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Colectivo bma: The Latest Architecture and News

The Beauty of Bamboo: The Best Photos of the Week

Bamboo has been used by man as a construction material since ancient times. The amazing thing about bamboo, besides being a totally natural material, is that it is sustainable, lightweight, flexible, and inexpensive. Although not widely used in the construction world (at least not when compared to materials like timber), the use of Bamboo enables original and attractive results. This week we have made a selection of 17 photos from well-known photographers such as Julien Lanoo, John Gollings, and Pasi Aalto.

The Beauty of Bamboo: The Best Photos of the Week - Image 1 of 4The Beauty of Bamboo: The Best Photos of the Week - Image 2 of 4The Beauty of Bamboo: The Best Photos of the Week - Image 3 of 4The Beauty of Bamboo: The Best Photos of the Week - Image 4 of 4The Beauty of Bamboo: The Best Photos of the Week - More Images+ 12

In 4 Days, 100 Volunteers Used Mud and Reeds To Build This Community Center in Mexico

Developed by architects from Colectivo bma in Barranca de Huentitán, Guadalajara, Mexico, this new building for the Mexican Institute for Community Development (IMDEC) was built in just four days with the help of 100 volunteers.

The new facility includes both housing and meeting space, and was constructed using local building techniques and materials. Built with a concrete base, the walls were made using bahareque (reed frames and mud) and woven reed lattices that cover most of the building’s exterior.

Learn more about the construction process after the break. 

In 4 Days, 100 Volunteers Used Mud and Reeds To Build This Community Center in Mexico - SustainabilityIn 4 Days, 100 Volunteers Used Mud and Reeds To Build This Community Center in Mexico - SustainabilityIn 4 Days, 100 Volunteers Used Mud and Reeds To Build This Community Center in Mexico - SustainabilityIn 4 Days, 100 Volunteers Used Mud and Reeds To Build This Community Center in Mexico - SustainabilityIn 4 Days, 100 Volunteers Used Mud and Reeds To Build This Community Center in Mexico - More Images+ 48