Spatial Silhouette: A Study on the Creation Strategy of Strong Bamboo Architecture with “Negative Space” as the Main Feature—A Case Study of Phu Quoc Island Visitor Centre, Vietnam

Abstract

The Gestalt theory of mental completeness in architecture gave rise to the ideas of “positive space” and “negative space”. This research digs into the sturdy structural building process of bamboo architecture, which is essentially distinguished by “negative space”. It examines how bamboo is articulated in architectural space, while attempting to establish a balance between form and structure, with the goal of discovering the current value and spiritual position that bamboo in architecture represents. Using the Phu Quoc Island Visitor Center in Vietnam as an example, we introduce the strong structure concept and examine its design process in terms of spatial operation technique and strong structural expression logic. The fundamental strategy for creating bamboo architecture under this concept is to take the lead in negative space design and use the material capabilities of bamboo to build structural space prototypes. This further encourages the use of green building materials and offers architects working with bamboo a reference.