Bamboo scaffolding

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Bamboo scaffolding an under-construction water tower in Hainan, China Bamboo scaffolding around a water tower.jpg
Bamboo scaffolding an under-construction water tower in Hainan, China

Bamboo scaffolding has been widely used in construction work for centuries. Many landmarks, notably the Great Wall of China, were built using scaffolding made from bamboo, [1] and its use continues today in some parts of the world.

Contents

In Hong Kong, the traditional technique using bamboo scaffolding to build temporary Chinese opera theatres is recognized as an item of Intangible Cultural Heritage. [2] [3]

History

Bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong disassembled Bamboo scaffolding in bunches Hong Kong 2013.jpg
Bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong disassembled

Bamboo scaffolding was first introduced into the building industry in Hong Kong immediately after colonization in the 1800s. [4] [5] It was widely used in the building of houses and multi-story buildings (up to four stories high) prior to the development of metal scaffolding. [6] [7] It was also useful for short-term construction projects, such as framework for temporary sheds for Cantonese opera performances. [8] There are three types of scaffolding in Hong Kong:

  1. Double-row scaffold
  2. Extended bamboo scaffolding
  3. Shop signs of bamboo scaffolding

Gradual decline

In 2013, there were 1,751 registered bamboo scaffolders and roughly 200 scaffolding companies in Hong Kong. [9] The use of bamboo scaffolding is diminishing due to shortages in labor and material. Despite the lack of labor force and material, recently safety issues have become another serious concern. [10]

The labor shortage may be due to the reluctance of younger generations to become scaffolders as it has a reputation of being "a dirty and dangerous job". Another reason fewer people are becoming scaffolders is that new recruits need to undergo training with the Hong Kong Construction Industry Council in order to acquire a license. Older scaffolders generally learned in apprenticeships, and may have been able to gather more hands-on experience. [11]

Material shortages are also a contributing factor to the decline. The bamboo scaffolding material was imported from mainland China. Bamboo—which matures after three years to the wide diameter and thick skin perfect for scaffolding—came from the Shaoxing area in Guangdong. Over the past two decades, firms have had to look to Guangxi instead. The industry's fear is that one day supplies will be blocked due to export embargoes and environmental concerns. Attempts to import bamboo from Thailand, or switch to synthetic or plastic bamboo, have so far proved unsuccessful.

While mainland China had moved on to using metal scaffolding, Hong Kong's construction industry has remained with the early Chinese construction practice. [12] On 17 March 2025, Hong Kong government authorities announced that they would begin to phase out the use of bamboo and replace it with metal scaffolding, stating that bamboo deteriorates over time, has contributed to 23 deaths in scaffolding related accidents since 2018, and is combustible. [12] [13]

Workers on bamboo scaffolding Chiang-Mai Thailand Workers-on-a-bamboo-scaffolding-01.jpg
Workers on bamboo scaffolding

Uses in construction

A fulcrum supports this bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong. Usage of Bamboo.JPG
A fulcrum supports this bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong.

Bamboo scaffolding is a temporary structure to support people and materials when constructing or repairing building exteriors and interiors. [14] In bamboo scaffolding, plastic fibre straps and bamboo shoots are bound together to form a solid and secure scaffold structure without screws. [15] Bamboo scaffolding does not need to have a foundation on the ground, as long as the scaffolding has a fulcrum for structural support. [16]

Bamboo scaffolding is commonly used in developing countries across Asia and Africa, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Nigeria. [17] In many African countries, notably Nigeria, bamboo scaffolding is still used for small scale construction in urban areas. In rural areas, the use of bamboo scaffolding for construction is common. In fact, bamboo is an essential building and construction commodity in Nigeria; the bamboo materials are transported on heavy trucks and trailers from rural areas (especially the tropical rain forest) to cities and the northern part of Nigeria.

Some of the structures in relaxation and recreation centres, both in urban and rural areas of Nigeria, are put in place using bamboo materials. Bamboo materials are still used in the construction of some local restaurants in rural areas. [18]

Cultural use

Chinese opera theatres

A temporary stage being erected with bamboo scaffolds HK BambooScaffoldingTheatre Frame.JPG
A temporary stage being erected with bamboo scaffolds

One of bamboo scaffolding's main alternative uses is in Chinese opera theatres in Hong Kong. The flexibility and convenience of this type of scaffolding suits stages set up for temporary use and also separates the audience from the performers.

Respecting and promoting the traditional cultures of Chinese opera, a huge event called the West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre was held next to the Tsim Sha Tsui Fire Station, at the junction of Canton Road and Austin Road in 2012 and 2013. [19] The event was then held at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade annually since 2014. [20]

Local festivals

Bamboo scaffolds and bun towers in Cheung Chau HK CheungChauBunFestival 2010.JPG
Bamboo scaffolds and bun towers in Cheung Chau

Stages are built from bamboo scaffolding for the live Cantonese and Teochew operas performed during every Ghost Festival to worship ghostly ancestors.

The bamboo tower used in the Bun Scrambling Competition during the Cheung Chau Bun Festival on the island of Cheung Chau is constructed out of bamboo scaffolding. [21] Nine thousand buns, representing fortune and blessing, are supported on the fourteen-meter tall bamboo tower in front of the Pak Tai Temple. For the Piu Sik Parade, bamboo stands and racks are used to hold the young costumed performers above the crowds.

References

  1. ↑ "Bewitched by bamboo". www.chinadaily.com.cn. China Daily . Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  2. ↑ "Bamboo Theatre Building Technique - Home". www.icho.hk. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
  3. ↑ Yeung, Jonathan (2025-04-20). "From Common Sight to Cultural Symbol: The Rise and Decline of Bamboo Scaffolding in Hong Kong". ArchDaily. Retrieved 2025-11-27.
  4. ↑ "Why is Hong Kong last frontier for bamboo scaffolders?". www.scmp.com. South China Morning Post. 9 March 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  5. ↑ "Bamboo Scaffolding". industrialhistoryhk.org. The Industrial History of Hong Kong. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  6. ↑ Hoh, Erling (31 May 2001). "In Hong Kong, way to the top is bamboo scaffold". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  7. ↑ "Bamboo Scaffolding in HK Sees Looming Threat". journalism.hkbu.edu.hk. HKBU Journalism Department. 18 March 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  8. ↑ Lee, Hong Lam (2012). "Evolution of bamboo scaffolding for building construction in Hong Kongfrom the 1960s to the present day" . hub.hku.hk. The University of Hong Kong. doi:10.5353/th_b4834567. hdl: 10722/177218 . Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  9. ↑ "Hong Kong's 'spiders' stick to bamboo scaffolding". The Independent . independent.co.uk. 21 November 2009. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  10. ↑ "Bamboo Scaffolding in HK Sees Looming Threat - Feed Magazine – HKBU MA International Journalism Student Stories". journalism.hkbu.edu.hk. 18 March 2014.
  11. ↑ "Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety" (PDF). www.labour.gov.hk. Occupational Safety and Health Branch Labour Department. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  12. 1 2 Cheung, Catharina (20 March 2025). "Hong Kong will start to phase out its iconic bamboo scaffolding". Time Out .
  13. ↑ "Hong Kong's iconic bamboo scaffolds on their way out". Agence France-Presse. 19 March 2025 – via Hong Kong Free Press.
  14. ↑ "Guidance Notes on Bamboo Scaffold ing Safety" (PDF). www.archsd.gov.hk. Hong Kong Architectural Services Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 February 2015. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  15. ↑ "Why do they still use bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong?". hk-magazine.com. HK Magazine. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  16. ↑ "Guidelines on the Design and Construction of Bamboo Scaffolds" (PDF). www.bd.gov.hk. Hong Kong Buildings Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-02-12. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
  17. ↑ Anthony Nkem Ede et al., Structural Form Works and Safety Challenges: Role of Bamboo Scaffold on Collapse of Reinforced Concrete Buildings in Nigeria, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, Vol. 9, Issue 9 (September 2018): “Outside Hong Kong, bamboo scaffolding is mostly seen in developing nations of Asia and Africa such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nigeria etc.”
  18. ↑ Oboirien, Momoh. Scaffolding Practices in Some Selected Cities of Nigeria: A Survey of Requirements and Prospects for Specialized Sub-contractors (Thesis).
  19. ↑ "West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre | 17.01.2014 – 9.02.2014 | West Kowloon Cultural District". West Kowloon. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  20. ↑ "West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre | 17.01.2014 – 9.02.2014 | West Kowloon Cultural District". West Kowloon. Retrieved 2015-11-10.
  21. ↑ "Ready, steady, dough! Annual Cheung Chau bun scramble delivers parade to chew over". www.scmp.com. South China Morning Post. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
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