143
developments and economic viability of Macau,
Subsequently, the plans have changed, the pools of salt water are now fresh water in order to preserve acceptable water quality and odours. The Barrier walls and causeways are in place but the development on hold as the investments and attractions have failed to materialise.
Summary
In common with cities that share its Mediterranean heritage, Macau was well provided with public spaces that constituted important defining nodes for the action and activities of its citizens. Since it was founded in 1557, however, Macau has doubled the area of the city through reclamation. Over this period, public spaces have been gained and lost. A significant reclamation project was initiated in 1982 in an attempt to re-establish major public spaces as the defining elements of the city and the results are salutary for those considering the creation of land as an effective strategy. Macau has lost its importance as a hub for commerce and transportation, although efforts are made periodically to regain some of that role.
The future holds a possible promise for the city as a centre of trade and finance on a regional level and, as such, it will have to prove itself as a desirable place to live. Recent developments of the waterfront are attempts to recreate such a desirable environment in the context of natural (such as silting) and manmade problems (such as congestion). Macau has a unique urban heritage with which to work. Being a small place, even slight changes to the waterfront can profoundly affect the sense of the city overall. Inappropriate reclamation can easily destroy the distinct urban sense of Macau. Proposed infill between Taipa and Coloane will significantly change the balance of the city. Being reclamation on a large scale creating a substantial flat area between the two islands, it will result in a new city without the particular characteristics of Macau.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the patience of Mr. Manuel Vicente in explaining his scheme for Macau and for access to his
143
developments and economic viability of Macau,
Subsequently, the plans have changed, the pools of salt water are now fresh water in order to preserve acceptable water quality and odours. The Barrier walls and causeways are in place but the development on hold as the investments and attractions have failed to materialise.
Summary
In common with cities that share its Mediterranean heritage, Macau was well provided with public spaces that constituted important defining nodes for the action and activities of its citizens. Since it was founded in 1557, however, Macau has doubled the area of the city through reclamation. Over this period, public spaces have been gained and lost. A significant reclamation project was initiated in 1982 in an attempt to re-establish major public spaces as the defining elements of the city and the results are salutary for those considering the creation of land as an effective strategy. Macau has lost its importance as a hub for commerce and transportation, although efforts are made periodically to regain some of that role.
The future holds a possible promise for the city as a centre of trade and finance on a regional level and, as such, it will have to prove itself as a desirable place to live. Recent developments of the waterfront are attempts to recreate such a desirable environment in the context of natural (such as silting) and manmade problems (such as congestion). Macau has a unique urban heritage with which to work. Being a small place, even slight changes to the waterfront can profoundly affect the sense of the city overall. Inappropriate reclamation can easily destroy the distinct urban sense of Macau. Proposed infill between Taipa and Coloane will significantly change the balance of the city. Being reclamation on a large scale creating a substantial flat area between the two islands, it will result in a new city without the particular characteristics of Macau.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the patience of Mr. Manuel Vicente in explaining his scheme for Macau and for access to his
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.