Bamboo scaffolding is a remarkable feature of Hong Kong’s construction tradition, particularly for renovations within the city’s dense residential areas. The skilled workers who specialise in this craft are essential, providing access to individual units while prioritising safety and efficiency. They are typically used for the repair of air conditioning units, or for the removal of trees whose growth could risk affecting the structure of the building.
My photographic journey into this world required me to rely heavily on my ears to guide me. The knocking sound of bamboo poles, the sharp sound of drilling, and the lively chatter of the workmen became my signals, drawing me closer to these scenes. As they navigate the intricate building facade skilfully and carry heavy bamboo poles or metallic frames, their movements evoke vigour and bravery. It is remarkable to witness how they balance with great confidence while securing the scaffolding, reflecting a profound understanding of both the materials they wield and the structure that supports it.
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#1 Ascending Bamboos, 2023 - A Scaffolder Is Bringing Up The Fabric That Will Wrap The Bamboo Scaffolding He Did
The scaffolding they create is not just practical; it resonates with nature as a reminder of how birds construct their nests. Like avian architects, these men intricately weave their materials together, making use of the natural flexibility and strength of bamboo. Each structure is a manifestation of their skill and deep-rooted tradition. Through my photography, I strive to capture not only the scaffolders’ exceptional craftsmanship but also how these men can achieve with ease and nonchalance what is a great example of human ingenuity and dexterity.
This collection of photos is a part of my photo book 'Echoing Above' published in Hong Kong in May 2025.
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The real click for me to start documenting this subject was witnessing the man in the photo Equilibrium. I remember feeling amazed and tense at the same time while watching him set up the bamboo scaffolding very high on a facade and with a simple rope as protection. He was moving between the metal support structure balancing on one foot, looking very confident while handling a large pole of bamboo that was his size.
It triggered me to try looking for more of these elusive men working high up above our heads with such skills without us noticing them. And later on, there was news from the Hong Kong government signaling their plan to start replacing bamboo scaffoldings with ones made from metal. So I felt it was the moment to record this practice before it disappeared.
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These men usually work quite high above our heads, and in Hong Kong it is hard to scrutinize all the details of all the windows surrounding you as the density is very high. So most of the time I first heard them before seeing them. The typical sounds that attract me are bamboo knocking on each other, the drilling on the wall at the beginning when they fix the metallic base for the bamboo scaffolding, or the voices of these men when they are talking to their colleagues who usually stay by the other side of the window.
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#7 Below The Passing Plane, 2024 - A Scaffolder Is Grabbing A Bamboo Pole On The Facade Of A Building
The finished result of the small bamboo scaffolding really makes me think of bird nests. They look like small structures alone up on a building facade. Just like a bird nest alone high up in the branches of a tree. And the intricate way the bamboo are attached to each other also look reminiscent of bird nests since each bamboo pole is woven to one another with a small black or orange strap. And actually, in Hong Kong, some birds would collect these fallen straps to build their own nest along with small tree branches.
#8 Equilibrium, 2023 - A Man Is Holding A Bamboo Pole With One Hand While Balancing On The Building's Facade
#9 Fixing The Base, 2024 - A Man Is Attaching The Metallic Support That Will Serve As The Base Of The Bamboo Scaffolding
For the book I chose the photo that best demonstrates the acrobatic skills and the confidence of these men as I truly admire how they work. I want to share how skilled and brave they are.
I am very excited that these photos will be exhibited in Hong Kong at Blue Lotus Gallery from May 10 to May 25! I can't wait to share my work with everyone there!
#10 Holding On To The Rope, 2024 - A Worker Is Holding On To A Rope While Working On Facade Of An Old Building
#11 Parallel Repairs, 2024 - Two Men Working On Repairs At Different Floors Of An Old Building
#12 Reaching Out, 2024 - A Man Is Reaching Out To Grab A Part Of A Dismantled Scaffolding
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#14 On The Canyon's Edge, 2024 - A Worker Is Grabbing The Metallic Frame That Will Serve As The Base Of The Bamboo Scaffolding To Be Built
#15 Abseil Drilling, 2023 - A Man Is Drilling A Hole On The Facade Of A Building In Order To Fix The Metallic Support For The Bamboo Scaffolding
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#17 Repair Chevalier, 2024 - A Worker Holding A Bamboo Pole For The Scaffolding He Is Constructing
#18 Stylish Fix, 2024 - A Man Is Attaching Bamboo Poles Together To Finish His Newly Built Scaffolding
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#21 Taking A Break Above, 2024 - A Worker Is Lighting Up Is Cigarette While Taking A Break With His Colleagues
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