The Hyperbolic Bamboo Bridge was born out of this inherent need to increase the durability of the bamboo structure by employing ‘Protection by design Principles’ for UV and water. (Jansen 2005.This has resulted in many roof types for bamboo bridges.
The structural composition of the Chiang Mai Hyperbolic Bridge consists of two outward leaning trusses tied together with an inner and outer ring from which the long bamboo poles twist to create an inner void where the pedestrian may pass.
The Hyperbolic Bridge plays with our preconceived notions of space (ie Wall, floor, roof) as the floor beams become handrails; and handrails becomes the roof joist, and roof joist becomes the floor beams.
With the completion of the first Hyperbolic Bridge we have learnt how to manipulate and tension each cable like a piano string to stiffen the deck and bring security for the user. (Figure. 7, 8) The pure simplicity of this concept has some challenges; for installation, treatment, transportation and specialized joinery for long spans – These topics will be analyzed in detail within this paper, with a focus on the construction methods and bamboo species that we are pioneering in Thailand.