Building a Bamboo Umbrella Lamp

I began the project by sketching a simple idea and consulting with Mokko, our station master carpenter, to identify the appropriate bamboo species for each component. Different bamboo varieties were chosen based on factors such as thickness, strength, and color. For instance, Gigantochloa hasskarliana was selected for the movable part, Phyllostachys aurea locally called bamboo pancing (because it is been used for fishing rods) for the core part, Gigantochloa atriviolacea for the base, and bamboo sticks for the flaps.

The process commenced with the building of a small prototype to understand the mechanism. Subsequently, I crafted the hyperbolic flaps using bamboo sticks and elastic bands. The core part, movable parts, and base were then meticulously constructed using a knife, chisel, and hammer.At last, all the pieces were assembled using the fishing string.

The most challenging aspect of this project was the need to determine the entire mechanism and dimensions within a tight timeframe of just 4 days. I aimed to keep the design as simple as possible, emphasizing manual operations using the available tools, materials, and time constraints. Overcoming this challenge was made possible with the valuable assistance from Moko and other skilled carpenters.

Witnessing the various pieces come together and observing the mechanisms in action, even if not achieving the intended perfection, proved to be the most rewarding part of this project.

As a designer with no prior knowledge of bamboo as a material, embarking on the journey of building this small lamp and, in the first place, enrolling in this course has unveiled an entirely new and different material to me. It has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and a unique set of skills to learn and explore.

The most captivating aspect of crafting this lamp was discovering how different bamboo species could be employed to construct various parts of a product or building, contingent upon the specific requirements of thickness and strength. It truly fascinates me how a single material can possess such a diverse range of qualities, each varying from species to species.

I believe that gaining hands-on experience with bamboo is one of the most crucial aspects for anyone seeking to learn about this material. With over a thousand varieties, many of which are yet to be explored, practical engagement becomes essential to learn about the potential applications of bamboo.

I would advise individuals considering joining this course to make the most of their time during the program and thoroughly enjoy the entire duration.