The Principles of Bamboo Design
Learn to design with nature's most regenerative material in our newest, hands-on, four-week course.
From bamboo basics to structural systems and 3D model-making, you'll explore the full design and build process.
Join a global learning community and bring your sustainable design ideas to life.
800+
Graduated Alumni
9.2/10
Average Review
40+
Video Lessons
15+
Downloadable Guides
What you will learn
This course dives into the tenets of bamboo design.
→ You'll be lead step by step through the design process we developed over 15+ years of building with bamboo.
→ We'll explore everything from how to create your overall concept, to developing your ideas through bamboo models.
→ Upon completing your assignments and course content, you'll receive a certificate from Bamboo U to mark your efforts and achievements!
Check out the FAQ section to learn more.
Course overview
Intro Module
Course Overview
Course Platform, Support, and Resources
M1 - Bamboo as a Material
Examine the bamboo plant on the macroscopic and microscopic scales to understand how the plant functions as a material
Understand how bamboo can be used in various forms – such as in the round pole form, as splits, and in processed forms eg. planks and laminates
M2 - The Bamboo Design & Build Proces
Understand the creative process of developing a project concept and refining it for construction.
Learn what each of the three main stages of a bamboo design & build project entail:
Defining the Project
The Creative Design Process
Construction and Handover
Learn the steps to refine a concept for your bamboo project and how to bring it from idea to reality
M3 - The Design Pillars from IBUKU's ethos
Understand the key design pillars for bamboo, according to IBUKU’s Ethos.
Become aware of the opportunities and challenges which come with developing a design.
Learn to be playful with your own design journey.
M4 - Transforming the Concept in 3 - Dimensions
Understand how bamboo models fit into to the Bamboo Design & Build Process.
Learn about the main structural systems used in bamboo design.
Learn how to build a bamboo model from start to finish.
Understand how both digital and analog design tools work in tandem to create impressive structures.
BONUS MODULE - Bamboo Design in Urban Contexts
In an interview with Thomas Heatherwick, Elora Hardy, and Orin Hardy, explore how the built environment can reflect society’s ability to change and how bamboo can be a part of that movement.
What alumni say about our online courses...
Bamboo U is the real deal. Inaara, Luis, Orin, Elora - wow, what an honor and a dream come true to learn from this all-star team of supremely talented and authentic, caring, dedicated and passionate people. Thank you for your kindness and support. Blessings and love to you all!
Amith Manjunath
🇮🇳 Architect
The genuine commitment of the facilitator and bamboo u team to the course is so exceptional, that kept me updated and gave me an honest answer to all possible queries. These online courses are a splendid opportunity for people who want to learn more about bamboo.
Angela Balayan
🇵🇭 Interior Designer
The curriculum and engagement that the online course at Bamboo U offered blew me away. My hopes and expectations were overwhelmingly surpassed. I engaged with bamboo architects, builders, designers, and novices (like me) from all over the world.
Jason Arnold
🇺🇸 Entrepreneur
I enjoyed the course and will encourage design professionals to take it as well, the information provided was very rich and I made new friends as well during the program
Abiodun Shonibare
🇳🇬 Architect
Joining in the BambooU online course has been an enlightening experience into the world of bamboo building today, and a deeper appreciation and understanding of how to work with this fantastic plant.
Dan Sala
🇦🇺 Museum/Gallery Exhibitions Designer and Installations Manager
This bamboo course is not just for architects, engineers and builders, but for one and all. Bamboo and its usefulness is everywhere around us and this course will bring you closer and more familiar to bamboo in the most comprehensive way.
Adriane Alix
🇵🇭 Architect
"A truly well-designed course outline with a lot of depth and quality to enter the creative and enriching world of bamboo building!"
Johannes Würzler
🇦🇹 Architect, Timber Construction Specialist
The Bamboo U courses have definitely changed the way I think of and approach design, especially using bamboo. It has given me valuable tools to develop a more creative and sustainable architectural practice.
Amarillo Ngozi
🇯🇲 Artist
This course felt SO worth the money! I think I will save thousands of US dollars on my final project and huge headaches now that I have this as a resource.
Stormie Kadar
🇺🇸 Business Professional
Meet Your Course Facilitators
Orin Hardy
Co-Founder
of Bamboo U
Orin’s work with bamboo is a natural extension of his interest in the environment and his work as a permaculture designer.
As founder of Bamboo U, Orin aims to inspire people around the world to choose bamboo as a viable alternative to conventional construction materials.
Elora Hardy
Founder & Creative
Directorat IBUKU
Elora is the founder and creative director at IBUKU. She designs world-class bamboo homes and structures that are changing the way we think about buildings.
She spoke at TED Global in 2015 about IBUKU's innovations in bamboo building and design
.
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 green building systems and bio-based materials, Inaara's work combines her love for sustainability, design, research, and education.
What's in it for you
By joining the Principles of Bamboo Design, you will gain access to an ecosystem of knowledge and community support!
Community Group: Meet & network with the other course attendees to share feedback and support
Expert feedback: Direct access to our team of facilitators & experts who will provide you with feedback on your assignments and answer your questions through the community group
40+ cinematic videos and 15+ extensive PDFs as downloadable resources
Bonus Content: Interview Series with Renowned Designer, Thomas Heatherwick, Elora Hardy and Orin Hardy on the Value of Craftsmanship, Nature-Centric Materials, and Emotion as a Function in Architecture.
Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course and assignments to prove your bamboo design skills
Secure your spot now.
only 6,542,992 IDR
(approx $400 USD)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I access the online course?
The Principles of Bamboo Design 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 this course 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 up to 2 hours per week for 4 weeks, which includes watching the pre-recorded content and perusing the step-by-step guides.
To complete the assignments, you may need to allocate up to 2-4 more hours per week, depending on the assignment you're working on.
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
There are no prerequisites needed for this course. However, to get the most out of this course, we recommend having at least 10mbps of download speed.
Our Bamboo U Online Platform works best with Google Chrome and Safari browsers on a desktop. However, you will also be able to enjoy the course from your phone if needed.
What’s the benefit of taking this online vs an in-person course?
The course is hosted on our very own Bamboo U Online Platform, which allows you to participate from anywhere in the world, as well as access the information any time.
You will also have the opportunity to develop your own bamboo project and will receive some feedback from the course facilitators upon your submission.
Furthermore, the knowledge is perfectly packaged, recorded and distilled in a way that is easy to digest and retain, whereas our in-person course is all about hands-on experience and less information.
Do I get the full course all at once?
Yes. The course is designed to be completed within 4 weeks, so that you can watch the course videos and complete the assignments at a steady pace in order to obtain your certificate.
How long will I have access to the content? Will the course expire?
This course content will be available to you for one year after the course ends.
Therefore, we encourage you to make full use of the course and community group while you have access. Should you wish to renew your course access, you can do so through a yearly subscription.
I’m not an architect or designer, will this work for me?
YES! This course is for anyone who is passionate about sustainable building materials, bamboo in particular and of course for those excited by the idea of building their own bamboo structure. The team of facilitators will also be available to provide you with feedback and support through the online platform.
Will I need to purchase any tools and materials?
Yes, we will send you a tools and materials list of simple items you will need for the bamboo model building sessions. These will be items anyone should be able to purchase at a large supermarket or online. The materials list is shared within the Introductory Module of the course, so you have time to gather your materials in advance.
How do you receive a course certificate?
To receive a course certificate, one must complete the three core 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.
NEED HELP?
If you want to know more about the course and 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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