Bamboo Dome for G20 Bali Summit: A Symbol of Sustainability and Cultural Heritage

The Bamboo Dome, designed for the G20 Heads of State and Government Summit 2023 in Bali, Indonesia, stands as a remarkable testament to sustainable architecture and local craftsmanship. Designed by BIROE Architecture, this pavilion was meticulously crafted by bamboo artisans from Gianyar villages, offering a unique venue for world leaders during the summit.

A Temporary Yet Impactful Structure

Constructed as a non-permanent pavilion, the Bamboo Dome served as the official lunch-hosting venue for the 20 world leaders attending the summit. Spanning 805 square meters, this architectural masterpiece was built using locally sourced bamboo, a material deeply embedded in Balinese culture. The dome was prefabricated in Gianyar, Bali, over a two-month period before being transported and assembled within three weeks at the Ocean Front Lawn (OFL) of Apurva Hotel, Nusa Dua.

Blending Traditional and Modern Bamboo Techniques

The design seamlessly integrates modern engineering with traditional Balinese weaving techniques, highlighting the strength and flexibility of bamboo as a sustainable material. The dome’s structural elements, interior décor, and even the furniture, including the dining tables, were crafted from woven bamboo, emphasizing eco-conscious construction methods.

Cultural Symbolism in Architectural Design

The Bamboo Dome is not only a functional structure but also a symbolic representation of Balinese heritage and G20’s vision for a sustainable future. Several cultural elements were intricately woven into the design:

• Gunungan Wayang: Inspired by the triangular motifs in traditional Balinese wayang (shadow puppetry), these elements were placed at various corners of the dome’s interior. Their presence added a cultural depth to the event while serving as striking photographic backdrops.
• Lotus Flower Motif: As a sacred symbol representing rebirth and enlightenment, the woven bamboo lotus structures were placed strategically on the interior and exterior ceilings. Beyond aesthetics, these elements functioned as natural heat barriers, reducing the penetration of direct sunlight.
• Circular Design: The dome’s circular form, with a 32-meter diameter, was deliberately chosen to reflect equality and unity among nations. The full round tables within the structure reinforced this theme, emphasizing the spirit of togetherness at the G20 summit.

Innovative Bamboo Engineering

The dome's design was a result of a collaborative effort that brought together experts from multiple disciplines:

• Bamboo Artisans: Led by Gusti Ngurah Raka Martawan (Mr. Raka) from Gianyar, Bali.
• Structural Engineering: Overseen by Ir. Ashar Saputra, PhD, a civil engineering lecturer from Gajah Mada University, Yogyakarta.
• Architectural Design: Conceptualized by Rubi Roesli and the BIROE Architecture team.
• Creative Direction: Managed by Elwin Mok and Celsius Creative Lab.
• Event Infrastructure Supervision: Led by Wishnutama, Head of the Advisory Board for G20 Summit 2023, in coordination with the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of State Secretariat.

Sustainability and Global Significance

The Bamboo Dome serves as an architectural manifestation of sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation. As the world moves toward eco-conscious construction, this project demonstrates the potential of bamboo as a renewable building material, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to green architecture.

Just as bamboo grows in clusters, symbolizing community and resilience, the Bamboo Dome reminds us that despite our differences, we are interconnected global citizens, striving for a stronger, more sustainable future together

All Photographs are works of Danar Tri Atmojo, Embara Films