The former Hotel Estoril
The architect José Manuel Fernandes is in favor of the preservation of the Hotel Estoril, arguing that the building is part of the collective memory of Macau.
Interviewed by Radio Macau, the professor at the University of Lisbon stated that he did not understand the reasons for a possible demolition. “What is the problem? It’s kitsch, it’s from the 60s, is from an architect named Alvarez,” he asked rhetorically, defending a prudent assessment of the architectural value of the building. “It having its presence and a history that is linked to Stanley Ho is the genesis of a very important thing in Macau,” he argued.
“Honestly, it deserves to be evaluated, and I am certain that if the right documents are given to whichever architect that will be invited to assess this information, any good architect will know that he is in the presence of something with a collective memory,” he added.
The architect was in the territory to speak at a seminar held last Saturday by the Albergue SCM entitled “Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism in Portugal – Present Days,” in which Mr Fernandes shared his views on Portuguese architecture and urbanism.
The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, reacted to these statements yesterday, expressing that he believes that Macau cannot put the old Hotel Estoril facilities to any good use due to its current condition.
“That area of the Hotel Estoril is of no use at all! This architect [José Manuel Fernandes] is one of the few people who think we should keep that hotel. But I ask for what reason? What is the use of it? We have to think ahead. It is not like Portugal here. Portugal has plenty of space and lots of land,” Alexis Tam said.
According to Mr Tam, the plan to revamp the former hotel is currently on hold while experts analyze the request for the building’s classification. RM
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