The UK Architectural Association ran a ten day Visiting School course for local Haitian and international Architectural students on designing in bamboo in early January 2015. This course is part of a larger project which involves the growing of new bamboo plantations in Haiti and the possible adoption of bamboo as a sustainable structural material for building in Haiti, particularly relevant now after the infamous earthquake and the extent of reconstruction that is still required, and the huge extent of deforestation which Haiti has experienced.

Arup ran a bespoke detailed half-day workshop on the structural use of bamboo, covering the most important issues for architects to consider. Arup also mentored the students throughout the course on how bamboo can be successfully and practically incorporated into their projects. Finally, Arup presented on why so many buildings collapsed in Haiti, and how architects can work to reduce this risk in the future.

Arup’s involvement gave the students a deep and practical understanding into bamboo, from which they will be able to better incorporate this sustainable material into future projects.