This project was done for my own office back in 1994 when I decided to move to
the
Macau Forum of which I became the Director.
The new offices for all the staff were conceived below the Arena's seats. |
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One
of the interior's project that I was able to keep some records of, were of my
work on the recovery of the then dilapidated working and VIP areas of the Macau
Forum, which was a multi-purpose arena, able to accommodate 4,000 spectators
and present Opera performances such as Verdi's Aida to World Volleyball
Tournaments.
The building was a very interesting steel and concrete architectural
approach. The architect didn't use granite, instead he had concrete hammered to
a rough surface reminding of that rock. I thought that it was a very good
combination. So the offices were placed under one of the side's of the length of
the arena, with ample space and two levels. I chose wooden flooring from cherry
wood. My office had ample natural lighting from huge windows. I chose simplicity
and aimed for a very resting ambience.
My desk and office furniture were all hand-made to fit, and I used beech
wood, over a light gray carpet, while the seating area in front of me had cherry
wood floor combined with leather seats I designed.
We had our art collections guarded at the Forum's inexpugnable catacombs,
and to add some elegance I had some very nice mini-sculptures on display, some
works that were made by a Portuguese jeweler. On the wall there was a painting
by Pinto-Coelho.
They were usually admired by visitors who I had to meet in my office, and were a
start to our conversations.
Actually many times, my boss, the Mayor, came to the Forum to have
meetings with me instead of me going over to the City Hall. I know it was a way
for him to get away from it all and find tranquility here.
All
of the more then a hundred staff knew exactly what to do, from the security
guard who greeted me each morning and would scrutinize people in a very polite
manner to my secretaries, Celeste, whom I called my Mum as she took care
of everything for me as well as Priscilla, my Chinese secretary who is a
brilliant worker who, after coming from China, showed an eagerness for learning
that in no time she accompanied all the Portuguese women staff in drinking
expresso coffee and eating Portuguese food.
There were also cordiality rules. Whenever visitors came, they were treated to
high standards of welcome.
I dare say I miss my office. I don't even know if it is still exists.
However, life have taught me nothing lasts, just Memories. I hope you enjoyed
this small virtual trip.
António
Conceição Júnior
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