May 26, 2014 6:30 AM

Gallery: Why Hong Kong Shrouds New Skyscrapers in Cocoons

Photo: Peter Steinhauer
01
Cocoon and Cranes Hong Kong-2008
Peter Steinhauer's *Cocoon* series looks at a construction tradition native to Hong Kong.
Photo: Peter Steinhauer
02
McDonald's Cocoon Hong Kong - 2009
When buildings are going up (or being torn down), they get shrouded in bright nylon mesh covers.

Photo: Peter Steinhauer
03
Greeen Cocoon #5 Hong Kong - 2010
No matter how tall they are.
Photo: Peter Steinhauer
04
Quarry Bay Cocoon Hong Kong - 2013
Some are white, though that's rare.

Photo: Peter Steinhauer
05
Cherry Street Cocoon Hong Kong - 2009
Most are brilliant primary hues, like this green.
Photo: Peter Steinhauer
06
Blue Cocoon #1 Hong Kong - 2008
The cocoons are there to protect debris from falling on Hong Kong's densely populated streets.

Photo: Peter Steinhauer
07
Yellow Night Cocoon Hong Kong - 2011
The tradition dates back as long as we've had photographs of building being built in the city.
Photo: Peter Steinhauer
08
Aqua Cocoon Cage Hong Kong - 2012
Underneath the shrouds is scaffolding made from bamboo.

Photo: Peter Steinhauer
09
cocoon2
Most of the nylon mesh gets reused if there aren't too many holes.
Photo: Peter Steinhauer
10
cocoon
Though the bright colors look beautiful to outsiders, they're almost universally loathed in Hong Kong because they signify months of loud construction.

Photo: Peter Steinhauer
11
Southside Cocoon #2 Hong Kong - 2012
And after a few weeks, they become extremely dirty. This one use to be white.
12
cocoons
Still their odd beauty still beats the soulless metal scaffolding you'll find in the U.S.

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