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years ago the land was worth approxi- itage, it isn’t that relevant a building,’’ tects Association, Nuno Jorge, agrees.
mately MOP23 million. Maneiras says. “There could be an arrangement more in
“Are there other alternatives?,’’ asks tune with that area, that is, a low building
Were there alternatives? Carlos Marreiros, adding, “Are there that gives off light,’’ he says.
other priorities, or not? Unfortunately the On alternatives Francisco Vizeu Pin-
While many argue that a crucial Military Quarter is not protected by law, heiro believes there were, in the shape of
piece of the city’s architectural history land in Macau is limited and what is be- already vacant buildings: “One cannot
has been lost to the wrecker’s ball, oth- ing built is public housing. The two are comprehend this urgency in building in
ers believe some good can come out of indisputable commodities: heritage and historic zones when there are buildings
the situation. For the General Union housing. It’s a very complicated prob- in Macau that are empty. I’m unpleasant-
of Macau Residents Associations the lem.’’ ly surprised,’’ he says.
demolition was neccessary and for a Rui Leão is even more critical:
just cause - the construction of public Enough sacrificing “Enough sacrificing! I think enough of
housing. the heritage has been destroyed under the
The kaifongs - neighbourhood asso- Francisco Vizeu Pinheiro thinks he guise of investment. Heritage is irretriev-
ciations - asked the government to weigh has the answer. Aside from the question able. We have the example of neighbour-
all pros and cons before making a deci- of heritage preservation, the demolition ing Hong Kong that even today lives with
sion - their position is that land is at a pre- of this building is a question of urban the trauma of having lost some of its his-
mium and there is a long list of families planning. He believes that Francisco toric monuments,’’ he warns.
waiting for an apartment. Xavier Pereira Street doesn’t seem to ap- The architect attacks the govern-
The vice-President of the Historical pear the most adequate for a new housing ment, and in particular the Cultural
and Cultural Heritage Preservation As- complex. Institute: “Civic society has been wait-
sociation, José Maneiras agrees. He says it is too dense, and narrow, ing for years for the establishment of
“There are two different ways of with frequent traffic jams and few spaces a Commission for Heritage. While we
looking at this. To keep it or to take for parking: “Another high-rise will fur- don’t have a body of this nature, what
advantage of the opportunity to solve a ther complicate people’s lives. It’s bad else will be destroyed, take the Portu-
social problem. I agree with maintain- urban planning,’’ he says. guese School for instance. It’s complete-
ing it but, in terms of history and her- The President of the Macau Archi- ly irresponsible.’’
december 2008
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