△ DAC Aluminum Tube Lampshade Handmade Experience Event
Recently, Taige Youwu collaborated with Shanghai’s premium outdoor store NOMAD UNION and the renowned South Korean outdoor brand DAC to create an exciting “DAC Aluminum Tube Lampshade Handmade Experience Event” through NOMAD UNION’s “Wandering Workshop” handmade project.
△ DAC Aluminum Tube Lampshade
At the event, participants fully experienced the joy of handmade creation. Mr. Lee Sangyun, the Design Director of DAC, who specially traveled from South Korea, provided professional guidance and sharing for the participants. The materials used for this handmade project were all waste generated during the production of DAC’s tent poles. To avoid waste, the brand repurposes these materials through regular handmade courses, giving them a new life.
△ DAC Brand Design Director: Mr. Lee Sangyun
Mr. Lee Sangyun not only shared the principles of making DAC aluminum tube lampshades but also provided detailed guidance to each participant, allowing them to gain a new understanding of the functions and characteristics of tent poles. In the end, everyone created their own uniquely styled DAC aluminum tube lampshade. Additionally, we conducted an interview with Mr. Lee Sangyun to gain deeper insights into the diverse camping cultures and design philosophies of China and South Korea.
Taige Youwu: Since joining DAC, what design-related projects have you mainly been responsible for over the years?
Lee Sangyun:First, let me introduce DAC. We were established in 1988 and are headquartered in Incheon, South Korea, focusing on the research and manufacturing of high-performance aluminum alloy tent poles. For over 30 years, DAC has adhered to the concept of sustainable development, collaborating with leading global outdoor brands to provide materials and technical support for innovative tent designs. The founder, Jake Lah, is renowned for his outstanding contributions to tent structure and material innovation, earning him the title of “The King of Tents.” In 2019, he founded the brand JakeLah, dedicated to creating top-tier products that are practical for outdoor, home, and office use across multiple scenarios.
△ Renowned South Korean Outdoor Brand: DAC
I am personally responsible for the product design related to DAC, Helinox, and JakeLah, such as the structural geometry design of all seating projects and the development of plastic connectors; recently, I have also participated in the design of products like canoes, tables, and Field Offices.
Taige Youwu: As a top manufacturer of aluminum alloy tent poles in South Korea, what proprietary brands does DAC have, and which well-known camping brands have you established partnerships with globally?
Lee Sangyun:Products from Helinox and JakeLah originate from DAC, and we enhance brand awareness through collaborations with more brands. This includes not only camping brands but also luxury brands and renowned artists, such as LOUIS VUITTON and Tom Sachs, with various high-end cross-border collaborations attracting widespread global attention.
Taige Youwu: What business does DAC currently focus on? How has the camping style in South Korea changed significantly since 1988?
Lee Sangyun:DAC focuses on export business as its core, targeting overseas markets, and collaborates with multiple international brands for mutual growth, while also holding a certain market share in South Korea. Since the 1980s, the camping style in South Korea has undergone significant changes: initially centered around family camping, it has gradually diversified and segmented as people’s understanding of camping culture deepens. People now pursue more unique expressions of personal style, leading to the emergence of various subcategories such as lightweight backpack camping, car camping, hiking camping, couple camping, minimalist camping, motorcycle camping, and canoe camping.
Taige Youwu: Some of DAC’s proprietary brands have gradually entered the Chinese market. Are you aware of the style preferences of Chinese outdoor users? What similarities and differences do you see compared to overseas users?
Lee Sangyun:I believe we still need to observe the camping culture and style preferences of players in China. It is different from the Korean style and has certain differences from the European and American styles. Chinese camping enthusiasts are more eager to explore their unique style after learning and drawing inspiration; coupled with the rapid changes in the market and personal preferences, it might be best to leave the answer to time.
Taige Youwu: What is your overall impression of participating in the DAC aluminum tube lampshade handmade experience event held at NOMAD UNION in Shanghai?
Lee Sangyun:First of all, I would like to thank the organizer NOMAD UNION for hosting this Polecraft handmade workshop event. As a lecturer, I was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm, understanding, and insight of the participants. Seeing everyone create their own unique DAC aluminum tube lampshade with their hands brought me great satisfaction, as it is inherently a highly inspiring endeavor.
△ NOMAD UNION
Taige Youwu: Do you think that such hands-on activities focusing on practical skills can help users better understand the structure of equipment and stimulate their interest in exploring handmade experiences in the future?
Lee Sangyun:Of course, I have always believed that directly interacting with the raw materials of camping equipment is the best way to understand their characteristics. Through such hands-on experiences and explorations, participants can effectively expand their interests and thinking as outdoor enthusiasts, as well as deepen their understanding and love for the outdoor field.
Taige Youwu: What future plans does DAC have for utilizing production waste to explore eco-friendly handmade experiences?
Lee Sangyun:The Polecraft handmade workshop has been running for over two years, with tent pole lampshade making being one of the classic projects. This month, we plan to launch a brand new handmade activity in Korea in conjunction with camping activities; we will continue to explore more interesting content in the future, and I sincerely thank everyone for their participation and support in this event.
Photo Credits: NOMAD UNION
Content Editor: Qin Zehua