Bamboo Housing in Costa Rica: an Analysis of a Pilot Housing Program

Abstract

AbstractThis research study identifies and evaluates social/cultural, physical, and economic parameters that impact the use of bamboo as an indigenous construction material for low-income housing in developing countries. A post-occupancy study was performed utilizing a pilot housing project for low-income Indian families in Costa Rica. Participant-observer analysis of interior and exterior design elements based on cultural/social, physical, and economic parameters was included. A combination of interview, questionnaire, visual documentation, and site observation techniques was utilized. The findings served as a basis for proposing improvements in design and philosophy that could be used with bamboo housing projects for low-income families.Qualitative and quantitative results indicated that bamboo is an acceptable, low-cost, locally available, renewable material which lends itself to self-construction methods. If housing project directors carefully consider the needs, values, and views of inhabitants, bamb...