Bamboo Eye Pavilion, a clear example of sustainability and ecology

INBAR BAMBOO EYE PAVILION

INTRODUCTION
Bamboo and Rattan are amazing products of Nature ready to be used for Landscape, Architecture, Design, Interiors. Both materials are clear examples of sustainability, of ecology and in today’s environmental crisis are an important resource for architects, designers and for the construction industry. The Garden for INBAR at the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition is an amazing opportunity to explore, innovate and communicate the potential of these unique products of Nature: bamboo and rattan. Bamboo is been chosen by ONU as an affective natural based solution for arresting Climate Change as it contributes to 6 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

CONCEPT / VISION
Our starting idea is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional concept of “a Pavilion in the Garden” by fusing the Pavilion into the Garden, creating one single element: Garden-Pavilion, where architecture, botanics and landscape melt into each other. Furthermore, the structure, which detaches the garden soil from the ground, is made of natural round pole bamboo, a perfect product of Nature that best integrates the values of Ecology, Community, Nutrition and Beauty. Interiors are made of Bamboo and Rattan.

The objective of our proposal are the following:
- to represent as it best INBAR, the main International Organization to help the development of Bamboo and Rattan for inclusive and green development;
- to demonstrate innovative Bamboo and Rattan applications;
- to promote the use of Bamboo Rattan with a contemporary language;
- to push forward the studies and definition of the international construction codes for bamboo structures;
- to innovate both in architecture and landscape design as an answer for sustainable development;
- to inspire from contemporary Art and from the beauty of Nature to develop a new contemporary architectural language using Bamboo and Rattan.

GENESIS
The functions are under the Garden, under the bamboo arches, starting from the entrances / exits to the INBAR main space, connecting one side to the other of the area with a free flow open space. Interior and exterior spaces fluid into each other to enhance the feeling of being in a Garden. Natural light filters into the spaces in a magical way through the “cuts” in the Garden and the handcrafted bamboo weaving. The Atrium is the central main space where the Exhibition is located; this space is the demonstration of the innovative use of curved round bamboo poles in large-scale architecture. The geometry of the Garden and Pavilion are intimately connected to each other.

CONSCIOUS DESIGN
Bamboo is the world's most carbon-absorbing plant, therefore, the use of this material in is natural features in a building is an important decision as the introduction of natural materials in the construction process has a much less negative impact to the Environment and creates healthy and friendly spaces to live in, becoming a connection between Man and Nature. Our idea is to use this powerful plant as the main structure, 32-meter bamboo span arches, without knowing we achieved the largest bamboo structure in the North of China!
Inside INBAR Bamboo Eye Pavilion, people can directly feel the natural light inside the exhibition space, and the natural light shines through the bamboo weaving to the interior. The ceiling is handmade with bamboo; this is an attempt to apply traditional Chinese handicrafts to large-scale buildings. Therefore, this provides a familiar and welcoming environment for local people.
The INBAR Garden Pavilion conscious design sustainable strategy is not only the use of its materials, but also the use of intangible natural materials such as: natural light for the interiors, acoustic control through the use of soil and plants on the roof and the bamboo weaving ceiling, and natural ventilation through the upper openings supported by a correct orientation. It is probably the only Pavilion in Expo with no air conditioning! The combination of non-renewal energy saving strategies and the use of natural materials together with a conscious construction process are, from my point of view, crucial for assuring a future of our Planet.