Entertainment and Architecture

The act of entertaining is entrenched in all societies and has become an integral element of modern civilizations. In our interconnected and globalized world entertainment is a major commercial industry which makes a positive contribution to a nations GDP. For example carnival and all the other associated activities of this cultural festival generates substantial economic activity and increases tourism for our twin island republic. Entertainment like any industry is dependent on a network of physical infrastructure and systems. This post will look at how the designs, shape, form and distribution of structures are used to facilitate entertainment in the urban landscape. 

We can look at physical structures in terms of their Function, design and aesthetics. One of the main characteristics of any urban space is its concentration of buildings. Functional aspects of structures can include the ability to hold large audiences and at the same meeting safety requirements for fast and easy access to and from the venue. Some structures are also multipurpose as they cater for a wide range of activities. Their spatial locations will be dependent on factors such as easy access, closeness to main arteries of human traffic, required space needs for structures, primary purpose of structure and the type of clientele accessing or using it.

pictures showing series of bars and eateries along Promenade all these structures help to create a hub of activity  and entertainment along this zone.  

It was noticed that in Port of Spain many facilities that are oriented to entertaining are located along main streets and are sometimes clustered into specific zones, for example Independence Square East on both northern and southern side of the Brian Lara Promenade there is a conglomeration of Pubs, Bars and Eateries this area corresponds to the high pedestrian traffic as these businesses try to capture these flows. Many of these businesses are designed in such a way to cater for the casual walk in customer. Another zonal area is Ariapita Avenue. 

Facilities used for large crowds where strategically located at the city fringe, this locale may be due to two factors the need for more expansive land space which would not be available within the city core and competition from other more affluent land use activities this can be linked to the concept of the Bid Rent theory as activities with the highest economic return will be located closest to the city core radiating outwards with activities generating less returns located to the periphery. A classic example of this is the Hasely Crawford Stadium and the Queens Park oval both multifunctional sporting facilities the latter funded by the Government and the former privately owned. In contrast to bars and pubs in the city core which depends on frequent pedestrian flows while these stadia are more event oriented.  

Many structures used for entertainment in the city where not purpose built facilities but have been adapted and modified to meet current needs this is particular true within the CBD where traditional housing have been revitalized to meet contemporary social and economics need.  

In terms of design we are looking at how building are placed, shaped and located, in relation to each other and other systems in the built environment. Aesthetics refers to human perception of the of the built environment its appearance, attraction, beauty and how they blend into our idea of being visually pleasing. 

Buildings in themselves through their physical design may seek to project the idea of being entertaining as they exceed the public expectation and give the perception of being beautiful. 

Buildings used as a source of attraction, modernist design, bright colours, intensification of physical structures move away from functionality to overemphasize pleasure. for example (movie Town).

Postmodern designs push the conventional boundaries and change our perception or world view, visual and functional entertainment. (National Academy for the Performing Arts)

left: water front complex,Right: national Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA)

Building with historical importance used as attraction Museums, cultural colonial heritage.

historical buildings around  Queens Park Savannah part of the cities heritage, buildings represent an architectural and historical attraction    

Globalization, technology, and Capitalism some of the main triggers of urban growth has also created a demand for entertainment which in turn supports institutions that specialize in broadcasting and emanating the many facets of entertainment. for example media houses and recording Studios.

Three of the most prominent media houses in Port of Spain, left: Express house, top right: Newsday and bottom right: Guardian house.  

Some structures for entertainment are also seasonal being constructed or modified in time and space across the urban landscape. This is apparent during the Carnival season where many of the urban green spaces are used to accommodate stages for spectators to view the street parades. The idea of suburbia and gated communities the overzealous need for a sense of security tied in with creating an exclusive experience has caused a shift in carnival activity resulting in the conversion of the Hasely Crawford Stadium into Stage for the parade of the bands. As stated by Richard Mohammed “Carnival is being destroyed and is becoming a masquerade for the elite” (T&T Carnival Summary), as activity is being shifted away from the traditional areas of downtown Port of Spain resulting in negative economic fallout for vendors in these areas.

Hasely Crawford Stadium Transformed into stage for parade of  carnival bands

The use of buildings and other structures for entertainment purposes within the city is wide and varied. Their architectural designs have been progressively changing over time based on our cultural history, with some of them still persisting today in certain zones. The designs have been continually been undergoing upgrades both in function and aesthetics to portray our modernizing world. Port of Spain caters for a cosmopolitan society with varied tastes, socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures who are also influenced by our globalized world. In turn urban architectural and building designs geared towards providing entertainment are continually adapting to meet the ever demanding needs of society.                

Reference:

2014 T&T Carnival Summary Thread." Isalnd Mix, All Isalnds All People. Accessed March 28, 2015.
http://www.islandmix.com/backchat/f16/2014-t-t-carnival-summary-thread-265657/