Mind Tool and Matter- Synergies in Digital Fabrication and Bamboo Craftsmanship

Bamboo is widely used as a construction material in many places across the tropics, presenting a viable approach to locally-sourced, sustainable resource usage. Colombia has a well-established tradition in craftsmanship and design, preserved in a legacy of vernacular and contemporary architecture. This research project studies the limitations and potentials of large culms of bamboo (Guadua) for its use in mainstream architectural design and construction. The thesis aims to integrate digital design and fabrication technologies into existing workflows to aid and enhance craftsmanship and design. This research project proposes an innovative low-cost digital fabrication (CNC) machine which, through an integrated workflow, enhances the possibilities of innovative design, fabrication and application of bamboo buildings in mainstream contemporary construction. This proposed methodology of design to construction can support a wider use of bamboo through intermediate technologies, empowering communities with small to medium-sized industrial solutions, encouraging sustainable social and economic growth. Overall, it is argued that bamboo can contribute to the aims of a circular economy and to meeting the UN's sustainable development goals.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Year dc:date

2021

Author dc:creator

• Assis Rosa, Ricardo Manuel

Contributors dc:contributor

• Vellinga, Marcel

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/13r6-vg62

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:73a2cb31-faac-4dd4-9707-2730ed6c8774:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1