hi gaieus,
thanks. well, there is a tradition in brazilian architecture of providing a spot for people like mayors, governors and the like to speak from above to the people. a little like the pulpits in churches. in administrative buildings it tends to be a balcony, like this one, which faces the new square. the yellow was a way to call attention to it, but it would probably end up being some more discreet color.
do make the best of what is left of the weekend.