In brief
Amid the rising use of metal scaffolding, Daisy Pak embodies the resilience of Hong Kong's bamboo scaffolding tradition. Despite challenges and a male-dominated industry, she perseveres, showcasing the beauty and history of this unique construction method.
In the bustling streets of Hong Kong, as a truckload of bamboo arrives, Daisy Pak prepares for another day as one of the city's few female bamboo scaffolders. With a safety harness strapped on and music playing in the background, she navigates the intricacies of bamboo construction, tying together poles into intricate lattice frameworks that define high-rises across the city.At just 31 years old, Pak is a symbol of an ancient craft that faces declining use due to rising metal alternatives. Though she only entered this world of scaffold architecture in 2021, she brings a fierce passion and determination, having overcome personal struggles including addiction and financial hardship. The booming demand for construction workers in Hong Kong drew her back into the fold as she sought new beginnings.Pak's journey into bamboo scaffolding is unlike traditional methods, where apprentices learn from a single master. Instead, she has adapted by working under various mentors, absorbing diverse techniques while challenging the stereotypes in a predominantly male field. Despite being belittled and facing pay disputes, she attributes her persistence to an inherent drive to defy expectations.Her story is representative of many like her, fighting to preserve a heritage craft in the face of modernization while carving out their space in an industry traditionally dominated by men. As she puts in hard work high above the streets of Lai Chi Kok, each pole she connects not only holds the weight of the structures they're propping up but also the rich history of Hong Kong's architectural identity.
