The Heritage Center
- The Heritage Center of Trinidad and Tobago
"The Activity of Creating History". Akil M Matthews. Thesis 2010 - Heritage is defined as something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth, such as a national heritage of honor, pride and courage. The heritage center of Trinidad and Tobago seeks to embody the pride, honor and courage of the people of Trinidad and Tobago by showcasing historical, cultural and environmental elements that are a part of its legacy. Architecturally, I wanted to blend the idea of interior and exterior space by taking advantage of the tropical environment and integrating greenspace throughout the design. Aesthetically, the building represents the future aspirations of a continuously developing country by contributing to, and reinforcing the architectural infrastructure of Trinidad and Tobago's Vision 2020 development plan.
The Mission of the heritage center is to become more than a walk through museum where one looks at displays of artwork and historical pieces. The center is to be an interactive facility where citizens and visitors to the island can view the historical content of the center, and experience actual creative production. It is the activity of the people and the process in which the historical elements are produced that would become the exhibit. Visitors will be surrounded by nature to foster their interaction with the environment but also have the option of doing research, watching historical films and live performances pertaining to the Caribbean, and taking part in the creation of cultural elements unique to the island. Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will have more frequent access to the center for educational, recreational and social purposes, helping the center become not just a mark of what has transpired but something that will have a role in what is still to transpire. 
Thesis Statement and Mission
- Site Analysis and Design Considerations
- Case Studies
- Design Concept and Development
- Program Development and Site Plan
Area Descriptions and Floor Plan
- Elevations
- Sections and Design Considerations
- Perspective
- Perspectives
- Perspectives
