Bamboo as a construction material is being rediscovered today: not only is it considered extremely cost effective and durable, it also has an unmistakable aesthetic appearance. Architect Simon Velez appreciates the qualities of bamboo and has used the material in many of his buildings, his pavilion for the ZERI Foundation at Expo 2000 being a good example. At 40 metres in diameter and 17 metres high, it is one of the largest bamboo structures in the world. Throughout the 20th century architects have experimented with bamboo such as Buckminster Fuller, Frei Otto, Renzo Piano, Shoei Yoh and Arata Isozaki. The material has also had an impact within other disciplines; Charlotte Perriand has created furniture, and the Japanese stage designer Hiroshi Teshigahara is known for his bamboo set creations. This publication documents the historical significance and unique properties of bamboo and points to its possible future uses as society looks for more sustainable means of living.