“Cities are the product of time. They are the molds in which men’s lifetimes have cooled and congealed, giving lasting shape by way of art, to moments that would otherwise vanish with the living and leave no means of renewal or wider participation behind them. In the city, time becomes visible: buildings and monuments and public ways, more open than the written record.” 

Mumford, 1938.

Figure 1: An overview of the architecture of present day Port of Spain 

Aerial view of  the city of Port-of-Spain (2014)

http://cityofportofspain.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/POS-Revitalization.jpg Obtained: 05-02-2015

Figure 2:The Old Fire Station in Port of Spain 

The city of Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. It is the country’s third largest municipal, having state power of self-governance. Port of Spain is located towards the North Western coast of Trinidad on the Gulf of Paria and is the county’s largest urbanized area. 

The transition from historical to modern infrastructure in Port of Spain has occurred over time. In 1757 the city was established the new capital of Trinidad and Tobago. In the 1780's there was economic boom and the city was extended. This facilitated the development of buildings and churches like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception which can still be seen today. Land was reclaimed from the sea to establish some of the infrastructure and streets we see today. The dredging of the city’s deep water harbour in the 1930's made Port of Spain the leading port in the Southern Caribbean and the discovery of offshore oil in the 1970's greatly expanded the economy (De-Light and Thomas, 2007). This created a Central Business District within Port of Spain and paved the way for further infrastructural development like the development of the Central Bank as well as many other buildings.

                                                                      

Over the years the infrastructure of Port of Spain has been continuously advancing with the construction of modern high rise buildings like the National Performing Arts Centre, Hyatt etc. This continual change allowed for the existence of different artistic and architectural designs within the city. The city therefore, can be visually described as a timeline of Trinidad’s history displaying a combination of both historical and modern buildings like the Red House and the Hyatt Hotel.

From a personal experience I have found that Port of Spain over the years has drastically changed. For some years as a child I did not have any particular reason for visiting the city as I live in a rural community. However, after many years when the opportunity arose to visit, I was quite amazed about the transformation of the city. I discovered that buildings taller than the twin towers were being constructed, this raised my awareness that Port of Spain was developing so quickly over that short space of time.

 The following are various pictures that aim in showcasing the artistic/architectural design and evolution of Port-Of-Spain throughout the years;

Infrastructure as a symbol of Power: The changing representations of power

Looking at the city of Port of Spain from an aerial view one can clearly see that there are differences in the type of infrastructure in one part of the city as compared to another area. According to Mumford (1938) the art and culture of cities have developed over time. Similarly the representations of power change over time. Port of Spain can be described as a time line as its infrastructure reflect the history of Trinidad and Tobago from European colonization and settlement to the 21^st century. As a result of globalization and modernization infrastructure as a symbol of power has changed over the years. 

 The contemporary architecture of the Treasury building in Port of Spain

The type of Architecture reflects the existence of power (Moore 1996). There is a clear line that divides the type of architecture that can be seen between East and West Port of Spain. As such, there is much inequality in the distribution of architecture. In West Port of Spain the building reflect where power is concentrated. This is showed by the modern and expensive style building which is more up to date with and similar to those of global north cities like New York, Chicago and San Francisco where there are modern sky scrapers. In the West there are buildings such as Hyatt where parliament is located, the Central Bank, the Treasury building, the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange, the Central Statistical Office, Inter-commercial Bank and several other financial institutions. The type of buildings reflect where power lies in 21^st century Port of Spain.

In other parts of the city and environs the type of infrastructure reflect   power was located here as a result of the type of infrastructure in the area but this has changed. East of the city building are colonial type. This is no reflective of power and wealth in the 21^st Century. Many

Decades ago in East Port of Spain this type of infrastructure would have been the epicentre of power in the city. Thus, as a result of globalization and society becoming more modern power has now shifted from what type of architecture was used to represent power, wealth and control to a new a representation of power. In the 17^th and 18^th century there were several building which represented power and wealth. One of which is the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity built in 1818. It was originally used to cater for the British forces on the island according to the Tourism Development Cooperation of Trinidad and Tobago. This was where British power resided when they came to the colony. In addition Woodford Square was a place of political and religious gathering. It is still used for this purpose today. The Grayfirar’s Church was used by those British colonizers that were Presbyterian. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is also represented as a symbol of power.  In colonial times religion was a dominant power in society (Beckles and Shepherd 2006) this was why most churches were the symbols of power, wealth and control at the time. In today’s society power is also showcased by the height of buildings. Therefore, power can be seen in the infrastructure of Port of Spain in the past and present.

In my experience walking through the streets of East Port of Spain and observing the architecture of colonial style churches I have found that these building are very lavish and one can see that they were built to accommodate high society at that time. This can be compared to Hyatt on the waterfront where government and finance is situated. This is because architecture is reflective of the level of power and where it is situated in a society.              

More information on the Colonial Architecture of Port of Spain can be obtained at the Citizens for Conservation website: http://citizensforconservationtt.org/main/

City Planning a reflection of Historic Ties

The Laventille Hills

As one walks through the streets of Port-Of-Spain, one may first follow a straight, clear defined path and then suddenly be making sharp turns unto a wavy road. This distinction within Port-Of-Spain may seems unnatural to the naked eye however it is through this that we can see a true reflection of Port-Of-Spain city planning procedures throughout the years.

During the late 1700’s and 1800’s Trinidad and subsequently the city of Port-Of-Spain was under the rule of the British Empire. Accordingly it must be remembered that slavery and monoculture was still in existence. To facilitate this road and railway networks was developed to aid planters in transporting their crops to the port for export. Additionally, at this period in time there were many industries and factories established within Port-Of-Spain this encouraged a large migration of free labour to city. Here, they formed unplanned settlements such as Laventille on the outskirts of the city, because these areas were unplanned, it is subsequently seen that the roads themselves reflected the unplanned nature of the settlement as they have a haphazard design. Therefore, because Port-Of-Spain during this time was the hub of economic activity the major, Lord Woodford, focused on developing the city itself rather than the outskirts. However, it must be known that Lord Woodford integrated aspects of Ebenzer Howard’s concept of Garden Suburbs. Places such as Victoria Square, Woodford Square etc. where introduced throughout the city to curb the growing levels of congestion caused by Industrialization and population growth (as cited in Hall, 2011, p. 137). It is clearly seen that the Government at this time was a Managerial one, where top down development approached was implemented and exercised.

However in the late 19^th and early 20^th we could see a change in the development of urban planning. This could be due to the fact that Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence in 1962. Whereas before it consisted of a top down development approach, here it is seen to incorporate a partial bottom up development approach. At this time the government began to aid members of unplanned settlements on the fringe of the city, seeking to add order to the area and attempt to alleviate the problem of congestion within the city. They did this by establishing high rise public housing commonly known as ‘The Plannings’ for persons in Laventille. These ‘Plannings’ unintentionally mimicked Coubiser’s City of Towers, in its function and form. Additionally, the government went a step further by incorporating public facilities for communal use. Facilities such as Clinics and Community Centres not only provide for the needs of the people but to encourage greater socialization and community participation (Jacobs, 1961). 

The Importance of Colonial Buildings in Port of Spain

The Old Library

Moving throughout the city of Port of Spain one can clearly see a landscape of colonial infrastructure that has withstand development of the 20^th and 21^st century. From castles, churches, plantation houses to old buildings that function as businesses, public spaces and museums. Why have these buildings remained rooted in the city for all these years? Why should they be kept in the city if they remind us of a time of colonial domination, hardship and struggle? Should they be removed and replaced with indigenous infrastructure that remind us of freedom and Independence? For many activist groups historical building should be kept because of their historical value whilst others who seek development believe that they should be removed and replaced by businesses and local designs.   

Historical buildings such as the old public library seen in the figure is being preserved and will be used as a political museum to showcase the political history of Trinidad and Tobago (Citizens for Conservation 2015). The Citizens for Conservation organization is aimed at preserving and conserving the built heritage of Trinidad and Tobago. They believe that these buildings should be kept because not only does it showcase the unique and vibrant history of the country but it is also a way for tangible cultural aspects of the past be available for future generations. Architecture is now seen to be of great importance as it a way that architects, historians and individuals alike gain knowledge and insight about past cultures (Hall, 1968). Through the uniqueness of the design ‘etched’ on these buildings future generations will be able to better understand and appreciate past civilizations and cultures.

As a result of this there is a local growing movement to conserve and preserve old buildings and structures within Port-Of-Spain. The local organisation, Citizens for Conservation does exactly this and goes a step further in the attempt to educate the public about the importance of this action.

However, as a result of Port of Spain becoming more globalized and economical several old building such as the Grayfirar’s Church are being removed to make way for economic   development. According to the Citizens for Conservation (2015) many of the old buildings within Port of Span are now owned by private individuals who have a greater interest in profit making. These individuals believe that it would be more profitable to demolish these old buildings and establish new ones, than to reuse and renovate old ones. Additionally, finance is also seen to be a major challenge in the preservation of historical buildings. The constant upkeep and care for these buildings are very costly.  And it was recognized that most of the old historical buildings within Port of Spain lies to the east. These buildings are further along in deterioration because they are of the oldest buildings within the country. In addition it must be noted that this area is relatively poor, characterized by large numbers of the lowers class community. When these two issues are combined we can see the difficulty Port-Of-Spain and conservation groups’ faces to preserve these old buildings.

Personally, when I visited the Catholic Church in Port of Spain the architecture to me can tell so much about our countries history. It helped me to visually learn about out different colonial influences by the style of the buildings. I believe that these building should be preserved or renovated or they should be put to adaptive reuse. This involves finding a new use for a building that already exist. Old building can be very useful in heritage preservation as well as it can be economical (Vattay, 2008). Therefore historical buildings can go hand in hand with development and heritage protection.  Thus, I believe that sustainable development through architecture is important and achievable throughout our ever changing environment.  

The Evolution of Infrastructural Design

A diagram showing the transition of infrastructure within Port-Of-Spain

In the post-modern era unique/indigenous architecture has become a thing of the past (Abel, 2004). Globalization and cross-cultural contact resulted in the uniformity of architectural design globally. As a result of this global movement, the transition to contemporary architectural design can be seen through analyzing the past. In the Caribbean however analysis can only begin in the 18^th century as this was the period that Globalization began to shape the Region. Within Port-of-Spain there are many remnants of 18^th century infrastructure such as churches and antique buildings. These churches and old building were established as a result of colonial expansion whereby European culture and subsequently their architectural design were imposed on their colonies. This imposition paved the way for the spread of ‘gothic’ style churches and ‘fairytale’ like houses, throughout Trinidad.

Additionally in the late 19^th and early 20^th century it was seen that there was a global movement towards ‘modern’ architectural design. This type of design portrayed the monotone, functionalist atmosphere of the city, whereby these buildings were seen as mainly a “tool for economic development” (Harvey 1989, Gospodini 2004, Sklair 2005). This era featured the height of the Industrial Revolution whereby steelwork became an important part of urban life. This was not only because it generated employment in the urban place but also because, it provided the materials for construction work. These materials provided buildings with an improved framework, so that structures would be highly efficient and functional, thus reflecting the businesslike atmosphere of the city.

Furthermore in the mid-20t^h and 21^st century there is seen to be two phases of architectural design concurring at the same time. The first is a ‘revivalist’ movement where past architectural designs are integrated into the post-modern place. The use of columns and arches, styles adapted from the ancient Roman Empire are readily integrated into today’s modern design. Furthermore, in Port-of-Spain it is also seen that old buildings are now being refurbished and modernized, to be utilized in the urban place. This causes the architectural design of buildings to become more expressive and showcase the growing impetus for urban appreciation and conservation of the past. The second however, is a continued evolution of modern architectural design. Here it is seen that skyscrapers and glass buildings are being built. This type of design continues to promote practicality and functionality within the urban place, however it aids in contributing to the distinctive/ unique eye appeal that goes with a city.

Personally, I experienced this change in the environment of the city. A few years ago I visited Stollmeyer’s Castle in a history field trip, from this experience I found that the building was so outdated that I felt like I was in colonial times. When I compared the Castle to other modern buildings around Port-Of-Spain I can see how these buildings are complete polar opposites. From this I realized that infrastructure is consequently evolving over time and the main cause of this is a direct result of the cultural influences that affected Trinidad. Port-Of-Spain is a city that reflects these different cultural influences. Thus there are both historical and modern infrastructural design can be see together in the city today. 

Whose History is Port of Spain?

Trinidad and Tobago is a multicultural society with different historical influences from the British, Spanish, Africans, Indians and Chinese. However, as a result of colonization, slavery and indentureship by different groups of people there was the development of a dominant culture and subordinate cultures. These dominant and subordinate cultures have influenced the architecture of present day Port of Spain. This brings into question whose history is Port of Spain? Is it mainly reflective of European history or is it reflective of African, Chinese or Indian history and culture? As such the architecture of the city can determine this.

A row of Victorian style houses in Port-Of-Spain

In a historic overview of the city of Port of Spain what can be clearly seen are European style churches, castles and other Spanish and British style buildings and houses (this can be seen from figure 6). In my experience moving through the secondary streets of Port of Spain there are many colonial style houses which are either preserved or are being used. There is a clear dominance of colonial influence not just in the major areas in Port of Spain but also on the secondary streets.  This group of people had a major influence on the material culture of the city through their architecture. This was because they had the most power in the city at the time. This European style architecture can be seen in almost every street of Port of Spain like Queens Street, Charlotte Street, Abercromby Street and Fredrick Street. These were the main areas and are still are the main areas of the city Not only in Port of Spain but European influence can be seen throughout the Caribbean in countries such as Jamaica, Haiti and Guyana for example. These are some   European style churches, great houses and building remain preserved and are still part of the material culture left by this dominant group.

African cultural architecture in Port of Spain is not clearly visible as those of the Spanish and British (Jordan, 2013). This is because this culture was subordinate. The Africans had very little power and influence in the architecture of Port of Spain. Their influence was not this type of material culture. As such the history of Port of Spain cannot be identified as one of African culture.

The Indians and Muslims were a major culture group during indentureship and more importantly during the architectural development of Port of Spain. There are several temples and mosques located close to the city in places like St. James. Thus, their style of architecture can main be seen on the outskirts of the city. This type of cultural architecture is not as dominant as those of the Spanish and British. This is because although the Indians were allowed some power they were still subordinated (Beckles and Shepherd, 2006). As such they did not have a major influence on the type of architecture in Port of Spain.        

To answer the question of whose history is Port of Spain the city can be clearly identifies as British and Spanish history this is mainly because they had the most power and influence at the time.

Presently, the architecture of Port of Spain is dominated by old colonial style building and modern buildings. This is because of preservation of heritage and modern architectural development. Personally, I think Port of Spain is a mixture of both the old and the new as can be seen in the figure. It has a history of Spanish and British architecture but there is a new type of architectural culture that has emerged which is one that is modern 21st century and unique from those of the Spanish and British. These two type of architecture operate together to create the foundation of Port of Spain architecture.         

        

What Type of City is Port of Spain Post Modern or Post Industrial?

Scotiabank 

The economy of Trinidad and Tobago over the centuries has always been centralized in the city of Port of Spain. It is the main economic area of the country. Over the years the economy has been dominated by specific economic activities. These include agriculture, industries and oil and gas. All these have influenced the type of city which we see today. This brings us to the question what type of city can Port of Spain be deemed as? The type of infrastructure whether it be industries or unique architectural designs can play a critical role in determining the type of city. Thus, how can Port of Spain be classified is it Post Modern or Post Industrial.

In analysing whether the city is a Post Modern city one must take into account the characteristics of a Post Modern city. Post Modern cities have a particular cultural style, a method of analysis, or an epoch in history (Dear, 1999). They have a particular type of architecture that is unique or indigenous to that city. Take for example Southern California and Los Angles they can be described as unique in form and in structure (Dear and Flusty, 1998). Some of the characteristics of these cities include a diversity in architectural style, high technology, increase in signs and symbols as stated by Baudrillard (1988), advertising in mass media that is termed hypareality and theme parks (Knox and Pinch, 2006, p. 52).  From these characteristics the single example that can be drawn from this is the National Theatre of Performing Arts (NAPA). Port of Spain does not possess any of the other features of this type of city thus, it cannot be deemed solely as a Post Modern city.

According to Filip Majetić (2014) important characteristics of the Post Industrial city are de-industrialization, tertiarization, economic polarization of population, increase in home manufactures and “sweatshops”, increase in unofficial economy, gentrification, may service jobs and flexibilization of labour. Many of these characteristics can be seen in Port of Spain. There has been the de-industrialization over the years of industries such as the Trincity industrial estate and the O’Meara industrial estate. However, some industries still remain such as Powergen as. Much evidence can also be found in the polarization of the society. This is seen between West and East Port of Spain. In the West power is concentrated as seen by the tall, modern and expensive type architecture. In some areas like One Woodbrook Place the rich live in million dollar skyscrapers. In the east there is less power and exclusion and the infrastructure here is old, abandoned and not maintained. Also, with post industrial economies there are many service sector jobs as well as business. Soctiabank in Port of Spain is evidence of a post-industrial economy since this a service based business. In addition, there are many other services such as those provided by private hospital and services provided by self-employed persons.

Personally, I think the city is more of a Post industrial economy this is because there are many banks such as Unit Trust and First Citizens. Although, there is some evidence of industries and postmodern architecture in the city this is not dominant as the defining factor of the post industrial economy in Port-Of-Spain is the service sector as well as the private sector.  

Thus, it is more appropriate to deem Port-Of-Spain as more of a Post Industrial city because it fulfills much of the criteria of this type of city. However, there is still some evidence of industries and a Post Modern building in the city. The city is in a transition process in terms of development. This is because cities evolve with the passage of time (Mumford 1938).

The Commercialization of Colonial buildings in Port-Of-Spain

In the nineteen century the major uses of the buildings such as the one seen in the picture was used by for agro processing when the economy was more industrial based. Other buildings were used as apartment buildings by immigrant workers who worked in the industries. These were the major uses of buildings within Port of Spain at the time. Today we see a change in the use of infrastructure from apartments and agro processing to more commercialized uses.

A restaurant/bar in downtown Port-Of-Spain

In my experience, passing on the streets of Port of Spain there are number of old buildings colonial style buildings with this Spanish and British style architecture. These buildings have been renovated by private business owns and reused to make places for businesses as well as clothing stores, restaurants, barber shops, bars and variety stores. This can be seen in the picture. On the above level of the building one can see a bar, whilst on the ground floor one can see several small businesses which are all located in the same building. This building was one used as apartments to house immigrant workers from the agro processing plant. Presently, we see that this building has a change in the usage. It is now used for more commercialized small businesses. Other buildings in Port in Spain such as Mario’s are used by more formal local businesses.                                  

Personally, I think that this change in the use of space is expensive as many old building are being purchased by business owners. The method of utilizing these buildings is very efficient because not only does it facilitate the conservation of this architecture but it also provides an income for business owners. Buildings such as this one seen in the picture have performed a variety of uses over history. I think that instead of demolishing old colonial architecture buildings should be renovated and put to use by small businesses. Therefore, this building should be a good example of how other old buildings should be used. Currently, this has greatly contributed to the expansion of the commercial sector within Port of Spain.  

The Past hidden among us!

The City Gate Terminal

Port-Of-Spain is a BIG place and some of us hardly even realize the expanse of Port- Of- Span and what it contains. Don’t be confused BIG doesn’t only mean in size it also refers to what is contained within the city and meaning and value of these things. Often at times commuters pass through the city unappreciative of the wonders and secrets it contains. They have become so engrossed in the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives that fail to see just how BIG the city actually is.  There is a hidden history and untouched pride scattered throughout the city, almost as if hidden in plain sight. However, the city itself has gotten so caught up in the attempt to catch up in the competition of economic development that it has neglected what was already there.

“I used to go train hopping eh... you does to time it just right (laughter) or else”.

When I asked my mother about trains and rail roads in Port-Of-Spain this was her response. The City Gate Terminal a place utilized by thousands of people daily, used to house trains, rail road tracks and trolleys, however, barely anyone knows this especially members of the younger public. These trains used to facilitate communal socializing through the unique games children used play such ‘train-hopping’. Port-Of-Spain no longer has any railroads and trains and people only view this place as an intermediary stop to get to their wanted destination. There is no appreciation that this way the place where trains used to meet and place where fun games used to be played. One would think that this would be something of cultural and historic importance as the City Gate Terminal is reminiscent of past times.

The Twin Towers

Within Port-Of-Spain there are the Twin Towers. These towers also known as the Eric Williams Plaza held deep symbolism for the entire nation of Trinidad and Tobago. In the 20^th century these buildings used to be appreciated by all because it was a tangible representation the country’s new founded independent power and wealth. In the 20^th century, these towers stood alone towering above the rest of the country. Therefore at this time it would be a site that one could hardly miss passing through the city. The intricate use of glass and concrete to give a magnificent design used to ‘awe’ passers-by. However, because of the city’s rushed development and its willingness to play and compete with the big boys (America and England) even more and bigger buildings were built. These building overshadowed our national treasure, putting it in the shade. The city became cluster with high rise buildings and as a result the splendor of this building dissipated to all. As a result a building that used to be held with such pride and importance is now hidden within the city. No one longer views the towers as a symbol of economic and political independence, no longer views the towers with utmost pride and because of this loss of appreciation the twin towers itself has become lost to the public.

I have often heard my mother talking about her adventure ‘train-hopping’ and I never truly appreciated until now. As a child I was unable to grasp the importance her stories had in relation to Urban Life. As a member of the younger generation I also to, had never appreciated the significance the Twin Towers had in the formation of modern day life. I guess this why these Towers where chosen to be on the back of every dollar in Trinidad.

Changing Public Spaces in Port of Spain

Public spaces in Port of Spain are spaces that are open for public usage; they involve areas that anyone in the society can use. Some examples of public spaces in Port of Spain are the side walk such as along Fredrick Street and Queens Streets for example. Other areas include the Brian Lara Promenade, Woodford Square, Queens Park Savannah, Tamron Square and random bars and restaurants along Port of Spain. These old building are also becoming more privatized as the city becomes more commercialized. In the 19th century buildings allowed more communal socializing. The over hangs from building which extended over the street protected pedestrians. They were used to facilitate communication and socialization as people could stand under the overhang and talk, “lime” and socialize. Public spaces in nineteen century Port of Spain can be compared to those of nineteen century major American cities like Boston, New York and Chicago. Public spaces such as open spaces were used to foster socialization by different classes (Banerjee, 2001). Here we see that old building in Port of Spain in the 19^th century had a similar use as they were architecturally built in this design to encourage socialization between the different immigrant workers. 

In 21^st century Port of Spain some of these over hangs have been removed from some buildings to prevent the homeless from staying.  Personally, based on this picture I think that by removing the over hangs from old buildings this has reduced the amount of potential socialization that could have taken place between people. This is because of the increasing commercialization of Port of Spain and increasing privatization. Business owners have removed this feature from building in order not to attract unwanted pedestrians like the homeless. This development has contributed too much exclusion of those people who are excluded from society. Even in modern infrastructure today like banks this overhang is not included. This prevents socializations as before society was more social     

Therefore, we see that Port of Spain has become more commercialized as the Central Business District is expanding with many privately owned businesses. They have transformed old colonial building from apartment and agro-processing to businesses and they have altered the architectural style of these building to make them more business oriented or more privatized. Increasing commercialization has caused old colonial buildings that were once venues for socialization to be lost. The use of over hangs as once public spaces for socialization is beginning to decrease.  

         The Financial Division

Port-Of-Spain is filled to brim with remnants of past architecture. Whether it is from 18^th century churches, 19^th century homes and 20^th century buildings, the city is bursting with so much rich culture and history. Although, there are efforts by organisations like Citizens for Conservation, the perseverance of this history is not an easy one. Yet, the distinction can be made that in certain areas there is a better upkeep of old buildings than others. Through this difference in infrastructural upkeep the aspect of social-polarization can be seen within the city of Port-Of-Spain.  

When roaming through Port-Of-Spain it was noticed that western side had a better upkeep of 19^th century houses whilst on the eastern side the 18^th and 19^th century buildings were more dilapidated.

These homes on the western side were renovated by upper-middle class residents not only to accommodate housing but also to facilitate the development of small businesses. These upper-middle class residents have sufficient income to renovate and upkeep old housings. Whereas on the other side of Port-Of-Spain, it is known that mainly member of the lower class reside there. These people work for minimum wage and thus cannot afford to renovate buildings it that area. As a result the majority of these buildings are being sold in which they are then destroyed to make way for new urban structures. Therefore a financial divide can be seen when looking at the quality of old buildings within Port-Of-Spain.

YOO-HOO!!!

LAST ENTRY

Our blog used infrastructure to focus on how aspects of the past can be seen within Modern day life. We discovered that the older buildings within Port-Of-Spain had a story to be told and it was our job to tell it, therefore we used this blog as a platform to gives these rigid structures a voice. Although we focused on infrastructure and history we have discovered some of our classmates’ blogs which highlight and delve into other aspects of Urban Life.

Osei and Zonnia’s blog titled ‘Urban Monuments: Hats off to Reading’ was very similar to ours. They looked at the importance of urban monuments in relation to a country’s history. Being foreigners to Trinidad they made comparisons between monuments within Port-Of-Spain to monuments from their own homeland, St. Vincent. At what a great job they did! It was interesting to see that both islands had an ‘Old Public Library’. In St. Vincent there old library was also known as “The Carnegie Building”. It functions as a museum for art of both present and past, displays artifacts of the pre-historic past and art pieces. I found this to be very weird because currently Trinidad’s Old Public Library is being renovated to do the same thing…I guess we’re taking some hints you ‘guise’. However, it must be said that it is a shame that Trinidad is only now realizing the historic importance of such buildings. These buildings hold so many memories to so much people. My mother was just telling me the other day when walking through town, how she got ‘licks’ when she was younger because after school she went to sign up and get her library at Trinidad’s Old Public Library. It was a funny story and I laughed it, but now I realize that these buildings all hold some deep memory to someone, therefore we should preserve them. 

Leah and Jason’s blog titled ‘Urban Building Infrastructure in Port-Of-Spain Trinidad, West Indies: MC DONALDIZATION: GLOBALIZATION IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES’ discusses the effect globalisation has on cities in Trinidad and Tobago. When reading through their blog we instinctively made a connection ours. Although they discussed effects of the concept of Mc Donalization, from the picture they use

We saw that MNC’s also encourage the conservation of old buildings within Port-Of-Spain. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfVTC9fntHUNPa1fpEP9LZdV-imLw7gzAeOcWzoOEIH2KxKV6xex1qzKlUqUyk-GveeRl62DcwNkY6FhspTebVG1IItJCyez29bAKAXZdTklbYMpIFoAd6zVitTqwFIIxqug7z3Ohp-JW/s1600/IMG_20150409_114121.jpg Although, the MNC, Subway may not know that they are doing this action aids in conserving old buildings within Port-Of-Spain. This activity can be seen done my many other MNC’S such as Mario’s. However, it must be said that although the physical building is conserved the history, meaning and symbolism of the build may be lost. I guess all can’t be a win-win situation.

Mario's Restaurant in Port-Of-Spain

Johnathan and Menesheh’s blog titled ‘Urban St. James: Religion’ showcases the diversity of Trinidad through religious architecture. Here they showcase that the diversity of the Port-Of-Spain can also be seen through architecture. Trinidad has experience an influx migration of a variety of cultures and as a result it is projected through their established infrastructure.  This is a great post as it makes reference to how infrastructure can reflect important aspects of Trinidad’s past. I am kind of jealous that I didn’t think if this topic first however nonetheless somebody did and it is now exposed to the wider public. 

References

Banerjee, T. (2001). The future of public space: beyond invented streets and reinvented places.       Journal of the American Planning Association, 67(1), 9-24.

Beckles, H., & Shephard, V. (2004). Caribbean Indigenous Societies and Slave Systems.    Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Besson, G. (2011, April 12). Port-of-Spain's early city life. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from         http://caribbeanhistoryarchives.blogspot.com/2011/08/port-of-spains-early-city-life.html

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