Books + Magazines
"The book is authentic, warm, and obviously well documented. The result is excellent and filled with many emotional and even apologetic passages, given the familiarity of its authors with the architect himself. But, above all, it is a more than valid document for studying the formation of an architectural heritage built at the same time as a country." Marcos A. Blonda, "Manikin, The Art and Architecture of Anthony C. Lewis," [Review], Archivos de Arquitectura Antillana [AAA037, 2010], p. 6. View full PDF [Spanish] here.
For English translation, click here. To learn more about Manikin, click here.
"In terms of the firm's overall identity, the strategy session brought a few important points to light. Peter Chandler, acla:works director, explains: 'We operate as a community leader here in Trinidad, which is logical due to the relatively small size of the market as an island country. We thought that may be a weakness as we moved towards other Caribbean opportunities, but we've found that's exactly the approach that works in those other locales as well.'" Jack Reigle, Positioning for Architecture and Design Firms [New Jersey: Wiley, 2011], pp. 84-88. Click here for a full PDF of the chapter.
© 2011, Jack Reigle. Reprinted with permission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
"Although Mesh relies heavily on innovation and technology to move projects forward, the personal relationship with clients—no matter how large or small the project—remains crucial to the group's practice. Brian Lewis, a director of acla:works, noted that 'The value Mesh brings is that it provides state-of-the-art project delivery services within the Caribbean.'" Melanie Archer, "The Mesh Solution," MACO Caribbean Living, Vol 13, Issue 1 [June 2011], pp. 16-19. View PDF here.
"We are an innovative firm. We are early adopters, and make the maximum use of new technology." Gary Turton quoted in, "CAD in an Architectural Firm," Mark Wilson, Caribbean Business for CSEC Principles of Business [Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010] pp. 214-215.
"I see much of the modernists in this home; there is evidence of Le Corbusier's free facade, the non-supporting walls that can be redesigned as the architect wishes, in this case, a curved wall; there is also the open floor plan without concern for supporting walls that is still so distinctive of modern design." Sharon Millar, "Building Ikebana," MACO Caribbean Living, Vol 12, Issue 4 [Dec 2010], pp. 20-27. View PDF here.
"In spite of acla's recent technological achievements, all of the firm's projects begin today as they did in the 1940s – with the establishment of a dialogue with clients. The firm has built a reputation for a sensitive yet sophisticated approach to the aesthetic and functional aspects of design, as well as the technical, financial and contractual management of construction." "Firm Profile: acla:works," InSitu Arch Magazine, Jul–Sept 2010, pp. 70-73
"'Marrying form and function will come naturally as we become more honest about our resources, our context and the needs of our people. There are simpler, low-technology ways of achieving 'green' such as minimizing our heat gain in our buildings – providing shading or overhangs,' she said." [Mandilee Newton quoted in] Sherwin Long, "The Green Architect," The Energy Blueprint, Issue 2 Jun 2010, pp. 28-29
"Bel Air Bay was launched on the site in early March this year. Turton gave the feature address, which contained the following lines: 'I imagined that when you arrive at Bel Air Bay, you should feel enchanted, elevated, and at peace. We live on an island, yet many of us do not have the time or the luxury of appreciating that we are surrounded by ocean. The fact that our two major cities are on the sea is often forgotten. Bel Air Bay was envisioned to renew this connection.'" Melanie Archer, "Southern Comfort," [Bel Air Bay feature] Building Trinidad & Tobago, Jul–Dec 2010, pp. 10-15
"One thing that is unique along our climatic belt is that there’s always sun. Because of that resource, we should be pioneering solar technology. Solar harnessing and solar water heaters are popular in Barbados and they also use solar cells on the streetlights. These are used in Trinidad as well but they’re not as financially beneficial here as energy is so cheap." Melanie Archer, "To LEED or not to LEED," [interview with acla:works associate, Mandilee Newton] Building Trinidad & Tobago, Jul-Dec 2010, pp. 24-27
"In the Caribbean we need to be cognizant of current developments and to ensure we are offering the public cutting edge tools that are available today. Failure to accept the challenge will mean the foreign consultants and contractors will take the lead." Brian Lewis, “Building Information Modeling: The Cutting Edge Project Delivery Tool,” Caribbean Construction Digest, Oct–Dec. 2009, pp. 41-43
"The main determinant in the success of the design process is an informed client and his ability to communicate his needs." “Women in Construction,” [interview with acla:works associate, Mandilee Newton] Caribbean Construction Digest, Jul–Sep. 2009, pp. 49-51
"Sustainable design is particularly sensitive in the Caribbean island developing states due to the nature of our economies. However, sustainable design tends to be overlooked because of pressure to provide cheap housing. With inadequate access to housing, infrastructure and basic commodities, the question of sustainable design becomes a moral one for governments." Mandilee Newton, “Sustainable Design in the Caribbean Context,” [working paper] Caribbean Construction Digest, Jul–Sep. 2009, pp. 54-56
"So the question for us in the Caribbean is how do we respond to the demand for Design-Build on public sector projects? Do we resist, do we ignore, or do we engage Design-Build?" Brian Lewis, “Design-Build: A Caribbean Perspective,” Caribbean Construction Digest, Jul–Sep. 2009, pp. 33-34
"One of the main areas that I see more scope for innovation in Trinidad and Tobago and in this region is the exploitation of natural ventilation in commercial or public buildings. Humidity is the greatest challenge that must be managed. I also believe that there is room for automation of the façade to allow this, which will also provide the capability for façades to adapt to rain." Gary Turton, “Welcome to My World,” [executive boardroom commentary] Intelligent Glass Solutions, Issue 1 2009, pp. 12-14
"The firm's success at winning [this] job came from its current interest in the practical application of sustainable design principles, as well as a desire to see clients make the switch from workplaces that favour the traditional hierarchical office/cubicle structure, to those that fuel collaboration through open space planning." Melanie Archer, “Environmental Management Authority,” [building feature] Building Trinidad & Tobago, Jan–Jun. 2009, pp. 14-19
acla:works buildings featured, “Republic Bank Operations Centre, Ministry of Public Administration and Information, British Gas Offices, Assumption Church of Port of Spain, The University of Trinidad and Tobago,” Archivos de Arquitectura Antillana [AAA027, English Caribbean special issue], pp. 91-123
Interested in reading a bit more? For PDFs or transcripts of any of these articles, contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Random Multimedia
EMA Regional Offices – time lapse study
Random Project
Church of the Assumption
The Church of the Assumption is a pioneering example of architecture in the Caribbean that broke away from American and European influences towards a Trinidadian vernacular.
