Innovation of metal folding craft based on galvanised iron handicrafts study in Hong Kong

  • Magazine Set Mockup by Anthony Boyd Graphics
  • Project image courtesy of Gamzar Lee, exhibition image courtesy of Crafts on Peel.

Galvanized iron is a durable iron alloy coated with zinc, often crafted to be our daily utensils in the 1950s and 60s in Hong Kong, before the wide usage of plastic and stainless steel. Gamzar started his galvanized iron crafts apprenticeship in 2020 following the local master Yu. He started his design exploration with reference to Origami and parametric design methodology. Based on continuous handwork practice and a deeper understanding of galvanized iron material, this project explores the potential of folding metal to design crafted products using industrial design software. The design will include the traditional jointing method he learned and introduce how it can assemble the folded pieces from 2D to 3D. With an emphasis on the practicality of traditional craftsmanship and the controllability of parametric design, the project seeks to revive Hong Kong metal handicrafts with a contemporary approach.

Galvanized iron is a durable iron alloy coated with zinc, often crafted to be our daily utensils in the 1950s and 60s in Hong Kong, before the wide usage of plastic and stainless steel. Gamzar started his galvanized iron crafts apprenticeship in 2020 following the local master Yu. He started his design exploration with reference to Origami and parametric design methodology. Based on continuous handwork practice and a deeper understanding of galvanized iron material, this project explores the potential of folding metal to design crafted products using industrial design software. The design will include the traditional jointing method he learned and introduce how it can assemble the folded pieces from 2D to 3D. With an emphasis on the practicality of traditional craftsmanship and the controllability of parametric design, the project seeks to revive Hong Kong metal handicrafts with a contemporary approach.

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2022
Grantee: Gamzar Lee

Gamzar is a designer and craftsman from Hong Kong. His practice focuses on the collaborative potential between traditional handicrafts and parametric design. He discovered his enthusiasm for craftsmanship after his bachelor's study in industrial design at Tongji University. Then he received the Alexandre Yersin Scholarship from the French government in 2019 for pursuing his Master's degree in Applied Arts at École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Appliqués et des Métiers d'Art in Paris. He has been involved in many projects throughout his career, including installation art, museum/gallery curation, interior design, and bespoke furniture design. His bamboo and metal craft work has been showcased in Tokyo, Beijing, London Craft Week, and Milan Design Week.