Ahmed Shabeer Pudukode

AR3596

Assembly-based system for transportable structures in bamboo.
In today’s time, there is a call for architecture to support various contexts that demand both temporality & permanence. The spontaneity of changing times has raised a requirement to the construction industry for quick and efficient erection of structures. Bamboo is a grass-type plant that has been used for generations in the construction industry, pertaining to its fast growth, structural integrity, lightweight properties and economic benefits. These properties of bamboo make it an appropriate choice for rapidly deployable assembly base structures that can cater to the recurring needs of disaster relief, housing crisis, labour camp structures etc. However, it lacks an effective connecting system pertaining to various physical irregularities, specifically in its cross-sectional profile. The existing systems of connecting bamboo use fastening methods that compromise the integrity of the bamboo, and the possibility of repeated usage, by puncturing the member. Or a general trend of high customization and fabrication is seen in projects dealing with this challenge, which is only a viable option in some contexts with respect to technological advancements. Regarding the temporality of these structures and the need for repeated assembly over its lifetime, the packing and handling of these systems is key to their efficiency. This study proposes the design of a rapidly deployable assembly-based system for bamboo structures.