Learning by Making with Bamboo: A Design-Build Approach to Low-Carbon and Sustainable Architectural Practice in Pakistan

Abstract

This research delves into the potential of engaging academia to introduce the concept of bamboo construction and the use of indigenous building materials through sustainable pavilion design studio exercises for undergraduate Architecture students under the title of "Learning by Making: Bamboo Pavilion Design as a Pedagogy for Sustainable architectural Education." It primarily encourages the introduction of the use of bamboo, hailed as the green steel of the 21st century, for its rapid growth, structural stability, and wide availability within the construction industry at the early stage of architectural education. The study aims to inculcate in students the value of ecological design, indigenous materials, and sustainable design practice within urban landscapes. The research methodology involves design-studio exercises engaging students in pavilion designs, along with physical execution, while exploring bamboo as an indigenous material, employing traditional techniques of joinery and lashing. Two architectural schools in Pakistan, located in Abbottabad and Karachi, served as practical sites for implementation of pavilion designs with bamboo. Undergraduate students in their second year of architecture were tasked with designing pavilions spanning 100-200 sq ft, emphasizing contextual sensitivity, innovation, and functionality. Different site selections, such as under tree shadows, in a parking lot, and within a courtyard, emerged as stimulating aspects, inspiring creative conceptualization and execution. Each student's design and model underwent individual assessment, whereas selected models were executed at full scale within campuses. The conclusion underscores the critical importance of hands-on practice, learning by making and a do-it-yourself approach, and the integration of ecological considerations into architectural endeavors at the early stage of architectural education. This research significantly contributes to fostering community engagement and accessibility within architectural design, particularly in South Asian countries. Furthermore, the design execution serves as a blueprint for the revival of indigenous materials and techniques, providing a pathway towards low-carbon emission shelters and setting a benchmark for future sustainable architectural practices.