Blending heritage and sustainability, this Milan Design Week debut turns everyday materials into a meaningful, playable object.
A European Debut Rooted in Hong Kong Identity
Hong Kong based studio reEDIT by EDITECTURE, led by Jacqueline Chak and Genevieve Chew, stepped onto the European stage during Milan Design Week 2026 with its installation “The Upcycled Gambit — Bamboo & Brew Chess Table Set.”
Presented within the Isola Design District’s No Space for Waste exhibition, the project reinterprets the traditional Chinese chess table through the lens of cultural memory and sustainability.
Everyday Materials, Reimagined With Purpose
At the core of the design is an inventive use of materials tied closely to Hong Kong life. Bamboo scaffolding, long associated with the city’s ever evolving skyline, forms a structural foundation, while repurposed milk tea waste is integrated into the tabletop surface.
These elements aren’t just aesthetic. They reflect daily rituals and long standing craftsmanship, transforming the table into a tactile narrative of place and identity.
A Fully Playable Piece of Circular Innovation
Beyond its symbolism, the chess table is fully functional. Visitors can engage with the piece directly, reinforcing its role as both design object and communal experience.
The project also highlights the studio’s circular design approach, incorporating processes like recycled material fabrication and advanced production techniques. By combining storytelling with sustainability, reEDIT by EDITECTURE positions design not just as something to observe, but something to interact with and rethink.
