A university food hall in Haryana is showing how green building can look. ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ at Ashoka University runs on 3D-printed kitchens and recycled furniture.

Architect Apoorva Shroff of Lyth Design created the 650-square-metre pavilion. A sweeping bamboo canopy shades the entire food street.

The kitchen stalls were 3D-printed in concrete by Micob of Ahmedabad and assembled on site. Printing cuts material waste compared to normal construction.

Tables and chairs were made from recycled plastic by Playcycle. The treated bamboo used in the structure locked away about 350 tons of carbon dioxide.

The project won Sustainable Design of the Year at the Aces of Space Design Awards 2025. It was also showcased in the Dezeen Awards 2026 APAC round.

Students use the space to eat, meet and study. The design shows that low-carbon materials can shape everyday campus life.

The bamboo canopy keeps the food street cool without air conditioning.