In 2024, following a rare flowering, a large number of bamboo stalks were available in the Botanical Garden of the Technical University of Darmstadt.

In the design studio the participants first harvested the bamboo together with civil engineering students (Prof. Knaack/ISMD) and then developed structural details on a 1:1 scale. Prof Simon Poppinga from the Botanical Garden and Prof. Karola Dierichs von der Weißensee Kunsthochschule und Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfacesconsulted the students on biomechanical properties of Bamboo.

Working individually, the architecture students used this technical and material-specific knowledge to design a meeting place, a pedestrian bridge, and accommodation for researchers directly in the Botanical Garden of the Technical University of Darmstadt.

Digital technologies were used in the design to enable precise work with the natural and irregular material. Stalks were scanned in 3D and connection details were 3D printed. Computer-based design methods and simulations were used to explore the performance of the material and make optimal use of it in the design.

by Alessandro Garruto

The building embodies a parasite in the botanical garden, visually adapting to, integrating into, and complementing its surroundings.

It was inspired by the phylum of flatworms, which includes both colorful marine flatworms and parasitic leeches. These parasites perfectly adapt to their surroundings with their color, structure, and shape. Similarly, the roof structure is tailor-made to fit into the location, complementing it with the help of parametric design methods.

The dynamic design language provides the perfect basis for a curved bamboo structure, which has been optimized through customized grid densification. Under the unifying roof structure, tiny houses, learning bubbles, and other recreational facilities are designed that activate the location without damaging it.

This creates a place that harmoniously combines nature, architecture, and human use.

by Amy Mae Thiele

„THE LEAF PAVILION IS A TRANSLATION AND ABSTRACTION OF THE APPEARANCE OF AN AUTUMN LEAF INTO A STRUCTURAL SPACE.”

In autumn, the leaf withers and transforms from a flat to a wavy shape. Scaled up and abstracted to human proportions, and with a newly developed construction, the Leaf Pavilion seamlessly blends into the landscape of the Botanical Garden in Darmstadt thanks to its organic form.

This pavilion combines multiple functions: a new bridge in the leaf stalk, a canopy for events, and a research accommodation at the leaf tip. The zoning of the spaces follows the modelled intercostal fields in the floor plan, ranging from public to more private areas.

Constructively, the pavilion’s form, optimally adapted to the Botanical Garden, is implemented using a bamboo structure in the Lidi-Bundle Shoe system. This approach allows for customized bamboo components to transform the leaf shape into a new spatial form. The leaf veins form the primary structure, with a Lidi-Bundle truss providing additional static height where needed.

by Danijela Mitrovic

Inbetween Bamboo is inspired by the bamboo path in Darmstadt Botanical Garden and transfers the characteristic properties of bamboo to the design of the space. The towering bamboo stems, which lean towards each other at the top, create a natural spatial structure that conveys protection and security. The dense arrangement of the leaves reinforces this feeling and creates an intimate, organic atmosphere.

Bamboo stalks vary in size, height, and thickness, which is a key factor in the design's form. This natural diversity has been integrated into the design to create a dynamic and lively architecture. To intensify the connection to nature, a light membrane-like roof is used, reminiscent of the experience of sleeping in a tent and poetically dissolving the boundaries between architecture and nature.

by Nicolas Spitzer

The Twin Arc system emerges from the combination of two concepts: THE ABSTRACTION OF A LEAF SHAPE AS A ROOF AND THE UTILISATION OF BAMBOO WITH ALL ITS NATURAL PROPERTIES AND ITS POTENTIAL AS A BUILDING MATERIAL. The smallest resulting system component, the “Twin Arc”, consists of two Lidibundle shoe arches that meet at a single point. By aligning system components, it becomes possible to design various spaces tailored to specific locations or requirements. This allows for the creation of individual shelters and bridges as well as large pavilion solutions, all while remaining adaptable to harvesting periods. The main Twin Arc pavilion is located at a large intersection in the northern part of the Botanical Garden, while further south, a pavilion for drying bamboo poles and a bridge can be found.

by YoonJee Chang

The Bamboo Atrium in Darmstadt Botanical Garden is a retreat for researchers who want to work surrounded by rare, exotic plants and experience them intensively. The curved bamboo roofs and open courtyard create a harmonious connection between architecture and nature. Strategically placed openings create a play of light and shadow offering an unique experience of the surroundings. The sustainable bamboo structure is not only functional but also aesthetic—it supports the building while blending harmoniously into the landscape. In this way, architecture itself becomes part of nature, enhancing the feeling of tranquility and inspiration. It is a place that invites you to experience nature through sight, sound and touch.

by Moritz Schmidt

The vision of “Lidi-Split” is to create a completely interconnected bamboo structure through the botanical garden in Darmstadt. The Lidi bundle, bound by name, serves as both the supporting structure and as the aesthetic foundation of the design.

The ability to combine flexibility with stability makes it possible to design complex curved structures from the simple Lidi bundle. The design delves deeper into the properties of splitting.

by Nawal Aziz

The Living Pavilions are based on the versatile properties of bamboo, offering flexible, sustainable spaces for living, research and learning. Their design seamlessly integrates with existing structures while making optimal use of the natural surroundings. The parametric roof adapts to the tree structure, ensuring an aesthetic harmony with nature. A central skylight maximizes natural light, creating a healthy and inviting atmosphere. This results in sustainable, adaptable spaces that align with both nature and the needs of their users.

by Seyma Nur Atay

The “Mystery Box” concept is inspired by the cross-section of bamboo. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the load-bearing outer area of the bamboo, which appears very dense and solid, actually contains many micro-spaces. Like bamboo, the design appears very closed and simple from the outside, but offers a surprising and organic atmosphere inside that transports visitors into a completely different world. The architecture, created by assembling many bamboo stalks, is reminiscent of the inside of a bamboo cave inside. With its mysterious sculptural form, the BespokeBamboo design becomes part of the exhibition at the Darmstadt Botanical Garden.

by Iryna Andriyenko

This project explores the unique properties and functions of bamboo while also researching ancient, traditional construction methods—in particular, a very old joining technique known as the ‘Rödelstabverbindung’.

The result is easy-to-build structures that can be built collaboratively and are composed of reciprocal modules. This type of structure utilizes the forces in a network of rods that support each other, making it particularly stable and efficient. The connection methods and the special characteristics of bamboo were further developed in this design using computer-aided design, employing an algorithm.