Vegetation, Verandahs And Valuable Fretwork: Caribbean Architectural History Vs Modern Architecture

Architecture in the Caribbean, from since the arrival of Columbus in 1942, has evolved throughout the years to accommodate the climatic conditions. The tropics; those countries located within the region of the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, share similar climatic aspects with the Caribbean such as heavy rains and humid/hot days. Additional to the weather, countries in the Caribbean are susceptible to various natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanoes. Throughout the years Caribbean architecture has learned to incorporate devices; vegetation, verandas and wooden lattice work to provide shade, which by extension, has come to be used worldwide.

Vegetation

Prior to Columbus’ arrival in the West Indies, the aboriginals (the original settlers that lived in the Caribbean) utilized the local material produced by the environment to erect their structures for shelter. These would include the combination of palm tree leaves, straws, stone, mud and other organic materials. This resourceful method of using materials provided to them by the landscape is known as Vernacular Architecture. “The native hut, known throughout the Caribbean as the bohío, was a simple arrangement of grass, bark and foliage.” The Caribbean archipelago, consisting of many islands surrounded by large bodies of water, facilitates lots of greenery and vegetation. Trees and shrubbery are used at the perimeter of the building to provide shade to the verandah. Being an inexpensive option for architecture with great potential as a cooling device, it reduces contamination and radiation, it reduces the amount of trapped carbon dioxide, it reduces heat and it creates a microclimate. “The year-round foliage, which, together with the unique history and culture of the tropics, became defining characteristics of its buildings”. In the eastern hemisphere, the concept of ‘green architecture’ is heavily used in areas such as Japan and Singapore. Modern architecture for the entire world is moving towards sustainability and environmental friendly options.

Verandas

“Creole colonial houses were constructed throughout the islands of Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico in the 16th and 17th century.” The highly stratified society that came with the plantation era within the Caribbean divided not only the slaves from the slave masters but also the architecture. The ‘great houses’ occupied by the plantation owners exhibited dominating features when compared to the miniscule dwellings of the slaves. Juxta positioned to show control, the ‘great houses’ were often built on hills overlooking the estate. One of the dominating features of a colonial great house was the wraparound porch know as a verandah. The verandah is commonly known as a semi-closed area which acts as a transition between the outside environment and the inside. This aspect of the environmental envelope acts as a buffer between the direct heat waves from the sun and the walls of the building and also provides ventilation for the building. The verandahs in the Caribbean are constructed using timber and often bordered by railings. This architectural feature is also used around the world; a verandah is installed on an Australian house, located outside of the tropical region.

Fretwork

Shade as well as ventilation played a key role in Caribbean architecture throughout history. Additional to vegetation and verandahs, the use of ornate wooden decoration known as fretwork was frequently used. “The vernacular resulted from a fusion of styles and cultures, combining elements of the Classical Georgian style planning and features from Europe which was used for the design of some early great houses, with the construction techniques and decorative motifs of the African tradition.” As a direct influence from African tradition, the idea of fretwork in the Caribbean was born. “For better ventilation, the space between the top of the walls and the roof might be filled with some form of wooden latticework.” Fretwork was a decorative feature to allow ventilation and provide shade both internally and externally, and was used to limit the amount of light entering onto the verandah. The filtering of light by this multifunctional feature projected intricate designs onto the walls of the building. Fretwork in the Caribbean evolved from being just being aesthetic to having meaning with hidden images in the designs. In modern architecture, it has taken more of the geometric form adding elegance and geometry to the façade of a building. “The verandah colonnades evolved into more stylized forms, mainly rectangular and geometric design patterns instead of the intricate ornate patterns.”

Caribbean modern architecture has evolved to accommodate the harsh demands of the tropical climate. “Adaptations to local conditions, particularly the climate, gave rise to a creolized form of classical architecture distinguished from the European models by features such as louvers, jalousies, verandahs, and the extensive use of fretwork, creating a distinctive West-Indian style, sometimes referred to as ‘Caribbean Georgian’”. The intense tropical climate within the Caribbean has moulded the evolution of architecture from the aboriginal settlements, through the colonizing period, emancipation and now the modern era. For ventilation and shade, vegetation, verandahs and fretwork were used in this region. Furthermore, It was also discovered that countries around the world such as Japan, Australia and England also used these strategies adopted by the Caribbean. As a result, it can be concluded that Caribbean architectural history has indeed made an impact on modern architecture worldwide.

References

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