INDONESIAN ARCHITECTS WITHOUT BORDERS CONSTRUCT BAMBOO BRIDGE IN

SOLO, JAVA

The city of solo in central java gains a public bamboo bridge by indonesian architects without
borders. The pedestrian overpass is located above the kali pepe river, between the historical sites
of pasar gede and vastenburg fort. the project is commissioned for construction as part of the
second bamboo biennale held in october of 2016.

the bridge is located over the kai pepe river, between the historical sites of pasar gede and
vastenburg fort

For this project, indonesian architects without borders reveal another dimension to bamboo
architecture that is aligned with UN sustainable development. experienced carpenters have been
invited from yogyakarta to lead the construction process during the period of october-november
for the second bamboo biennale. bamboo species of petung (dendrocalamus asper) provided
by bambubos has been treated for pests. sufficient roofing is also supplied to lengthen the plant’s
lifespan, while mobile cranes are employed to lift and position the semi-completed bridge onto
the foundations.
The pedestrian bridge spans 18-meters, with a track width varying between 1.8 and 2.3 meters

The adjacent community of kampung ketandan has also contributed to the construction and
management of the bridge, through provision of lodging for carpenters and volunteers. the locals
further agree to guard and care for the structure that is the first of its kind in indonesia. in the
context of promoting bamboo as a promising material for the future, the bridge is showcasing
the value of that plant as a public facility within cities.

the bridge is billed at 130 millions IDR (approx. 10.000 USD) through public funding
floor finishes of reinforced concrete aimed for comfort, durability, and ease of maintenance

scale models are built and tested at the engineering laboratory of parahyangan catholic
university
 bamboo is sliced at regular pattern to obtain the curve, fixed with bolts

- Main frames are assembled and joined together at the bank of a parking lot.
- Metal roof and concrete floor are implemented for lower maintenance requirements
the bridge is showcasing both utility and aesthetic of bamboo as an urban and public facility

the bamboo bridge aims at rejuvenating river life and culture in solo