Organised by the Macao Museum of Art (MAM) of the Cultural Affairs Bureau, in cooperation with the Architects Association of Macau (AAM), the exhibition of “Unintended Architecture – Exhibits from Macao, China” is ready to be showcased at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, starting on 26 May in Venice, Italy, which will introduce Macao’s characteristic “Freespace” through abstract means to audiences from around the world. The works that constitute the Macao exhibition have been sent to Venice in early March and the exhibition team will start setting up exhibits on site in mid-May.
Recently, the MAM held a session to introduce the works of the exhibition. The exhibition team, including local architects Eddie Ieong Chong Tat, Vong Ka Ian and Benny Chu Hou San, as well as the curator Manuel Lam Lap Yan, presented to Chan Kai Chon, the Director of the MAM, Ben Leong Chong In, President of the General Assembly of the AAM, and Johnathan Wong Chung Yuen, Chairman of the Board of the AAM, about the exhibition preparations, some models of works that will be displayed, along with the inspiration that the members of team, as architects, draw from the concept “Unintended Architecture”.
In order to answer the theme “Freespace” of the Biennale, the team probed into spaces with local flavour and explored elements of interaction between people and daily spaces: from the open air market at Rua da Emenda, the pathways of Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, the densely populated high-rise buildings, up to the stairway of the Ruins of St. Paul’s, the “interaction” existing within these places inadvertently creates a characteristic space that blends with daily life and a sense of human touch. It was precisely in this manner that the team conceived the concept of “Unintended Architecture”. Moderation in architectural design leaves room for people to intervene, participate, and spread out. The exhibition used acrylic and metal plates to build the “playing cards” which symbolise Macao’s swift economic development. Through different sizes, shapes, textures and arrangements, the playing cards transform and leave blank (white space) in complex spaces, simplifying them into elements that symbolise Macao and creating four exhibition spaces with four different themes. The blanks allow viewers to project their own feelings, memories and imagination, thereby experiencing the “Unintended Architecture”, perceiving spatial traits through interaction and reflecting on the harmonious relationship established between people and space.
The Director of MAM, Chan Kai Chon, believes that the “free space” in imagination reflected in the works shows the world the team’s cultural confidence and their latest perception of society and also offers future possibilities for ideas. Ben Leong Chong In pointed out that the message brought by the exhibition is thought-provoking, that the blank space is the free space pursued by people in everyday life and it is also a space for architects to showcase their creativity. In turn, Johnathan Wong Chung Yuen mentioned that the merits of this work lie in the connection of a series of cards and the expression of several themes, causing an impression due to its appeal and uniqueness. He further suggested that this exhibition be showcased in Macao to the same industry and the general public, allowing them to get to know the creativity of Macao’s young architects as well as their perceptions and feelings regarding a growing city. All praised the enthusiasm and dedication of the exhibition team, which fully reflects the humanistic values of Macao’s unique space.
The International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia is currently the most influential event in the world in the fields of architecture and academia. This is already the third time that the Cultural Affairs Bureau organises the participation of local architects in this great event. The exhibition “Unintended Architecture” runs from 26 May until 25 November, daily from 10am to 6pm, local time, closing on Mondays. The exhibition hall is located in front of the Arsenal, the Biennale’s main building, with address at Arsenale, Campo della Tana. Castello 2126/A, Venice, Italy. For more information, please contact the MAM, during office hours (Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6:30pm) through the telephone No. 8791 9814.