Rita Machado and João Ó | Architects Bamboo, a statement on local identity

Rita Machado and João Ó

As part of the Macau Architecture Promenade (MAP) program organized by the Babel association, the pavilion named “Treeplets” was installed in the University of Macau’s garden area, transforming the landscape.  To learn more about the installation and the feedback obtained from the public, the Times spoke to its creators, local architects João Ó and Rita Machado.

Macau Daily Times – How did this idea gain shape? What was the motivation behind it?
João Ó – The motivation was certainly the competition launched by Babel that we found in early June following an open call for public installations in order to make use of public space in innovative ways.  We saw that as a challenge because there was no clearly stated category. We found that the widened range of possibilities was perfect for us.

MDT – How do you come up with this shape and structure?
JO – Rita and I started in-depth research regarding Macau bamboo scaffolding for about a year and a half, and so our idea was to incorporate this research and this theme into the project. The material is very local and typical of all Southeast Asia and we wanted to bring that up.

MDT – Bamboo has been commonly used in this region, mostly as a construction material. Is this project a way to call attention to its artistic capabilities?
JO – Definitely yes! We want to utilize local materials in this temporary construction and make a statement to introduce the idea of a local identity because bamboo, despite its known capabilities,  is still rarely used for art projects.
In terms of construction for example, we have the bamboo sheds that are built every year for local festivities during the months of April and May in front of the Á-Ma Temple, but the shapes are always quite classical and always the same, without any kind of innovation.  This is because it is seen as just a practical thing and there is no time to make artistic alterations. For that reason, we rapidly came up with a simple solution that is the “Treeplets”. It uses the original grid from scaffolding, which is regular 60cm x 60cm mesh.  In fact, we did not want to innovate on this technique; we wanted to reuse it to do something different while also using forms that resemble traditional structures too, like the canopy.  With the canopy,  we applied a similar technique like the one found in ancient temples built without any nails.

MDT – The feedback has been good, and overall, there was an extension of the exhibition period. How do you feel about that?
JO – Well, it is true but we will still not stay for as long as we wanted; we were aiming for until the end of the year.  We have reached an agreement that would be just until the end of November, but still we are trying to renegotiate the terms to see if we can stay longer.

MDT – Do these kind of structures have the potential to become permanent installations?
Rita Machado – Yes, it can stay here I think for about five or more years. But people are a bit conservative and they have raised concerns regarding the security of the structure.
JO – It would be possible with maintenance every six months or so, but it could still be perfectly achievable. We understand this installation in many ways, it is public, it is like a sculpture, it is interactive because children like to climb it, it also provides shade and comfort to sit, to read, to eat, to chat, etc.

MDT – Do you think that the fact that this structure is in this location [UM campus] can attract people to this new part of Macau to come and see it and enjoy this space and its leisure areas?
RM – Actually we think there are a lot of people coming here, especially with children or young couples, but most of them live here. They are mostly students and teachers or other staff from the University but I think this can be a nice first step to bring people from Macau or the islands here. It takes time! This campus has only been open for a year so it’s not that much.