Final

This post attempts to show the relation of my blog to that of three of my classmate's blogs. 

In relation to my blog, which looks at housing and architecture in Trinidad, I agree with Jason Baptise and Leah Punch’s blog, where they supported the preservation of historic buildings. From my perspective this maintains the architectural diversity of the city and in turn; as they agreed it also adds aesthetic value to the city.

Deneisha Madray and Johannah Reyes spoke in their blog about the history of Port of Spain as it was controlled by various colonial masters. And in relation to my blog, the ancient buildings act as fixed documentation of these periods.   

Gabrielle and Duane spoke about gentrification in the blog just as I did. As we both highlighted; Woodbrook is a perfect example of where this has taken place, where some buildings have been renovated and modernized increasing the cost of rent, and changing the overall status and face of the people of the neighbourhood.

Thank you. 

In Essence

Every civilization has propounded its own philosophies. And every generation that has been stirred by an idea is interested in perpetuating it. In seeking the immortality of an idea, it naturally follows that the most endurable form of expression be chosen - and what could be more endurable than architecture? Thus, from the symbolism of proportion to the mysticism and rituals associated with certain forms and spaces, to the literal narratives of sculptural ornament, architecture stood as the living register of humanity's dreams, myths and ideas. 

Chandarvarkar, Prem. "Architecture and the Expression of Meaning." Architecture + Design IV, no. 5 (1988): 94-99.

A picture of downtown Port of Spain, displaying the development and movement from old traditional buildings to a more modern North American Cityscape.  

Anti-gentrification

Another example of a small colonial home with a Victorian design. This structure appears to have been perfectly preserved and not altered in anyway.

These are two of the few remaining  old structures that are being torn down to facilitate "development" in Trinidad and Tobago. There are community led movements that are campaigning for the preservation of these buildings, as they are representative of our history and beautiful culture.  

A picture of Ebenezer Gospel Hall. This church was built by John Sparrow, a British missionary in the 1902. Though renovated a few times, the initial design has been kept, displaying another example of British architecture. 

A Glimpse of Gentrification

Here is a picture of an old colonial home in Wood Brook, Port of Spain. Though it has been altered in small ways due to renovations, the old design is still predominant. Also in this picture there is a huge contrast. The old structure to the front with a very modern skyscraper as the backdrop. This is an example of Gentrification in Port of Spain, where the old buildings are torn down to make room for modern expensive structures.

The Castle Church

This is one of the pillars of the Greyfriar’s church, which is nestled in the heart of downtown Port of Spain, Greyfriar’s Church marks the introduction of Presbyterianism to  Trinidad. In 1837, this church was established to serve British settlers, most of whom were Presbyterian Scots. As one can clearly see it is structured after a castle, a British castle to be exact. This is another example of colonial influence on the architectural variation in Trinidad. 

Spanish Architecture

This a picture of City Gate, Port of Spain. This structure is distinctively reminiscent of colonial Spanish architecture. Characterized by the flat roof bordered by a parapet and the rectangular windows.   

A mixture of Architectural Design

A picture of the National Library and Information Systems Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (NALIS). The outward design generally may be that of a modern structure, but there is also some postmodernistic and somewhat of a Spanish architectural design incorporated in it. The regular rectangular pattern is that of modern design, while from a birds eye or a side view it can appear to be fashioned after a cruise-ship, as the structure narrows upward with the increase of every floor. The numerous small rectangular windows appears to be the Spanish input.    

Modern Architecture

This a picture of one of the Guardian Group buildings. It displays a very modern orderly and structured theme, a sight typical of North American cooperate design.

Modern architecture is an architectural style that emerged in many Western countries in the decade after World War I. It was based on the "rational" use of modern materials, the principles of functionalist planning, and the rejection of historical precedent and ornament. 

NAPA ...the metal flower

This is one of the two National Performing Arts buildings in Trinidad and is located in central Port of Spain. The building is designed after the national flower of Trinidad and Tobago; the Chaconia. It is therefore a classic example of postmodern architecture as it effectively blends art and functionality together. The shape of the building was designed not only to mimick the national flower but aslo assist with the amplification of sound. Postmodern architecture is derived from a previous movement called Modern Functionalism, wherein the designs are centered on the usability. However, emerging architects at that time viewed functionalism as "boring" and unwelcoming. 

With the conceptualization of Postmodernism, architects merged Art and functionality in one broad concept.

The prominent features of postmodern architecture are mainly adapting diverse aesthetics which gives emphasis on unique forms. Postmodern features are the striking counterpoint of traditional architecture and all its preceding movements. The principle of "anything goes" is applied in this type of architectural movement. There is no room for structural ideas and conventional designs when speaking of postmodernism.
Diversity of expression defines the core philosophy of postmodern ideals. Buildings are designed not only to deliver conventional function but also combined with characteristics of meaning such as pluralism, irony, paradox, and contextualism. For example, postmodern skyscrapers are adorned with non-conventional ledges or classical columns, something unusual for a skyscraper to have.

Reference

Ministry to Postmerns