A study on the “Hollow Design” of Chinese bamboo product

Based on the analysis on hundreds of collected bamboo products in China, this paper summarizes six basic functions of bamboo products, discussing these functions embody hollow character in some way because of the hollow affordance of bamboo itself. Furthermore, this study brings up a new concept "Hollow Design", pointing out that the hollow character of bamboo is the origin of the "Hollow Design". Then, this paper finds two design modes of "Hollow Design" which are based on horizontal cutting and vertical cutting of bamboo culms, the hole produced by these two design modes is the key factor and higher development of "Hollow Design", four sorts of holes are discussed. Finally, three advantages of "Hollow Design" are pointed out: "Hollow Design" explores the hollow affordance of bamboo fully; uses the simplest form to finish the most suitable function; provides a new idea for product design, not only for bamboo product design itself.