Reducing Construction Material Waste by Optimizing Design and Craftsmen Knowledge

This study compares and examines construction material waste generated from the bamboo architectural construction process, with and without the involvement of bamboo craftsmen in the design process. This research emphasizes the importance of incorporating the knowledge of bamboo craftsmen in the design process to reduce construction material waste. The research question guiding this study is: How does the involvement of bamboo craftsmen in the design process affect the amount of construction material waste produced in bamboo architectural projects? In addressing this question, this research employs a comparative case study method. Two case studies were selected for analysis: Umah Joring, which was designed with craftsmen's involvement, and the WISH School Pavilion, which was designed solely by designers. A comprehensive data collection approach was employed, encompassing document analysis, on-site observations, and re-measurement of structural elements. The collected data underwent rigorous processing and analysis, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. This analysis enabled a comparative assessment of construction waste percentages, thereby assessing the impact of craftsmen's knowledge on waste reduction. Umah Joring achieved a low waste percentage of 5.99%, showcasing the efficiency of its straightforward design and the importance of craftsmanship in optimizing bamboo use. In contrast, the WISH School Pavilion, with its complex organic design and limited craftsman involvement, generated a much higher waste percentage of 17.89%. This 11.90% gap highlights the challenges of achieving material efficiency in intricate architectural designs using bamboo. Craftsmen's knowledge can contribute to more sustainable construction by reducing material waste, which is essential for eco-friendly projects.