Nirmal Kumar

Agro
Form


Carnegie Mellon University
Shaping Environments 
Fall ‘24
Instructor - Dana Cupkova


           Agricultural waste—coconut fibers, jute, and banana peels, has long been discarded, overlooked, and burned, contributing to environmental harm. These materials are often considered byproducts, too abundant or difficult to process for reuse. Disposing of them through burning or landfilling releases harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases, exacerbating environmental degradation. However, these abundant natural resources hold significant potential to transform the built environment. By reimagining agricultural waste, we can replace carbon-intensive materials with sustainable alternatives. Coconut and jute fibers, known for their tensile strength and flexibility, can form durable, carbon-efficient frameworks. When combined with natural plasticizers like agar, glycerol, and coffee grounds, these fibers create resilient networks capable of supporting future structures. Banana peels, woven into translucent panels, provide more than structural support—they invite light and air, creating experiential spaces that connect us to nature in ways synthetic materials cannot.



As our prototype took shape, a new vision began to emerge—one where materials and life merge seamlessly. The fibrous structures of coconut and jute form vertical, tree-like arches, providing a flexible yet stable framework. These structures support banana peel skin panels, which feather outward to create dynamic, living facades. These skin pockets were further imagined to hold embedded seeds, which decompose over time, giving way to plants that grow, replace, and renew the structure. The coconut and jute fibers continue to provide lasting stability, while the growing plants contribute to biodiversity, enhancing the environment. What began as a solution to reduce waste and carbon emissions has evolved into a self-sustaining system—materials that regenerate naturally, creating a continuous cycle of growth, renewal, and balance with nature. This integration of materials and plants defines AgroFORM, where architecture itself takes shape as a living organism, blurring the lines between the the built and natural world.



©Nirmal Kumar
2027