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| Mosque located in East Port of Spain |
Sjorberg’s Model of the Pre- Industrial
City in 5000 BC states that the Pre- Industrial cities are centered around a
shrine or politics, the elite will live as close to that shrine as possible
with lower classes living on the outskirts. The form of a city is by no means stagnant
and is dynamic and changing.
In Port of Spain, it is not difficult to
the see the amount of aged cathedrals and temples set up within the city. Among
them include Catholic, Muslim and Anglican shrines. They are also concentrated
in East Port of Spain. This just goes to show how important religion was at
that time especially in the days of colonialism.
In contemporary times however, the focus
has shifted from religion to economics, although religion still plays an
integral role in culture. The city is now centered on commerce and trade, a
characteristic of a post industrial city. This type of urban form is now seen
as the future as the government has developed the waterfront area solely for
that purpose. These areas however have been neglected and lack the investment
needed for the development since religion is no longer the central focal point
of the city.
In modern cities of the world, business
and economics is also the main activity that takes place in the city which
makes Caribbean Spaces similar in terms of the use of space.
I agree with your observation that religion was very much an important part of the city's core in the past and that the focus has shifted from mainly religion to economics. I still think religion is at the forefront particularly Christianity since old church structures are preserved and are even being restored. Your link to Sjorberg's model is quite thought provoking as it historically links the elite to the core. Very interesting perspectives in your entries.
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