PRACTICE
O.BS architects is a contemporary portuguese architecture firm, established in Macau under the direction of its founders architects, António Bruno Soares and Irene Ó since 1980, handling building development projects and interior design from feasibility studies to construction. Presently the firm also integrates the successors of its founders architects, Maria Ó Bruno Soares and João Ó.
In 1992, the firm was awarded the AAM – Macau Renovation Award for designing the Macau Monetary Authority building (St. Rafael) and in 1993, award for the renovation of the Bela Vista Hotel and for the design of a private house in Barra Hill.
The practice is supported externally for all the services in structural engineering, building services, mechanical and electrical by local offices.
During its 40 years of practice the firm has designed more than 100 buildings, including government and offices buildings, private residences, heritage renovations, industrial buildings, and participated in major design competitions being awarded the first prize and design contract for the Cultural Center, Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU), and United Nations Software Institute in Macau.
PROFESSION
In 1995, they have received a commend of professional merit by the Portuguese President. From 1991 to 1998 he was President of Macau Architects Association (AAM), and a member of Macau Cultural Council from 1991 to 1997.
They were members of the Tourism Council from 1997 to 1999.
In 1999, both received the professional merit medal from the Macau Government.
In 2008, they were awarded in the category of Architecture/Interior by Perspective Magazine (HK) profiled in August issue “40 under 40”.
PHILOSOPHY
The ineffable relationship between exterior and interior are constantly explored and scrutinised in our design method so to envision a unique spatial quality that evokes the sense of place and belonging to each project. Thus, every project encapsulates its own problematics according to the client demands, program, existing surroundings, socio-political correlations, environmental issues and technological endeavour. In order to encompass the complexity of the aforementioned factors and also the unpredictable ones, we delineate our strategic design approach on four major vectors of thought, named CCTD:
COMFORT
Given the contemporary fast pace of everyday life, our design seeks solace and emotional attachment as a way to balance the dynamical flow of inner and outer environments. We believe in the ‘less is more’ ubiquitous axiom.COHERENCE
Our work aims to be consistent with each circumstantial situation; there is no preconceived formula, our signature design is based on the customised spatial quality rather than preconceived solutions.TENACITY
All work should aim to withstand the test of time. To design is not to reach a given solution with a fashionable tendency, but to perpetuate an atmosphere for the days to come.DIALOGUE
Covering the realm of history, we strive to understand its impact not as static element that is put on a pedestal, but as a positive element that is alive within the urban tissue, therefore, needs to be engaged with the transformations of modern times.
