Modern architects learning from the past - Prakash Nair of Fielding Nair International, Rick Dewar of OWP/P, Jeff Lackney of Fielding Nair International, Kerry Leonard of OWP/P, Trung Le of OWP/P and Danny Owens of OA&D.
The designers of three new high schools in Cayman say that the Island’s cultural heritage will play a major role in the plans for these buildings.
Representatives of OWP/P, a Chicago based design firm, and local OAD&D met with Caymanian cultural experts to review some of the Island’s significant architectural sites.
“Influences from the various districts will be brought into play as we draw on local architectural and cultural impressions,” said Mr Trung Le, a principle architect with OWP/P.
“The structures will draw on local traditions but will also be contemporary and contemplate the future,” he said.
Sites visited by the architects included Elmslie Church, the Library, and Pedro Castle. “Ideally you want buildings that allow air flow, heat exchange, shade, and are still comfortable and pleasing to the eye,” said Mr Le. “Pedro Castle is all those things. The roof deign is simply beautiful.”
A cultural advisory group has been established to work with OWP/P, the Committee for the Reflection of Caymanian Ethos in Public Buildings. The Ministry of Culture has charged this committee with the task of offering advice on how to best reflect Caymanian history and culture in the design and functionality of the new facilities. The committee members include Denise Bodden, Horacio Esteban, Gina Hew, Tristan Hydes, Dave Martins and Henry Muttoo.
Minister of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon Alden McLaughlin spoke of the importance of this new committee. “In view of current capital works plans, we recognized a need to ensure that the landscape of these islands continues to reflect their unique history and culture long into the future,” said Mr McLaughlin. “I am enormously grateful to the committee for its good work to date and I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of its effort.”
The minister feels the impact of the new school buildings will go beyond the scope of just the attending children. He referred to the “harmonious integration of each facility into its respective environment, in a way which captures the spirit of the entire local community.”
