ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. The Tunnel: a barreling bamboo wave in Puri, Odisha by Vinay PateelApril 16th, 2013 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Vinay Pateel Made completely from bamboo and cloth, The Tunnel composed of a number of squares that came together to form a spiraling structure depicting a barrel wave. It represented how the surfing scene in India is emerging by bringing together surfers from various parts of the world.
In the beginning, a team of 5 local bamboo workers were employed and educated about the concept.After making 3D computer models and hand-made prototypes with matchsticks, the team was instructed about the process and ready to start work.A lot of importance was given to choosing the right kind of bamboo. All the bamboo poles are of the same thickness. Each pole is 10 feet in length and 6-7 inches in cross section diameter. Much attention was given to finding bamboo of uniform cross-section. Over a period of 4 days, 75 squares were created using the bamboo tied with pieces of white cloth. An indigenous method of bamboo arrangement was used to create the squares. This ensured uniform spacing and the spiraling of the squares when they were assembled. It also ensured the strength of the structure without using any other support material. The idea is to be minimalistic, beautiful and strong. Assembly was done in one day. There were a few unforeseen challenges. Some of the bamboo poles cracked and the site of installation was found to have a power cable passing underground. Steering through the obstacles, the installation was set up and the team worked until dawn ready for the India Surf Festival 2013. It was a very interactive experience for the visitors and participants. Some kids were also seen climbing The Tunnel and were thoroughly having fun. The spiraling insides of the installation kept everyone engaged and everyone loved walking through it whenever possible.The Tunnel is preserved on site at Ramchandi Beach, Odisha, India. Contact Vinay Pateel
|