As the world turns its attention towards the sustainable development goals, sustainable architecture offers a very interesting prospect of minimizing negative environmental impacts by buildings, save energy and safeguard human health and well being. In this talk, David explores the potential bamboo creates and how well it can be a wonderful and strong tool. David was born, raised and educated in Colombia where he studied Civil Engineering. From 2000 to 2003 he contributed to the reconstruction of the Coffee-growing region following an earthquake. Here he became fascinated about bamboo structures. In 2003, he moved to the UK to study an MSc in Earthquake Engineering. From 2004 to 2009 he worked in consultancy, working as a structural engineer. His work ranged from multi-storey timber-frame structures to very large steel and concrete buildings. In 2010 he became a chartered structural engineer. In 2009, determined to research bamboo, David joined Coventry University. He currently chairs an international task force for Bamboo Construction. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Comments

1. Strength is only part of the story, any good engineer can tell you that ductility and modulus are just as important if not more so that strength. The likely solution will require genetic splicing and farming of bamboo and developing a composite, if any budding material engineers or plant biologists are reading this, then take this is your challenge to change the world!
2. Bamboo doesn't grow only in tropical climates. Some varieties resist temps of -20°C which is very cold. I agree bamboo must be integrated in the array of building materials in Western countries considering its very low cost, a lot more ppl could afford houses built with it or even build their own.
3. yes, kick off and play... buy now...
4. Bamboo is a fine building material (and tasty food too!) but the the presenter's carbon footprint analysis fails to indicate that steel can be produced with clean renewable energy produced from sources such as hydro, solar, and wind. The majority of steel is recycled. (See steel on Wikipedia for more information). Furthermore, iron ore (the main component of steel) is very plentiful.
   
   Steel producers in particular and manufacturers in general must transition to using clean renewable energy. Generally, government's accomplish these sorts of changes by changing laws (typically tax laws). However, wind and particularly solar are becoming so inexpensive that government's might not need to do anything in this particular case.
5. The Bamboo is best since 3000 Years !!! Just this natural nice présent dont have the strong lobbying same the steel and plastic industry !... Today Mister Trujilo and me we strong work for return the old forget time !... Thanks dear David !
6. Bamboo VS Metal
7. bamboo
8. This should be shown to the members of the participating countries of the last December -'Climate Change' conference in Paris.