A groundbreaking architectural project has transformed a Reggio-inspired preschool in Tamwe, Yangon, Myanmar, through the addition of an experimental bamboo canopy structure. The Tututat Shade Canopy, designed by Blue Temple architects under the leadership of Raphaël Ascoli, represents a compact yet significant architectural intervention that extends the school's usable space.
The 108-square-meter project, completed in 2025, demonstrates innovative use of bamboo construction techniques in educational architecture. Rather than following conventional planning approaches, the design team began with the existing building's façade and extruded its geometry outward, creating a natural extension that mirrors the original structure's arches through a sequence of curved bamboo ribs.
The canopy serves multiple educational purposes, providing a shaded and well-ventilated learning environment for various activities including reading circles, music lessons, phonics instruction, and creative play. This outdoor classroom concept aligns with Tututat's pedagogical approach while maintaining safety considerations, particularly ensuring rapid egress during earthquake alert periods in the seismically active region.
Structurally, the project incorporates advanced bamboo construction techniques developed by researchers at Institut Teknologi Bandung. The design utilizes Dendrocalamus Giganteus bamboo with custom-engineered tensile joints that allow the material to work effectively under tension while maintaining the system's demountable characteristics. Each bamboo culm receives a precisely carved hardwood plug with integrated metal cable systems that distribute loads circumferentially rather than at single stress points.
The construction methodology prioritized local materials and minimally disruptive assembly processes to avoid interrupting school operations. This approach demonstrates how careful surveying, geometric analysis, and engineered joinery can transform existing architectural elements into functional educational infrastructure that is both cost-effective and environmentally conscious.
Photographer Aung Htay Hlaing documented the completed project, which showcases the seamless integration between traditional bamboo craftsmanship and contemporary architectural design. The project team included design specialist Htoo Aung, technical coordinator Ko Zin, and general contractor Housing NOW, representing a collaborative approach to sustainable educational architecture in Myanmar.
