Beginning of Analysis

Conventionally a building material of tropical climate regions in Asia and South America, bamboo’s popularity is gaining momentum among architects of the Northern hemisphere as well. Especially in an era of limited resources, it’s hard to deny bamboo’s renewability and abundant availability, even harder when it stands in the same league as concrete (see Image 3.1). Architects and engineers have notably stretched its applications in the recent past and now it can even shape wide span bridges. This effort, however, appears somewhat lacking, considering the short of international recognition, which poses obstruction to designers. The lack of codes and standards kept them away from bamboo, even from expressing fondness for bamboo as building material. Although this situation was fractionally cured  in 2000 when the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) passed the “Acceptance Criteria for Structural Bamboo”, bamboo still remains unappreciated. But as one could guess it was precisely the unsatisfied society that refuses to give in just yet.

Image 3.1

Concrete Block

When facing matters not fully understood, mankind spontaneously put on their skeptical and prejudiced attitudes. They didn't know what to expect and these feelings eventually turn into doubt. Changing mindset is unquestionably the first step to acceptance. Apparently, concrete has earned itself a sturdy reputation that cannot be toppled easily; bamboo on the other hand has an awful image as an obsolete material. It is thus obvious why the public aren't convinced after all that are done.

Unlike the past, building materials today underline sustainability, accompanied with affordability, safety and aesthetic. If any one of these requirements is not met, the material wouldn't last. Bamboo is a plant with such special properties, architects believed it could be the missing puzzle piece to answer Malaysian's modern-day complications in fields beyond architecture – the relentless shrinkage of rainforest, effective economic support in low-cost buildings development, and the ever longed national identity. It is interesting to note that bamboo can easily satisfy all four mentioned fundamental concerns. What’s seemingly left undone is persuading the public.