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Embracing Destiny: Empowering Bamboo Journey From Germany To Africa And Back

In the 31th episode of the Next Generation #ThinkBamboo Podcast, Jane, formerly a student at the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences in Germany, delves into her bamboo journey. Through her experiences, Jane illuminates the transformative potential of bamboo in sustainable construction practices, offering insights into building materials and shaping a greener future.

See Video Podcast Interview

Video: ThinkBamboo Podcast with host JJ and Jane former student in Germany

Video Quick Links

[00:01] Introduction and Background
[03:10] Bamboo Construction & Cultural Heritage
[07:23] Bamboo in Different Regions and Building Techniques
[08:19] Bamboo as a Sustainable Solution in Rural Areas
[11:09] Bamboo Seminar in Mozambique
[12:03] Developing a Bamboo Construction Kit
[13:29] Bamboo in Mozambique and Potential for Change
[18:54] Adaptable System for Bamboo Construction
[25:21] Personal Growth and Engagement with Bamboo
[33:24] Recommendations for Getting Involved with Bamboo

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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.

Introduction: Beginning of the Bamboo Odyssey

In this NEXT GENERATION episode, Jane Glissmann, shares here experiences studying built heritage and architecture in Germany, her impressions and learnings during various exchange programs/on-site seminars, on the African continent. One of the courses she was inscribed at the The RheinMain University of Applied Sciences was called Klimagerechtes Bauen “Design build-Climate oriented Construction”. 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.

The Faculty of Architecture and CivilEngineering at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences (HSRM) presented its experimental pavilion made of bamboo slat girders at the ”European Bamboo Expo” 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. The concept for the pavilion was developed in the winter semester of 2022/23 and practically implemented in a design-build workshop in the current summer semester and now built for the expo in Dortmund. The interdisciplinary and international team is made up of 26 students from multiple faculties, exchange students from various partner universities and international auditor students who came to HSRM especially for this project.

Join us as we delve into the stories of individuals like Jane, a former student at The RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, who embark on a journey to unlock the green potential of bamboo in sustainable construction. Jane just finished here Masters at the Hochschule RheinMain in cultural heritage protection / conservation and building in the existing, which is closely operated with the masters of architecture.

First Encounters: A Touch of Bamboo

During her academic years, Jane stumbled upon bamboo’s extraordinary properties. This serendipitous encounter sparked her fascination and set the stage for a deep dive into sustainable building materials.

Guiding Lights: Bamboo Mentors and Courses

Under the tutelage of Professor Sascha Luippold, from The RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Jane delved deeper into the realm of bamboo. His guidance illuminated her path, shaping her understanding of bamboo’s sustainability and its role in climate-friendly construction.

Sustainability Unleashed: Bamboo’s Environmental Promise

Jane advocates for bamboo as a cornerstone of sustainable construction. Its rapid growth, low environmental footprint, and carbon sequestration capabilities make it a champion in the fight against climate change.

Global Perspectives: Bamboo’s Reach Across Continents

From Africa to Germany, Jane explores the diverse landscapes where bamboo holds promise. She emphasizes the need to reshape perceptions of bamboo in Africa and highlights its potential to revolutionize construction practices worldwide.

Adobe and Bamboo in Mozambique
Empowering Communities: Bamboo’s Impact in Mozambique

Innovative Solutions: The Birth of a Bamboo Construction Kit

Inspired by her experiences, Jane spearheads the development of a bamboo construction kit. This innovative approach aims to democratize bamboo construction, making it accessible to all.

Navigating Challenges: Bamboo’s Road to Acceptance
Despite its benefits, bamboo faces hurdles in Germany. Jane sheds light on the challenges and underscores the importance of collective action in overcoming resistance to change.

The Future Beckons: Bamboo’s Evolution
Jane envisions a future where bamboo takes center stage in the building sector. Its versatility, strength, and sustainability make it a frontrunner in addressing the climate crisis.

Personal Reflections: Growth Through Bamboo
For Jane, working with bamboo transcends mere construction—it’s a journey of personal growth and cultural exchange. Each bamboo project is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and innovation.

Building Bridges: Bamboo’s Role in Sustainable Development
Jane underscores the importance of bamboo qualifications and recommends courses to those eager to delve into this green revolution. She believes that by equipping oneself with knowledge, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Parting Words: Embracing Bamboo’s Promise
As we bid farewell to Jane, her words linger—a gentle reminder of bamboo’s untapped potential. Let us heed her call to action and embrace bamboo as a catalyst for change in the quest for a greener tomorrow.