CURB to launch new book on historical neon signs

The Center for Architecture and Urbanism (CURB) is set to launch a new book on Macau’s historical neon signs.

Titled “Guide to Neon Signs in Macau,” the publication is fully dedicated to documenting and celebrating one of the city’s iconic urban features.

The guide, authored by Filipa Simões, will be officially launched on Jan. 29, with a ceremony at Ponte 9 – Creative Platform.

About the book, CURB noted that for generations, neon signs have lit up Macau’s streets, shaping its nightscape and becoming deeply embedded in the city’s collective memory. This type of signage goes beyond mere visual artifacts, representing local identity and culture.

Based on photographs collected throughout 2025, the publication offers a unique portrait of Macau’s neon landscape across the Macau peninsula. The guide is part of a broader research and documentation project focused on preserving Macau’s neon installations, many of which are being removed or lost to redevelopment.

The broader project aims to transform research and visual documentation into a tangible, accessible record, ensuring these glowing icons continue to exist even after being removed from the streets and their original locations.

Beyond the author and researcher Simões, the book features contributions from architect Nuno Soares, CURB president and project coordinator, and photographer Wilson Kam.

Simões is a designer and teacher who has been based in Macau since 2004. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Lisbon, followed by a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Saint Joseph, where she now works as supervisor of the Bachelor of Design program at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Fascinated by cities, food, books, and all things graphic, Simões develops her creative work across different platforms – as a graphic artist, creative director, and teacher – always striving to explore the communication design potential of each project.

She is the creative director and founder of WHYDESIGN and director of Ponte 9 Creative Platform. Her work has won several awards and has been published and exhibited internationally, including at Experimentadesign, Salone Satellite, the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Biennale, and the Venice Architecture Biennale.

She previously published the “Guide to Street Art in Macau” (2023).