The building in the picture above is just one of the many ancient structures that still stands today in Port-of-Spain. It is located along the eastern end of the Brian Lara Promenade just before the start of Independence Square. Port-of-Spain has been the capital city of Trinidad since 1757 and as such, there are several old administrative and commercial buildings that are continuously being restored. The building is said to resemble a Mardi Gras themed setting with its typical style of businesses being set up on the ground floor with residences on the upper floors. It is one of the few buildings that remain alive today along the Promenade, where the area is flourished with new urban structures that have lead to the development of the area.
This picture shows the Independence Square branch of Scotia Bank located footsteps away from the "Mardi Gras" building seen above. As seen from the pictures, it is noted that several commercial and administrative buildings are located throughout the area such as the various banks, Nicholas Tower and the Eric Williams Financial Complex commonly known as the Twin Towers. It was observed that along certain points of the Promenade, there were distinct variations as one side of the street, housed developed government institutions, while the other side comprised old "run down" structures that are being used for business, just as the "Mardi Gras".
According to Macdonald 2015, historic buildings play a role in determining the contemporary architecture style as they consist of aesthetic and heritage value that contribute to the cultural development of the area. A current challenge is the desire to develop and advance while also preserving these historic structures that are symbolic.This is what may be taking place in the city of Port-of-Spain as the many of the developed areas consist of few ancient buildings that have either become completely abandoned or are being restored. Therefore the social distinction is made between the upper class areas structures and the lower class or historic developments.
References
Getty.edu,. (2015). Contemporary Architecture in Historic Urban Environs (Article). Retrieved 10 April 2015, from http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/newsletters/26_2/contemporary.html
Getty.edu,. (2015). Contemporary Architecture in Historic Urban Environs (Article). Retrieved 10 April 2015, from http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/newsletters/26_2/contemporary.html
Very interesting observations. I had read some other blogs and seen photos that show historical buildings that are host to transnational commercial businesses, so maybe the analysis needs to be further developed to include such sites.
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