- Pupils from the Society of Boys’ Centres Hui Chung Sing Memorial School paired with volunteers from PolyU in a project to create ‘everblooming’ blossoms using 3D printing technology
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The “Future Garden” exhibition was held at Nan Fung Tower in Central in November. Students from the School of Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University worked with students from the Society of Boys’ Centres Hui Chung Sing Memorial School to create the mechanical flowers in the display. Photo: Handout
At the “Future Garden” exhibition held at Nan Fung Tower in Central last month, 10 mechanical flowers stood out amid the vibrant display of blossoms.
Organised by the Nan Fung Group, the exhibit aimed to promote sustainable development by celebrating the harmonious coexistence of technology and nature.
The fresh flowers, selected by florists from agnès b Fleuriste, represented the beauty and transformation of the present. Meanwhile, the mechanical everblooming flowers, which incorporated 3D printing technology and had their petals wrapped in recycled fabrics donated by the luxury French brand, symbolised future technological advancement and sustainability.
With help from the School of Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), 25 students from the Society of Boys’ Centres Hui Chung Sing Memorial School, one of the city’s eight special schools for people with adjustment problems, spent three months decorating and assembling the mechanical flowers.
Vinncci Chan Wai-chi, principal of the school in Cheung Sha Wan, said the experience was a “great reinforcement” for the students.
“The Future Garden received a lot of positive responses from the public, and I am thrilled to see the students’ hard work being recognised. It was an arduous project for secondary school students ... as they had to put together dozens of components and experiment multiple times to make the flower function,” said the educator.
“But as they tried more and developed an interest in what they were doing, their outcomes evolved. Not only did the mechanical flowers bloom, but we also observed students’ growth in the project.”
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A lesson in patience
During the three-month project, students received a series of STEAM-related workshops from PolyU, where they learned how to use different gears and welding techniques to assemble the 3D-printed components.
Each mechanical flower featured around 900 different parts, including screws made using a 3D printer. Despite exhibiting only 10 products in the Garden, the students created more than 20 flowers, even though many had little craftwork experience.
Lau Yu-lai, a Form Two student who took part in the project, shared how he mastered the hot glue gun.
“It was my first time using the tool, and I burned my fingers a couple of times. But when I successfully stuck the petals together using the hot glue gun, I felt a sense of satisfaction,” said the 13-year-old.
Mak Yu-sang, a 15-year-old Form Five student, shared the sentiment: “I didn’t have any prior experience with DIY, but I enjoyed the process and the satisfaction that came with the final product.”
One challenge the students faced was the weight of the fabrics wrapped around the petals, which made it tough to ensure the motor would function properly.
Muhammad Amish Manzoor, a 15-year-old Form Four student, said that while he was frustrated by his failed attempts, he was grateful for his teachers’ advice.
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“It allowed me to learn beyond the syllabus ... I enjoy doing handicrafts, and the project gave me the opportunity to do more hands-on work. I was over the moon when I saw the flower function successfully.”
Not only did students improve their DIY skills through the STEAM project, but it also taught them patience and teamwork.
Chan Tai-yuen, a 19-year-old Form Six student, explained: “The teachers wanted to train my patience, so they encouraged me to take part in the project, as I used to lose my temper when doing trivial work. Spending time with my peers on the project and our teamwork motivated me.”
Hands-on experience
Since the Hong Kong government introduced the concept of STEAM education in its 2015 policy address, the school has incorporated it into its teaching.
The school also offers subjects related to art, fashion design and technology education to unleash students’ potential further, the principal said.
“We emphasise hands-on experiences. Writing might not be our students’ strength, but learning by doing is what they are good at ... they might not perform best at their studies, but our school has a different definition of success. We appreciate their improvement and encourage their multi-development,” said Chan.
She added that the project addressed students’ personal challenges and helped them reconnect with society, saying it taught mischievous students to focus on their work and allowed introverted pupils to build positive connections.
“Being able to present students’ work at the public exhibition boosted their self-confidence and allowed society to see their talent. I hope to convey that students in special schools are not inferior and that they are capable of creating such captivating work.”
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