IMPROMPTU PROJECTS LTD is a multidisciplinary architecture and design practice based in Macau, founded by João Ó and Rita Machado. Operating across architecture, ephemeral structures, interior design, public space, and community-oriented initiatives, the studio engages critically with the social, cultural, and spatial conditions of the contemporary city.

The practice is defined by an experimental and research-driven approach, exploring the intersection between material innovation, temporary architecture, and civic participation. Its work investigates contemporary and sustainable construction methodologies through formal strategies that seek clarity, spatial precision, and conceptual rigor. Rather than pursuing architecture as a fixed object, the studio approaches design as an open-ended process capable of generating cultural exchange, collective experience, and new forms of urban interaction.

Grounded in the specific realities of Macau’s evolving territory, the studio develops projects with a strong speculative and interdisciplinary dimension, frequently intersecting architecture with artistic production, cultural programming, publication, and public installations. Through these interventions, IMPROMPTU PROJECTS explores overlooked or improbable urban conditions while encouraging inclusive forms of occupation and participation in public space.

The studio’s emerging practice is fundamentally oriented toward spatial research and critical inquiry, supported through collaborations with local consultants and specialized offices in the fields of structural, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic engineering, construction, and visual representation.

The work of João Ó and Rita Machado has been exhibited internationally, including participation as representatives of Macau at the 53rd Venice Biennale of Art (2009) and the 14th Venice Biennale of Architecture (2014). Their practice has received recognition through several international distinctions, including the Art Award in Public Space and Sustainability (Portugal, 2020), the A’ Design Award (Italy, 2015–2016), the International Design Awards (Los Angeles, 2016), and the 40 Under 40 award by Perspective Magazine (Hong Kong, 2008).

Their research into bamboo as both a construction system and cultural medium has received international attention through publications and features by CNN, the South China Morning Post, and the BBC, particularly in relation to their interventions in public space and the preservation of Macau’s bamboo scaffolding traditions through contemporary architectural and sculptural experimentation.

Recent exhibitions include Palácio da Memória at the National Museum of Natural History and Science in Lisbon (2015), curated by Natxo Checa; The Sun Teaches Us That History Is Not Everything at the Osage Art Foundation in Hong Kong (2018), curated by Rafael Fonseca; Alter Ego, part of the Annual Art Exhibition between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in Macau (2018), curated by Alexandre Farto (VHILS) and Pauline Foessel; and Art Macau International Art Exhibition (2019).

Since 2016, the studio has served as curator for the Taipa Village Art Space, developing an annual programme dedicated to emerging local and international artistic practices. Situated within the historic fabric of Taipa Village, the initiative seeks to strengthen Macau’s cultural landscape through exhibitions, interdisciplinary collaborations, and public engagement.

Among the studio’s ongoing cultural initiatives is Impromptu Storefront, a non-profit 24-hour gallery and experimental exhibition platform dedicated to commissioned site-specific interventions. Conceived as an alternative curatorial model, the project invites international artists and practitioners to engage critically with local and global conditions through installations, screenings, discussions, and publications, fostering public discourse and expanding the role of art and architecture within the urban realm.

2025. RIBA Awards Ambassadors for the RIBA Asia Pacific Awards 2025
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
          CNN - Artisans Macao
        . 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