Macau-based CURB (the Centre for Architecture and Urbanism) is bringing a much-loved architectural experience to Asia. On 10-11 November, Open House Macau will provide rare access to 50 buildings that contribute to the city’s culture and fabric, and that speak of Macau’s 500 years of cohabitation between East and West.

Macau residents are invited to submit proposals for buildings that could be included in the schedule of visits, and the organisers welcome a spectrum of building styles – from Chinese vernacular to neoclassical, art deco, modernist and contemporary. Proposals can be submitted online by 17 August.

Open House was established in London in 1993 by Victoria Thornton with the mission of inviting everyone to explore and debate the value of a well-designed built environment. The event now happens in over 40 countries and on four continents, but till now Asia has missed out. CURB is now part of the international Open House network, and is organising the Macau event.

A presentation about the event will be held on Friday 20 July at 5:30pm at PONTE 9 (Inner Harbour). More details are available here.

CURB (established in Macau in 2014 as a think tank on the future of cities and their architecture) hopes that Open House Macau will awaken a sense of belonging within Macau’s inhabitants by providing an opportunity to better understand and relate to their urban landscape – a layered fabric of historic and idiosyncratic buildings mixed with more recent glossy casino developments.

Three types of free visiting experiences will be offered during Open House Macau: self-guided visits (during specified opening times), accompanied visits with volunteers (at regular intervals), and commented visits guided by specialists (specific schedule and prior registration is required). Visit the website for full details.