Achieving this design required pushing the boundaries of bamboo’s potential, combining traditional craftsmanship with precision engineering. Extensive structural testing and close collaboration with Atelier One enabled the team to address the challenges of working with bamboo, a material known for its variability. Soaring bamboo arches spanning 19-meter in compression are stabilized by anticlastic gridshells in tension, creating a voluminous, open space without intrusive trusses. By working with opposing curvatures, the gridshells remain in tension, perfectly complementing the compressive strength of the arches.

This innovative approach balances material efficiency with structural integrity. Completed on Earth Day 2021, The Arc is more than a gymnasium—it is a symbol of what is possible when nature and design come together. This groundbreaking project continues to inspire architects, engineers, and communities worldwide, demonstrating the role of sustainable materials in reimagining the future of design.