THE RELATION TO OTHER BLOGS...

In the following, 3 of my peer's blogs will be analyzed and critiqued in relation to this blog. A relationship will be made between the blogs. It is important to remember that the city is a system and it includes a series of different characteristics that work together to make the system a functional one. the blog is important to show the relationship with other blogs with the attempt to shows certain characteristics operating with the one system of the city.

The blog "Urban Geography: Prestige and Position in Port-of- Spain" which was written by Jeaninne Wilson and Letesha Charles relates to this blog. Their blog not only highlights aspects of prestige within the city of Port- of- Spain but it also analyzes and gives reason for the reasons for the prestige within the city. The blog attempts to address the cities inequality and divide into the rich and poor. Their blog aids in giving reasoning for the divide and the patterns that are present along with the prestige. This blog relates to this current blog as it demonstrates the dual city. The dual city was also presented earlier as it relates to the building infrastructure. The author gave a grave report and analysis on the divide in prestige along with other comparative factors. Our blog more looks at the divide based on the the geographical location and it may have been a key component to mention the spatial divide along with every other factor. The infrastructure discussed, relates to the prestige in the city as prestige or the lack thereof can be viewed through the urban building infrastructure. The above mentioned blog can be acquired from: http://prestigeandpositioninpos.blogspot.com/. 

Another interesting blog entitled "Integrating disabilities through infrastructure" which was composed by Jonathan Edward Ramnarine and Paulette D'andra Nanda has a distinct relation to urban building infrastructure. It is important  and to to every city that disability infrastructure should be included. In most of the pictures included in this blog, their is a lack of external disability features to the buildings. It is important to note that the above mentioned blog highlights the importance of the disability infrastructure and why they should be included into to the general urban infrastructure. Our blog highlights in its understatements that people use areas that are comfortable as comfort is required and key to the functional city. The blog written by our peers highlights the discomforts that disabled people might encounter as they enter into Port- of- Spain. Without  this critical infrastructural feature, which is the inclusion of different disability features, the city may be deemed dysfunctional to some. It is important that Port- of- Spain developers realize that the functionality of the city is dependent of the functioality to all its users. The peer blog relates to this blog in a very positive and eye opening way. The blog by Jonathan Edward Ramnarine and Paulette D'andra Nanda can be obtained through: http://integratingdisabilities.blogspot.com/.

Finally, another key blog that stood out and had significant relation to this one was "Urban Pollution" done by Shameela Ali and Jonathon Balkaran. This blog directly relates to the urban building infrastructure. Physical waste pollution, demonstrated by the blog about urban pollution shows and discusses pollution in relation to the infrastructure. in addition to the physical waste, the chemical waste also affects the building infrastructure. The pollution functions indirectly with the infrastructure. With pollution present, the building infrastructure may be unsafe to use. Pollution may prohibit the usage of certain building infrastructure and during that time the infrastructure will be deemed useless. Without the functioning or the proper functioning of the infrastructure, the city system will be disrupted. By all means possible, pollution should be reduced so that the infrastructure are always hua,mn friendly. They should be kept sanitized so that they function accurately and keep the city system balanced.

In addition to what was just said, the pollution has a link to the city's unevenness. More pollution is present on the east of Port- of- Spain in comparison to the west. This relates to the infrastructure. A link can be made to the wealth of the dual populations. in the east, more pollution will be created as the people are poorer than the people in the west. Also, the west will be kept clean all the time as they have paid personal readily cleaning the area so that the "power, money' class" image is maintained. "Urban Pollution" can be assessed through the next mentioned link: http://urbanpollutionpos.blogspot.com/.

The relationship to three other blogs entitled "Urban Geography: Prestige and Position in Port-of- Spain", "Integrating disabilities through infrastructure" and "Urban Pollution" have all been analyzed in relation to the urban building infrastructure in Port- of- Spain. The relation has been discussed above.

AESTHETIC VALUE OF INFRASTRUCTURE? IS THERE ANY?

    

Do buildings have any aesthetic value to you? Throughout the Caribbean, an array of buildings are represented due to their influences, common migration and rich history. Many tourists visit the Caribbean for the aesthetics that the islands have both naturally occurring and the man made ones. Despite the fact that nature may be more aesthetic for some, there is still some appreciation by the tourists and the locals for the aesthetic that the building infrastructure provides. In Port- of- Spain, many building show and represent an aesthetic so rich that many people worldwide admire them. Let's speak about aesthetic while we pay attention to the infrastructure.

Photograph showing the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port- of- Spain.

The well laid out building infrastructure contributes to the livelihood of urban life in the city. The picture depicted above shows high aesthetics at the Hyatt Waterfront. The building is surrounded by a very beautiful scenery which attract people from all over the country and the world. The planting of trees and flowers in front of the building helps boosts the beauty around the building ensuring that there is a 'green' finish. This is an ideal location to be included when touring Port- of- Spain especially during traditional festivals (About Travel, 2015). If a city is attractive, people would want to return there just for the aesthetics. 

Photograph of St. Clair Medical Centre, Port- of- Spain.

Presently, most institutions try to boost the aesthetics of their business to attract more customers. St. Clair Medical Centre, like other businesses in Port- of- Spain, is surrounded with plants. Plants are placed in front of the building to increase the beauty of the area. The structure of the building is also made attractive with the uses of concrete and glass. This building is a modern one (see post about modern buildings) (Relph, 1981). The Aesthetics of the City which attracts people seems to be a psychological phenomenon as people perceive things to be of a certain way which attracts them and allow them to interact with it. (Lynch, 1984, p. 151) This change for aesthetics of the city took form after the industrialization era which the main focus was getting people to return to the city. (Boyer, 1988, p. 49)

Photograph of  White Hall, St. Clair, Port- of- Spain.

Historic preservation of buildings also adds aesthetic value to the city as it beautifies the area with its fine architecture and very strong structure (Boyer,1998, p. 49). The luxury development of the St. Clair area together with the introduction of the higher class, there was need to increase the aesthetic of the area and by extent, Port- of- Spain. This shows that the move for increasing the value of the city as a whole is coming to pass and it ensures to include the aesthetics. 

After reading this blog, you should realize that the beauty of the city is important for attracting and returning people to the city. It is an initiative to invite more people to enter the city and live in such a nice place. The aesthetic value is well displayed through the building infrastructure and the aesthetic value can well be analyzed within the city. Remember, the richer class resides west Port- of- Spain and all the above mentioned buildings are west Port- of- Spain. it is difficult for you to locate an aesthetic building east Port- of- Spain as the residents and building owners don't have money for this luxury. West residents and building owners have a lot of money to provide and create luxury living.

I ask you again, do you think that buildings add aesthetic value? I encourage you to pay attention to building infrastructure around you. Feel free to share your photos with us here.

References

About Travel. (2015). Retrieved April 10, 2015, from http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/trinidadhotelsandresorts/gr/Hyatt-Regency-Trinidad-A-Luxury-Downtown-Hotel-In-Port-Of-Spain-Trinidad.htm.

Boyer, M, Christine. (1988). The Return of Aesthetics to City Planning. Society,

 25, 49-56

Lynch, Kevin. (1984). Reconsidering The Image of the City. Environment , development, and public planning (p. 151- 161).

Relph, E. (1981). The Character of Modern Landscapes. Rational landscapes and humanistic geography (p. 63- 105). London: Crown Helen.

MC DONALDIZATION: GLOBALIZATION IS PRESENT IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES!

  Mc Donaldization is process by which the principle of fast-food restaurants are coming to dominate more and more sectors of American society together with the rest of the world. This is a form of globalization. It is globalization as it crosses the borders of other countries (Mohan, 2000, p.121). 

In the context of the Caribbean, many fast- food restaurants have penetrated borders of the Caribbean countries. They then fuse with the local Caribbean culture of the people creating the popular fast- food culture. This is a contemporary phenomena that is currently affecting the majority of the Caribbean. Through the power of worldwide globalization, fast- food restaurants are able to be locate all over the world and has found its way into Port- of-Spain. It not only exits in Port- of- Spain but it is gradually dominating the food industry and the food economy.

The colours of the red and white paints used by Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) captivates the eyes of their customers worldwide and especially in Port- of- Spain. People are attracted to their restaurants. These restaurants all have a well laid out design of each establishment. Although, the designs of the buildings are not extreme, they are still outstanding as they are usually large enough to be seen, however dyspeptic designs are not necessary in the promotion of sales (Relph, 1981, p.76). It is important to note that fast-food restaurants can be found anywhere in Trinidad. For example, a KFC can be found at a number of places in Trinidad, and there are currently 5 outlets located in Port of Spain alone (KFC, 2015). The KFC franchise has been existing in Port- of- Spain from ever since the first branch opened in St James in 1973 (KFC- TT, n.d.). A photograph of KFC is shown in the following. 

Photograph of the fast- food giant, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Independence Square, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph of a Subway Restaurant in Port- of- Spain.

Subway follows the similar trend of design, with their colour scheme, consistency through their signage and the signage in front of the building. It is spitefully placed for the public to see from a distance and be attracted to it. 

The building infrastructure is representative of process of  Mc Donaldization within Port- of- Spain. These restaurants are specifically located in urban areas where people generally have a hectic life with no time to prepare meals. Also, with the low price that the food requires to obtain a hearty meal, every one in the city contributes to their profits. The buildings demonstrate different fast- food outlets that are presented blatantly by the urban building infrastructure.

To end off this post, you should realize that the infrastructure reflects the Mc Donaldization that transpired in Port- of- Spain. With globalization in contemporary times, the fast- food market continues to grow. The building infrastructure and the ways in which the building are built together with  the ways they are decorated play an important role in the analysis of the city in relation to globalization.

References

KFC-TT. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved April 10, 2015, from <http://kfc-tt.com/about-us>.

KFC. (2015). Locations. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://kfc-tt.com/locations/.

           

Mohan, Giles. (2000). Dislocating globalisation: Power, politics and global change. Geography, 85, 121-133.

           

Relph, E. (1981). The Character of Modern Landscapes. Rational landscapes and humanistic geography (p. 63- 105). London: Crown Helen.

GLOBALIZATION: THE FIRST WAVE WITH COLONIALISM...

Photograph of The Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception Port- of- Spain currently under renovation to be preserved.

   Globalization has a major impact on urban infrastructure. Designs shown in houses and buildings of the Caribbean show architectural designs unique to the Europeans. During the time of early migration by the Europeans to colonize Caribbean islands, European ideals were brought along. This historical migration is what is responsible for the globalization of the European building infrastructure. During the times of European take- over in the  Caribbean, buildings were built by the Europeans in the way that they felt was superior. This movement by the Europeans into the Caribbean was responsible for the first wave of globalization, the globalization which is evident today throughout the Caribbean. In Port0- of- Spain, European style infrastructural buildings can be seen throughout the city. These buildings are a constant reminder and realization that globalization was apparent.

Building infrastructure in Port- of Spain reflects a European ideal. Due to the effect of migration and colonisation, the Cathedral (displayed in the following) came about. The cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was built in 17981 by the Spanish Governor Martin de Salvarria and it is the first Catholic Church in Port of Spain with its Gothic stone structure (MacLean, 2009). It is said that globalisation is a phenomenon of politics and power (Mohan, 2000). This is direct evidence of how power can influence where and how a building is built in a society. Having a history of being of a colony, most of the infrastructure here today was of English and Spanish influence. Globalisation influenced the infrastructure and the way the buildings were built. they were built in such a way that they adhered to global guidelines. It is for this reason that buildings in many different cities, both in the Caribbean and the rest of the world tend to look the same in terms of structure, regardless of location. As ideas are shared globally, countries such as Trinidad and others in the global south are majorly influenced.

The following photos take you on a tour around the city of Port- of- Spain. Pay attention to the European style that each building displays and the historical globalization that they represent.


Photograph of a Catholic Cathedral, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph of the Holy Trinity Cathedral which was built in 1816. (The British Crown granted money for the building of a new church (The Holy Trinity Cathedral) in Trinidad while the island was under their rule.)

Photograph of Archbishop's Place, St. Clair, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph of Ambard's House (Roomor), St. Clair, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph of Queens Royal College, St. Clair, Port of Spain.

Photograph of White Hall (Rosenweg), St. Clair, Port- of- Spain.

There is a current notion for restoration of these historical monuments as they hold significant and relevant memories of events that took place in Port of Spain, Trinidad. It is a heritage of the country and their its important to conserve these buildings and they are currently being restored. Some argue that the history of the city gives the users some identity and lack of influence and drive. Without the conservation measures, the history may be diminished and people who live within the city and those with who use the city generally will loose a sense of belonging together with influence and drive.

This blog post carries you back into the time of colonialism in Trinidad and Tobago. The buildings represent the historical globalization that has occurred in the city. The globalization of the European ideals is well displayed through the building infrastructure. Currently, there is a notion for  the restoration of historical monuments as they hold significant and relevant memories of events that took place in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The heritage is one of the country's own and it is important to conserve these buildings. More about the building restoration can be gained form: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-01/citizens-conservation-govt-should-help-preserve-historic-buildings

References

Clyne, K. (2012). Citizens for conservation: Government should help preserve historic buildings. Retrieved April 10, 2015, from http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-03-01/citizens-conservation-govt-should-help-preserve-historic-buildings.

Lublin, David. (2008). Port of Spain II: Magnificent seven. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://www1.american.edu/dlublin/travel/trinidad2.htm.

MacLean, Geoffrey. (2009). Cathedral od immaculate conception. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://citizensforconservationtt.org/main/index.php/builtherit/powbuilt/97-cathedral-of-the-immaculate-conception.

Mohan, Giles. (2000). Dislocating Globalisation: Power, Politics and Global Change. Geography, 85, 121-133.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral. (2015). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://motherchurchtt.com/history.html.

PORT- OF- SPAIN: STILL MODERN HUH?

Despite the popular post- modern building in Port- of- Spain that has been displayed and discussed previously, the majority of the city and its land is covered by modernism and modern building infrastructure. This blog attempts to give an in depth discussion about the modern aspects of the city and the ways it is presented by the urban building infrastructure.

Of course the Caribbean had to become modern and follow the west. It is a common thought by islanders (Caribbean people) that the  that 'west is the best'. this notion had led many Caribbean people into thinking that anything that was being done in the west is needed to be done in the Caribbean in order for them to become better. just to mention, this notion is an ideal instilled into the Caribbean societies by the times of Colonialism which were discussed previously. now back to where we were at discussing, the Caribbean had engaged in industrialization after they saw it happening in the west. The modern building are at hand, very prevalent throughout the Caribbean and targeted in this blog post via capturing photographs and discussing Port- of- Spain.

Photograph of the Eric, Williams Financial Complex, Eric Williams Plaza, Port- of -Spain.

the building above, locally known as the twin towers is a pair of large skyscrapers which extends approximately 92 metres into the sky. Construction of these towers had been started in 1979 and was completed in 1986. at the time, the building earned the title of being the tallest building in Trinidad and Tobago (Through The Lens, Trinidad & Tobago, 2005). This building represents the modern economy. Modern buildings like this one employ steel, concrete and glass into the architectural designs of the building (Relph, 1981, p.68). The building shows no stylish entities in its design which is also part of the modernist approach to modernization, or in other terms “straight forward engineering” (Relph, 1981, p.69).  The Eric Williams Plaza also has its economic aspect which stems from the modernistic approach, where it is more cost efficient to construct a building without carved styles or implementation of ornaments, therefore saving money as the building is more of a simple design. the modern building does not target a niche market but instead it provides a service to the entire country. This is another modern aspect of the modern urban building infrastructure.

Photograph of a modern building being constructed in Port- of- Spain and another modern building in the background.

The furthest building from the photographer shows modernism in there design. The blocky like structure coins the definition of a modern building. in the forefront, you can see the steel, concrete and glass being married to form the modern style of the building. From the design of the building, the lookers on can classify the building in the photograph as modern.

The following photos demonstrates an array of buildings that appear to be modern based on the urban building infrastructure.

Photograph: Depicting a Modern Building, Down Town Port of Spain

Photograph: Depicting a Modern Building, Down Town Port of Spain

Photograph: Depicting The Government of Trinidad and Tobago Treasury 

Photograph: Depicting a Modern Building, Down Town Port of Spain

As an aspiring urban geographer with the passion to study the urbanism of Port- of- Spain I have just shared with you yet another aspect of the urban geography. Remember to be aware of the infrastructure around you the next time you walk near one. The building infrastructure is a direct representative of the city as it transits through the modern ideal. The buildings above show the modern aspect of Port- of- Spain. Interestingly, it is important to note also that these buildings are all found west Port- of- Spain. The unequal city was already discussed in "DUAL CITY: WITHIN ONE CITY?". The west continues to dominate the city when it comes to things tall and magnificent.

References

Abel Building Solutions. (2008). Retrieved April 9th, 2015, From http://abelbestcrete.com/nicholas-towers/.

Relph, Edward. (1981). The character of modern landscapes.

Through The Lens, Trinidad & Tobago. (2005). Retrieved March 29, 2015, From http://ttltt.com/architecture/twin_towers_one.php.

PORT- OF- SPAIN? A POST- MODERN CITY?

Yes, we continue pour discourse about what the Port- of- Spain urban building infrastructure represents. Another aspect of the infrastructure that can be drawn out from the infrastructure is the move from the modern to the post- modern society. Many Caribbean countries are dominantly modern with hints of post- modern. Despite the heavily modernism that most countries may face and be comfortable with, there is still evidence of a movement toward post-modernism. In Trinidad, aspects excluding the infrastructure supports the argument toward the move away from being a modernist society.

Post- modernist societies will house buildings that are spontaneous in location (that is built without planning) and the design will also be spontaneous. Buildings should not conform to ideals of the west but should be an individual idea sparked by the conceptualist for the building. It is important to note here that building throughout Trinidad, not just in Port- of- Spain demonstrates this post- modern theory. the post modern city should demonstrate all of the following features: eclectic 'collage' of styles, spectacular, playful, ironic, use of heritage, and produced for special markets. the following buildings demonstrates a mixture of traits and hence are post- modern (Hall, 2006, p. 100).

The picture depicts an image of the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA).

The building infrastructure above represents an incredible architectural design which is a symbol of Post-Modern ingenuity. The building is designed in the shape of Trinidad and Tobago’s national flower, the Chaconia. The building represents a transition from modernism to post –modernism. The purpose of the building is for teaching the arts, as well as displaying and developing local talent in the performing arts section. The building has a global sense, however, it is culturally local where the design is concerned (Dear, & Flusty, 1998, p.50). The building is also the identity of the people, in the sense it can give a feeling of being proud for where your country stands in the face of the world. However, post-modernism is not just a style but it shows where the human mind is at and aspects of self-consciousness (Dear, & Flusty, 1998, p.54). The other aspects that make this building something of the post-modern era is that it takes on quaint space, stylishness in terms of appealing to the eye, reconnection with the local and pedestrian-automobile split (Dear, & Flusty, 1998, p.54). It is an interesting fact that the plans for development of NAPA was introduced in 1988with the fact it place being substantial to a person's mind. The stage within the NAPA was modelled after performing art academies of Chicago, Baltics and Shanghai (Udecott, 2015). 

Photograph: Depicting The Nicholas Towers, Down Town, Port of Spain

Photograph: Depicting The Nicholas Towers, Down Town, Port of Spain

 In addition, the Nicholas towers (in the above 2 photographs) can be seen as an aspect of port-modernism with its targeted specialist market and the ironic infrastructure. (Abel Building Solutions, 2008). There is now a greater move towards the Tertiary sector dominating Port of Spain which is a phenomenon of post-modern times.

As we conclude, I will like to reiterate the fact that the urban building infrastructure in Port- of- Spain, Trinidad is able to demonstrate post- modernism. Also, you should pay attention to the characteristics of architecture and landscape which includes that the architecture should be ironic, spontaneous, targeting a specialist market, uses heritage and they should be spectacular. Post- of- Spain represents, for Trinidad the move from the modern to the post- modern.

References

Abel Building Solutions. (2008). Nicholas towers, Trinidad and Tobago. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://abelbestcrete.com/nicholas-towers/.

Dear, M., & Flusty, S. (1998). Postmodern urbanism. Journals of the association of american Geographers, Vol. 88, 50-72.

Udecott. (2006). NAPA- Setting the record straight with facts. Retrieved March 29, 2015, from  http://www.udecott.com/index.php/cc/cc_news_item/napa_setting_the_record_straight_with_facts/.

Udecott. (2006). National academy for performing arts, north- Completed. Retrieved March 29, 2015, from  http://www.udecott.com/index.php/cc/cc_project_item/national_academy_for_the_performing_arts_port_of_spain/.

URBAN SECURITY: ARE THERE DIFFERENCES?

This post is where I highlight something that may be ignored by many people who are common users of the city or rare users… And even if they are noticed, they are noticed in a different light than what I’m about to shine. All the same, I’m sure you never paid attention either. Urban security is the urban aspect and the way it is reflected by the urban building infrastructure that I’m about to speak of in the following. After you read through the blog and pay attention the photos that were presented, you should be able to understand the differences in security as they occur and the way in which they relate to the infrastructural types.

            Security generally refers to that of being free from any danger or threat that the asset may face (Oxford Dictionaries, n.d.). In this case we will talk about person and building security against treats form other people. Throughout time people has always felt the need to keep secure and by extension, keep the places around them and the places that the use, secured (Gates, 2010, p. 3). With that being said, we all have a line of basic defense at our homes or at our work place. Our homes have doors as a simple line of defense against human or non- human treats may harm us at homes. Another line of defense that homes may have included fences or walls depending on the treats that they think they may encounter. At the work place, the same above mentioned security may by present along with others such as guards, surveillance cameras or alarms.

            Within the Caribbean, buildings are heavily secured. Within the Caribbean context of security, many people feel the need to be protected by criminals and other treats that wish to harm them. In the Caribbean, whether the security is against humans or against animals in rural communities, there is still the requirement for security to be inserted into the building infrastructure. By extent, within cites of the Caribbean, there has been an urgent need by building owners, whether residential or commercial, to secure their homes. The rise in crime in these nations has led to the continuous movement by the upper and middle classes in to the suburbs (Mycoo, 2006, p. 131). Despite being affected by the same threats within the urban area, some buildings are secured more than others and the difference goes based on the building infrastructure that is displayed. In Port- of- Spain, many areas are protected in many different ways and this may be due to a series of external influences. The following photos show different urban building infrastructure and types of security they entail.

Photograph taken at the high class suburban area in Port- of- Spain showing the walls as security.

Photograph taken at a middle class suburban area in Port- of- Spain showing its fencing as security.

Photograph of a mobile form of informal infrastructure (Port- of- Spain) with no security.

            From the above photographs, we can see that the suburban areas have a first line of protection being either fences or walls. The upper class suburban building of the city of Port- of Spin are taller and thicker for a treat to get past than those within the middle class- suburban area. Hoses in this area belong to the richest of the Port- of- Spain urban society. As such they have the money to build up high walls and maybe include more security to their infrastructure. Also, this upper class has a sense of fright instilled in them that the poor will try to harm them and their belongings hence the need for the built up walls. Despite the fact that they might face the same traits as others, they feel the need to get the best security and feel the most secured. The middle class workers cannot afford to build high walls so they settle for fencing. Although the high walls may be a plus against treats and danger, they deduce the community like feeling that humans may want to feel and the humanistic feel of being in a community may be deprived (Relph, 1981, p 103).

            Further down the spectrum of urban security is the protection by doors only with the urban buildings in the central business district. These building owners have regular doors and alarms built into their infrastructure. These areas are always busy as it is the center of attraction for the city. With the city always being busy, treats may be deterred from harming the inner city users. Also it is important to note that the door ways are generally small. This is so that it will be difficult for treats to harm the city users or escape easily after harming a building or the users of the buildings.

            Lastly, we should note that there is an absence of security around the informal building infrastructure. As we said in an earlier post, the informal building infrastructure is being rum mainly by the lower class. Many may argue different reasons why there is the lack of security on informal building infrastructure but some include the owner’s economic standing or the mobility of the infrastructure. Firstly, it will be difficult for a temporary building infrastructure to walk around with security as these security measures are often very difficult to move around with daily and some are completely immobile. Secondly, the informal business owners will not have enough money to facilitate security. Although people may think that theses lower class members will not be harmed, it is important to note that they too are harmed. Despite common thinking that lower class residents do harm so they would not harm one another, this notion is not true. Many times, in Port- of- Spain, informal businesses are being rubbed. An article published in Trinidad about these lower classes being robbed can be obtained from: http://mobile.guardian.co.tt/crime-and-court/2014-12-09/doubles-vendor-shot-and-robbed

It is important for you to remember that despite the socio- economic standing of the informal vendors, they still face treats by greedy humans who just want to aspire the easiest way of living.

             The building infrastructure represents and accounts for the different types of urban security that is employed to protect the buildings and its owners. The differences among the urban security features around the city are many due to the inequalities that the city poses. With Port- of Spain being a dual city, as mentioned earlier, there is a greater unevenness that arises and can be seen. It is important to pay attention to how some city users are inconvenienced and others are privileged. Despite the fact that the people may face the same treat by predators, only some are protected and others are not. Next time you walk outside, pay attention to the uneven urban security that you may see or even pay attention to the relationship between the security and factors such as class, money, power or vulnerability.

References

Felmine, K. (2014). Doubles vendor shot and robbed. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://mobile.guardian.co.tt/crime-and-court/2014-12-09/doubles-vendor-shot-and-robbed.

Gates, R. M. (2010). Helping others defend themselves [Electronic Version]. Foreign Affairs, 89, 2-6.

Mycoo, M. (2006). The retreat of the upper and middle classes to gated communities n post structural adjustment era: the case of Trinidad [Electronic Version]. Environment and Planning, 38, 131- 148.

Oxford Dictionaries. (n.d.). Security. Retrieved April 9, 2015, from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/security.

Relph, E. (1981). The Character of Modern Landscapes. Rational landscapes and humanistic geography (p. 63- 105). London: Crown Helen.

SUBURBS: WE ALL NEED A PLACE IN THE CITY!

Like any other ‘well known’ urban city destinations in this world, in contemporary times, Port- of- Spain, Trinidad and Tobago definitely has the sub- urban areas which are generally called the suburbs. With rising globalization along the Caribbean and the all- accepting ways of the Caribbean people, they all feel the need to be a part of the fast past life that the people in the West experience. Like everything else, the infrastructure throughout the Caribbean well displays the historical and contemporary globalization.  Not to stray too far from the point about suburbs, but let me just mention to you that almost all the Caribbean feel as if it is ‘Urban or Die’. As common sense will tell all, it is almost impossible to fit everyone into the city to reside. So… along came sub- urbanization. Happy were all who could afford, to live like they are urban, just outside the city.

Sub- urbanization refers to the process of building up areas within the commuter zone of the city. The area that houses the predominantly residential building infrastructure; that extends outward away from the city; and commonly keep middle class residents around the world refers to the suburb (Hall, 2006, p. 120). This (new) urbanism made it way to the Caribbean post 1970s (Luiz Lara, 2011, p. 369). In Port- of- Spain, it is important to recognize that many suburban developments have been structured. As it goes along with the rest of the world, the middle class residents reside within the suburban residential areas. Both middle class suburbs and high class suburb areas are represented in the following pictures.

Photograph showing Victorian Styled, suburban building infrastructure, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph showing a collection of Victorian Styled, suburban building infrastructure, Victoria Square, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph showing Victorian Styled, suburban building infrastructure, Victoria Square, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph showing a collection of Victorian Styled, suburban building infrastructure, Port- of- Spain.

Photograph showing Victorian Styled, suburban building infrastructure, Port- of Spain.

Photograph of suburban area, Port- of- Spain.

Can you tell which housing belongs to which class?
(Photographs 1- 5 represents the middle class residents and Photograph 6 represents the upper class residents)

           

The building infrastructure speaks tons about the classes and the people who live in the areas. In the higher class residential suburbs, distinguishing features are seen. There are more ‘dehumanizing’ aspects to their building infrastructure than that of the middle class (Relph, 1981). Many dehumanizing features that separate each building from another and by extent, separating one neighbour from another is not community based or humanized. The building infrastructure represents the people that live in each.

            In the higher end suburb, it is clear to see the power and wealth visible through the building infrastructure. As mentioned in the post about dual cites, the buildings represent the people that take interest in them and the people that reside in them. With no doubt in mind, the residents are of high social standings and high power in society. The richer suburb area represents the suburb that the ambassadors reside. They represent power and have a lot of money don’t they? The houses contain high walls and not to mention they look locked up. The building infrastructure represented in the photo speaks volumes about the different suburb areas. After all a picture does hold a thousand words… Or almost!

            In the lower end suburban housing, the building reflects residents of a lower class. These areas will be located nearer to the city as they have less money to travel in comparison with the upper class residents. The buildings that belong to the middle class occupants are generally lower than the ones of the upper suburbs. The walls are shorter. The place looks less guarded and more open for general community socializing. With those building infrastructure that belongs to the middle income residents, it is important to note and remember that theses suburbs will be more in numbers or have more houses within them. They lower income residents, social relationships and feelings are important to the residents (Fried and Gleicher, 1976, p. 555). This relates to the building infrastructure as they show low walls and the width between the houses are smaller.

...More about a few suburban areas in Port- of Spain can be gained from the following web link to a local newspaper article: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2014-01-19/colonial-gems-tt.

            With time, the urban Port- of- Spain has developed and the movement of people into the suburb is just so that they can live near to the city. It almost seems as if they city is a magnet to everyone no matter their socio- economic constraints. The suburban building infrastructure declares attention. Next time you walk through a suburb, pay attention to the infrastructure and what it tells you about the city. Remember also, that within the Caribbean, the suburban pattern mimic the West or the ‘developed’ world. They suburb that are present throughout the Caribbean are home to the upper and middle parts of society. It is because of the need to be near the city that the suburbs came about.

References

Fried , M. & Gleicher, P. (1976). Some sources of residential satisfaction in an urban slum. H. M. 

Proshanksy et. al. (Eds.), Environmental psychology (p. 550- 564) New York: Holt, Reinhart and Winston.

Hall, A. (2006). Recent urban change. Urban Geography (p. 97- 128). New York: Routledge.

Luiz Lara, F. (2011). New (Sub- urbanism) and old inequalities in Brazilian gated communities [Electronic Version]. Journal of urban design, 16, 369-380.

Relph, E. (1981). The Character of Modern Landscapes. Rational landscapes and humanistic geography (p. 63- 105). London: Crown Helen.

CENRAL PORT- OF- SPAIN: THE FORMAL AND THE INFORMAL BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE...

Have you ever wondered how ‘formal building infrastructures’ and ‘informal business structures’ within the city are linked? In this post, I will attempt to demonstrate and formulate a link between the connectedness and the functionality of both types while discussing the infrastructural types. The building infrastructure is directly related to the economics of the population (Pouliquen, 2000). The ‘formal building infrastructure’ will be used to describe buildings that are enclosed, has regular built infrastructure and the building is guarded with a door. The ‘informal building infrastructure’ will be used to refer to the more laid back types of infrastuctrural advances that are not as enclosed as the formal. They may include street vendors who sell under tents, umbrellas of under the sidewalk shelter. Both the informal and formal building infrastructures will be demonstrated below. 

Photo showing street vendor's informal building infrastructure, east Port- of- Spain. The vendor is selling nuts from a little caravan that can be easily moved from the pavement.

Photograph of informal building infrastructure, east Port- of- Spain. The vendor sells under a temporary sheltered shed.

Photograph showing informal building infrastructure, east Port- of Spain. the vendor is selling DVDs alongside the pavement.

Photograph of informal infrastructure, west Port- of- Spain. the vendor who appears to be selling tools is located along the pavement.

The informal building infrastructure is a demonstrator or a representative of the informal sector. The informal sector refers to the part of the sector that incorporates all the jobs that are not recognized as normal income sources and taxes are not paid (Business Dictionary, n.d.). The informal sector in Port- of- Spain is mainly related to the underclass, most of which are the city residents. The lower class residents are unable to afford to pay rents for formal buildings. In some cases, opening an informal business would be the only way for the underclass to make money to support themselves and their family (The World Bank, n.d.). The informal infrastructure shows the struggles that the underclass residents may face as users of the city. Often times these underclass citizens feel rejected (Wilson, 2010) and it shows in the way that they have to somewhat “squat” along the roadside to make a living.

           

On the other hand, the formal sector is normally representative of the middle and upper classes of society. As defined earlier, the formal sectors are enclosed and have certain attributes that require money to upkeep. The formal sector refers to that part of the sector that includes all jobs with normal hours and regular wages and its income sources from which taxes are deducted are all recognized (Business Dictionary, n.d.). As seen above, the formal building infrastructure cannot be used by the underclass because they underclass are not wealthy enough and do not have enough power to get places to use within the formal.

           

It is important to note that the relationship between the informal and formal is very complex. Photographs of the relationship between the formal and informal sectors can be seen in the stream of photos below. 

Photograph showing the informal building infrastucture alongside formal building infrastructure located west Port- of- Spain.

The photograph shows of an informal 'snowcone' vendor selling along formal buildings, west Port- of Spain.

Photograph of informal vendors selling under tents alongside formal infrastucture (the building with the black wall), west Port- of- Spain.

In the analysis of Port- of- Spain urban building infrastructure, the way the building looks and the way that they are situated are important. It is also important to note that more of the informal building infrastructure are east Port- of- Spain (this is where the underclass, as mentioned in a previous post, resides) and the formal I located west, Port- of- Spain (this is where the upperclass, as mentioned in a previous post, resides). The link between the two types of sectors is needed for the economy. It is vital that everyone is able to make a living. The infrastructures are situated amongst one another so that income can be shared. When upper class and middle income citizens go to shop, they are exposed to cheaper goods and services that they would indulge in. Furthermore, the informal residents are conveniently located in the busy, formal areas so that they are in a sense assured of income.

(NB. Although the city is separated based on social class and economics and the main types of businesses found on the extreme East and West differ, it is important to note that in the main business district, central of the east and west, the lower classes and the upper/ middle classes mix and function alongside one another. These are depicted in the photos that show the landuse relation between the formal building infrastructure and the informal business structure.)

            

Although the relationship between the formal and informal sectors represented by their infrastructures has been working for some time, the governments in power of Trinidad and Tobago are constantly trying to decrease the informal sector. The city is trying to move the informal vendors to places that require a rent to be paid in order to better the city (Newspower, 2012). To better the city they say? Better for whom? It is imperative to pay attention to the modest facets of the city such as the building infrastructure in order to gage information and explore the city and the way it works.

Remember, the formal and informal infrastructure can be analyzed based on what they represent. By viewing the both infrastructure, a lot can be told. The urban building infrastructure may be subject to change with time, but as long as social polarization and the dual city exists. With these being present, there will always be an extreme rich and an extreme poor class that would find great need to use the formal and informal building facilities or build their own. If you are interested in the learning more about the informal to formal economy, you can read the following:

http://www.ilo.org/ilc/ILCSessions/103/on-the-agenda/informal-economy/lang--en/index.htm;

http://www.un.org/esa/desa/papers/2007/wp46_2007.pdf; and

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTSOCIALPROTECTION/EXTLM/0,,contentMDK:20224904~menuPK:584866~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:390615,00.html.

In the Caribbean context, it is important to note that there is a huge amount of poverty still present today. Many of the poor still flee toward the city/ city- like, busy areas for employment. Without the skills required by the formal economy and the education that the formal employers want, the poor people are forced to go into informal businesses to create informal businesses. Like the Trinidad and Tobago’s government, little is done to reduce the levels of informal jobs as they support the poorer of their nations. For this reason, the informal and formal building infrastructure may be present for long periods of time in the future. 

References

Business Dictionary. (n.d.). Formal Sector. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/formal-sector.html.

Business Dictionary. (n.d.). Informal Sector. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/informal-sector.html.

Power 102FM. (2012). Calls By Port- of- Spain Vendors for Regularizaton of City Vending. Retrieved April, 3, 2015, from http://news.power102fm.com/calls-by-port-of-spain-vendors-for-regularization-of-city-vending-13427.

Pouliquen, L. (2000). Infrastructure and Poverty. Retrieved March  5, 2015, from http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.197.1162&rep=rep1&type=pdf.

The World Bank. (n.d.). Workers in the Informal Market. Retrieved March 7, 2015, from http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTSOCIALPROTECTION/EXTLM/0,,contentMDK:20224904~menuPK:584866~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:390615,00.html.

Wilson, S. (2010). No Vending on Streets. Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2010/12/17/no-vending-streets.