Biography

PhD Researcher for the program, Heritage of Portuguese Influence, at CES, University of Coimbra, Portugal. Architect Maria José de Freitas, is an active professional being the author of a variety of Architectural Renovation projects, in Portugal and in Macau. Maria José received the ARCASIA AWARD, in the category of Architectural Renovation in 2002, with the project Musealization and Renovation of the 5 Heritage Houses, at Taipa Island, Macau S.A.R. The Renovation of D. Pedro V Theater, done in Macau, 1993, for the Orient Foundation, is included in the Macau Heritage List, by UNESCO. She was the Head of the Architectural Centre of the Civil Engineering Laboratory of Macau, in charge of the Coordination of the famous St. Paul's Ruins, included in the Macau Heritage List, by UNESCO, in 1994. From 2003 to 2005, she was the Coordinator of the Sintra World Heritage Center, being the responsible for the preparation and coordination of the development of the Management Plan of Sintra Cultural Landscape, handed over to UNESCO, in February 2005. Nowadays, Maria José is practicing as an active professional and participating in International Forums, for Architectural Preservation and Rehabilitation of Classified buildings. In 2013 during the 8th Silk Road Forum, Maria José was appointed Ambassador of WCO (World Citizens Organization). Member of: ICOMOS, Portugal AAHM, Asian Academy for Heritage Management OA, Architects Association of Portugal AAM, Architects Association of Macau UIA, International Union of Architects AIA, American Institute of Architects