Multi Hyperbolic Paraboloid (Hypar) Bamboo Structures: Surface-Based Design Approach

Hyperbolic Paraboloids (hypar) are saddle-shaped doubly-ruled surfaces, which combine features of both hyperboloids and paraboloids. The form is commonly used in bamboo architecture as it exploits straight full culm bamboo poles to achieve striking curved roofs. The authors seek to answer a research question related to key steps in generating the form of multi-hypar bamboo structures with roof surface shapes as the primary design parameters. This research was conducted in four stages through full-scale construction, hands-on experiments, case studies analysis and summarised with operational steps. The study is concluded by suggesting four key steps aimed to aid novice designers, which are: creating the roof surface, subdividing it into modules, defining edge lines through composition principles, and generating hypar surfaces. Potential further research includes integrating structural performance assessments and computational techniques for broader applications in bamboo design.