510 Years of Contact - Portugal — China

Concept and Process

We designed “510 Years of Contact - Portugal — China”, a commemorative publication produced for the Câmara de Comércio e Indústria Luso-Chinesa in Lisbon, celebrating over five centuries of cultural, diplomatic, and economic relations between the two countries. The book brings together historical timelines, photographs, archival documents, and texts by political figures and key contributors, offering a rich visual and textual journey through this enduring relationship.

The design integrates Asian-inspired graphic elements and carefully considered material choices to convey both elegance and gravitas. Gold accents were used to symbolize power, prosperity, wisdom, and cultural significance, while a combination of a refined serif typeface and an archive-inspired font echoes the historical documents and texts featured throughout the publication.

A distinctive feature of the book is its open spine, revealing a traditional Chinese stitching technique, a nod to craftsmanship and cultural authenticity. For archival and document-heavy spreads, textures, stamped symbols, and subtle tonal variations were combined with the reflective shimmer of gold and silver toners, juxtaposed with restrained monochromatic backgrounds.

This book design weaves corporate formality with historical richness, creating a tactile and visually engaging experience. From the typographic hierarchy to the carefully selected materials and finishes, each element reflects the depth of the historical narrative while inviting readers to explore and connect with the enduring ties between Portugal and China.