500 bamboo baskets weave together for sustainable ‘street urchin’ pavilion in cambodia

a celebration of natural, low impact architecture

Under the Canopy, an annual temporary pavilion design challenge organized by Creative Generation, has unveiled its first creation in the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Titled Street Urchin, the architectural installation by Building Trust International showcases a unique curved bamboo form that harmoniously blends with the city’s streetscape, embracing its surroundings to bear a resemblance to its namesake creature. In a celebration of sustainable design and shining a spotlight on natural materials and low impact architecture, the installation reimagines the humble bamboo chicken coop by weaving a canopy of 500 baskets. Rooting the structure in its context, the design team draws on Cambodia’s rich ancient tradition of basketry for the choice of materiality.

undulating bamboo pavilion recalls a curling sea urching

A collaboration of artists, designers, weaving communities, and non-profits brought Street Urchin to life as a composition of over 500 bamboo baskets, skillfully woven together. These baskets, recalling traditional Cambodian handicrafts, form a curving canopy, enlivening the public courtyard near the Friends Futures Factory and the Royal Palace, and wrapping around a large tree. The contemporary canopy was assembled within just one week, creating a temporary space fostering community gathering and hosting various events under its dappled shade.

Street Urchin carries a powerful underlying message — one that emphasizes the potential of uncovering modern solutions with low impact, locally available, natural materials. The design team created the pavilion as an installation that can mark positive social impact without compromising on sustainability. Temporary in nature, when dismantled its components can be repurposed, avoiding generating waste. Having hosted numerous events over the last six months, the pavilion has now been deconstructed and the bamboo baskets have been donated to local community members and beneficiaries of Friends International.

project info:

name: Street Urchin
designe: David Cole, Songty Noun, Building Trust International

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