Tools & Resources for Free
Mission: Help individuals, businesses, and organizations in developing countries to design with bamboo to its potential.
Bam-Bridge: The 10-Steps Construction Method
(English)
These are the instructions of how-to-build a 9.5m bridge made out of Moso Bamboo in rural Hubei, China. The construction system is known in Germany as the "Fish Beam", which is a technique learned in Colombia from German Bamboo builder, Jorg Stamm.
Deciding on Bamboo or Steel Scaffolding as Building Material in Rural China: The Area X Project
(Peer-reviewed article in English)
Although bamboo is an abundant resource in rural China, it is still rejected by villagers for architectural applications. The Area X project intended to use local bamboo as the building material but villagers chose steel scaffolding instead. Why was that? This article describes the whole decision-making process, detailing important insights on environmental consequences of such decisions.
The Wing Pavilion: A Participatory Action Approach to Bamboo Architectural Research in Chinese Universities
(Peer-reviewed article in English)
Tradition and modernity merged as a unit. The Wing Pavilion project was conducted by inexperienced students in China, utilizing a participatory action approach to bamboo architectural research. The technical solution reflected a Western functionality with an Asian essence. This article describes the whole design-to-construction process, detailing important case studies on the subject.
'Bamboo: The Gift of the Gods'. By Oscar Hidalgo Lopez.
(English)
Finally, it is a public domain book. If you had to read only one bamboo book in your life, this is it. For many, it is considered the 'bible' of bamboo. If you have it, you have to share it. Although it was published in 2003, it is still the more complete document on bamboo. Definitely a high-value PDF file.
PDF:
Leverworks: one principle, many forms
(English/Mandarin)
PDF Book:
Reciprocal structures can be defined as "mutually supporting and self-connecting lever structures". The variations of many other properties as changing parameters generate the richness of the possible forms that this type of structure can take.
The Role of Architecture during the Bamboo Tech-Transfer China to Mexico: Direct Implication in Rural Tourism
(Peer-reviewed article in Chinese 中文)
Can Mexico lead the bamboo industry in the Americas? Yes, but only after becoming an INBAR member. Despite the ideal market conditions and ecologic potential, the Federal government of Mexico has overlooked for decades the possibility of bamboo as a competitive international industry. This article describes the current status of the Mexican bamboo industry, detailing the procedure to transfer the technology from China.
PDF:
El Inesperado Rol del Modelo a Escala en la Arquitectura con bambú
(Spanish)
PDF Presentation:
During seven years in China, we developed a type of bamboo architecture that responds exclusively to the unique mechanical properties of this material. This presentation discusses how to accelerate technology transfer through scale models. The topic is explained through stories of real projects carried out between 2016 and 2019 in China.
YouTube:
El inesperado Rol del Modelo a Escala en la Arquitectura con bambú
(Spanish)
The model-making approach to bamboo architecture has been the main methodology to design and build bamboo architecture in China for the last 8 years. Learn the findings after practicing architectural design in challenging environments.
YouTube:
Bambú aquí y en China
(Spanish)
Hot tips on how to connect more with China regarding bamboo technology transfer. All you need to know to establish new relationships with the Chinese Industry. Here you will learn about the path to follow in order to legally study or work in China regarding bamboo topics.