamboo, which remains integral to daily life.
The gate itself is designed in the shape of a two-headed rhinoceros bird, its wings stretching across the entrance and exit roads. This design allows visitors to witness the majestic bird as they enter both the airport and the state.
The structure covers an area of 2,500 square feet and features 26 interlocking arches, each spanning 38 feet wide and 25 feet high, collectively forming the silhouette of a large hornbill bird. This remarkable project has been celebrated by Indian media as the largest public building constructed entirely from natural materials in India.
Chief architect Aroty Panyang, a native of the region, shared her thoughts on the project: “When our firm was invited to design and construct the boarding gates for the airport, we were thrilled by the opportunity. We take immense pride in delivering such a landmark project for our community.”
“Airports symbolize flight, and since the inspiration for the first airplane came from the flight of birds, we aimed to integrate these elements into our design.”
The Great Rhinoceros Bird is Arunachal Pradesh’s national bird and is known for its distinctive features. We conducted detailed studies of the bird’s characteristics, morphology, and flight patterns. Its prominent beak, large body size, and expansive wingspan are the most striking traits, all of which have been thoughtfully incorporated into the gate’s design.
Through this project, we aim to highlight this beautiful bird species and contribute to the preservation of it and other endangered species worldwide.
Moreover, by constructing such a large modern building using bamboo and sugarcane, we aim to redefine the use of these traditional materials within local communities. While concrete and steel have become dominant building materials worldwide, bamboo remains one of the most sustainable options on Earth.
In a region with a deep-rooted bamboo tradition, we hope this gate will inspire local people to reconnect with bamboo and its versatile potential.
Project Information
Architect: STUDIOARO
Area: 2,500 ft²
Year: 2022
Photographer: Shahul Shibili
Lead Architect: Aroty Panyang
Location: India
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