Impromptu : Studio
Impromptu Projects Limited, is a multidisciplinary architecture and design studio based in Macau, founded by João Ó and Rita Machado. The studio is focused on architectural projects, ephemeral structures, interior design, public spaces, curatorial services and projects aimed at the local community, as well as studying its social relevance.
Their architectural language is marked by an experimental and bold vision, aiming at the continuous search for contemporary and sustainable materials based on aesthetical options that synthesize complex problems with a modern, elegant and sophisticated simplicity.
The studio proposes a type of architecture that seeks to be aware of the current situation of each territory they act upon, with the objective of developing a practice oriented towards projects with a strong experimental component, production of artistic interventions, cultural events and publications. Under this mindset, they aim at the exploration of improbable places by involving the community in an inclusive participation of the urban space with installations, events and urban art. The fundamental stance of its emerging practice converges to space research and a critical approach.
Its practice is supported externally by local offices for all complementary services, such as three-dimensional visualizations (images and video), structural, electrical and mechanical engineering, hydraulic engineering and construction services.
The duo's work was exhibited internationally, including as representatives of Macau at the 53rd Venice Biennale of Art and the 14th Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2009 and 2014, respectively. Along the way, they were recipients of Iconic Awards (2022, Frankfurt am Main), Architizer A+Awards (2021, New York), Art Award in Public Space and Sustainability (2020, Portugal), the A´Design Award (2015-2016, Italy), the International Design Awards (2016, Los Angeles) and the 40 Under 40 award from Perspective Magazine (2008, Hong Kong).
Within the scope of bamboo installations in public space, they received special focus from international media, namely CNN (Preserving Macao's bamboo tradition through sculptural works), South China Morning Post (Open to all: exploring Macao's blooming public art scene) and BBC (Inspired by Macao).
Among the most recent exhibitions, “Palácio da Memória” stands out, a project by João Ó & Rita Machado, curated by Natxo Checa, held at the National Museum of Natural History and Science (Lisbon, 2015), “The Sun Teaches Us That History Is Not Everything ”, a collective exhibition of 26 international artists curated by Rafael Fonseca, held at the Osage Art Foundation (Hong Kong, 2018),“ Alter Ego” Annual Art Exhibition between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, curated by Alexandre Farto aka VHILS and Pauline Foessel (Macau, 2018), and finally, “Art Macau” International Art Exhibition (Macau, 2019).
Since 2016, the studio has been appointed to provide curatorial services to the newly created Taipa Village Art Space, showing the works of art by talented artists under the cultural charm of the colorful history and unique heritage of the village of Taipa. The annual planning aims to promote and nurture new local and international talent in order to contribute to Macao's cultural and creative industries.
Their latest long-term commitment is Impromptu Storefront, a non-profit 24/7 concept gallery with an innovative exhibition model to showcase commissioned site-specific interventions.
Their architectural language is marked by an experimental and bold vision, aiming at the continuous search for contemporary and sustainable materials based on aesthetical options that synthesize complex problems with a modern, elegant and sophisticated simplicity.
The studio proposes a type of architecture that seeks to be aware of the current situation of each territory they act upon, with the objective of developing a practice oriented towards projects with a strong experimental component, production of artistic interventions, cultural events and publications. Under this mindset, they aim at the exploration of improbable places by involving the community in an inclusive participation of the urban space with installations, events and urban art. The fundamental stance of its emerging practice converges to space research and a critical approach.
Its practice is supported externally by local offices for all complementary services, such as three-dimensional visualizations (images and video), structural, electrical and mechanical engineering, hydraulic engineering and construction services.
The duo's work was exhibited internationally, including as representatives of Macau at the 53rd Venice Biennale of Art and the 14th Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2009 and 2014, respectively. Along the way, they were recipients of Iconic Awards (2022, Frankfurt am Main), Architizer A+Awards (2021, New York), Art Award in Public Space and Sustainability (2020, Portugal), the A´Design Award (2015-2016, Italy), the International Design Awards (2016, Los Angeles) and the 40 Under 40 award from Perspective Magazine (2008, Hong Kong).
Within the scope of bamboo installations in public space, they received special focus from international media, namely CNN (Preserving Macao's bamboo tradition through sculptural works), South China Morning Post (Open to all: exploring Macao's blooming public art scene) and BBC (Inspired by Macao).
Among the most recent exhibitions, “Palácio da Memória” stands out, a project by João Ó & Rita Machado, curated by Natxo Checa, held at the National Museum of Natural History and Science (Lisbon, 2015), “The Sun Teaches Us That History Is Not Everything ”, a collective exhibition of 26 international artists curated by Rafael Fonseca, held at the Osage Art Foundation (Hong Kong, 2018),“ Alter Ego” Annual Art Exhibition between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, curated by Alexandre Farto aka VHILS and Pauline Foessel (Macau, 2018), and finally, “Art Macau” International Art Exhibition (Macau, 2019).
Since 2016, the studio has been appointed to provide curatorial services to the newly created Taipa Village Art Space, showing the works of art by talented artists under the cultural charm of the colorful history and unique heritage of the village of Taipa. The annual planning aims to promote and nurture new local and international talent in order to contribute to Macao's cultural and creative industries.
Their latest long-term commitment is Impromptu Storefront, a non-profit 24/7 concept gallery with an innovative exhibition model to showcase commissioned site-specific interventions.
Impromptu : Awards
2025. German Design Award (Excellent Architecture)
2024. Macau Architecture Award (Excellence Award)
. Architizer A+Awards (Architecture+Branding)
. Muse Design Awards (Conceptual Design - Banking)
2023. Asia-Pacific Space Design Awards (Gold Medal)
. Architecture MasterPrize (Interior Design)
. Iconic Awards: Innovative Architecture (Architecture - Event/Exhibition)
2021. LEED v4 BD&C Gold Certification
. Architecture MasterPrize (Installations & Structures)
. Design & Build Awards (Most Outstanding Multidisciplinary Architecture & Design Studio)
. Architizer A+Awards (Architecture+Collaboration)
2020. Portuguese Emerging Art - Green Edition
. Art Award in Public Space and Sustainability
2016. A’Design Award (Architecture, Building and Structure Design)
2015. IDA – International Design Award (Other Architectural Designs)
2008. Design’s next generation: 40 under 40
2024. Macau Architecture Award (Excellence Award)
. Architizer A+Awards (Architecture+Branding)
. Muse Design Awards (Conceptual Design - Banking)
2023. Asia-Pacific Space Design Awards (Gold Medal)
. Architecture MasterPrize (Interior Design)
. Iconic Awards: Innovative Architecture (Architecture - Event/Exhibition)
2021. LEED v4 BD&C Gold Certification
. Architecture MasterPrize (Installations & Structures)
. Design & Build Awards (Most Outstanding Multidisciplinary Architecture & Design Studio)
. Architizer A+Awards (Architecture+Collaboration)
2020. Portuguese Emerging Art - Green Edition
. Art Award in Public Space and Sustainability
2016. A’Design Award (Architecture, Building and Structure Design)
2015. IDA – International Design Award (Other Architectural Designs)
2008. Design’s next generation: 40 under 40
Impromptu : Media
2023. TDM, Macau Compasso, Signature of local architects, Episode 2
. 5th Shenzhen Design Award for Young Talents,
invited Judge for the international Jury Panel
2020. Macao News - Impromptu Projects: Art and architecture for all
through the ancient practice of bamboo construction
2019. CNN - Preserving Macao's bamboo tradition through sculptural works
. SCMP - Open to all: exploring Macao’s blooming public art scene
. BBC Travel - Inspired by Macao
. Macau Lifestyle – Art Macao Power Duo: João Ó and Rita Machado
2018. Zolimag – Macau Artist Joao O is blending Cultures Through Bamboo
2016. AA Conversation – Treeplets Pavilion by Impromptu Projects
. 5th Shenzhen Design Award for Young Talents,
invited Judge for the international Jury Panel
2020. Macao News - Impromptu Projects: Art and architecture for all
through the ancient practice of bamboo construction
2019. CNN - Preserving Macao's bamboo tradition through sculptural works
. SCMP - Open to all: exploring Macao’s blooming public art scene
. BBC Travel - Inspired by Macao
. Macau Lifestyle – Art Macao Power Duo: João Ó and Rita Machado
2018. Zolimag – Macau Artist Joao O is blending Cultures Through Bamboo
2016. AA Conversation – Treeplets Pavilion by Impromptu Projects
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+853 6653 2547, +853 6251 4580
Travessa de Inácio Baptista, 14-A, G/F. Macau
Macau S.A.R. China
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+853 6653 2547, +853 6251 4580
Travessa de Inácio Baptista, 14-A, G/F. Macau
Macau S.A.R. China
(Google Maps)
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