Architecture
The architectural designs in Montego Bay show both British and North American influence. The houses that were built by the British are used as a 'template' for the construction of modern houses. Apartment complexes illustrate North American ideas in spatial housing concepts.
British houses that remain in Montego bay show how refined their lifestyle was. Wood was the main building material of early British settlers, as seen in the great houses or plantation houses that were distinct to their era. These early dwellings were usually located ona hill where they could oversee their sugar plantations. They later used bricks and indigenous binding materials (eg. cow manure and molasses) to construct their houses.
Early nineteenth century europeans resided in houses built on square plots of land. The houses were solid structures made from concrete blocks and filled in with mortar and steel. The roofs were generally 'slabbed' (leveled concrete surfaces), and varnished wooden floors dominated the interiors. This type of housing still exists excluding the square plots of land due to urban sprawl.
Today, Montego Bay is a modern town with very interesting and beautiful architecture. Wooden houses are predominantly built by low income families, whilst middle to high income families build fairly large concrete houses or reside in upscale apartments. These houses as seen in the pictures below show the style of architecture that is used. Fiberglass and brick roofs are common as well as classic french windows and intricately designed columns.
Low income houses however, have zinc roofs and normal louvre blade windows. The diference in architectural preferences are clearly seen by observing the housing patterns in Montego Bay.
Housing Scheme House
Housing Scheme House
Picture showing construction in Montego Bay.
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