Fish-Joy Bamboo Pavilion is an open exhibition hall with a floor area of approximately 280 square meters. The features of bamboo, often described as “possessing color of gold and mildness of jade” by Chinese people, are reflected through the bamboo-made building with an abstracted outline of fish, conveying the concept of “celebration with gold and jades” (In Chinese language, “goldfish” has a similar pronunciation with “gold and jades”) and extending best wishes for the coming Yangzhou Expo and the development of bamboo & rattan industry in a way full of Chinese characteristics.
During the Expo event, the pavilion, regularly used for exhibitions, will also serve for events of INBAR (International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation) Garden, such as news release and reception. The pavilion will be preserved after the event for promoting bamboo buildings.
Features of Bamboo: Environment-friendly and Flexible
As the major exhibition space of INBAR for 2021 Yangzhou Expo, it’s well-reasoned to choose bamboo as its material.
Easily obtained, renewable and fast-growing, bamboo is widely used in China, the largest bamboo producer in the world. In many regions of southern China, structures such as pavilions, bridges and fences are all built with bamboo, which failed to step up as a major building material due to its deficiency in durability. Now, it’s more competitive thanks to modern processing techniques, which have significantly improved bamboo’s durability with high-temperature treatment and anti-corrosion coating.
As one of the most eligible structural materials, bamboo has even more distinctive features than wood. Excellent in bending resistance and tensile strength, raw bamboo can be easily processed. With the help of modern bamboo processing technology, controllable sizing and processing can be done either in factories or on site. Besides, processed bamboo is resistant to deformation in outdoor environments once it is dried and shaped. During construction phase, inserting, bolting, anchoring, nailing and binding between bamboo and steel parts can not only save time for construction, but also ensure the stability and integrity of the bamboo structure
Furthermore, bamboo is a symbol of nobleness and perseverance in Chinese culture, making it a much-loved material in China.
Formation of Outline: Joy of Fish & Bamboo
In Yangzhou, a city renowned for its water town features, fish has been a popular element in both historic allusions and folk culture since ancient times. Located in the north of the Expo Garden and bordering a fish pool on its south, the pavilion conveys the concept of “celebration with gold and jades” with its gold-like color of bamboo and its outline of a fish (pronounces like “jade” in Chinese language). Symmetrical across the center of the ridge, which resembles a fish arching its back, the building has a series of bamboo arcs varying in size, defining an interior space full of rhythmic curves. The head of the fish, facing west with a large opening, serves as the main entrance. Its tail points to the east with a smaller opening, where visitors can exit the pavilion in accordance with the designated route for the Expo Garden.
In our design process, digital models were introduced as soon as the conceptual form was confirmed. Architects and structural engineers worked together on the logic of construction, generating key parts on various levels. Then the form was finalized after structural calculation, and the sectional dimensions and constructional logic were defined with the help of professional bamboo contractor.
Details: Make the Most Use of Materials
The Expo will be held in spring and summer, when the air is damp in Hangzhou. So the pavilion is designed with openings on both west and east sides to boost natural ventilation, and ceiling fans are included in the design to enhance thermal comfort inside the building. A full-height daylighting belt made of PMMA is planned at the middle part of the building, creating diverse effects of light and shade.
The whole structure is precisely divided into 3 systems—Main pillars, subsidiary pillars and purlins, and the structure’s hierarchy and beauty are fully displayed by the bamboo structure. Rhombus woven bamboo pieces, with waterproof membranes coated on both sides, are overlapped around the daylighting belt.
The unique glamor of bamboo is reflected in every corner of the building: Raw bamboo pillars, exterior bamboo tile finish, plaited bamboo, bamboo curtain interior finish, bamboo furniture, bamboo-umbrella lights, etc.
Built for the Future: Promotion of Bamboo Structures
Bamboo construction can be seen as a positive strategy under the backdrop of carbon neutrality. Nowadays, bamboo construction is prevailing in plenty of countries abounding in bamboo, including China, where bamboo is widely used on traditional buildings such as pavilions. INBAR Pavilion, bearing a mission to promote the eco-friendly bamboo construction, has both reflected Chinese traditional culture and responded to the concern of carbon neutrality with its form full of traditional charm.
With the development of modern technologies, technological problems in bamboo construction will no longer be obstacles for its promotion. As designers and builders of bamboo structures, we’re delightfully convinced of bamboo building’s prosperity across the world in the future.