DigitalBamboo. Algorithmic design with bamboo and other vegetable rods

Algorithmic design software is widely acknowledged as a tool to manage complex design tasks and to enhance material optimization, structural performance, ergonomic needs or similar aspects. The present paper investigates how these tools can be applied to projects that use an important amount of non standardised, natural materials. The use of renewable and locally sourced materials is becoming mandatory if we accept the challenge of providing an appropriate built environment for a growing world population. A special focus is given to vegetable rods such as giant reed and bamboo. Building tradition provides uncounted examples of how humankind employs natural fibres to erect or ornate its shelters. Some of them can inspire new uses to be applied in contemporary architecture. The aforementioned digitally controlled design processes are normally meant to feed so-called computer aided manufacture processes. Such methods generally need highly standardised materials. The use of renewable materials in such a framework is often impossible due to intrinsic irregularities of natural resources. Can this gap be bridged? The present paper illustrates the design-and-build technology DigitalBamboo thought to conciliate the two realms of natural building materials and algorithmic design control. The method has been conceived for experimental projects made of Italian bamboo in the form of strips but can be applied to other vegetable fibres or rods and to other geographical contexts. The investigated technology includes appropriate communication tools to bridge the divide between designer and builder. The illustrated technology is based on manual assembly of digital data and includes ways of transposing geometric entities into topological textures, physical nodes and structures.