Rise of The Arc

Shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2025

When a building expresses a possibility for the future, it can grow far beyond its purpose and where it first took root.

This is one of those moments.

We’re proud to share that The Arc at Green School has been shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, one of the most meaningful recognitions in our field, honoring architecture that serves people, culture, and place.

Only 19 projects were shortlisted this cycle, from 369 invited to apply over the past three years, with three from Indonesia, making this moment especially meaningful.

From the beginning, The Arc was a question:

“How can this space serve its community and beyond?”

“How can we create something new, while staying rooted in our values?”

That spirit of questioning, experimenting, and honoring a place has shaped
everything we do.

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About The Arc

Completed by Bamboo Pure in 2021 for Green School Bali, The Arc is a world-first in bamboo architecture: a 19-meter span with no steel beams, formed by a series of graceful arches held together by anticlastic gridshells, curved in two directions for strength and lightness.

Behind its elegance lies months of full-scale testing, custom joints, and collaboration across disciplines. Traditional craftsmanship meets structural innovation; proof that bamboo can meet performance demands while staying true to its roots.

“The Arc accommodates both athletic and communal activities, showcasing sustainable design and structural ingenuity.”
— Aga Khan Development Network

watch the full video here

We’re honored by this recognition, and grateful to everyone who helped bring The Arc to life.

To visit The Arc, join a tour of Green School.

We’d love to hear your questions or reflections.

With love,

Elora Hardy ♡

An Extraordinary Collaboration
Construction: Bamboo Pure | Support: John Hardy | Concept: Jörg Stamm | Engineering: Atelier One | Local engineering: Ketut Yasa Bagiarta | Safety Advice: Luis Felipe-Lopez | Lighting Design: Studio Nimmersatt | Testing: James Wolf | Photography: Tommaso Riva

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Further Recognition for The Arc

Architizer A+Awards – Architecture + Innovation category, 2025

Supreme Award for Structural Engineering Excellence – The Structural Awards, Institution of Structural Engineers, 2022

Structural Engineering Award – The Structural Awards, Institution of Structural Engineers, 2022

Kyoto Global Design Awards, Laureate, 2021

Global Architecture & Design Awards – Winner, Iconic Building category, 2021

In The Press

Wallpaper Magazine, 2024﹒Asia Sustainable Travel Briefing, 2024﹒Architectural Digest, 2024﹒Financial Times, 2023﹒Domus, 2023﹒CAN Insider, 2022﹒Lav Vie Magazine, 2022﹒Enki Magazine, 2022﹒Wallpaper Magazine, 2022﹒Magnifissance Magazine, 2022﹒Flatform Magazine, 2022﹒Domus, 2021﹒Green Building and Design Magazine, 2021﹒CFSA Review, 2021﹒Dezeen, 2021﹒Architectural Digest, 2021﹒Arch Daily, 2021