Advanced design for full-culm bamboo

Bandung, 1-8 November, 2024

Course overview

This week-long workshop will immerse participants within a material-led design process using algorithmic design tools, where designs are shaped by the constraints of the natural most sustainable form of bamboo – full-culm bamboo – rather than adapting the material to suit preconceived designs.

With the campus of ITB in Bandung, Java as our base, the programme offers an in-depth exploration of full-culm bamboo as a construction material and a plant, through design exercises, physical model-making, full-scale construction and software tutorials in Rhinoceros, Grasshopper and Ladybug. A lecture series will be woven through the course covering topics from the material characteristics, the ISO22156:2021 code, harvesting, treatment, the study of locally-available species of bamboo as well as traditional and engineered construction techniques. Online participants will have access to this series of lectures and software tutorials, while onsite participants will also participate in the design exercises.

All this knowledge will inform the development of mini-projects prioritising the opportunity and constraints of the material of bamboo. The curriculum includes a field trip to bamboo structures around Bandung and in the studio the use of algorithmic tools within the design process will promote a process which utilises environmental analysis to optimise the design for full-culm bamboo balancing aesthetic considerations with that of buildability and durability.

Prominent features of the course

  • Bamboo material characteristics and principles of building with bamboo

  • Lectures to understand principles and details of bamboo joint systems for full-culm bamboo

  • Physical bamboo model-making

  • Material-led concept design process to consider the practicalities of natural materials

  • Individual and group research portfolio for a chosen context to identify latent bamboo resources

  • Lecture series of experimental bamboo constructions and the exploration of new structural applications for bamboo

  • Lectures on societal attitudes to bamboo in construction and methods to address these through architectural design

  • 1:1 scale construction with full-culm bamboo

  • A visit to a local project constructed with full-culm bamboo

  • A design portfolio which can provide advocacy for bamboo in mainstream construction

  • Detailed drawing of a bamboo structure to communicate joinery and the construction process

  • Teaching of architectural design software and their application through a generative design approach to design for full-culm bamboo.

Applications

1) You can make an application by completing the online application found under ‘APPLY’ on the right-hand column of this webpage. If you are not able to make an online application, please contact the Visiting School Office for instructions to pay by bank transfer.

2) Once you complete the online application and make a full payment, you are registered onto the programme. Please note that a deposit payment holds your place on the course but does not confirm it. A CV or a portfolio is not required.

The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £695 per in-person participant (for in-person attendance) and £360 per online participant (for online attendance to the lecture series and software tutorials). Both include a £60 AA Membership fee, payable by all participants. Please contact the Visiting School Office if you would like to join this programme online.

Fees do not include flights, accommodation, or internal local travel. Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and model making tools.

The deadline for applications is: 30 SEPTEMBER 2024.

Eligibility

The programme is open to current architecture and design students, PhD candidates and young professionals. Software Requirements: Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino (SR7 or later).

Fees

The AA Visiting School requires a fee of £695 per participant, which includes a £60 AA Membership fee, payable by all participants. Fees do not include flights, accommodation, or internal local travel. Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and model making tools.

Visas

All participants travelling from abroad are responsible for securing any visa required and are advised to contact their home embassy early. An official letter can be issued by the Programme Heads confirming enrolment onto the programme once an applicant has settled their full fees, this letter can be used when applying for a visa. Please review vaccination requirements and local health information prior to travel.

Insurance

All participants are responsible for securing their own travel and health insurance. Please ensure that your travel insurance also covers your personal belongings like laptops, equipment, tools, passport, etc. The AA takes no responsibility for lost or stolen property.