WHAT DO I SAY TO YOU?

WELCOME TO THE URBAN LIFE, WHERE ALL THE BUILDINGS HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

The twin towers in Port-of-Spain used to dominate our city’s capital landscape. It was the building that represented the wealth of PoS and the landmark that mothers pointed out to children. Now, it is just a pair of buildings hidden among other grander skyscrapers.

In Chaguanas, such a building was being replicated. It was supposed to be tall and domineering. It would have acted as a hub for commercial activity. The structure had grand plans in its future. Today, it is an empty, incomplete shell. Whenever I pass nearby, I see the elusive power of the structure.  I see the plan behind the unrealized dream.

("Twin Towers, Chaguanas")

This draws me to the point that one of my colleagues made during a discussion. He said that Mr. Patrick Manning built buildings for himself, to somewhat use those to show his reach of power. The case study used was NAPA, PoS. Whether the statement is true or not, it does provoke a thought. It reminds us that firstly, buildings are built with a purpose in mind that is usually exemplified in its architectural style. But, hidden behind the façade is the provocative thought that buildings are built by and for man, most times with an agenda. And this agenda is manifested also in the form of the final product.

Source: wurliboy.wordpress.com

I will use two examples to exemplify this point.

The following picture is one of a building we all know well. It bombards us as we enter or leave UWI, St. Augustine campus through the North Gate. From the first day I saw it, I was enraptured by its beauty. I personally believe that it is the prettiest building on campus. But, quietly it exudes power.

("Old Admin, UWI)

This was the old Administration Building. It was where the most important, non-teaching activities took place. Here, futures were dictated through acceptances and denials. Here, tuitions were paid and scholarship letters received. This is the building that produced the glue that held the University together. Today, its role may not be as prominent, but its architectural design leaks a sense of power more potent than the current Administration building. The “new Admin” blends in instead of standing out. It could be a mimic of any modern design building.

The edgy Victorian style of the “old Admin” reminds us of the past when the homes of the elite were of this design. The people wielding the most influence lived in homes of this style. Even today, around the QPS, these older homes maintain their sense of authority despite degrading conditions.

This was the message behind the design of the “old Admin”. It was the powerhouse of the University and so it had to look its part.

Secondly, along the McBean Stretch, between St. Mary’s and Couva, one can find a castle. It seems most out of place nestled between two smaller, simple styled homes. 

(The Castle, close up)

(The Castle, full house)

This is the home of the Rev. Dr. Winston Cuffie, founding pastor of Miracle Ministries. He was quoted as saying, “My flock built my castle.” Some may ask if such extravagance is necessary. Everybody wants and desires a beautiful home, but how far is too far? Pastor Cuffie is a prominent man in Trinidad and Tobago. He pastors one of the most successful churches, is the father of Winsie-ann Cuffie who is making waves throughout the world and is even the Recipient of the Chaconia Medal (Gold), one of the Nation’s most prestigious awards, for Religion.

This is a powerful man. And, by default, all this associated with him carries that image of power and superiority. My PERSONAL OPINION is that sometimes it might seem slightly overdone, little “show-offy” but others may beg to differ. His home, his church, his radio program, his billboards along the highway (near the Chase Village Flyover) all show that this is a man with influence and power. The idea that is conjured up in one’s mind when one thinks of a castle, is royalty. He has never hidden the fact that he considers himself and family (and flock) no less than this. This is why he also associates with the colour purple which represents royalty. The provoking thought of ‘built by man, for man usually with a hidden agenda’ comes to mind again.

So, buildings are not just erected for use. Buildings and their forms are ideas of a man who has specific plans for the use of his structure.

Men are not just empty shells. They are creature with dreams and ideals and more likely than not, images of grandeur for themselves.

Some men have the means by which they can commission, sanction and erect buildings.

When all these factors come into play, we have the form of the building being molded to all these variables. A building of a certain style with a certain purpose will have a specific look. If this look is appealing and functions well, we may have imitator buildings emerging near-by or in similar type settings. And before long, we have our urban form taking shape.

Chapter 5 of Urban Geography deals with urban form and how it is influenced.

Port-of-Spain transformed before our eyes under the stewardship of Mr. Patrick Manning. The change came from above, the then Prime Minister of our country.

The homes along the McBean stretch are becoming increasingly larger and more elegant. The change came from below, a citizen just like you and I.

The “twin towers of Chaguanas”, empty and deserted now, was once envisioned to engage in activities similar to our “real” twin towers on Edward St. PoS. The change was due to the influence of booming economic activity.

Our urban form is changing slowly but surely. Sit up and pay attention to what the new buildings are trying to tell us.  

(Wrightson Road from Hyatt)

Sources:
The Structure and Form of Urban Settlements

Urban Geography by Tim Hall and Heather Barrett (2012)