Exploring the potential of bamboo as a didactic alternative construction material : "living school" for the community of Tongova Mews, Tongaat.
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Date
2017
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Abstract
There is a current trend in architectural design of being conscious of the global environment
and how this connects locally to a particular building site, especially in the selection of
materials. Being a renewable and versatile resource, bamboo provides a cheap and effective
solution as a construction material. Bamboo can be a rapid and continuous source of
resources that can assist rural communities within developing countries using every part of
the bamboo plant. Additionally bamboo has the benefit of being an agent of reforestation
and positive socio economic empowerment.
This research explored the process and usage of bamboo as a construction material. Global
examples of bamboo structures were explored, examining how this material is used from
structural details to intricate form-making. Furthermore, biological properties of bamboo
were assessed through collected samples by the researcher to conceptualize details for the
making of the 'living school'.
The 'living school' is a development in which the spaces constructed out of bamboo would
become an example of tectonic assembly, allowing communities to see the assemblages of
parts to inspire experimentation in order to expand upon their knowledge of creating spaces
using this material. The building could become a didactic tool for teaching of the potential of
bamboo without formal instruction. This research will focus on how construction
technologies could speak for themselves and transmit knowledge in a passive manner rather
than by active methods of formal instruction to teach and transmit knowledge.
Description
Master of Architecture. University of the KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2017.
Keywords
Theses - Architecture.