Agrictecture

Cave Urban has been working in collaboration with Dr. Helen Norrie of the University of Tasmania to explore the notion of Agritecture through the Vietnam Bamboo Project.

In Vietnam, bamboo is traditionally used as part of a hybrid system of construction, predominantly as secondary structure or infill, with hardwood employed as the primary structure. However, the reduced availability and increasing cost of traditional hardwood framing, presents new opportunities for bamboo construction. In parallel, understanding bamboo agroforestry as part of a farming strategy, highlights the environmental advantages of bamboo soil for remediation, water filtration and land stabilisation. Working with farmers to marge traditional and contemporary building techniques, prototypes for bamboo cattle shelters and agroforestry practices highlights the value of local supply chains of bamboo as an economic and environmental resource, particularly in remote and regional locations.

The project partners with existing agricultural programs to develop prototypes for low-tech hybrid construction systems that can be self-built by communities and draw on vernacular traditions and local material resources. Working directly with communities provides a context through which the most appropriate architectural solution may be determined. This process considers materiality as part of an economic, ecological and social supply chain, providing a holistic understanding of the impacts of material choice and construction techniques.