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Tensegrity Pavilion Constructed From Local Bamboo With Integrated Educational Spaces

Authors:
Pablo Santamaria varela, Isabella Ponton, Aaron Ginsburg
Tensegrity Pavilion Constructed From Local Bamboo With Integrated Educational Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing a tensegrity structure crafted entirely from locally sourced bamboo, the pavilion integrates educational spaces within the serene environment of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, inviting visitors to engage with both nature and cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses a tensegrity structure that minimizes material while maximizing strength and flexibility.
02
Constructed entirely from locally sourced bamboo, emphasizing sustainable practices.
03
Incorporates educational displays about bamboo’s ecological and cultural relevance.
04
Designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the bamboo grove.
05
Features a circular observation area that enhances visitor engagement with the environment.
The Arashiyama Viewpoint is an architectural project situated within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, Japan. This pavilion serves as an observation point and educational facility, designed to engage visitors with the surrounding natural landscape while highlighting the significance and versatility of bamboo as a sustainable material. The project aims to create a space that balances aesthetic appeal with ecological considerations, offering a unique experience that integrates architecture with nature.

Innovative Use of Bamboo
A key aspect of the Arashiyama Viewpoint is its innovative use of bamboo, which is both a structural and decorative element within the design. The pavilion employs a tensegrity framework that utilizes bamboo struts combined with a tensioned cable system. This method minimizes material usage while maximizing structural efficiency, creating an open and airy environment. Unlike traditional wooden or steel pavilions, the tensioned design promotes a lightweight structure that harmonizes with the surrounding bamboo grove. This attention to materiality not only respects local resources but also emphasizes bamboo’s role in Japanese culture, demonstrating its adaptability in modern architecture.

Visitor Engagement and Educational Focus
The pavilion's design promotes visitor engagement through interactive elements. It includes designated areas for educational displays regarding bamboo's history, its diverse uses, and its ecological benefits. By incorporating these features, the project fosters a deeper understanding of the local environment among visitors. The circular observation space encourages immersive experiences, allowing guests to appreciate the bamboo forest from within an open framework. This direct interaction with nature distinguishes the Arashiyama Viewpoint from other architectural projects, as it combines functionality with educational outreach in a manner that is both intuitive and informative.

Overall, the Arashiyama Viewpoint embodies a thoughtful approach to architecture, emphasizing sustainability, community involvement, and cultural heritage. For further insights into the project, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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