course: Exploring organic geometry with bamboo (phase I – design)
role: lecturer
collaboration: Mansur E. Arevalo and Tacuara Diseño em Bambú
talks: Camila Dutra, Urabá del Sol Ponzone (Tacuara Diseño em Bambú)
location: San Rafael, Colombia
date: from 25 Feb to 19 Mar 2023

about the course

In recent years, the rise of computational tools has led to the emergence of architecture characterized by free and organic forms, creating an intriguing field that has facilitated their conception, optimization, rationalization, and fabrication. While highly efficient, this symbiosis between form and manufacturing often required specialized knowledge that was not easily accessible.

This workshop introduced various methods in Rhino and Grasshopper for designing and constructing organic geometry with bamboo. Topics covered included reticular membranes, grid shells, form-finding, bamboo construction techniques, and related subjects.

Over the first four days, basic parametric design concepts in Grasshopper were explored, which could be applied to other creative processes across various scales and contexts. We examined how visual programming with the Rhinoceros and the Grasshopper plugin enhanced the design process by enabling the modelling of surfaces and meshes as a foundation for generating reticular membranes and bamboo structures.


example of exercises

Pabellon Bamboo Estudio Zuo
Exercise inspired by Tacuara’s works
Exercise inspired by Félix Candela + Bird Nest

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