Course overview
This eight-day workshop brings the AA, ITB, and CEPT, together to engage with the opportunities of bamboo in Indian construction. The workshop immerses participants in a materials-led design informed by 1 to 1 construction, using full-culm bamboo.
Through hands-on experimentation and collaborative design, the course emphasises algorithmic design thinking – developing logical strategies to explore and optimise bamboo structures. Participants will engage in physical model-making, small-scale construction exercises, and design explorations informed by environmental and structural considerations. A highlight of the programme are the series of lecture events, featuring speakers from India and outside, to discuss barriers to bamboo in construction, cultural perceptions, and strategies for mainstream adoption all set within the local challenges and species availability.
Lectures and discussions will cover bamboo material characteristics, standardisation challenges, code documents such as ISO 22156:2021, and traditional and engineered joinery systems. The workshop culminates in small-scale construction and group work, with individual research portfolios.
Prominent features of the course
Hands-on experience with full-culm bamboo and joint systems
Algorithmic design thinking for material-led processes
Environmental and structural optimisation with tutorials in Grasshopper and Ladybug
Physical model-making and small-scale construction
Lecture series on bamboo standards and species within the context of India
Exploration of societal attitudes and policy frameworks for bamboo adoption
Networking opportunities with global experts
Fees
A non-refundable £60 deposit is required from all applicants upon application and will be deducted from the total fees below:
£835 — Standard Programme Fee (including a 1-year AA Digital Membership worth £60)
£715 — AA Member Fee
£620 — AA Full-time Student and AA Staff Fee
£720 — Fee for Full-time students of Melbourne University (including a 1-year AA Digital Membership worth £60)
Fees do not include flights or accommodation, but accommodation options can be advised (though the AA, ITB, nor CEPT, can take responsibility for the accommodation chosen by participants). Participants need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and model making tools. Please ensure this equipment is covered by your own insurance as the AA takes no responsibility for items lost or stolen at the workshop.
Participants must bring laptops and model-making tools.
Eligibility
The workshop is open to current architecture and design students, PhD candidates and young professionals. Software Requirements are as follows: Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino (SR7 or later).
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 Visiting School Office confirming enrolment onto the programme once an applicant has settled their full fees, this letter can be used when applying for a visa.
Insurance
All participants are responsible for securing their own travel and health insurance. Please ensure that your travel insurance also covers your personal belongings i.e. laptop, equipment, tools, passport etc. The AA, ITB, and CEPT take no responsibility for lost/ stolen property.
