Meghalaya: Living root bridge of Mawlynnong awarded grant by the Graham Foundation

The prestigious Graham Foundation, known for promoting ideas in architecture, art, and culture, has awarded the project a grant totaling USD 559,100.

This annual grant program, based in Chicago, received an impressive 500 submissions from around the world and has chosen to fund the works of 92 talented creatives, including architects, designers, curators, filmmakers, and writers, reported TheShillong Times.

Among the recipients is Design Emergency's YouTube channel, which streams interviews featuring leading architects, engineers, and designers who are making a positive impact in various fields and regions.

The interviews, conducted by renowned individuals Paola Antonelli and Alice Rawsthorn, offer a personal perspective on the professionals' work. They share valuable insights derived from both successes and failures, along with their future aspirations.

The interviews not only showcase practical examples of architects tackling significant challenges, but also highlight the utilization of new technologies and ancient indigenous design practices.

Design Emergency's YouTube channel serves as an invaluable resource of information and inspiration for the architecture and design communities, particularly for students, as it delves into the multifaceted aspects of the field.

By bridging the gap between architecture and the public, the channel successfully demystifies the often complex nature of the profession. It effectively demonstrates how architecture is actively contributing to the construction of a better future.

Paola Antonelli, the senior curator in the Department of Architecture & Design at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, and Alice Rawsthorn, an esteemed design critic and author based in London, have played crucial roles in conducting these enlightening interviews.

Antonelli's work encompasses the exploration of design in its various forms, while Rawsthorn champions design's potential to address intricate social, political, and ecological challenges.

Having previously worked as a foreign correspondent for the Financial Times and authored a globally syndicated design column for The New York Times, Rawsthorn brings a wealth of expertise to the project.

The recognition of the living root bridge of Mawlynnong and the grant provided by the Graham Foundation serve as a testament to the project's significance and its contribution to the architectural and cultural landscape.