EUROPEAN INFLUENCE ON CARIBBEAN ARCHETYPES AND THE TRANSITION TO POST COLONIAL ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

Photo Taken by Kimara Dyer      -National Public Library, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica

European imperialism led to the development of cities within Caribbean countries because of the urge for economic and political control. As a result, the cities created centers of administration, political control and commerce (Paul 2001). Evidence of this is disclosed in the article of Niddrie (1996) as hasty permanent settlement was the main factor concentrated on by the British Governments for the ceded islands and the settlement patterns shaped the structural arrangement of the city. The early European dominance on the island of Dominica grafted onto the existing settlement and introduced European architectural design within the city; utilizing local material such as wood, which was in abundance on the island. Thereafter, European influences along with the indigenous and African heritage lead to the development of Caribbean archetypes. 

Today, along Victoria Street lie a blend of old and new architectural buildings within the capital of Roseau; however, prominence is placed on the nations National Public Library. Along this street lies one of the oldest buildings on the island of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Built in 1906, Dominica’s Public Library was administered and designed by the first Crown Colony Administrator Mr. Henry Hesketh Bell. Though blueprinted by Mr. Bell, the Library was funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.  The building is a one story chalet with a large basement. Besides the ramp and the basement, the library is built entirely of sturdy timber bordering.  Jalousie shutters are built into the structure to withstand the hurricane season associated with majority of the Caribbean Islands. The sleek veranda portrays that of a Georgian- style design and is extended around the entire periphery of the building.  The steeply pitched roof is made of galvanize with a double roof structure and gables that resist the wind.  The southern end of the building overlooks a small garden and the Caribbean Sea.

This building portrays traditional architecture which has essentially remained the same since 1906 with minor modifications. The library is now known as the Public Library of Dominica and is home to local, regional, and international books. Specific attention is placed on reference books of the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, Dominica. The historic architecture of the Caribbean portrays the diverse cultures and ethnic groups that came together to make the Caribbean the cultural melting pot it is today (Crain 1994). The first Crown Colony’s Administrator’s contribution of this composed architecture of the Public Library has contributed to the island’s urban geography of history and culture as many other buildings built after the library was based on this design.

References:

Crain, Edward E. 1994. Historic architecture in the Caribbean islands. University Press of Florida.

Knox, Paul L.,Marston Sali A. 2001. Human Geography: Places and Regions in Global Context. Pearson Education.

Niddrie D. L. 1966. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, No. 40 ,pp. 67-80

Dominica Architecture: https://books.google.tt/books?id=UNUSbvkWDP0C&pg=PA98&lpg=PA98&dq=architecture+of+Dominica+library+Hesketh+Bell&source

Throughout the Caribbean some countries are more developed in architectural design. Comparing the national library of Dominica to that of Trinidad, it is evident that the initial design has the same historical background influenced by European intervention. However, Trinidad has entered the post colonial era as they have modified their National Library.

Photo taken by Jhon Pierre Maxwell                           Source: Uwispace.sta.uwi.edu.

Present Fire Station and National Library 2016         Old Fire Station – Trinidad 

The Trinidad and Tobago National Library was first established in Port of Spain in 1851. The architecture and the design portray a postmodern architectural design. Postmodernism describes the colourful styles of architecture and the decorative arts that appeared in the late 20^th century in reaction to Modernism. (Waters 2016). The NALIS Library shows a polished pyramid layout. Each floor of the building has its own category of books. It is constructed with concrete and steel with a built in elevator.

The old fire station which was used as a theatre workshop for 10 years (1989-99), is currently part of the library. It was constructed in 1896/1897 and refurbished in 2000. The British architectural influence from the age of colonialism is evident in this building. The roof tops are traditionally triangularly shaped. The structure and stability of the building itself is stabilised by strong concrete which was shipped to Trinidad by the European colonies.

The national Library has contributed too many significant academics and preservation of History. These two architectural designs, old and new portrays the different periods of development within the urban space as time progressed. It also shows the integration of different traditional architectures within the city of Trinidad, Port of Spain.

References:

Oriens Ex Occidente Lux, 2010. University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Trinidad. "Fire Station, Port Of Spain, Trinidad". Uwispace.sta.uwi.edu. N.p.

Waters, Suzanne. 2016. "Postmodernism". Architecture.com. N.p.,