URBAN ARCHITECTURAL "REGENERATION" :

                           A Good Idea?? 

This picture shows the national library of  Trinidad and Tobago better know as NALIS. The picture shows a very eerie view of this place. It almost looks uninviting or not approachable. However this view of the library is more a representation of the more modern look of the library. On the opposite end there is a completely different view. On that side one can take in the ambiance of an old building (old Fire Brigade Headquarters). This is a big contrast to this modern building. The library is a good example of architectural regeneration, the old building has been transform into a new more modern building while still keeping the architectural design on the old building at the surface. A lot of times in urban geography there may be views stating that there is a destruction of historic building within an urban centre, like that of the "old" building and replacing these with modern buildings however what the library in this picture shows is something totally different. This building goes a different way within the urban centre showing that historic buildings can be incorporated with newer and more modern buildings to give rise to a classic and perhaps more beautiful buildings than the occasional and more common urban buildings like that of the Nicholas Tower located in the same urban centre of Port of Spain. 

According to the textbook, historic building within the city usually have some kinda of meaning and value to the society and thus these artefacts or landmarks should be maintained. According to Aylin Orbasli in the book Architectural Conservation, conservation of historic buildings can promote national identity and also stimulate tourism. This author also mentions that historic building can be adapted and reused in the modern times and that when these buildings are regenerated the significance and meaning of the building is enhanced. There is also a need a incorporate the meaning of the building when regenerating, adapting or adding on other buildings to the historic landmark, only when these things are done, then the historic building is regenerated in a proper manner. Looking at the photograph above one could wonder if the concept described by Aylin Orbasli was successful with that project of the old building and new library or if it was unsuccessful. 

More information about the different architecture of the library can be found at the websites below:
http://thinkinginsomniac.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/architecture-sketch-old-public-library-port-of-spain-trinidad/ 
http://thinkinginsomniac.wordpress.com/tag/national-library/



REFERENCES

Hall,Tim and Heather Barrett. Urban Geography. New York: Routledge, 2012. Print 
Orbasli, Aylin. Architectural Conservation. United Kingdom: Blackwell Science Ltd, 2008. Print