In Remembrance of

Architect José Celestino da Silva Maneiras

1935-2025

On behalf of the Architects Association of Macau (AAM), we are deeply saddened to share the passing of our esteemed founding member, Architect José Maneiras whose vision and integrity helped shape our city and our profession.

Born in Macau in 1935, José graduated in architecture in 1962 from the College of Fine Arts in Porto and returned that same year to serve his hometown. Alongside peers such as Manuel Vicente, Natália Gomes, Ramires Fernandes, and Jorge Silva, he contributed to government urban planning during a pivotal era of growth. In private practice from 1967, he led an “artisanal” studio defined by rigor and care, with notable works including the São Francisco Complex on Rua da Praia Grande (1964), housing on Estrada do Visconde de São Januário (1965), Belle Court in Penha (1968), and the residential program for the visually impaired for Santa Casa da Misericórdia (1970).

A founder of AAM in 1987, José helped establish a community built on ethics, excellence, and service to the public realm. His public service as City Council member (1972–1989) and President of the Leal Senado (1989–1993) built bridges between Chinese and Portuguese cultures. He advised on the Baía da Praia Grande Plan (Nam Van) and chaired the General Meeting of the Macau Civil Engineering Laboratory. In 2006, he was named an Honorary Member of the Portuguese Association of Architects, recognized by his peers for defending the dignity of our profession.

Above all, José was a tireless mentor—generous with his time, incisive in counsel, and unwavering in his belief in the promise of young architects. His encouragement opened pathways, his example set standards, and his kindness cultivated a culture of respect and curiosity that endures within AAM and beyond.

We mourn a founder, colleague, and friend; we honor a life devoted to the craft and conscience of architecture; and we celebrate a legacy that will continue to inspire practitioners, studios and classrooms across Macau for years to come.

To his family and loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt gratitude for sharing him with our community. His imprint on our city and our profession is indelible.

Thank you, Architect José Maneiras, for your courage, generosity, and vision. We will carry your memory forward in our work—with humility, purpose, and hope.