- Architecture & development
This beautiful pavilion was designed by the Taiwanese design agency Zuo Studio and was created for the Taichung Real Estate Development Association as part of the World Flora Exposition last year. It is a metaphor for the beauty of Taiwan that can be compared to the growth of a seed.
Zuo Studio is a Taiwanese design agency that is based in one of Taiwan's largest cities, Taichung. It developed the Bamboo Pavilion entirely in steel and – as the name suggests – bamboo and placed it in such a way that it elegantly bends over a small river to form a shady spot in Huludun Park. The ridged shape of the pavilion is a reference to the central mountain range that runs through Taiwan.
The name of the pavilion corresponds to today's design trend where it is important to reduce the architectural ecological footprint. It symbolises the future of a liveable city for the next generation. 
The ridged shape of the pavilion is a reference to the central mountain range that runs through Taiwan.
The main structure of the pavilion is made entirely of a light steel covered with Moso bamboo and on the narrower pieces with Makino bamboo, a species that is used for weaving. The different openings between the bamboo fabric create a beautiful light pattern in the shade. No less than 320 bamboo plants were used for the construction of the 10-metre-high and 30-metre-long monument, which have grown over a period of three years.
Bamboo is an extremely durable and renewable material. Traditionally, it was already used in Taiwan for the houses of the time. With the introduction of modern building materials, the plant was put into the background, but by designing the Bamboo Pavilion, Zuo Studio wants to change people's perception of what a bamboo construction can be. In addition, the plant is incredibly strong, grows incredibly fast and is mould resistant. 
Images © SHIH-HONG, YANG