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ABOUT DYNAMIC LATITUDE
Dynamic Latitude is a Grenadian based architectural design and planning studio founded by Grenadian Architect Lachaba Carr Joseph. The name Dynamic Latitude is derived principally from “Dynamic Architecture” which is a branch of architecture that embraces movement and dynamism volumetrically and functionally in architectural designs. To complete the name giving reference to the Grenadian origin of our studio, the word Latitude inexplicitly draws reference to the latitude of Grenada at 12.1 degrees North the equator.
Dynamic Latitude is engaged in design and planning work within the Tri island state of Grenada, having done close to two dozen projects in Grenada. We provide architectural services for all project types.
As a registered Grenadian based studio our studio provides planning services for property owners in Grenada. Nevertheless with an online presence, our work extends beyond Grenada through collaboration with professionals abroad on a conceptual level. By extending our design sensibilities beyond Grenadian architecture our design work is aesthetically contemporary with a tropical vernacular. As such the aim of our design work in Grenada is to provide top notch architectural design and planning services.
Locally Dynamic Latitude provides full design and planning services inclusive submissions for governmental building approval of any project type, construction drawings and project tendering and costing and construction supervision and inspection of proprietary projects in Grenada.
BUILDING PROJECT LIST
Office Building (Confidential) | Lead Architect | Three storey 12,200 Sq. Ft. Office Building | Grand Anse, St. George's, Grenada
Residence at Westerhall (Confidential) | Lead Architect | 7,000 Sq. Ft. Residence | Westerhall, St. David's, Grenada
Light House Drive Villa & Cottages | Lead Architect | 1 Villa & 2 Cottages | True Blue, St. George's, Grenada
Mabouya Vue Villa | Lead Architect | 5,200 Sq. Ft. Residence | St. Louis, Carriacou, Grenada
Healthcare Building Extension (Confidential) | Architect of Record | 4,400 Sq. Ft. Building Extension | St. George’s, Grenada
Sea View Drive Residence | Lead Architect | 3,400 Sq. Ft. Residence | Lance Aux Epines, St. George's, Grenada
Residence @ Egmont 299 | Lead Architect | 3,600 Sq. Ft. Residence | Egmont Development, St. George's, Grenada
Residence @ Egmont 209 | Lead Architect | 3,200 Sq. Ft. Residence | Egmont Development, St. George's, Grenada
Residence @ Egmont 301 | Lead Architect | 3,500 Sq. Ft. Residence | Egmont Development, St. George's, Grenada
Roots Residence | Lead Architect | 3,600 Sq. Ft. Residence | Gouyave, St. John's, Grenada
True Blue Commercial Plaza | Lead Architect | 13,000 Sq. Ft. Commercial Building | True Blue, St. George's, Grenada
As Built Drawings for (Confidential)-Steel Framed Warehouse / Retail Building | Lead Architect | Excess of 20,000 Sq. Ft. Commercial Building | Dusty Highway, Grand Anse, St. George's, Grenada
Villa Eunica-Lot 10 Residence @ Forte Jeudy | Lead Architect | 4,600 Sq. Ft. Residence | Forte Jeudy, St. George's, Grenada
Residence @ Pointe Marquis Development Lot 43 | Lead Architect | 2,000 Sq. Ft. Residence | La Saggesse, St. David's, Grenada
Ying Yang Residence @ Woburn Bay | Lead Architect | 3,700 Sq. Ft. Residence | Woburn, St. George's, Grenada
Residential Extension @ Molinere | Lead Architect | 1.200 Sq. Ft. Residence | Molinere, St. George's, Grenada
Residence @ Egmont 208 | Lead Architect | 5,200 Sq. Ft. | Egmont Development, St. George's, Grenada
Egmont Bay Private Villa | Lead Architect | 2,500 Sq. Ft. Residence | Petite Calivigny, St. George's, Grenada
Thy Kingdom Come Deliverance Sanctuary | Lead Architect | 9,000 Sq. Ft. Church Building | Morne Jaloax, St. George's, Grenada
Isaac Residence | Lead Architect | 1,000 Sq. Ft. Cottage | Bel Air, Carriacou, Grenada
Residence @ Egmont 302 | Lead Architect | 2,000 Sq. Ft. Residence | Egmont Development, St. George's,, Grenada
Brownstone @ Morne Delice | Lead Architect | 3,600 Sq. Ft. Residence | Morne Delice, St. George's, Grenada
Keller Beach House Jetty | Subconsultant Architect | 30 foot Jetty | Quarrantine Point, St. George's, Grenada
Hoford Residence | Lead Architect | 3,500 Sq. Ft. Residence | Petite Calivigny, St. George's, Grenada
Glenelg Spring Water Plant | Lead Architect | 2,000 Sq. Ft. Space Planning | Mt. Rule, St. Patrick's, Grenada
Da Costa Morne Rouge Loft | Lead Architect | 1,000 Sq. Ft. Residence | Morne Rouge, St. George's, Grenada
CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IN GRENADA
Grenadian architecture has been shaped by cultural influences. Consequentially, due to Grenada’s colonial history the antecedence of current architectural trends in Grenada and more over in the Caribbean, still remains a type of colonial form of architecture reflected in a rebranded post colonial and neo-classic architecture. The current international trends of architecture speaks to a broad contemporary scope of architecture encompassing minimalistic, deconstructivity, organic elements etc. and a general mix of architectural styles within a material composition of concrete, steel and glass. The predominant architecture identified currently in Grenada is a mix of colonial with modern architecture. Modern architecture is a predominant style of architecture which emerged at the turn of the 20th Century and preceded the error of contemporary architecture.
In Grenada there is very few record of contemporary architecture. The architecture within the spice isle of Grenada that would classify as contemporary architecture represented by clean fluid lines in geometry and fenestration predominantly borrows characteristics of minimalist architecture and generally does not represent cutting edge international trends in contemporary architecture. Therefore Grenada is a little behind the times in terms of current architectural trends.
There are a couple of reasons why Grenadian architecture has not reflected current global trends. Principally, from material availability to technical innovation and expertise, we in Grenada are at a disadvantage to readily resort to construction methodology which may yield ground breaking contemporary architecture. Indeed to accomplish such innovative measures would usually require for instance prefabricated construction and pre-engineered materials. Unfortunately in Grenada such measures are likely to result in exorbitant cost directly because materials and expertise may likely need to be imported.
Secondly, contemporary architecture has not taken root in Grenada due to cultural and aesthetics preferences as per property owners. The Grenadian concept of what a house or building ought to look like in a tropical environment generally dictates owners taste and architectural requirements. This is generally due to a lack of familiarity with global architectural trends, nostalgia for Grenadian living and a repetition of what is customarily built here. The insertion of some contemporary architecture in Grenada is primarily due to foreign property owners and returning nationals, whose travels have evolved their perspective on what a modern home or building ought to look like. As such architecture in Grenada remains a cultural derivative of personal taste.
Although Dynamic Latitude advocates for more contemporary architecture in Grenada and a move to a more organic and fluid form of architecture of the future, the traditional form of architecture is appreciated within context. Contemporary architecture and architectural designs in Grenada ought to take into consideration the context and environment both historical and cultural or it can lose meaning and intent to satisfy the values of the occupants. Therefore contemporary architecture has its place and is not always applicable. In Grenada with the urban cityscapes of historical importance the general impetus of architecture in these zones ought to move to more sustainable forms of architecture given our changing world and at the same time preserving the historical attributes with makes the image of Grenada familiar and makes us Grenadian..
STUDIO'S ARCHITECTURAL PHILOSOPHY
The future of Architecture ought to encompass a vision of preservation and innovation which is envisioned in parallel to the optimum sustainability of humanity and our environment. In our age of contemporary architecture our needs are best served by reducing construction wastage and a heavy dependence on non-renewable energy to achieve a functional design requirement. Being unable to adjust our architectural design practices will inevitably leave humanity with a delayed course of action to live in natural equilibrium.
As a representation and expression of humanity, architecture should reflect our values. Our values ought to support the longevity of humanity and must be based on a general respect for nature. The future of architecture is one which not only satisfies a human necessity but also an ecological necessity.