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

Course Curriculum

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.

Download Full Program

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to design with bamboo, creating bamboo model from concept to structure.

Architects

Integrate bamboo into your projects by learning the priciples of bamboo design.

Students/Beginners

Start from the fundamentals and build a strong foundation in your bamboo design.

Sustainability Enthusiasts

Discover how natural materials as alternative to conservative buildings.

Construction Professionals

Add bamboo into your project by learning the principles of bamboo design.

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.

Past Students' Projects:

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.

Enroll now

By joining the Principles of Bamboo Design, you will gain access to an ecosystem of knowledge and community support!

PREMIUM COURSE

The Principles of Bamboo Design

FINAL PRICE USD $400

IDR 6,542,992 Approx

ONE-TIME PAYMENT

5 Module course of premium content

BONUS Content: Interview Series with Thomas Heatherwick

Ideal for beginners

Lifetime access

Future updates included

Direct support from the instructors

Downloadable handouts

Certificate of completion

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.