Bonaire’s undocumented typologies
The development of the church, school and house in three consecutive periods
M.S.A. Obersi (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
J.C. Edens – Mentor (TU Delft - Teachers of Practice / A)
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Abstract
This thesis examines various aspects of the influences on Bonairean architecture. The focus of this thesis is to add to the research gap of buildings on Bonaire, as Bonaire has been considered less important than the bigger islands. This thesis looks into how the development of the architecture of Bonaire in the period of slavery up to the modern day can be understood from a history of colonization. The research is done through interviews, literature and archival research, and a series of case studies. The conclusion indicates that throughout history Bonaire has changed ownership several times, from Spanish colonizer to the British and Dutch, with the Dutch being the ones who had the most influence when it comes to buildings and architectural expression.
When it comes to buildings before and after the abolishment of slavery, there are a lot of resemblances. The typologies: church and school have a direct relationship with each other due to Religion being an important aspect at that time. When talking about the materials it can be concluded that coral rocks, lime, and wood have been the main choices for buildings dating back before and after the Dutch colonized Bonaire. Furthermore, reinforced concrete, glass, and steel were used in the modern period. The period after the abolishment of slavery , Bonaire had buildings that were still connected to the Dutch influences and architectural styles and not directly connected to world trends. However, in the mid-20th century modernization related to Europe and the Americas can strongly be seen, when Modern styles like Functionalism were internationalized.