CULTURAL IDENTITY OF CARIBBEAN CITIES AND THE HISTORIC RESTORATION OF TRADITIONAL CARIBBEAN ARCHITECTURE:

The cultural identity of the urban fabric of Caribbean cities is under threat from modern development and globalization. Therefore, when the Government of the Cayman Islands commissioned us to undertake the historic restoration of its oldest surviving building on the waterfront of the capital, George Town in Grand Cayman that was severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, we worked closely with all to carry out an authentic restoration project. This restoration now leaves an authentic cultural artifact in the downtown district environment that is dotted with modern design fabrications and replicas of pseudo-heritage buildings. When the National Museum was established in this building the historic fabric was initially enveloped with drywall that had to be removed after the Hurricane. The building is a composite two storey structure with the main portion having wattle and daub construction using traditional ironwood posts supporting an upper floor of timber framed clinker siding. Structural integrity became essential after the stress of hurricane winds, and this was woven into the historic preservation process. Environmentally, the introduction of sensitive air-conditioning to minimize deterioration of the historic fabric was conceived, along with cutting-edge technology for contemporary museum displays and security devices. Timber, mortar and colours were surveyed and matched, including sensitive historic scraping of walls that resulted in the find of historic graffiti on some stone walls forming a part of the structure. Traditional craftsmen were engaged for specialist restoration activities. The building will now become a “living museum” and is being showcased as an architectural vernacular monument in the heart of the downtown district of George Town, as well as re-housing the artifacts of the National Museum.

2006

2008