Bamb’upyog : a bamboo ecological construction, learning and exhibition centre

Abstract

The title Bamb’upyog is a combination of two Hindi words, bambu (which translates to bamboo) and upyog (which translates to application, or utility). This research project explores the possibility of applying bamboo as a primary material in architecture.

The proposed design is for an ecological construction, learning and exhibition centre, located in Mumbai, India. The facility is a complex of three distinctly different buildings, dedicated to experimentation, innovation, demonstration and promotion of sustainable construction. The project investigates how such a facility can be constructed by predominantly using bamboo. The Centre is necessary because the current, carbon intensive building practices in India are not sustainable in the long term.

Bamb’upyog begins by investigating bamboo as a material, its characteristics, advantages and socio-cultural implications. Current knowledge, use of techniques and similar objectives of showcasing the true potential of this ‘green gold’ are some of the important characteristics reflected in the precedents. The array of precedents yielded a selection of possible construction systems and details. The investigated precedents, coupled with existing information, are significant to the research in providing strategies and guidelines for design. The site and its analysis, and the program development led to organising the site in the form of a campus with three key buildings- a Learning Centre, a Workshop and an Exhibition Centre.

The intention is to change the public perception of bamboo. The goal of the ecological centre is for developing communities to gain and disseminate knowledge and skills for optimising the use of locally sourced materials in a sustainable, socially acceptable and culturally appropriate manner.

Project site: Mahim Nature Park (MNP) in Mumbai, India.