The Arc: bamboo as low-carbon structural material

Author: Chris Matthews

Date published

24 May 2023

Price
Free

The Arc: bamboo as low-carbon structural material

Training

Author

Chris Matthews

Date published

24 May 2023

Author

Chris Matthews

Price

Free

This technical lecture describes the prototyping, testing and design approach that enabled the realisation of the Arc, the gymnasium for the Green School in Bali, whose project team was awarded for advancing the structural application of low-carbon materials at the 2022 Structural Awards.

The Arc, designed in collaboration with Ibuku and Jorg Stamm, is Atelier One’s most successful implementation of structural bamboo to date, featuring 23m spanning arches connected by structurally contributing saddle surfaces.
 
Recognised by IStructE as the joint winner of the Supreme Award for Structural Engineering Excellence 2022, The Arc demonstrates how a natural material can be proven for structural use and how form-active structures can improve material efficiency.
 
Watch this lecture to discover how structural bamboo, an underutilised but burgeoning structural material, can be pivotal in reducing carbon in construction and to hear the key considerations to be made when using it.

The Arc: bamboo as low-carbon structural material

Speaker

Chris Matthews, Associate Director, Atelier One
Chris is a chartered structural engineer and an Associate Director at Atelier One. Since joining Atelier One in 2011, Chris has been involved in a broad array of projects. Specialities include structural engineering for unusual structures; staging and stadium shows; film engineering; timber structures; bamboo structures; art installations; geometrical optimisation of form-active roof structures. Chris has designed two world record-breaking Walls of Death.

Related Resources & Events

Regional
Promotional flyer for a Concept Design Course 2027 by The Institution of Structural Engineers.

Concept design course 2027: chartered membership exam preparation

Concept design course 2027: chartered membership exam preparation

A 10-week evening course building the concept design skills needed for the Chartered Membership exam.
Date – 28 January 2027
Location – Ramboll, Cornerblock, 2 Cornwall Street Birmingham, B3 2DX
Price – £300
Regional Group
Structural Awards 2024 gala event attendees are photographed whilst posing in front of the camera

Grab-a-Grad Event at University College London

Grab-a-Grad Event at University College London

Ready to take the next step in your career and grow your professional network? Join us at our Grab-a-Grad event for an evening of networking, inspiring conversations and meaningful connections with structural engineers shaping the world around us. It’s a great opportunity to meet industry professionals, exchange ideas, gain insights into different career paths and build valuable connections in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. And what’s networking without a few refreshments? Enjoy some light bites and drinks while making new connections! We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of conversation, inspiration and opportunities. We hope to see you there!
Date – 24 November 2026
Location – University College London
Price – Free
Regional Group
Students in lecture hall

Completing the path to Qualification – Advice for candidates and supporters

Completing the path to Qualification – Advice for candidates and supporters

Getting the best preparation for your IPD Submission.
Date – 26 November 2026
Location – The Institution of Structural Engineers
Price – Free