Relationship between our blog “Architecture through time” and the blogs of three of our colleagues:

Cities are a product of time (Mumford 1938). The core theme of our blog is the change of architecture from the past to the present in Trinidad and Tobago. This post will discuss how three of our other colleagues’ blogs relates to our core theme.

Firstly, based on the very informative and well written blog “Pulse of the City” by Kaaria Quash and Jameel Smith, which discussed the features of Port-of-Spain, it included a post on urban architecture. Here, a comparison of the architecture between Stollmeyer’s Castle and Nicholas Tower were seen. Their blog discussed that as time progresses, changes were evident in the city of Port-of-Spain in the form of architecture. This relates to our blog as we explained how the buildings in Trinidad and Tobago changed from traditional to modern but the traditional houses still exists today in Port-of-Spain alongside these modern structures. They also explained using Mumford (1938) and Amin and Graham (1997) that Port-of-Spain can’t be identified as entirely colonial or entirely modern since there are a variety of architectural designs from different eras simultaneously present today in the city. Each of these structures stands out in their own fascinating way like a bouquet of different flowers, unique yet able to complement each other. Thus revealing Port-of-Spain as the heart of Trinidad and Tobago since it is the magnificent incorporation of the old and the new together.

Pulse of the City Blog - http://urbangeographers.wix.com/port-of-spain

Secondly, based on the enlightening blog solely focused on the “Magnificent Seven – History and Architecture,” by Fadilah Ali and Kristi Mendes is the second connection to our blog. We included the magnificent seven as a single post to depict an important piece of Trinidad and Tobago’s architecture. Fadilah and Kristi discussed the means by which the Colonial powers brought their different attributes from their motherlands and established them in Trinidad and Tobago, including their wonderful and amazing architectural styles. These can be clearly seen in all the magnificent seven structures – Queen’s Royal College, Millie Fleurs, Hayes Court, Stollmeyer’s Castle, Roomor, Whitehall and Archbishop’s House.

Magnificent Seven – History and Architecture Blog - http://trinimag7.blogspot.com

Thirdly, based on the intriguing blog “Urban Haven of Trinidad,” by Nicola Mathura and Dianne Mahabir we make our third connection to architecture. They have beautifully incorporated the architectural identity in Port-of-Spain. In one of their posts, “Architectural Histories of Port-of-Spain,” they discussed the colonial history of Trinidad and Tobago and how this led to the different architectural styles evident in Port-of-Spain. They described Trinidad and Tobago’s early 19^th century architecture as Neoclassical and described Millie Fleurs as I’m sure you can recall as one of the magnificent seven currently in deteriorating quality. They described this monumental building as having sentimental values to the spot it is located in and that these colonial structures should be preserved. They have expressed their regard for cultural and historical preservation of Port-of-Spain.

Urban Haven of Trinidad Blog - http://urbanstructurestt2k16.blogspot.com

Modern-day houses

The picture of the houses seen above was taken at Central Park in Couva, Trinidad. Construction for these houses started in December, 2015. This clearly represents the evolvement from the gingerbread houses. The traditional fretwork houses had been replaced with board houses and then concrete and steel. Now these concrete and steel structures are everywhere and it is only in certain places such as Port-of-Spain we can see the traditional gingerbread houses. The modern day house is being made from concrete, cement and steel and the roof is being covered with roofing panel and not galvanize anymore. The arch/radius windows are distinct and are commonly seen in Trinidad and Tobago houses. These types of houses are quickly emerging in Trinidad and Tobago. Most of the houses that emerged after colonialism were clearly different from the traditional houses, in that no European architectural styles or the intricately designed fretwork were seen. The houses were simply designed and the walls were unornamented and the architectural style was referred to as modernism. However, one other striking difference in these houses that being built today and the gingerbread houses is that each gingerbread house had its own style and structure whereas the houses clearly seen in this picture are being designed in the same way. The modern day houses in these vicinities that are being developed are being structured in the same style to save time and create communities similar to that of the global north. Interestingly though, while looking at this picture there is a design here similar to that of the gingerbread houses. THE PINNACLE. Yes, it seems that the modern day houses are utilizing certain designs from the fretwork houses. This makes them seem distinguished in that the houses themselves are modern in nature but they still create a connection to the past. These contemporary houses physically portray the country’s development but it is wonderful to see that they’re incorporating our history in a small way.

Modern colonial houses are quite common in the country. Many persons have designed their houses to have certain colonial aspects. These homes are the perfect example of our acceptance of our history. As we observe these houses, we notice the intricacy of the architecture; we notice the passion it must have taken from these owners to opt for such a design. We wonder, whether or not these persons have pride in historical origins or if it’s simply that they are inclined to the design. The combination of these architectural styles reveals that though we are independent, we have accepted our nature as a previous colonial territory thus proving our patriotism by accepting our origins. What if persons designed their houses or other buildings by incorporating various elements of the different cultures that have formed Trinidad and Tobago? If we pattern our architecture after the cultures which built the nation, only then can we have a TRUE TRINBAGONIAN style. ‘Trinidad and Tobago are a cultural melting pot’ this is probably one of the most cliché sayings but it’s one of the most applicable.

The Post-Colonialism theory expresses that previous colonies have been affected by the imperial powers. The effects are sometimes positive. In this instance, with these houses, it reveals a more positive outlook of colonialism. Colonialism has left the positivity of architectural design. These designs can sometimes show the disparity between rural and urban. According to Griffin and Ford, the higher income residential areas were initially established or had a form of influence by the imperial powers. The houses were located in a higher income residential area while also being of a colonial design. It would be faster to assume that because of imperial power influence, these households were located in that residential area however, that area during the colonial era was a sugar cane field which would have been disregarded by the imperial powers for development. Consider how opposite this is from the colonial urban model theory. Clearly through Trinidad and Tobago’s post-colonial development, it is no longer falling under the same stigma of slow growth as other ex-colonies. In fact, Trinidad and Tobago has the potential for a newer and more specific urban model to be created. 

Unfortunately news on this new housing development hasn’t been made public yet on any online social media. However, the link below is a real estate website that shows houses for sale in Central 

Park, Couva.

http://www.homestt.com/property/house-for-sale-in-central-park-couva/

Nicholas Tower

Nicholas Tower, the tallest building after the Twin Towers in Trinidad and Tobago but presently the fifth tallest building is located on Independence Square in Port-of-Spain on the original site of the Trinidad Union Club. Issa Nicholas (father of Caribbean Airlines Chairman George Nicholas III) owns this modern distinguished building.

The building type is referred to as “high rise building”, the building material is mainly steel and the architectural style is described as modernism. The building comprises of 24 stories, its facade is designed with tinted glass windows and it has an elliptical floor plate. This modern architectural building was built for commercial and corporate usage.

This building is representative of postmodern architecture. Looking at this building creates a feeling that you’re standing in an entirely modernized technological world. The blue colour is easy on the eyes and sends a calm but important message that the country is progressing and developing.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicholas-Tower/102665409788115

This structure represents our journey as an independent country. The Twin Towers, once the tallest structures now seem like regular buildings. This is such a change from the colonial city to the post-colonial, independent city. The city can now be proud and exclaim that this is a TRINBAGONIAN city and not colonial. The fight for independence is won. No wonder that area is called Independence Square. Our forefathers initially struggled to change the design of the urban skyline since during their time; the largest structures which stood out were churches and other colonial buildings.  Finally, our forefathers can rest peacefully knowing that our urban skyline is completely an independent Trinbagonian one. Nicholas Tower encourages nationalism and patriotism.

The financial nature of Nicholas Tower proves that the area it is located in is most certainly the Central Business District (CBD) since the CBD is essentially a financial district. Griffin and Ford’s Urban Model explain that the CBD is an area of much economic activity and employment, thus Independence Square will be part of the CBD. The Nicholas Tower represents how well developed the CBD has become since the Twin Tower establishment. This CBD represents that Trinidad and Tobago was immune to the post-colonial poverty which usually affect previous colonies. Trinidad and Tobago are on the verge of moving away from the typical ex-colony development.

Unfortunately, further information on the architecture of this structure wasn’t available. 

References:

Abel Building Solutions. Accessed April 6, 2016. http://abel.co.tt/portfolio/nicholas-towers-trinidad/

Emporis. “Nicholas Tower.” Accessed April 6, 2016. http://www.emporis.com/buildings/184134/nicholas-tower-port-of-spain-trinidad-tobago

Emporis. “Trinidad and Tobago’s tallest buildings – Top 20.” Accessed April 6, 2016. http://www.emporis.com/statistics/tallest-buildings/country/100169/trinidad-tobago

The Building Source.com. “Nicholas Tower, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.” Accessed April 6, 2016. http://www.thebuildingsource.com/home/projectdetails/682

The Old Fire brigade headquarters/ National library building

The Old Fire Brigade Headquarters was built in 1896-1897 and is located on the corner of Hart and Abercromby Streets Port-of-Spain. The Trinidad Theatre Workshop resided in this building from 1989-1999, until the building got renovated in 1999-2000. The building is shaped like an L, and portrays a Victorian architectural style. What stands out in this picture above? The grand tower that is seen right on the corner of the two streets! This gives the building its grand and monumental appearance. This building, majestic and tall, the symbol for safety in an earlier era. During the colonial era, fires often plagued Port-of-Spain, a city that was forced to be European when clearly Caribbean in nature. That fire house was the saving grace of the city when many buildings (constructed with European material) would burst into flames.

This structure blends right into the building that is situated at the back. It almost looks like it is one whole building right? No, the building in the back is another one of Trinidad and Tobago’s amazing architectural structure – The National Library Building. The National Library is the main building for the National Library and Information System (NALIS) (http://www.nalis.gov.tt/) in Trinidad and Tobago. The National Library is used annually for the NGC Bocas Literary Festival (http://www.bocaslitfest.com/) and the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (http://www.ttfilmfestival.com/).

To this day that Fire House still stands in the same area. In fact, it was in need of restoration thus English architect Colin Laird used his skills to both restore it and construct the National Library which incorporated the Fire House. Although we may have our nationality and our freedom, we are still connected to the imperial power by being a member of the Common Wealth countries. The symbolism of these two buildings joined, colonial and modern. The past and the future. It shows us that we know and accept our origins but we know where we are going. We have accepted our colonial past as it has influenced our culture, whether or not we want to admit it.

The Griffin and Ford Urban Model discussed that the cities of Post-Colonies are still influenced by the imperial powers and globalization. The construction of the city is still of that European design. Viewing the Old Fire Station, it can be determined that although we desired a city structure specific to us, there are still relics of the past. In fact we go out of our way to preserve these colonial structures which still reveal that dominance which is held over us. Griffin and Ford were completely accurate when stating that colonial powers have determined the outcome of cities. Griffin and Ford (1980) stated that the colonial powers "mandated everything from treatment of the Indians to the width of the streets". Note that the architect for the restoration of the Old Fire Station and the construction of the National Library was English. However, the mere architecture of the colonial Old Fire House was revered by Colin Laird who regarded the NALIS library as “ ‘regional rationalism.’ A strictly Caribbean and Trinbagonian expression in light and space encompassing the genus loci of the site.” (Caribbean Icons in Science, Technology and Innovation). Based on that quote by Colin Laird, we can decipher that he used tropical modernism architecture when designing the National Library because he considered the country’s climate and identity and depicted it both physically and grandly.

Not much information was found on the architecture itself for these two amazing structures but we can all agree that they’re fascinating. We know that the National Library is not depicted in its entirety in this this picture but just know it is one magnificent structure that is breath-taking. Just standing at Woodford square, looking at these buildings, you can notice how the country evolved from colonial to modern. The good thing about this picture, is that not only the Old Fire Brigade and the National Library is seen but one of the Twin Towers is also noticeable. This furthers defines the old and new present in the city of Port-of-Spain. However, this city makes it work. The old and new buildings together create a very unique sense of identity that makes us as citizens proud to live where the past, present and future exists. The city is not entirely colonial anymore and neither it is entirely modern but it is a place where you can move through time just walking by these buildings. ARCHITECTURE THROUGH TIME. Giving credit to the title of our blog.

References:

Caribbean Icons in Science, Technology and Innovation. “Colin Laird.” Accessed April 6, 2016. http://www.niherst.gov.tt/icons/tt-icons-2/31-colin-laird.htm

Ford, Larry, and Ernest Griffin. “A Model of Latin American City Structure.” Geographical

Review 70, No. 4 (Oct. 1980).

Repeating Islands. 2011. “The Bocas Lit Fest: The Trinidad and Tobago Literary Festival.” http://repeatingislands.com/2011/02/07/the-bocas-lit-fest-the-trinidad-and-tobago-literary-festival/

The Thinking Insomniac. 2011. “Architecture Sketch – The Old Fire Brigade Headquarters, Trinidad.” https://thinkinginsomniac.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/architecture-sketch-the-old-fire-brigade-headquarters-trinidad/

The Thinking Insomniac. 2011. “Colin Laird and the Old Fire Brigade Headquarters – Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Accessed April 6, 2016. https://thinkinginsomniac.wordpress.com/2011/08/25/colin-laird-the-old-fire-brigade-headquarters-port-of-spain-trinidad/

Wikipedia. “National Library and Information Systems.” Accessed April 6, 2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Library_and_Information_System#The_National_Library