BamX Elysée
- Overview
- BamX Elysée is a green canopy created by pupils and teachers of the Elysée School in Lausanne in a series of collaborative workshops guided by researchers of the Geometric Computing Laboratory (GCM) at EPFL. This temporary structure, designed for the school’s courtyard features an intricate network of thin, flexible slats interwoven to support plant growth, with integrated plant pods.
- Participatory Workshops
- A unique aspect of our research at GCM is the ability to simplify the complex process of materializing BamX structures into clear, actionable instructions for fabrication using readily available materials such as bamboo. Unlike mainstream computational structures, which often depend on advanced manufacturing processes and high-performance industrial materials, our approach aims to democratize the concept of computational design. By using simple, natural materials and avoiding high-tech machinery, we make it possible for the general public to engage in constructing these green urban structures.
This approach was successfully demonstrated in the Elysée project, where we collaborated with a public school to combine student-driven participation with science-based solutions. By offering clear, actionable fabrication instructions and hands-on experiences, we empower students aged 7 to 14, even without technical expertise, to contribute directly to the construction of a BamX structure. This bridges the gap between research and practical urban solutions, enabling participants to meaningfully engage with scientific concept.
