Sustainable Irrigation In South China:
A Case Study Of The Chengyang Valley
Author(s)
A. de Miranda
Abstract
In South China, in the rural Chengyang area, large rice fields crossed by the
Linxi River are still irrigated by the river water raised by bamboo water-wheels.
These water-wheels represent a viable and elegant example of a sustainable
irrigation system, whose functional aspects are successfully combined with their
aesthetic characteristics. The advantages provided by the material, which is
easily available in the area, and the morphological characteristics of the land,
have allowed the construction of numerous examples of this system of irrigation.
It has a simple assembly, is efficient and has low operational and maintenance
costs and enables irrigation requiring no petrol or oil.
This paper analyses the device focusing on its architectural and constructive
aspects, on the important role played by the material, and on its advantages and
disadvantages.
Keywords: bamboo construction, irrigation, eco-architecture, China.
1 Introduction
Bamboo has a long and well-established tradition as a building material
throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical regions. Bamboo is a renewable
and versatile resource, characterized by straightness, lightness, hardness, high
fibre content and easy workability. These particular qualities of bamboo make it
ideal for different technological purposes.
Located in South East China, in the sub-tropical humid monsoon climate
region, Guangxi has a good climate for bamboo plantations and, at the same
time, people there have experience in selected seed cultivation and planting
techniques.
Keywords
bamboo construction, irrigation, eco-architecture, China.
Related Book
Other papers in this volume
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