Fences made out of bamboo around construction sites can greatly enhance the beauty of the metropolitan area, suggested the National Taiwan Craft Research Institute (NTCRI).

Instead of the steel fences utilized by most constructors around building sites, it is far more pleasing on the eye if they utilize bamboos, said Director Lin Ding-tzann of NTCRI.

Lin admits that the expenditures involving bamboo fences will be greater if compared with steel barriers. "I am not demanding all construction sites to use bamboo instead of steel," said Lin. "I am merely making a proposal in order to make the city a more beautiful place," he explained.

He suggested that bamboo fences can be used first during maintenance constructions on historic sites. Once the method is popularized, the costs associating with the material will decrease dramatically, Lin said optimistically.

Chief Hsu Fong-chi of NTCRI expressed that bamboo is known for its sturdiness. The fences can also employ a variety of designs to make construction sites appear artistic when compared with the cold, hard surface of steel. Better yet, the fences can easily be disassembled and transported to another site for reuse, added Hsu.

Hsu also stated that utilizing bamboo products can help stimulate the island's craft industry. Aside from fences, bamboo can be made into many other products that are elegant. He indicated that bamboo products, because of its ability to absorb moisture without compromising its durability, have been widely used in interior design.

Bamboo denotes a special meaning in the Taiwan people's mind. The sections on the trunks of the plant are pronounced "chieh" in Mandarin Chinese. "Chieh" is used to describe an individual with impeccable integrity.