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Discussion of Macao’s modern architecture

Inês Lei

The preservation of modern architecture in Macau is rarely discussed. Despite some sporadic campaigns over the last few decades, many architects feel that the community doesn’t care about these buildings. The main obstacle to its conservation is precisely the fact that the population of Macau does not have a close relationship with architecture. A group has published a guide that aims to transform modern architecture into a cultural and tourist resource in the region and find a solution for its preservation.

The preservation of modern architecture in Macau has been debated over the past few decades. The controversy with the landscape of Farol da Guia in 2005 started a campaign among the community to protect this building, which also served as a catalyst for a local preservation movement. One of the main concerns of this movement is modern architecture. These buildings were highly valued in the era of Portuguese sovereignty, such as the Luso-Chinese Secondary School of Luís Gonzaga Gomes, built in the 1930s, and the Red Market Building, considered valuable heritage since the colonial era.

However, almost nine years after the approval of the “Cultural Heritage Safeguard Law” in 2014, only the Old Municipal Stable, the Nossa Senhora das Dores Church, the pier no. Coloane piers were included in the list of protected local heritage.

When asked about the fact that the preservation of these modern buildings has not evolved since the approval of the “Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Law”, architect Lui Chak Keong states that “there are several interests involved”, in addition to the fact that only part of the community demonstrates interest in preserving this architecture.

STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE POPULATION

The urban planner and commentator Lam Iek Chit believes that if the criterion is protection according to the “Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Law”, the buildings included in the list will be mostly large, with an eye-catching design, associated with some historical event or of public use. Even fulfilling the previous criteria for inclusion in the list, many modern buildings are still not considered protected heritage, as is the case of Cinema Alegria and Horta da Mitra Municipal Market.

“The main obstacle to the preservation of modern architecture in Macau is the fact that the population does not have a great relationship with these buildings. The simpler lines of modern design end up not leaving a positive impression among the public, especially when it is abandoned or dilapidated.

It is difficult to convince the population to support their protection, and even more difficult to get help from the Government when the community does not support the cause”, explains Lam Iek Chit.

The same also applied to better-known preservation cases, such as the four public administration buildings on Rua de Dom Belchior Carneiro in 2013 and the Hotel Estoril and Piscina Municipal in 2015.

At the time, several community members suggested that the 1960s Art Deco building used by the civil service and government property be preserved.

The Government in response suggested the possibility of the existence of ruins of the Colégio de São Paulo underneath the building. Ung Vai Meng, having just taken up his post as Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture at the time, even considered buildings to be “vandals”.

The dormitories were eventually demolished and transformed into the current location where Colégio de São Paulo and its car park are located. In 2015, a year after the “Cultural Heritage Safeguard Law” came into force, the then Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture proposed demolishing the former Estoril Hotel and Estoril Municipal swimming pool to “build a cultural and recreational center, including a Youth Cultural Activities”.

Despite public opinion that the former Hotel Estoril was one of “the most iconic buildings in Macau, witnessing the development of mixed architectural aesthetics during the 1960s” and having started its process of qualification as heritage, it was rejected by the Government.

In 2018, the Urban Planning Council approved the planning of the Rainha D. Leonor Building at Av. D. João IV, meaning that Macau’s first skyscraper, built in the 1950s, could be at risk of demolition.

At the time, MP Lam Iok Fong, along with a number of architects, delivered a petition with around 700 signatures to the Cultural Institute. Unlike the buildings on Rua de Dom Belchior Carneiro and the Hotel Estoril, the Rainha D. Leonor Building was not demolished for several reasons.

MODERN CULTURAL AND TOURIST RESOURCE

To raise public awareness of modern architecture, a group of citizens created the “Community Planning Cooperative” and in 2014 published, in cooperation with a local artist, “The Modern Trace – The Art Map of Modern Architecture in Macau”, a map hand-drawn with 32 buildings of modern architecture.

Unfortunately, even after the publication of the same, many of these buildings were destroyed. The first logo during the preparation of the map, specifically the three-story Kuan Iec old panchões (gunpowder cartridges) company.

After its publication, the building of the School for Sons and Brothers of Macao Workers, built in 1952 opposite Cinema Alegria, was also demolished. Two stone buildings at the Conde de São Januário Hospital Center were also destroyed for the construction of a building to combat infectious diseases.

Lam Iek Chit, a member of the Cultural Heritage Council, who was also involved in publishing the map, shares:

“It is a pity, none of these demolitions were carried out for the commercial profit of private entities, but for the creation of larger public buildings, that is, larger hospitals, schools, it is not a problem that concerns only the Cultural Institute. The problem is that Macao society is not aware of this reality to fight for the history of the city and the memory of its community, such as considering a middle ground for the preservation of these buildings, instead of falling into a dominated zero-sum game. for demolition”.

Recently the Macau Docomomo Association, a group concerned with the conservation of the city’s modern architecture, published the “Macau Modern Architecture — Walking Guide”. This guide focuses on the modern architecture of the city between the 30’s and 60’s. These buildings are a testament to Macao’s modern wealth.

The purpose of the publication is to offer the public an easy and convenient way to explore Macao’s modern heritage, explains architect Rui Leão. It’s not just about tourism, it’s a matter of cultural identity and connection to the city’s memory.

He points out that the 39 buildings in the book are all excellent examples of their era, and while not all of them need to be included in the protected heritage list, they are nonetheless important constructions in Macau. In his view, these buildings deserve at least further discussion. Macau, as a city, must understand the importance of these buildings and seek to promote greater dialogue on modern architecture as a cultural heritage.

“We will never be able to implement a solid policy of preservation and public buildings if we do not discuss the link between modern architecture and local identity, as well as its importance to the community”.

“There is little public discussion about modern architecture and the government is indifferent to its preservation. It is our responsibility to work with different organizations to give voice to this architecture, this silence is a crime.”

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