New Macao Central Library Concept Design of the New Macao Central Library Invited Competition

The development of the New Macao Central Library is a significant cultural project supported by the Macao SAR Government. By inviting submissions for the competition to select the Concept Design of the New Macao Central Library, the Macao SAR Government is seeking to draw on the professional experience and talents of local architects and is now inviting architects registered with the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau of the Macao SAR Government to participate in the event. A city’s public library is a significant factor in preserving the city’s cultural inheritance, conserving its memory and enriching its soul. Underpinning the design of the new Macao Central Library will be the core values of –“cultural legacy”, “guided learning”, “intellectual development”, and “service to society”. It will be dedicated to enriching cultural resources, carrying out cultural education, passing on documentary information, creating a reading atmosphere, and positioning itself as Macao’s city classroom, citizen’s square and cultural centre. The Library will be located in the former Courthouse on Avenida da Praia Grande and in the Headquarters of the Judiciary Police on Rua Central, encompassing a total floor space of 22,000m2. Construction will proceed in two phases: first the former Courthouse; and second the Headquarters of the Judiciary Police. Being inserted into a constantly changing, multicultural urban space like Macao, the Library should reflect the city’s unique identity, while being an important reference, both functionally and scientifically. The new Macao Central Library will reinterpret the social meaning and community function of public libraries, and endeavour to shift from institution-oriented to people-oriented and from book-oriented to reader-oriented. The design should be approachable, experiential, multi-functional, elegant and unique, taking its sustainable development into full account. Moreover, it should consider the long-term maintenance of the library’s architectural structure, facilities and equipment as well as cost issues and environmental concerns. On receiving the invitation from the Cultural Affairs Bureau, architects may participate individually, or in a team of architects. The selection panel will select 1 first prize (MOP$200,000), 1 second prize (MOP$120,000), 1 third prize (MOP$80,000) and 5 honourable mentions (MOP$20,000). The winning entries will be announced on July 15, 2008 and will constitute an essential or referential basis for the final project. Entries must be submitted to the Reception Desk of the Cultural Affairs Bureau on Tap Seac Square by 5pm on June 23, 2008 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, open at lunchtime. Closed on weekends and public holidays). The Regulations, Entry Form and Declaration are available on the Competition website: novaBC.icm.gov.mo.