Prototyping of Bamboo connections to inform design through details
The aim of the research is to inform design through details and making of its constituent parts. The research selects bamboo as a primary material and probes into various possible connections (with the same and different materials); thereby developing a completely new inventory of bamboo connections. The study looks at bamboo as a construction material and various ways of connecting bamboo and other materials. In doing so, it closely investigates the shaping potential of the material and its compatibility with the geometries of different materials. The weakness of bamboo is addressed, and potentials are harnessed in amalgamation with a set of materials. Through models, sketches, and drawings, the study prepares a base for prototyping and essentially explores and devises an entire inventory of bamboo connections that can inform varieties of geometrical forms and constitute almost all possible building systems. Prototyping and making of these components will aid in construing the intricacies ·of connection behavior, material handling, tooling, and force articulation; eventually leading to tacit knowledge. Prototyping further allows us to dwell deeper into the understanding of material behavior, they are coming together in a system, the serendipitous discoveries of making process, and foremost, the stability of a connection. Various iterations of connections help compare the performance and stabilities amongst these joints.
Drawing these, connections on paper or its three-dimensional visualization can merely contribute to testing their significance. Moreover, their presence on the flatness of paper hardly tells anything about the stability, behavior, and performance. It is only through the making of these connections, we realize the efficiency, feasibility, and testing. To visualize architectural compositions that are governed by these connections. As we say Architecture and design lie in details, enhancing details to enhance the design. Ultimately, derive a union of mind, hand, and body that inform and are informed by the making process.
