Why bamboo? A UK Bamboo Summit Spotlight Event

The event, which will take place from 2pm-5pm on Wednesday 21st October at the Building Centre in central London, is targeted at all those who are looking to explore sustainable regenerative materials in their research and practice, particularly emerging practitioners, in the lead up to UK Bamboo Summit 2026 on Friday 30th October in Birmingham. Through short presentations and panel discussions the event will showcase examples of current UK Bamboo use, the ongoing research and prototyping that is beginning to unlock this under-utilised material. Chaired by Chris Matthews of Atelier One, presentations will include: • Ananya Singhal of Studio Saar Architects and Neil Thomas of Atelier One presenting the Pangolin Pavilion, a collaborative installation exploring the structural and aesthetic possibilities of bamboo • Orit Azaz of Imagine Bamboo and the Bamboo in the UK Group on the UK Bamboo Summit and artist-led action research and rapid prototyping • Ken Downing of UK Bamboo Supplies on current uses of bamboo across the UK • James Marr of the Bamboo Bicycle Club on accessible, replicable bamboo design in prisons and education environments • A panel discussion chaired by Kate Cheyne, Head of the University of Westminster School of Architecture and Cities