COMMENTARY: Reflection on state of architecture in Dominica

Building of the Year winner from Vietnam at World Architect Festival
Building of the Year winner from Vietnam at World Architect Festival

As the international community celebrates World Architecture Day on Monday 6 October 2014, I reflect on the state of architecture in Dominica, the total disregard for a profession which has contributed towards the advancement of human development, the lack of appreciation of the role of the architect in national development and an apparent apathy on the part of Dominican architects.

During a ten year period from 1992, Dominica had a total of twelve professionally trained architects who established the Dominica Society of Architects (DSA) which culminated in the historic Architects Registration Act of 2003. Dominica had leaped ahead of many other OECS countries in securing that Act in parliament.

One would have thought that with the architectural profession legally protected by law the practice of architecture would advance and Dominican architects would have taken the quantum leap on the international stage, after all, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries was intended to give professionals in the latter grouping an opportunity to compete on the international market.

The first test for Dominica after the legislation of the Architects Registration Act was to implement the Dominica Building Code as a regulation to the Physical Planning Act of 2002. In responding to the implementation of the building code the minister responsible for Physical Planning stated that the votes of the draughtsmen who were practicing mediocre architecture were more significant than that of the few architects and this explains why in 2014, Dominica is yet to implement the

Building Code which celebrates its 26th anniversary this year since the preparation process started.

First established by the International Union of Architects (UIA) back in 2005, World Architecture Day is set to become an essential fixture on the architecture calendar. And this year will be no exception. Drawing from its internationally acclaimed awards programme, World Architecture News is bringing together some of the world’s most renowned architects, designers and developers from across the globe for a celebration of architectural excellence.

A country’s pride is normally reflected in its architectural heritage, visitors to Dominica are usually fascinated with our historic architecture, which was obviously not the work of the natives but that of the British and French colonialists.

Since Dominica’s independence in 1978, local architects have never had the opportunity to express their professional prowess of the design of buildings in Dominica. Most projects of significance such as the Financial Center have been designed by foreigners and it is even more disturbing that in 2014, while the world celebrates World Architecture Day on October 1st, the three most significant architectural projects being undertaken in the 21st century are all designed by foreigners, these are the State Palace, the State College and the Morroccan Hotel.

Are Dominican architects incapable of designing projects of that magnitude? Will a Dominican architect ever be able to participate in the events of World Architecture Day?

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33 Comments

  1. just saying
    October 8, 2014

    Just to add from experience ,Most Architects here are just greedy and wicked , likewise the Draughtsmen who wants to charge just as much as Architects , exreience 1, leaving out of state and having an Architect draw you a plan ,only to find out that he never visited the land ,so the builder had to cut the land to fit the house , today house cannot finish because of the cost of cutting the land to fit the house on it and thats was the only time he came to see the land ,it was already to late , i was told he only visited the project twice but charge hundreds of dollars per visit to monitor the project supposedly twice a month, i was forced to stop the project , so am now paying rent and mortgage, thanks to my professional Architecture .
    Its all about the money to you guys , i respect your job but you all have not heart as you want to charge a client almost the cost of the house to draw a plan, just remember its BANK money , not ours until we finish pay back the last cent. So my dear friend ,my advice to you ….put your name and examine your practice.

  2. just saying
    October 8, 2014

    Just to add from experience ,Most Architects here are just greedy and wicked , likewise the Draughtsmen who wants to charge just as much as Architects , exreience 1, leaving out of state and having an Architect draw you a plan ,only to find out that he never visited the land ,so the builder had to cut the land to fit the house , today house cannot finish because of the cost of cutting the land to fit the house on it and thats was the only time he came to see the land ,it was already to late , i was told he only visited the project twice but charge hundreds of dollars per visit to monitor the project supposedly twice a month, i was forced to stop the project , so am now paying rent and mortgage, thanks to my professional Architecture .
    Its all about the money to you guys , i respect your job but you all have not heart as you want to charge a client almost the cost of the house to draw a plan, just remember its BANK money , not ours until we finish pay back the last cent. So my dear friend ,my advice to you ….put your name and examine your practice

  3. stewGod
    October 8, 2014

    unless someone puts a contractor or architect naked on the Bay Front with a frog in his throat sing I stole from my client in Latin . The beatings of innocent hard working persons who just want a home will continue !

  4. Lang Sal
    October 7, 2014

    It’s time to build an Angie’s List in Dominica. Locals with nightmare stories should list their experiences and the names of the technical experts who “Screwed” them over. That’s the only way to weed out the bad eggs from the good ones.

  5. Peter J
    October 7, 2014

    It appears that those commenting require a crash course in architecture to appreciate the fact that architecture is more than aesthetics. It is much more than a pretty building, if architecture was just the outside beauty of a building, then there would be no need for architects because any artist can draw a pretty building.
    Architecture is science and art, functionality and human common are the main priorities of an architect and aesthetics come after.
    Which one would you prefer? A dysfunctional, hot and uncomfortable building that looks good on the outside or a properly designed building that may be unattractive on the outside but when you enter it is a magnificent design?
    The answer should be both positive aspects, properly designed interior and attractive exterior. It takes an architect to achieve this feat and the best way to accomplish it is through design competitions.
    The State House should have been the subject of a design competition among local architects who would then be allowed to partner with the Chinese. Is the State Palace an architectural masterpiece or a state-of-the-art design? Ask the government to open it to the public for a tour and be the judge to decide what is so extra ordinary about it, that an Dominican architect who studied for six years in the U.K., France, Holland, Cuba, Jamaica or anywhere else could not design.
    So the idea that Dominican architects are lesser mortals that the Chinese, the Morrocans, the Americans ore anyone else is insultive and borders on our colonial past with a history of an inferiority complex.
    Dominican architects should speak up to defend themselves, but it appears that they too have lost their tongue.
    Let’s hope that this article will give them some courage and they’ll find their voice.
    Good job DNO for bringing into focus the state of architecture in Dominica and I applaud the writer of the article for not revealing his identity because based on the tone of the comments he/she would have been savaged and the message would have been lost with a brutal attack on the messenger.

    • Peter J
      October 7, 2014

      Human comfort instead of human common

      • winston warrington
        October 7, 2014

        We keep drawing conclusions from dubious information sources. Do we know whether the funds granted for the State House was conditional upon a Chinese firm performing design and construction? This was the case in the construction of Dame Eugenia Charles Blvd by the English. In many cases, the extent of the project will overwhelm the local architect whose practice is limited to light structures and residences. But when it comes to aesthetics, the architect is still the employee of the owner who dictates his needs and wishes. Architectural development is cultural; a country without significant artistic tradition is doomed to the architectural mimicry that our local architects and draughtsmen produce. Previously in the US, after graduating with an architecture degree, one had to do apprenticeship with a professional or firm for five years before being allowed to sit the examination for professional license. That would translate to 10 years before being entrusted with a commission! To say that any artist can make a building pleasant on the outside is not quite cricket; the building has to belong or fit its location.

    • Lang Sal
      October 7, 2014

      Peter J. you made some great points. Had the State House been given to a Dominican Architect and contractor to complete, the job would have never been done to spec. The work ethic in Dominica is extremely poor and lackadaisical.
      Talk to anyone who’s building a home right now and you will have horror stories for years to come.
      Unfortunately, major projects will continue to be outscored for the foreseeable future. The climate does not exist where such projects can be awarded to locals. It’s more than simply talent and technical know-how to get these jobs done.
      Some of these contractors in Dominica are simply garbage. They would not survive anywhere else but in Dominica.

      • Pyro
        October 7, 2014

        architecture is an art within itself and the architect is the master of this art. hiring draftsmen and people who are untrained in the art, who inturn produce mediocre work should not be blamed or make the responsibility of a trained professional. so if you hire a carpenter to build a house then turn around and complain that it was not properly done. you should ask yourself whether or not a carpenter is an architect? sometimes when i read comments like yours i wonder who were the people who built all those buildings standing in Dominica.

    • Lang Sal
      October 7, 2014

      Great points Winston. Given the state of affairs in Dominica I’m not sure if this is a topic that we focus upon as a nation. You examine the design of the Melville Hall Terminal Building where one must check in, then walk outside and stand underneath an awning to pay departure taxes and then walk back in for security clearance and you know that we do not focus on this topic whatsoever.

  6. BEB
    October 6, 2014

    While reading this article, I saw the words in the second and third lines of the first paragraph ” I reflect on the state of architecture in Dominica” I was expecting to see the penned name of the person writing the article beneath the picture or at the end of the article. Up till now I do not know who penned this article

  7. Maay Pierre
    October 6, 2014

    God help dominica when we get an 7 or above earthquake..
    Will we come through as chile or Haiti ?

  8. Pyro
    October 6, 2014

    First, world architecture day has been established to recognise responsible architecture. Is there a functioning body to regulate the practice of architecture within Dominica? the events of world architecture day are organised by each jurisdiction. the question should be who are the people managing the Dominican jurisdiction what are they doing for the advancement of architecture in Dominica?

  9. Las Marte
    October 6, 2014

    What a weighty topic. It’s one that continues to plague Dominica like a terminal disease. While I do share your views, the clients of these “Draughtsmen/Architects” are also partially responsible for the state of the profession in Dominica. Who is challenging them to discontinue the practice of exposed rafters in pretty much every new home, which creates zero ventilation and homes that are stifling with heat? Most home owners believe that “Exposed Rafters” is cream of the crop when it’s not.
    Given the state of our economy and per capita income, designing efficient and reasonable priced dwellings is another key responsibility of those who practice this profession.
    Unfortunately for home owners, that is not and will not be the case for some time to come.

  10. Engineer
    October 6, 2014

    I am a registered Professional Engineer in the US. I made my initial statement to give perspective – not to think that I am a ‘know-it-all”, because the reality is, I don’t. Architects and engineers works closely with each other.
    Architects mainly concentrate on appearance/looks in a structure, while the engineer design the strength components (size of columns and beams, amount of steel reinforcement, deflection limit etc), foundation requirements, drainage in structure and outside the structure, cooling system requirements, electrical demand and wiring etc et. It takes a lot of years to learn to design these things – you really just can’t get out of college with even a PhD and go build a complex structure on your own; it’s an team effort. Furthermore, you can’t be building one and two story buildings for a few hundred thousand and get up one day and go build a five story for several millions. It doesn’t really work that way in that industry. I do not know the experience level of some of the Dominican architect, but if you don’t have experience building/designing such structures I would be very skeptical to put it solely in your hands. However, I believe you should have a fair shot at submitting your conceptual pan and work with experience engineers- note engineers (plural). What the government can also do is use the architect in Dominica to review some of those plans- will help gain experience. I know you guys are bright, but the experience in this industry matters a whole lot. If you have the experience and you are brushed aside, then that’s a whole other thing.
    But to the D/ca architects, do you have the experience building or designing those structures? If yes, I am with you. If not, gain some relevant experience first. Put down some masters piece houses in Dominica that will ‘wow’ Dominicans and foreigners alike, as you work with experience engineers to bring it to life. While I am a serious critic of this government, I can’t hit them too hard if they go for experience for these bigger structures.

    • Las Marte
      October 6, 2014

      Although this article focuses on various aspects of designng and constructing buildings and the technical expertise required, you can’t ignore the input of home owners.
      For example the average home owner can walk into any factory and sample materials, textures, colors and price for a kitchen renovation. They can drive the process of building designing a project with very little architectural or engineering knowledge and expertise. Computer Aided Design (CAD) allows lay persons to view an entire project, ask questions and demand changes where necessary.
      I’m not sure how interactive the process is at home.

    • Anonymous
      October 7, 2014

      The impression you gave was that you were an architect. Keep your story straight so that you can gain credibility.

      I am in total agreement with you, but next time have the courage to put your name to the article.

    • anonymous
      October 7, 2014

      when one gains the qualifications of been a certified professional whether architect or engineer, there are not limits as to the scope of project which one can or should engage in, your ability and confidence speaks for your professional level. for example when Tom Wright designed Burj Al Arab in Dubai, he had not done a project like that before, but that did not deter him, he stood up to the challenge and expressed his architectural philosophy. we need opportunities like everyone else! plus if experience was so important how can we extend what has been entrusted to us from the elders?

  11. its time
    October 6, 2014

    Dominican architects only building square building on stilts with concrete everything with NO AESTHETICAL/VISUAL appeal. The better ones have an actual roof. Maybe is the owner of the building’s fault. I personally HATE concrete banisters and think it cheapens a house/building. Drive up Warner, all them house looking the same with ugly colors. The old plantation style house design is a masterpiece but a thing of the past. Architecture should be like art to our architects. Create/design something that people will want to stop and admire.

    • Las Marte
      October 6, 2014

      Keep in mind that the type of materials used also limits the designs at home. The US utilizes varied materials for the construction of both commercial and dwelling homes. Even the skyscrapers utilize steel and glass for the structure and skin of the building, while lighter materials are used on the inside.
      Furthermore, it is not uncommon for several professional trades to be involved with both the design and execution of one project:
      A Building Architect, Landscape Architect, Interior Decorator, Several Engineers, lighting and ventilation experts etc. These trades work side by side with each other to create and build projects that are both pleasing to the eye and structurally sound.
      How many elegant dwellings are constructed at home, with the surrounding yard becoming an after thought?

  12. Anonymous
    October 6, 2014

    Once an architect designed a hotel for a family and when the architect found out about the surrounding lands, he made use of it for himself. Since that time I am afraid of asheteks plenty!

  13. Evolved
    October 6, 2014

    Architects in Dominica have failed to allow themselves the exposure that is required to become serious contenders at their trade. They do not travel enough to see best practices – it is a shame especially given that Dominica is such a beautiful country.

  14. anony
    October 6, 2014

    I am an established editor for a top architecture magazine and I must agree, Dominica is not on a level playing field with other islands. In Dominica we find that most houses tend to follow a “safe” design with no room for innovation, the city of roseau is begging for architectural charm but keeps getting the same old. Even the stadium, the focal point of the capital city, is lacking in charm and sophistication.

    Dominica if you want to come out on top, rethink the way things are built. You are the nature isle! Personal houses should take advantage of the surrounding landscapes and should appreciate open floor plans with natural light, not the same cookie cutter boring plans.

    I must say that even with the current state of Dominican architecture, the island is always a pleasant and beautiful place to visit. We can not wait to see what the future holds.

    • ihouse
      October 8, 2014

      My friend you need to take a taxi , next time in the Nature Island drive out of Roseau go to the small villages and let your opinion be changed ! I have seen some refreshing designs that places Dominica on the up and coming Elgiston , Giraudel, Warner to name a few . Man have you seen Hugo Astaphan’s house ? Work of art !

  15. roseau
    October 6, 2014

    This article is so true. We don’t use proper architects In Dominica we prefer use the cheaper drafts men whit have no sense of design and foresight. They design the same houses with poky verandas, concrete columns with arches, and awful balustrades. Bot to mention the layout which is full of walls and small windows making the house hot in this tropical climate. I must commend Mr Frampton for his sense of design.
    The new Credit Union building looks like it is going to be the same dull façade of the old one. I must commend NBD on their building which is quite nice inside. The old Government Headquarters is a beautiful mid century modern building designed by Geoffrey MacClean of Trinidad and it sad to see it in such a terrible run down state.
    Just look at Roseau today it is a bunch of Ugly buildings with no architecture, we have forgotten the beautiful architecture of the past which bad much more charm in Roseau.

  16. DFR
    October 6, 2014

    There could be a number of reasons for this. Perhaps the countries that are responsible for the controlling project control the entire job from beginning to end. It may also be that these architectural plans are outsourced to all bidders in which case it is difficult to compete with outside firms.

  17. Anonymous
    October 6, 2014

    There are many projects that Dominican architects can use to demonstrate their works.

  18. Africo
    October 6, 2014

    Well apart from Mark Frampton and Agar/Johnson, I cannot say that I find the architecture coming from Dominica is very inspiring.

    Most people passing themselves off as architects are really draughtsmen with little or no understanding of the broader concepts of design.

    By and large they replicate the “Goodwill” suburban houses with narrow unusable verandahs, little care for natural ventilation and stuffy interiors with narrow passages and dark toilets.

    They repeat these over and over again regardless of the site, be it Grand Savannah, Warner or Pont Cassee. They have no concept of views or wind flow or movement of sun throughout the year.

    And as for those ” inside jobs” coming from the Physical Planning Department, they are some of the worst offenders. Sorry, I am not impressed. Take this World Architecture Day to examine yourselves.

    • DFR
      October 6, 2014

      FYI there are several local architects who have won several international awards . Go do your research and do not sell short your locals.

    • its time
      October 6, 2014

      Africo, to be honest even the goodwill style of house is a lot more comprehensive that what is being built now. Drive up federation drive, at least you will see alot more order in goodwill based on land alotment size, size and layout of house, simpler designs that are easier on the eyes. These days it nonsense. and actually, a lot of front verandas in goodwill are big enough for their purpose. However lots in goodwill usually had a back yard with a bigger veranda located at the back. At least upper goodwill (hospital up).

  19. labour is working
    October 6, 2014

    thumb down to this aticle

    • Calibishi Warrior
      October 6, 2014

      Thumbs down because you would rather celebrate the mediocrity of architectural design which makes it from the drawing board to reality here in Dominica?.. Why bother seeking training to be a professional architect (one on the countries most valuable professions) if we are going to undermine that profession with amateur work? What message does that send to aspiring Dominican architects? Why can clients not benefit from best architecture practice and full enforcement of the Building Code just so some ‘cowboys’ can make a quick buck? … Think about it for like 10 seconds…

      • Anonymous
        October 6, 2014

        most of our buildings are safe? are they?
        I mean for the past forty years and more we only had one major setback with our buildings that was the catholic church.
        I get your scientific background about building codes etc. but maybe it was a draughtsman who did the house you grew up and this house is still standing after how many huricanes.
        So what is the problem with our draughtsman?
        Respect man, respect the draughtsman, and the Architecture will be respected

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