________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________                 1994 Scientific research with bamboo at LILD/PUC-Rio. Developing the technique with bamboo. Tests with bamboo carried out at PUC-Rio. In the picture testing a particular connection solution. 1994 The bamboo laboratory LILD, former LOTDP, at PUC-Rio since the 80`s. An open academic space that promotes democratic and open discussions where people from other areas of expertise are also thinking the projects together. Experimental method of 'trial and error' with 'no commitment' to deadlines in order to prioritize the objects conceptually. 1994-98 Truss-frame development with bamboo tubes and metal connections, LILD/PUC-Rio. Mechanical tests with a prototype carried out at PUC-Rio. 1994-98 Development of walkers and walking frames to assist the disabled and those with walking problems at LILD/PUC-Rio in cooperation with CVI. 1995 Bamboo bike project: the first mock-up, scale 1:3. Its frame was based on cable tensioning system 'Tensegrity', known to be a light structure, that would take advantage of the bamboo great tensile strength and the possibility of being foldable and or assemble-disassemble for easier transport or replacement of bamboo.  1995 The second and third mock ups, scale 1:3 and 1:5 based on the cable tension system 'Tensegrity'.  1995 Assembling the first prototype in a child size, and taking it to a test ride. 1995-96 The first prototype was presented at the 5º International World Bamboo Congress in 1998.  1996-98 The second prototype with the cable tension system. Student graduation project at PUC-Rio in 1999. 1996-98 Bamboo composite, composed by bamboo fibers and resin.  1999 Prototype nr.3. Unisex frame design with a long free bamboo seat tube that provides a cushioning effect. The top and seat stay tube are integrated into two single bamboo tubes in parallel. 1999 Detail of prototype nr.3. Bamboo tube with a inner plug bonded inside a lug and tensioned by cable. 2000 When Flavio moves to Denmark he discover the friendly urban environment for cyclists of Copenhagen city. 2000 City bike commercial model with bamboo fenders, based on prototype nr.3 and then a model with a 'pushing the bamboo to an extreme' left single fork. 2000 The fourth prototype 'arrow' like. A second version of prototype nr.4 with two extra bamboo top and down tubes for more stiffness. 2000 BAMBUCICLETAS - The prototype nr.5, year 2000, developed for a comfortable upright riding position with a great use of bamboo tubes in an exclusive design. Its picture together with an article by journalist Steen Heinsen was displayed at the AmericanBambooSociety website first on 22 Nov 2001, inspiring many people around the world. 2000 Bambucicletas fenders. Made out of bamboo tubes simply split in two. 2001 Prototype nr.6, for mountain biking, with bamboo tube bonded around metal lugs. 2001 City bike with a black bamboo frame, model based on prototype nr.6. 2001 Co-development and building of prototypes BiomegaBamboo with Biomega and designer Ross Lovegrove. 2001 The original drawing from Biomega then a drawing re-designed by Flavio. 2001-02 Prototype nr. 7, inspired by BiomegaBamboo frame and then an aerodynamic designed handlebar.  2003-04 Prototype nr.8 with a handmade metal lugs. Made at SVKH/Cph. 2004-05 Prototype nr.9 with a handmade carbon lugs. Made at SVKH/Cph. 2006 Prototype for Viva bikes. 2007 Prototype made for biking tests purpose. 2008-09 Biomega bamboo during test at CHC/Taiwan. EN14764 approved, Dec 2008. Bamboo technology, engineering and manufacturing for Biomega. 2009 Biomega bamboo start to reach the stores around the world. 2009 Upgrade of prototype nr.5 'Bambucicletas'. Bicyclecomfort model. The combination frame design and bamboo, flexible yet stiff, provides a comfortable upright riding experience and a unique look. 2009 Prototype 10 developed with aluminium chain stay tube for extra stiffness. Copyright © 2009 flaviodeslandes.com Flavio Costa Leão Deslandes is a Brazilian Industrial Designer based in Denmark. He is known for his design and engineering work with bamboo, including the bamboo bicycle. Graduated in bamboo bikes In Rio de Janeiro in 1994 Flavio began to experiment with bamboo technology with a research grant during his University studies at PUC-Rio. From 1994 to 1998 he participated in projects about developing tools for working with bamboo – composites, structures, truss-frames, joint and connection solutions, aids and appliances for handicapped such as walkers and amphibian sliders. In 1995 he started developing his first bamboo bicycle and the first prototype was presented at the 5º International World Bamboo Congress in 1998. He graduated in 1999, his bamboo bicycle prototype nr.2 being the final project. His first patent MU7901320-1 was applied in 1999 and granted in 2005. Moved to the bicycleland Denmark In 2000 Flavio moved to Copenhagen, Denmark to a whole new world of bicycles and biking culture. Since then Flavio has been working for several companies in the bicycle industry - with mechanics, frame building, product development and design. And he has been building both conventional bikes and bamboo bikes for private clients. Bambucicletas, a 'hit' on the internet In 2000 Flavio developed a bamboo bicycle with a special frame design combining an upright riding position and a great use of bamboo tubes, providing a comfortable ride. This bike attracted attention from all over the world because of its exclusive look, comfort frame geometry, sustainable aspects and the audacity to use a great number of bamboo in its frame and components. The bike was acclaimed 'today's bicycle design' in 2002 in the book "What Is Design Today" by George H. Marcus. Biomega Bamboo, co-development & manufacturing In 2001 Flavio participated in the development of a bamboo bike with Biomega and designer Ross Lovegrove. Flavio developed the crucial joint between the bamboo tubes and the aluminum lugs including an aluminum ring, a surface treatment for the bamboos and the engineering of the frame. In 2008 the bike was tested at CHC/Taiwan, approved and certified according to European standards EN14764. Year 2009 Flavio started the production with Biomega. "The right thing to do" "From the beginning I have felt that this exquisite material - an organic tube structure made by nature - has a tremendous potential. The challenge to make it work has kept me going. My motivation was always the opportunity to connect modern design with natural materials. The idea to make this connection in a bicycle is logical if you think about it: Biking is a very energy effective way of transportation. And combining a sustainable material as bamboo with energy free mobility seems like the right thing to do."