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/