BAMBOO Consruction Workshop @Chiang rai

Year  : 2022
Photo : Bamboosaurus
On October 9th-10th, 2022, at Pa Sang Na Ngoen Village, Chiang Rai Province, the Bamboosaurus team participated in an educational activity for the community. This village belongs to the Akha ethnic group and is located near the Thai-Myanmar border. The community is rich in bamboo, hence the name Pa Sang Na Ngoen, meaning ‘Silver Bamboo Forest Village.’
The activity was part of the main project named ‘Yumma Cha’ for the Akha people. The project originated from the idea that bamboo was extensively used in the past for various constructions in the community, such as tables, chairs, and houses. However, with the advent of modern synthetic materials with longer lifespans, traditional bamboo knowledge has gradually faded.
Given the abundant bamboo resources in the community, the project aimed to:
  1. Present knowledge on extending the lifespan of bamboo.
  2. Demonstrate proper bamboo construction methods.
  3. Explore further benefits derived from bamboo.
The project aimed to provide an alternative for the community, encouraging cost savings and minimizing environmental impact by reintroducing bamboo as a valuable material compared to synthetic alternatives.
The entire activity was divided into two parts:
  1. Building Activity:
    • Participants engaged in constructing a life-sized bamboo structure, demonstrating proper construction methods without the use of synthetic materials like steel or cement.
    • Basic hand tools such as knives and saws were used, emphasizing natural and sustainable building practices.
  2. Purpose and Conclusion:
    • The construction of the temporary bamboo structure was completed within a single day, showcasing the team’s efficiency and the material’s potential.
    • The achievement emphasized the closeness between people and natural materials.
Through this activity, the team successfully conveyed the message that bamboo, as a material, can be versatile and used without unnecessary complexity, aligning with individual preferences and needs.
Photo Process :
Video :
The inauguration of the Pingpai Building, where ‘ping’ signifies ‘lean’ and ‘pai’ denotes ‘bamboo’ in Thai, signifies our connection and dependence on bamboo, mirroring our way of life. This multipurpose building serves as a showcase of village wisdom.
After conducting numerous workshops with the villagers, we have set our sights on a larger goal. We have educated them on working with bamboo models, allowing them to comprehend the physical models we’ve designed. Teaching them the techniques of treating bamboo has empowered the villagers to utilize this versatile material in constructing our buildings.
Not only have we instructed them in bamboo treatment, but we’ve also imparted knowledge on bamboo construction techniques. In return, the villagers have graciously shared their wisdom with us. Through this collaborative exchange, we’ve embarked on the journey of building alongside the village’s way of life, enduring various seasons – rain, winter, and summer.
Through the exchange of knowledge and experiences, we have learned invaluable lessons, enriching the building process. The culmination of our efforts results in a structure that reflects the collective contributions of all involved.