by Jefferson Mak
Still seen clinging to the sides of buildings across Hong Kong, bamboo scaffolding is more than just a construction tool, but a fading tradition that carries the city’s cultural DNA.
An interesting thing emerged in March. During the DSE English-speaking examinations, many candidates found bamboo scaffolding a captivating topic. While Hong Kong is well known for its iconic skyscrapers, the renowned skyline owes much of its existence to the skilled armies of scaffolders. Despite the word “scaffolding,” in Chinese 竹棚架, being unfamiliar to many students, local residents encounter it frequently, whether in the repairs of old buildings in Sham Shui Po, or in new constructions in developing areas. This traditional scaffolding system supports our construction activities, while at the same time, it preserves a valuable cultural heritage of Hong Kong.
Why Bamboo?
Bamboo scaffolding may seem like an outdated method in an era where metal is widely used, but Hong Kong’s continued use of this material speaks volumes about its advantages. Bamboo is the perfect material for scaffolding because of its exceptionally dual properties, being both strong and light at the same time. This means that scaffolders can quickly and effectively erect – and disassemble – structures with ease, as well as transportation.
While steel is the primary material used in most of the Western nations, bamboo scaffolding is exclusive to some Asian regions. The explanation is the high accessibility, thanks to the abundance of bamboo groves in southern China, and its mass use in the past. It is also far less expensive than steel. Research have shown that bamboos can grow up to 90 cm per day, and can be harvested without harming the environment. In contrast, steel production consumes a lot of energy and produces industrial waste. At a time when sustainability is becoming more and more important, bamboo is definitely the right choice.
The strength and durability of steel scaffolding may make it the preferred choice for large-scale construction projects in other countries, but the rust and corrosion problems faced by steel tubular scaffolding in Hong Kong due to the city’s proximity to sea, makes its replacement costs impractical.
Bamboo, however, will always have a place in the cultural history of Hong Kong, as the first type of scaffolding used to develop the city as we know it today.
My Encounters
As a Hong Kong youth with grandparents living in Cheung Chau, an outlying island of Hong Kong, I have witnessed the Cheung Chau Bun Festival multiple times, but I didn’t really start to appreciate the craft until my interaction with a scaffolder in their neighbourhood. Watching his teamwork around the bun tower – carrying construction materials, climbing up and down with safety belts – caught my attention. I was curious and, in my conversations, discovered that many of them had been in the industry for generations. They talked proudly about their work, highlighting the artistry and skill required to build a strong and secure scaffold.
For many scaffolders, work is more than just a job; it’s a long-standing family tradition. However, this tradition faced challenges after the tragic incident in 1978, during the Bun Festival. In a chaotic scene with hundreds of people climbing three towering bun structures, one of them suddenly collapsed under the weight, crashing into another structure and led to multiple injuries as spectators were unable to escape in time.
As a result of this tragedy, safety concerns and regulations emerged regarding the use of bamboo, ultimately causing a shift from bamboo to steel frames in construction practices. While this change aimed to prevent future accidents, it also marked a turning point in a long-standing tradition in Hong Kong.
Given the hectic pace construction of today, steel, which is still seen by some as more dependable and modern. Of course, the fact that fewer people are interested in a career in scaffolding, as young people are increasingly drawn to positions in technology and finance, also puts this Hong Kong cultural legacy in danger.
I spoke with a scaffolding master who I had witnessed dismantling scaffolding from a completed building with a group of fellow scaffolders. While he was excited to safely complete another job, he was also worried about its future. He remarked, 「I love working with bamboo, but everyone is attracted by the advantages of metal.」 I understood clearly the feeling behind his words, as I observe the decline of bamboo scaffolding in the city.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy
Bamboo scaffolding serves as a fundamental element of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, extending beyond its construction functions. Its significance lies in its rich history, the skilled artisans who have carried this craft through generations and its representation of the spirit of Hong Kong people. My personal experiences and the stories from scaffolders have shown me the significance of preserving this unique craft.
The tradition holds significant value because it shaped our city skylines into their present form and I believe we should respect the scaffolding craftsmanship and preserve something future generations should hear about and cherish. ■
Jefferson Mak, 16, has a passion for travel, exploring the world and discovering the details of his surroundings. He enjoys learning about the world and reflecting on his experiences. With strong enthusiasm for science, conducting experiments is his favourite activity in classes.