Thesis of the Year

Research on the use of native Amazonian bamboo (Bambusa Vulgaris) as a structural material for large-span roof systems built with low-cost technology. The proposed system is a Chebyshev-type gridshell: a three-dimensional mesh that acquires its form through active bending of elements, without requiring molds or specialized machinery. The research begins with mechanical characterization of the material — elastic modulus, bending resistance, minimum radius of curvature — and advances toward joint design, erection process, and structural behavior at different scales. The system can be constructed flat and tensioned to its final form, allowing coverage of spans up to 40 meters with a renewable, locally-sourced, and low-impact material. The 1:1 scale prototype constructed as part of the research validates theoretical results and demonstrates the viability of the system under real construction conditions. Sustainability Award in Thesis of the Year, international competition.