In Otrobanda, Curacao, we conducted a mass study for the Kura area – a deteriorating part of the neighborhood. This initiative aims to restore and revitalize the site while preserving its historical significance while integrating contemporary Caribbean architecture.
The site, approximately 8,500 m², lies between Frederikstraat and Fergusonstraat, adjacent to the Belvederestraat lined with office buildings, including our own office in Willemstad.
Historic research
We began with historical research using old maps and photographs. As you can see on the historic map, the northern part of the Kura site was once densely vegetated. Today, only a few trees remain from this original landscape, and our proposal aims to restore the greenery.
The site contains other 18th- and 19th-century buildings, some are classified as monuments and have already been restored, while others with historical significance still require renovation. On the historic map below, you’ll see the buildings Kura di Shon Toms and Kura di Shon Ki (highlighted on the map). Two buildings with an important history. At the end of the 18th century, many so-called free Blacks and people of color owned plots of land and small gardens on the hill of Otrobanda and built their home here. Kura di Shon Ki was then owned by the wealthy free Black woman Maria Anthony, who had a house with outbuildings on the property. Kura di Shon Toms also had a woman as a first resident; Maria Albertus. Notably, most of the adjacent plots were also owned by women, most of them who were enslaved before. Along the road, now known as Frederikstraat, there were also two small houses, then referred to as “sheds.” It remains unclear to what extent the current buildings already existed at that time.
Spatial research
Next, we conducted a spatial analysis to examine the accessibility of the area. Both on foot and by car, while also considering sightlines. We wanted to make the area feel accessible and strategically placing the masses of the new construction to enhance the sightlines from and on our plot.
Additionally, our plan focuses on creating spaces that encourage spontaneous encounters, enhancing the community’s social dynamics, so characteristic for Otrabanda.
New development
Based on the historical and spatial analysis, we developed a proposal for the site’s layout. The idea is to retain two monumental buildings: Kura di Shon Toms and Shon Ki buildings. We want to make them as the focal structures, with new development kept secondary. According to Monument Law and the Island Development Plan, these monuments must be restored – and the new buildings must have a comparable height to the buildings in the direct vicinity.
The plan introduces mid-sized residential apartments, which we conducted a separate study for – to determine the optimal massing for 29 apartments. The apartments will vary between 50-90m2 and will have one or two bedrooms. We didn’t want to fit all the apartments into a single block because this would result in an imposing building. Instead, we opted for a finer, more fragmented layout that harmonizes with the surrounding fabric.
Our proposal envisions creating a small neighborhood, where buildings feature generous outdoor spaces, such as staggered terraces, enhancing the city-like atmosphere. The outer-edge buildings will be one story higher, while those at the center will be lower, creating a dynamic, stepped silhouette that fosters both community and intimacy. All of this whilst maintaining sufficient distance to the monuments so that they can stand out. The new greenery will weave through the buildings, seamlessly connecting with the existing trees surrounding urban masses, restoring a strong green fabric like it was in the past.
Next up
This mass study marks the beginning of the architectural design process for the Kura area. The next phase will focus on designing the buildings, the floor plans, and facades all according to the prerequisites set in the approved mass study.
You can discover this area yourself with the architectural walking guide of Curacao.
