Design intentions
NEW PARLIAMENT COMPLEX FOR TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE CALYPSO CULTURE The twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is situated in the southeast region of the West Indies. First settled by Amerindians of South American origins it was then colonized by the Spanish. The islands came under British control in the early 19th century then became independent of British rule on August 31st 1962. As a nation only 44 years old, Trinidadians and Tobagonians {Trinbagonians} are very aware of their national identity both culturally {festivals, music, religion, and art} and politically, as it continues to grow and flourish. An architecture that reflects these developments and seeks its validity as a reflection of the society and its belief system; while anchored in the development of contemporary architectural devices informed by local architectural traditions, I believe, is possible. Designing a New Parliament Building for Trinidad and Tobago will provide an opportunity to explore this notion. The following issues are explored in this design: • Investigation of the possible influence of calypso on architecture. • Marriage between the site and the structure, and a union between the context and the structure. • The relation of interior and exterior spaces as a continuous and unified fluid space. • Concern for qualities of proportion and rhythm and respect for human scale. • Adapting modern architectural language and strategies to national locus, informed by local architectural traditions. To explore and develop an architectural vocabulary and architectural strategies derived from the calypso culture of Trinidad and Tobago in the design of a Parliament Building rooted in the Genius Loci of its site and on the contemporary architectural discourse as it relates to Trinbagonian life. Combining the Architecture of this new Parliament for Trinidad and Tobago with the symbolism of its culture and calypso will serve as grounding for it such that it resonates with the spirit of the place and the spirit of the people. Opportunities will have to be formed for the people to create their own traditions, as they will be the ones to turn it into a parliament befitting of Trinidad and Tobago.