The Construction Waste Upcycling Project was a first-time challenge for everyone involved. For us, it was the first step in putting the FGN spirit into practice. For our partner, META Design, it was their first attempt to explore the reuse potential of construction waste. And for the interior design and renovation company in charge of Farglory’s workplace transformation, it was also their first experience of this kind.
Traditionally, interior renovation projects rely on established designs and ready-made materials. The process is clear, and construction crews can collaborate smoothly based on experience. However, in the Construction Waste Upcycling Project 1.0, things were different. While the renovation was underway, the META team was simultaneously collecting materials, experimenting, and pushing forward the design. This meant the furniture design continued to evolve during construction, breaking the usual pattern of “finalize the design first, then build.” It brought new uncertainties to the renovation team and required close coordination between both sides to complete the project.
影像提供：META Design
影像提供：META Design
To keep the electrical and plumbing work on schedule, the META team went to the site in advance to mark out the layout. Even so, Deputy Manager Yang, who was overseeing the renovation, kept asking, “What will the furniture look like?” He wanted to make sure that the furniture would align properly with the building systems. For the META team—who were simultaneously collecting materials, running experiments, and developing designs—this was exactly the challenge: the furniture design didn’t have a ready-made answer. It had to take shape step by step in the process. All they could say was, “The design is still evolving.”
On the night the furniture arrived on site, Yang stayed late even after a full day of work. Perhaps he was curious to finally see what the furniture would look like, but even more, it was his sense of responsibility—to confirm that every connection point lined up correctly. As the META team began assembling the counter, he quietly pulled out a laser level to help mark the positions. Near midnight, after seeing the counter and pantry roughly take shape and verifying that all the points aligned as they should, he finally felt assured enough to go home.
In our daily work, we often rely on familiar patterns to stay efficient. But when facing change—when those patterns have to be broken—how do we adjust our perspective? How do we hold on to principles while remaining flexible? How do we work hand-in-hand with partners to get the job done? In the process of Project 1.0, we saw Yang embody this balance. The Construction Waste Upcycling Project continues to open opportunities for people to embrace challenges and change.
