Imagined What it could do
Imagine a crane grown from twisted vines, with a basket of woven branches to lift stone. When the building was finished, the crane could be planted again, or composted to feed the soil.
Real world The real "living" building material: bamboo
Bamboo is a giant grass. Some species can grow tens of centimeters in a single day and reach full height in a few months, and the plant regrows from its roots after it is cut. For its weight, bamboo is remarkably strong, especially when pulled.
In Hong Kong, skilled workers still put up tall scaffolding from bamboo poles tied together, even around skyscrapers. In many tropical countries, bamboo is used for houses, bridges and furniture.
Real world Limits and new ideas
Natural bamboo can rot or be eaten by insects if it is not treated, and every pole is a slightly different size, which makes engineering harder. Researchers are developing engineered bamboo, glued into standard beams and boards, and building codes for bamboo structures are being written so that it can be used more safely and widely.
Art In this artwork
This illustration shows a crane made of twisting vines, lifting a carved stone with a glowing basket. The glow is part of the original artwork.
Look closer
- Follow the vine from the arm to the stone block.
- Find the lanterns hanging from the crane.
Think about it
- What would it take to build with materials that grow back?
- Why might bamboo be a good material in some places but not others?
- What happens to a crane, or a building, at the end of its life?
Key words
- Bamboo
- A fast-growing giant grass with strong, hollow stems.
- Scaffolding
- A temporary frame that builders stand on.
- Renewable
- Able to grow back or be replaced naturally.
Sources
The real-world facts on this page are based on these sources:
- International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Bamboo"
