Between 2 Worlds - Volume 03

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W O R L D S

VOLUME THREE

B E T W E E N

A RETROSPECTIVE OF THE WORK

BY ARCHITECT, BRYAN BULLEN

BETWEEN 2 WORLDS

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INTRODUCTION Following the completion of Volumes 1 & 2 of this 5-part monograph series, Volume 3 focuses on the design of Caribbean homes: the factors which influence how and why they are built in the ways that they are. It traces their lineage and history, along with the instruments of their making, and the recurring themes, events and circumstances which continue to impact on our decisions to construct our homes in the way that we do.

The single-family home being the most common type of dwelling is customarily surrounded by a yard or garden which are essential to provide comfort, privacy, and security.

This type of home, as can be said for all types of residences should be the place where we form close bonds. The place where we grow and share cherished experiences with family, friends and neighbors that remain in our individual and collective consciousness with the passing of time.

The work requires a deep understanding of the impending changes to the environment and potential adjustments needed to ensure optimum performance and resilience in the tropics. That resilience is measured by the robustness of the construction industry and our ability to provide adequately designed spaces to meet the demands of people. This entails deploying newer and more efficient technologies that facilitate better use of resources while building capacity to up-skill the labor force.

The second notable housing category described as the semi-attached and clustered dwelling is quite often coupled with commercial spaces to create mixed-use buildings.

This double occupancy is seen as is a viable option as it maximizes land area. Not to be excluded from this grouping of residences is that of social housing with shared functions and compact spaces. Although designed to accomodate people who are less fortunate, the quality of such spaces should not be less considered, or diminished, despite the fact that they are typically built with an economy of means.

There is also a need to be cognizant of the geopolitical and economic shifts occuring today, affecting supply chains, and the use of imported materials from abroad which are becoming increasingly expensive. To mitigate this issue, a more localized approach must be considered: simplifying the processes of building, incentivizing the use of local materials and reinvigorating the craft of building through the development of local products.

Despite our ever-changing circumstances, one important factor remains. The humanizing and positive effect that welldesigned spaces can have on the outlook of its occupants.

To the extent that the quality of people’s lives can be greatly enhanced by homes which are not only functional but, offer charm, intimacy and aesthetic appeal.

Important to all typologies of housing accommodations is planning and the impact it can have on building safe, and desirable neighborhoods and communities for people to live. For this reason, it is vital that we can look critically at the local housing stock on offer and adapting the typologies to suit the demands and particularities of our place and time.

To understand how we can improve them by devising better strategies for longer life cycles. To build our homes to better reflect our history and cultre, yet respond to environmental challenges, while simultaneously reaffirming our experiences for present and future generations.

Architects and planners, as can be said for engineers, landscape and interior architects along with contractors and suppliers, must reexamine their modes of operating.

Conversations are needed across all disciplines of the design and construction industries supported by consumers.

This must be coupled with well-crafted policies and the willingness of policy makers with the shared objective to streamline processes, ensure efficiencies, mitigate waste and propagate a culture that provides the likelihood for people to live in properly designed homes. Something that is essentially a human right.

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