Brushed with a burst of colorful richness, our architecture reflects the rich history and culture of its people.
Dominica boasts fine examples of Caribbean architecture as well as its own distinctive vernacular, evident in its average dwellings. The architecture reflects a rich mix of heavy French influence and slight traces of English and Spanish.
A number of monumental buildings endured from colonial times, mostly religious, civic and military structures, as well as some old plantation estates, and mills worth visiting. While the geographical and economical climate has ravaged many properties, one can still view interesting examples around the island. Guide books with pull-out maps are available for a Self-guided walking tour through HISTORIC ROSEAU, from the Society for Architectural Preservation and Enhancement (SHAPE) office in Roseau and from several travel service and information outlets for only US$5.
Well worth a visit are the typical small wood-framed residences that are known as 'Ti Kaz.' Some larger buildings embrace intimate courtyards.
Most common building elements include: stone masonry bases, timber boarding or shingle cladding; hurricane shutters for protection and occasionally jalousie shutters for privacy; distinct steeply pitched gable roofs for wind resistance; and verandahs which shelter occupants and the walls themselves from sun and rain.
Roofs often have their ends hipped for additional bracing against hurricanes and larger roofs may use dormer windows for additional light and air flow. (As heat rises, it is important to allow the internal air to escape.) These are amongst the features, which stem from purpose rather than aesthetics alone, that are being forgotten in construction today.
Dominica's local architecture also includes the traditional architecture of the country's indigenous Carib (Kalinago) Indians at the Carib Reserve. These hut-like structures were built of palm leaves, reeds and other easily found local materials.
Although ornamentation was not an historical Dominican architectural feature, the more traditional style buildings are ornamented with decorative elements that are recognised as 'Caribbean-ising' a building such as interesting patterns in intricate railings and fretwork.
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