In the 29th episode of the Next Generation #ThinkBamboo Podcast, Silvanus Nangolo, a previous exchange student at The RheinMain University of Applied Sciences in Germany, delves into his bamboo journey.
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Video Quick Links
[00:01] Introduction and Background
[00:42] Studying Architecture in Namibia and Germany
[03:23] Attending the Bamboo Seminar in Mozambique
[06:16] The Importance of Knowledge and Bamboo Cultivation
[08:05] Sustainability and Green Practices in Germany
[09:07] The Future of Bamboo in Namibia
[13:23] Water Harvesting and Bamboo in Namibia
[20:01] Bamboo in Germany and Namibia
[23:14] Working with Bamboo and Bamboo Furniture
[26:18] Connecting Bamboo and Bamboo Joints
[28:26] Building a Bamboo Pavilion in Germany
[33:14] Recommendations for Future Bamboo Architects
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Introduction Next Generation
New podcasts series called: “NEXT GENERATION” ThinkBamboo Podcast, featuring the younger generation mostly students. The goal here is to tap into their brains and get a better idea of their motivation and challenges within the professional bamboo world.
In this very first NEXT GENERATION episode, Silvanus Nangolo, an architecture student from Namibia, shares his experiences studying architecture in Namibia and his discovery of bamboo during an exchange program in Germany. The exchange course at The RheinMain University of Applied Sciences was called Klimagerechtes Bauen “Design build-Climate oriented Construction”. And this is where they built a bamboo pavilion structure from scratch which was subsequently dismantled and then rebuilt the Unique Bamboo Pavilion for the European Bamboo Expo 2023 in Dortmund, Germany.
European Bamboo Expo
The Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences (HSRM) showcased its experimental bamboo slat girder pavilion at the “European Bamboo Expo” 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. The concept was developed in the winter semester of 2022/23 and practically implemented in a design-build workshop during the current summer semester. The interdisciplinary team comprises 26 students from multiple faculties, exchange students from various partner universities, and international auditor students who joined HSRM specifically for this project.
Silvanus is set to graduate as an Architectural Technologist from the Namibia University of Science and Technology in April 2024.
He discusses his participation in a bamboo seminar in Mozambique and the importance of knowledge on bamboo for sustainable construction. Sylvanus also highlights the potential of bamboo in Namibia and the need for water harvesting techniques. He shares insights on building prototypes and furniture with bamboo and offers recommendations for future students interested in architecture and bamboo.
Exploring Bamboo in Architecture
Embarking on the journey of studying architecture unveils a vast array of subjects to explore, among them, the innovative integration of bamboo in sustainable construction practices.
Addressing Environmental Challenges
Bamboo emerges as a beacon of hope in addressing critical environmental challenges. It serves as a formidable solution for erosion control. Additionally, it implements efficient water management strategies.
Bamboo: A Versatile Building Material
Bamboo transcends its humble origins through techniques and methodologies. It becomes a multifaceted and elegant building material. It seamlessly blends aesthetic appeal with robust structural integrity.
Embracing Exploration in Architecture Education
Encourage aspiring architects to explore diverse sectors and topics within the field. Unlock the boundless potential of bamboo and its applications in architectural design for sustainability and innovation.
