Bamboo Bridge in Solo: a Preliminary Report

Abstract

Situated above Kali Pepe river in Solo, Central Java a public pedestrian bridge is made of local Dendrocalamus asper. The bridge is spanning 18-meters with track clear width vary between 1.5- 2 meters. The bridge is located between the historical sites of Pasar Gede and Vastenburg Fort which host the 2nd Bamboo Biennale held in October 2016. For the occassion, the Indonesian Architects Without Borders (ASF-ID) commisioned to design the bridge, with supports from Parahyangan Catholic University, including load tests on bridge’s scalemodels. Experienced bamboo carpenters invited from Yogyakarta to lead the construction process during October-December 2016. Bamboo species of petung (Dendrocalamus asper) is provided by Bambubos, which has been treated and immune to pests. Last but not least, light metal roof and concrete floor were laid to obtain relatively low degree of maintenance requirements. Adjacent community of Kampung Ketandan contribute in the construction and management of the bridge through provision of lodging for carpenters and in provision of community volunteers. The community further agrees to guard and care for the bamboo bridge that is first of its kind in Indonesia. The new bamboo bridge now is officially join Kali Pepe river banks upgrading which aims to rejuvenate river life and culture in Solo. In the context of promoting bamboo as material for the future, the bridge is showcasing both utility and aesthetic of bamboo as city public infrastructure. This represents a novel approach in bamboo construction and architecture which in alignment with today’s sustainable development agenda.