Digital Design for Bamboo
The Digital Design for Bamboo online course is an innovative online course that bridges natural building materials with industry-standard digital tools.
Through the course content, you will learn how to harness the power of digital design tools such as Rhino, Grasshopper, V-Ray, and the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Enroll in the course today to transform your ideas from concepts to intricate, buildable structures.
25+ Lessons of Premium Content
Step-by-step tutorials to learn the fundamentals of each software
Downloadable handouts and digital files to boost your learning
Community of bamboo enthusiasts from across the globe
Support from the Bamboo U Team
FULLY self-paced, lifetime access
Skill Level
Beginner
Lessons
25+ Video-Based Lessons
Certificate
On Completion
Language
English
(with downloadable transcripts to translate into any language!)
What is the Digital Design for Bamboo Course?
Course Curriculum
This course dives into the fundamentals of using digital software to design bamboo buildings.
→ Which digital tools are used in the bamboo design and build process and demonstrate how they are applied to full-scale structures
→ Step-by-step tutorials to learn how to use various digital modeling and design software, including Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, and the Adobe Creative Cloud
→ Upon completing your assignments and course content, you'll receive a certificate of completion from Bamboo U to mark your efforts and achievements!
Check out the FAQ section below to learn more.
Course overview
M0 - Introductory Module
In this module, we go through what you need to know before taking this online course. This includes what you'll learn about in the course, as well as how to receive support from the Bamboo U team and fellow course participants in the platform.
M1 - Bamboo in the Design Process
In this module, we look at how the bamboo architectural design process works. This includes important structural systems that we use for bamboo construction, as well as the steps that form part of the design and build process.
M2 - Digital Design & Bamboo
Once you understand the basics of the bamboo design process, it's time to understand how digital design tools are incorporated. In this module, we explore key digital tools used for the architectural design process, how they aid in crafting bamboo structures, and how these tools are applied on a full-scale.
M3 - Putting Design Tools Into Practice
Once you understand the key tools used for bamboo architectural design, it's time to learn how to use them! Here, we explore the main software we use for designing with bamboo - namely, Rhinoceros 3D and its parametric design plugin, Grasshopper. After the tutorials, it's time to get hands-on! You'll get your first assignment here, where you'll have the opportunity to design your own bamboo structure.
M4 - Developing Your 3D Designs
Once you've got the hang of using 3D-modeling softwares, it's time to visualize and present your ideas. In this section, we focus on using V-Ray to take renderings of your models, by applying textures and adjusting the environment to create a scene. We then take these visualizations and bring them into programs which form part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, to successfully organize and present your work.
BONUS Module - Physical Modeling and Bamboo Design
In this bonus section, you will receive insights from members of the IBUKU Design team as to how they incorporate physical bamboo models in the design process. IBUKU Studio is a world-renowned design firm based in Bali, who have been pioneering methods of designing and building with bamboo for over 15 years. Through incorporating physical and digital modeling as part of their the design process, IBUKU has successfully designed over 200 incredible structures across the globe.
M6 - Conclusion Module
Finally, in this section, we wrap up the course and your learnings. The final assignment is also shared during this section.
This course will turn you into:
A Confident Digital Designer
By learning the principles of Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper, you'll gain the skills to transform your ideas ideas into precise, buildable structures.
You’ll learn how to incorporate digital workflows into your design process that let you explore, iterate, and refine bamboo designs with ease.
A Better Visual Communicator
From renderings of your projects taken in V-Ray to presentation boards made in Adobe InDesign, you’ll learn how to share your ideas in ways that inspire clarity and evoke trust.
With clear and well-crafted visuals, you will ensure your ideas are heard, trusted, and brought to life.
A Future-Driven Creator
By bridging natural materials with industry-grade digital design tools, you’ll be at the forefront of sustainable architecture.
You’ll discover how to merge craft and technology, positioning yourself to create structures that are modern and innovative, yet grounded in nature.
What you will learn:
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Structural Systems for Bamboo
&
How the Design Process Works
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Parametric Design
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How to visualize/present your work
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More Than Just Lessons
A Community of Bamboo Enthusiasts
When you enroll, you become part of an international community of architects, designers, sustainability enthusiasts, and makers, that are passionate about bamboo. Within the course platform, you’ll be able to connect, share progress, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Many participants collaborate on full-scale bamboo projects after meeting during our online or in-person courses.
Lifetime Access
Once you enroll, you will have unlimited access to the course and any updates to it. Go through the content at your own pace and revisit the course whenever you would like to review the material.
Downloadable Digital Files!
When you join the course, you’ll get more than just the tutorials and video lessons. You’ll also receive Grasshopper scripts and PDF handouts that make the content easy to follow and give you the tools to push your skills further.
More Than Just Lessons
A Community of Bamboo Enthusiasts
When you enroll, you become part of an international community of people passionate about bamboo. Within the course platform, you’ll be able to connect, share progress, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
Open to Beginners
This course is open to beginners in the realm of digital design. In this course, you'll learn key features of multiple software, from Rhino and Grasshopper to V-Ray and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Lifetime Access
Once you enroll, you will have unlimited access to the course and any updates to it. Go through the content at your own pace and revisit the course whenever you would like to review the material.
Downloadable Digital Files!
When you join the course, you’ll get more than just the tutorials and video lessons. You’ll also receive Grasshopper scripts and PDF handouts that make the content easy to follow.
Requirements
To get the most out of this course, you'll want to have the following software downloaded and meet the requirements.
Here's a quick checklist of what's required.
Software
You'll want to download the following software, so you can follow along with the step-by-step tutorials:
Rhinoceros 3D: Commonly known as Rhino, this is the most versatile modeling software used in architectural design, including for bamboo. It can be downloaded from the McNeel Group HERE.
Vray for Rhino: To take renderings of your 3D Model, you'll want to download Vray for Rhino. It can be downloaded from Chaos Group HERE.
Adobe Creative Cloud: Used across the realm of design, this software package will come in handy for editing and presenting your visualizations. In this package, we'll be using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Download the Creative Cloud HERE.
Other Requirements
Basic computer literacy
Computer/Laptop (Windows or Mac) with at least 8GB RAM (Windows, with 16GB RAM is recommended for smoother performance, but NOT required).
Mouse for ease of navigating software (recommended).
Stable internet connection to access the course and follow along with the tutorials.
No prior digital modeling experience or design experience is required, as this course will teach fundamentals.
Requirements
To get the most out of this course, you'll want to have the following software downloaded and meet the requirements.
Here's a quick checklist of what's required.
Software
You'll want to download the following software, so you can follow along with the step-by-step tutorials:
Rhinoceros 3D: Commonly known as Rhino, this is the most versatile modeling software used in architectural design, including for bamboo. It can be downloaded from the McNeel Group HERE.
Vray for Rhino: To take renderings of your 3D Model, you'll want to download Vray for Rhino. It can be downloaded from Chaos Group HERE.
Adobe Creative Cloud: Used across the realm of design, this software package will come in handy for editing and presenting your visualizations. In this package, we'll be using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Download the Creative Cloud HERE.
Other Requirements
Basic computer literacy
Computer/Laptop (Windows or Mac) with at least 8GB RAM (Windows, with 16GB RAM is recommended for smoother performance, but NOT required).
Mouse for ease of navigating software (recommended).
Stable internet connection to access the course and follow along with the tutorials.
No prior digital modeling experience or design experience is required, as this course will teach fundamentals.
Who is this Course For?
This course is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to use digital modeling tools to translate your ideas from concepts and simple sketches into intricate, modern structures that you can build at full-scale.
Architects
Learn to integrate bamboo into your projects using cutting-edge digital tools.
Students/Beginners
Start from the fundamentals and build a strong foundation in digital design.
Sustainability Enthusiasts
Discover how natural materials and modern technology can work hand-in-hand to bring your ideas to life.
Construction Professionals
Add Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, rendering skills, and MORE to revamp your workflow and expand your toolkit.
Note: This course is for people STARTING their digital design journey.
In the course, we walk through the fundamentals of Rhino, Grasshopper, V-Ray, and the Adobe Creative Cloud. It’s designed as a strong foundation, rather than an advanced deep dive. If you’re further along in your skills, consider whether this foundation-level course is right for you.
Flexible Learning with Full Support
This course is designed to be self-paced, so you can learn whenever it suits you best.
But you're not on your own!
The course community group is the perfect space to reach out to the Bamboo U Team and members of your course cohort.
Whether you're stuck on a tricky topic or just need a bit of extra guidance, our team is available to assist you.
What Alumni Say about our Online Courses...
Meet Your Course Facilitators
Luis Echeverría
General Manager at
Bamboo U
Luis is a Mexican architect with a decade of expertise in bamboo construction, winner of international architectural competitions in Hungary, India, China and Chile.
He is passionate about education and sustainability, integrated into modern esthetics with eco-building practices.
Inaara Thawer
Head of Content at
Bamboo U
Inaara Thawer is an architectural designer, born and raised in Tanzania. She studied architecture and linguistics in the United Arab Emirates.
With her passion for vernacular building systems and bio-based materials, Inaara's work combines her love for sustainability, design, research, and education.
Kristof Crolla
Architect & Professor at
University of Hong Kong
A/Prof. Dr. Ir. Arch. Kristof Crolla is an architect and Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong (HKU).
He runs the architectural practice “Laboratory for Explorative Architecture & Design” (LEAD) and has worked on the construction of several well-known bamboo projects including the ZCB Pavilion and the Golden Moon installation.
Elora Hardy
Founder & Creative
Director at IBUKU
Elora Hardy is the Founder and Creative Director of IBUKU, a Bali-based design studio pioneering nature-integrated architecture.
Recognized by Architectural Digest and the Royal Society, she is a TED speaker who has presented globally, including at the World Government Summit.
All the above,
PLUS a Bonus Module
Learn how physical models enhance the IBUKU Design Studio's design process, which are used alongside the digital tools included in this training.
Insights from IBUKU Design Studio
Learn the simultaneous workflow of crafting physical and creating digital models to create precise, buildable structures from bamboo.
Understand how analogue models support the bamboo design process through the example of the Sharma Springs home in the Green Village, Bali.
Understand how physical models guide the on-site construction process from logistical requirements to building methods and structural accuracy.
Gain insight as to how bamboo models are used to explore concepts and test ideas in real time to refine designs and spark innovation.
Learn how model-making is central to IBUKU Design Studio’s workflow, shaping spaces that embody beautiful spatial qualities and evoke a deep connection to nature through the humble material of bamboo.
COURSE GOES LIVE:
21ST NOVEMBER 2025
Enroll Now
Gain a solid foundation in industry-grade digital design tools with specific focus on how to apply these for bamboo architectural design.
Whether you're new to bamboo design or want to boost your skills of a particular software, this course is for you!
PREMIUM COURSE
Digital Design for Bamboo
Early Bird Price: USD $399
(until 31st October 2025 - it will NEVER be this price again!)
Full Price: USD $497
(1st November 2025 onwards)
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
25+ Lessons of premium content
Step-by-step video tutorials for each software
Ideal for beginners
Lifetime access
Future updates included
Direct support from the instructors
Downloadable handouts and Grasshopper scripts
Certificate of completion
COURSE GOES LIVE: 21ST NOVEMBER 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the online course?
The Digital Design for Bamboo online course is hosted on our very own Bamboo U Online Platform.
Once the course begins, you get instant access to the Online Platform. Over 800 people have taken our online courses and the Bamboo U Online Platform is your portal to bamboo knowledge from around the world. Giving you access to bamboo experts, enthusiasts and a wealth of knowledge all in one place!
How much time will I need to put into this?
You will need to dedicate approximately 4-7 hours for the course, which includes watching the video lessons and going through the handouts. The assignments may take longer to complete, as it can take time to practice and become well-versed in the various interfaces of the softwares we explore in the course. However, the course is self-paced and can be revisited at any time.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
Since this course is for beginners, there are no prerequisites required for this course besides having basic computer literacy (ie. knowledge of how to use a computer). However, we do recommend you use a laptop or computer that has at least 8GB RAM so that the programs you will follow along with can run smoothly.
However, you will want to have the following software downloaded on your computer or laptop:
- Rhinoceros 3D
- V-Ray for Rhino
- Adobe Creative Cloud
See the section called "Requirements" above for the full list of what's needed - including links to download each software.
What’s the benefit of taking this online vs an in-person course?
The online course gives you flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere, with lifetime access to lessons and updates. It focuses on digital tools and workflows you can follow along with and apply immediately. This makes it the perfect complement for our in-person, hands-on programs in Bali.
Are translations available for this course?
At this time, the course is available only in English. However, transcripts are provided for each video, which you may translate independently using your preferred tools or services.
Do I get the full course all at once?
Yes. Upon the course launch of 21st November, you will have access to all the content in the course. The course is designed to be flexible to your schedule, allowing you to watch the course video lessons, peruse the handouts, and complete the assignments at your own pace in order to obtain your certificate.
How long will I have access to the content? Will the course expire?
This course content has lifetime access. This includes access to the course content and the community group to be able to interact with fellow participants.
I’m not an architect or designer, will this work for me?
YES! This course is for anyone interested in learning how to digitally design with sustainable building materials, especially bamboo. It’s perfect for those excited to design their own bamboo structure using industry-grade digital tools but unsure where to start. Plus, our team of facilitators will be there to provide feedback and support through the online platform.
Will I need to purchase any tools and materials?
Yes, the "Requirements" section indicates that you will need a computer or laptop to follow along with the course tutorials, as well as the specific software you will need to have downloaded.
How do you receive a course certificate?
To receive a course certificate, you must complete the assignments and all the course content.
Each month, the facilitators will go through the assignments and conduct progress checks of all participants. Once you complete the course content and assignments, you'll be awarded with a certificate. In case there are any issues with your certificate or haven't received one as yet, please reach out to us at [email protected] and we will provide you with the support you require.
Need Help?
If you want to know more about the course or require any further assistance from our
team, do not hesitate to reach us through the helpdesk.
Helpdesk Hours:
Monday - Friday 09.00 - 16.00 (GMT+8)
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