Hong Kong's 'Lost Coast' Transformed by Public Seats Made from Upcycled Masks

2 hours ago7 min read

A striking new installation on Hong Kong's shoreline is turning a symbol of the pandemic into a statement on sustainable urbanism. The design collective 'py' has unveiled a series of helical benches, crafted not from traditional materials, but from upcycled surgical masks and reclaimed metal.This initiative directly tackles the environmental blight of pandemic-era medical waste, repurposing the disposable masks that choked the city's waterways into durable, functional public furniture. Located on a neglected stretch known as the 'Lost Coast,' the project is a powerful act of environmental reclamation.The transformation process involves collecting, sterilizing, and compressing the non-biodegradable masks into a robust, weather-proof composite—a material innovation that addresses the plastic pollution crisis documented by environmental advocates. More than just seating, the benches serve as a physical prompt for public conversation about consumption, waste, and circular economies.Their spiral form, reminiscent of the DNA double helix, suggests a cycle of renewal, giving materials once destined for landfill a new life. While questions about long-term durability and public hygiene perceptions remain, the project stands as a compelling prototype for megacities worldwide, demonstrating how creativity can weave our most persistent waste back into the urban fabric.

#upcycled materials

#urban furniture

#surgical masks

#Hong Kong

#design innovation

#featured

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