galvanized utilitarian tricycles by CUHK bring traditional chinese metal folding to life

CUHK implements traditional techniques in tricycle design

Folding Custom Bike revitalizes the traditional art of folding galvanized metal, incorporating it into the design of two utilitarian tricycles by the School of Architecture of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Led by Professor Hiroyuki Shinohara, the project uses traditional folding techniques to create functional and aesthetic elements on the tricycles. One of the vehicles serves as a welcome booth and information stand, featuring cover lids that open to create shaded areas with horizontal canopies and a tabletop. The other one functions as a display board, with panel frames that unfold horizontally to extend the bulletin boards to 4.5 meters in length. 

all images courtesy of CUHK

Folding custom bike highlights vending vehicles’ significance

Constructed by the CUHK School of Architecture team from 0.6-millimeter-thick galvanized steel sheets, the tricycles feature box-shaped components that are easily attached to cargo beds, with a height of 655 millimeters. The first component measures 1150 x 775 x 1300 mm, and the second measures 1150 x 605 x 1300 millimeters, with the design focusing on easy transportation and deployment while maintaining a human-scale proportion. The project by the Chinese university underscores the historical significance of customized bicycles and tricycles in Chinese urban spaces. These vehicles, once popular for street vending, are disappearing due to modern regulations. By utilizing traditional folding techniques, the team aims to preserve this form of craftsmanship, known as White Steel for its pale and shiny appearance. This craft was historically used to make everyday objects like mailboxes, furniture, and building fixtures. The Folding Custom Bike tricycles are transformed into temporary installations for the ‘Space+’ community event in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. 

Folding Custom Bike revitalizes the traditional art of folding galvanized metal

led by Professor Hiroyuki Shinohara, the project uses traditional folding techniques

metal forms the functional and aesthetic elements on the tricycles

one of them serves as a welcome booth and information stand

cover lids open to create shaded areas with horizontal canopies and a tabletop

panel frames that unfold horizontally to extend the bulletin boards to 4.5 meters in length

constructed by the CUHK team fromgalvanized steel sheets, the tricycles feature box-shaped components

the first component measures 1150 x 775 x 1300 mm

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White Steel technique is known for its pale and shiny appearance

the project highlights the historical significance of customized bicycles and tricycles in Chinese urban spaces

bike01 section

bike02 plan

bike02 isometric

bike01 exploded isometric

site isometric

project info:

name: Folding Custom Bike
designer: The Chinese University of Hong Kong School of Architecture Design & Research | @cuhkarchitecture
lead professor: Hiroyuki Shinohara | @arch_hiro
design team: Craft Design Research Lab – Hiroyuki Shinohara, Ian Chen, Tony Lau
urban design: Melody Yiu, Hendrik Tieben, Charlie Chan
craftwork: Master Michael Yu and Melty Chan at Kindergarten Insane Studio

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom