Entertainment in urban green spaces

        Green spaces and parks in the urban landscape represent a break from the monotony of the built environment, they create a physical breathing space, a retreat and secluded area to relax within the hectic and chaotic scenes surrounding it. Most cities contain these physical features as a common urban design feature, with Port of Spain being no different. Within the city limits there are several parks and green spaces these areas have persisted through the history of the city’s development and are an integral element in providing a social balance in this environment.

Pictures showing amenities in Nelson Mandela Park, these features have converted this green space into a living social place of human activity, leisure and recreation. as expressed by Jean Jacobs these facilities creates  a mixed multifunctional area that brings and concentrates people to add to the social life to the city.      

This post seeks to look at spatial variations in open spaces in the urban environment, usage patterns and functional changes in time and space and the various types of activities being carried based on the demographics of the surrounding areas.

Firstly we need to understand how a space is transformed into a place of human meaning and purpose. Parks are a physical opening which is protected from the incursion of the surrounding built environment, however if examined in a social context this place should have the necessary physical infrastructure and amenities to provide a sense of meaning to meet the aspirations and desires of those who seek to interact with it to turn it into a place of human interaction.

General map of Port of Spain 

map showing distribution of green open spaces in city of Port of Spain  

The geographical area of Port of Spain has had a vibrant history and has under gone several changes in its development, however one feature which has persisted are the green open areas. From the Promenade in the south to the Queens park savannah in the north these areas constitute part of the urban form and help to facilitate social interactions. In Port of Spain parks and green spaces are scattered throughout the city, some within main thoroughfares while others are located along the city fringe and areas influenced by urbans sprawl. These spatial variations combined with adjacent land use activities of the surrounding built environment which determines the levels of human traffic across these zones and the available amenities within individual green areas are all factors that will determine how they are utilized.

From the map above the main open green areas are:

1.  The Brian Lara Promenade

2. Woodford Square

3. Victoria Square

4. Lord Harris Square

5. Memorial Park

6. Queens Park Savannah

7. Adam Smith Square

8. Woodbrook Recreational ground

9. Nelson Mandela Park

10. Jackson Square

11. Wild flower park

There are also other institutional reactional grounds such as St Mary’s and Fatima College grounds.  

For the purpose of entertainment these areas may be utilized frequently such as the Promenade and Woodford Square while others seasonally such as Victoria Square. The first two areas mentioned are at the heart of the city commercial areas with the highest pedestrian flows this translates to these areas being heavily used for entertainment activities from people simply relaxing on the benches provided to open air concerts and other festive activities. Woodford Square has a rich historical heritage and can be considered part of the legacy of Port of Spain, this area also known as the University Of Woodford Square is an area for convergence for persons wanting to debate current issues affecting the society it is also an area to relax and admire the surrounding historical buildings.

Top: Brian Lara Promenade, Bottom:  Woodford Square showing the different facets of entertainment in these green space

Victoria, Lord Harris and Memorial square are located further away from the concentrated human activity of the CBD, and are thus less frequently used however they are utilized seasonally and on certain occasions such as carnival.

left: lord Harris Square, top right: Victoria Square, Bottom right: Memorial Square

The Queens park savannah is the largest and most iconic open area of the city. Bought by the state in 1817 it maintains the record for being the largest traffic roundabout in the world. This area has a vivid history from being a cattle pasture, horse racing track and today a multifunctional recreational and sporting area which is openly accessible to all. The southern fringe of the savannah occupies the Grand Stand which is the epicenter for the Carnival parade of the bands, Calypso monarch and Steel band competitions.  This area because of its size can accommodated a wide spectrum of activities simultaneously which also varies in time and space.

Pictures of Queens Park Savannah Top left: general view from northern end, Top right: Kite flying during easter period, Bottom left: benches to relax and coconut vendor on edge of Savannah, Bottom right: Family Picknick in hollows area of Savannah.   

Adam Smith Square and WoodBrook recreational ground both located in in areas affected by urban sprawl. Located in areas with mixed land usage of commercial and residential activities these areas in comparison to other areas closer to the city core can be considered to be underutilized.  Pedestrian traffic flows are limited and the continued conversion of residential housing into commercial activities coupled by the growing segregation and privatopia of the surrounding communities has reduced utilization.  However there is seasonal and sporadic use particularly during carnival.

Nelson Mandela Park formally King George V Park constitutes one of the larger open areas to the west on the cities periphery. It is a multipurpose area with amenities to promote many sporting disciplines such as football, cricket and rugby. There are also purpose built basketball, tennis facilities and a play park area with outdoor exercise gym. This area is heavily utilized particularly on a weekend by adjacent suburban areas.

Neslon Mandela Park to the right Queens park oval. left: overhead view , Top right: play park area, Bottom right; children in tennis courts facilities

Jackson Square and Wild flower Park both areas located in urban residential area of St Clair which has been influenced by the forces of the New Sub Urbanism and created gated communities surrounding these parks. As mentioned before although the area represents a physical green space its underutilization, lack of amenities and limited interaction from the surrounding residents fails to make this areas a green place of human activity and social interactions. This is particular true of Jackson Park while the Wild flower Park has a more naturalistic and aesthetic appeal for simply enjoying the trees and greenery.

Top: Jackson square notice the lack of any amenities. Bottom: Wild flower Park 

There are other opened areas however they are not fully inclusive and accessible to everyone as they are privately owned and managed. These areas will include the Queens Park Savannah, Hasely Crawford Stadium, St Mary’s and Fatima Grounds. All play a part in providing a space for some form of entertainment with control of access to the facilities.

Green spaces within the confines of the city is variedly distributed some have developed organically within the urban landscape while some where instituted as part of the overall design plan. These areas are an integral part of maintaining the cosmic harmony of the built environment and promoting social interactions in this physical space.  

          

       

           

    

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/

   

   

    

      

Entertainment in Time and Space

 

Picture of people on Brian Lara Promenade as we call it in Trinidad Liming or just socializing, interacting, talking and enjoying each others company on the edge of one of the urban green spaces. this type of activity is part of our culture to relax, eat some food, enjoy the moment and entertain each other. 

The city of Port of Spain and its outlying areas of influence can be defined to some extent by the beat and movement of human activity. We determine the pulse and character of the urban landscape. The city scape welcomes, accepts us as we flow through and interact with its built environment. In turn cities are globalizing networks of productive informational and human exchange (Amin and Graham, 1997). The city corresponds to our lifestyle and needs, be it by day or night, weekday or weekend, Carnival or Christmas, from the commercial business districts, to individual enclaves within the city to its physical fringes can create zones in time and space that will show patterns of various aspects of human activity. With entertainment as our main focus we will look at the spatial variations of entertainment within the urban landscape of Port of Spain and determine what patterns exist and the underlying reasoning if any. 

Having fun on the Promenade for B Mobile  promotion

          Trinidad is a society that has a vibrant entertainment culture, we as a society is gifted with the peculiar knack of transforming the physical environment and almost any activity into something that bring some sought of leisure or amusement. Port of Spain draws a large transient daily population estimated at approximately 250,000 persons, with this daily influx it seems almost natural or essential for the city scape to provide some sought of entertainment for this vast convergence of people in this small area. 

          But the question can be asked how do people seek leisure in the city over an average day, week, month or year and where in the city do they seek this, is it concentrated along the promenade and Independence Square is it uptown or downtown to the east or west of the city, is activity spatially distributed to create zones or sectors are there underlying socioeconomic forces that contribute or determine this or legislature that control and regulate, or are these patterns organic unplanned and spontaneous. 

We shall now try to examine this

          Now like most cities activities can vary between just a few hours between day and night cycles. Our economies are tuned to this daily unfolding of events which can be seen below. The stark difference in terms of our established norms and behaviors based on the time of the day.

 

There is also a stark difference in the purpose for persons visiting the city on Saturday and Sunday. It is less work oriented and more associated with the culture of consumerism and leisure activities like visiting eateries, shopping.

There can also be variances in the density of people within the urban limits during the calendar month or seasonally during the year based on various activities associated with entertainment.

In Port of Spain the Month end crowds (although some are for business, a large part of the urban entertainment culture increases when people have disposable income) 

top left and right promenade west, bottom left and right promenade east, pictures showing variations in human activity between west and east.

People liming on Promenade east (area is a focal point of activity eateries, pubs, Bars and Casinos are all part of the attraction of this urban space). Entertainment activity within the CBD: it was noted that this area was concentrated with traditional commercial activity not many Pub/bars on Fredrick street, however there is a cluster and variety of eating outlets. This emphases the importance of food as a medium of socializing and leisure. The catchment areas south of many of the main street that flowed into the promenade known as south key contained a mixture of bars and eateries with Chinese restaurants dominating.

Bars and fast food restaurants edge of  promenade

City periphery and west, these areas affected by the forces of urban sprawl, entertainment strip created geared to modern culture. Ariapita Avenue multi functional entertainment hub although still part of Port of Spain is still far enough from the central hub of the city to create a sense of exclusiveness from the traditional city areas and its associated problems. Many activities in this zone can also vary in time becoming more active at nights and weekends. The avenue as we know it is transformed into a multiplex of street food dining, members and exclusive clubs, fine dining restaurants, clubs and bars each catering for their own special niche.

As we head further west there is a combination of self contained multipurpose shopping and residential areas such as One Woodbrook Place and Movie town both represents the modernistic consumerism everything in one place hub of convenience and leisure. These areas provide almost every modern need in one confined accessible area. However it is their modern movie centers together with the many fast food restaurants and spaces for socialization that make them a hub for leisure and entertainment.

Movie Town and One Woodbrook Place

 As we can see the urban areas of Port of Spain caters for those seeking entertainment within its confines in a wide spectrum of places and over a varied period of times. From the old city center and promenade that caters to the Trinidad liming culture and all inclusive bars and eateries which caters to a mix and varied cosmopolitan society which is also bombarded by the globalized institutions. With movement away from the center going west sees a more modernist approach to entertainment with some areas becoming exclusive to a particular socioeconomic class. The west ward boundary of the city creates physical structure that also caters for suburbia and the gated communities who seek enjoyment within the safe confinements of an area away from the social ills of the city core.

The streets of Port of Spain is continually used as a canvas for many street parades such as Carnival which was mentioned in previous posts. This festival has become so popular with the convergence of people on the streets in moving flowing parties through the network of streets that this festival becomes a major challenge for local authorities to regulate and control activities to maintain some sense of regularity during this period.   

left: Brooklyn Bar during day and right: at night

From our brief look of entertainment in the city we see that Port of Spain is an area that is multi functional in its usage. Entertainment facilities are concentrated in areas of high pedestrian activity to conveniently capture these flows. Although as we move west away from the CBD entertainment becomes more modern in its general feel which can create the perception of segregation and exclusiveness. These areas may be just more akin to the forces of globalization. It is also noted with interest that food can be looked at beyond that of just providing basic nourishment but an integral component of our culture of socialization and entertaining with the many conglomeration of eateries throughout the city.   

Entertainment in Port of Spain can also be considered in terms of scales from the large Pubs and Bars that can facilitate hundreds of people, to the two seat checkered table tops of the Promenade for small groups to play chess or checkers.     

left: playing cards right: playing chess on outdoor tables Promenade

Historically in time Port of Spain has had a rich social history from the various European interests which has extended to the various forms of leisure and entertainment activities being conducted. As expressed by (Besson, 2011) in his overview of life in Port of Spain he gives a historical perspective of the evolution and introduction of various activities where he states,  " the new settlers brought with them gaiety and festivity. Dance halls and night clubs sprung up all over the town, and every year before Lent the French held Carnival celebrations". This shows that apart from the infrastructural and economic development that was occurring during the 18^th century in Port of Spain, the many facets of entertainment had already taken root and became part of the urban environment.  

In conclusion entertainment can be considered like any other components of the urban form which can be used to express and characterize a city.    

References:

Amin, Ash, and Stephen Graham. "The Ordinary City." Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, New Series, Vol. 22,, no. No. 4 (1997), 411-29. 

Besson, Gerard. "Port of Spain Early City Life." The Caribbean History Archives. August 12, 2011. Accessed March 28, 2015. http://caribbeanhistoryarchives.blogspot.com/2011/08/port-of-spains-early-city-life.html.