How can a colonial building express monumentality? A study of the Philipsburg courthouse

Abstract

Looking at history through the lens of
architecture can tell a lot about the lifestyles, technologies, and ideologies
of the past. Looking at the past can create a clear connection to the present.
It is for this reason, the researcher, will write about the origins of the courthouse
of Sint Maarten, the first government building built on the island in the 1700s
(Lesterhuis & Oers, 2001). The overall focus of this paper is concentrating
on how a building can grow to express monumentality. This paper will discuss
the colonial presence of the island and the resulting influence on the island’s
architecture. The researcher tries to uncover the intricate connections between
traditional European architectural styles of the past and their manifestation
in Dutch colonial architecture within the West Indies (Van Andel, 1985). The
dynamic between the courthouse and its immediate surroundings was analysed to
offer a better understanding of the symbiotic relationship between
architecture, societal evolution, and urban development (Hartog, 1974). It is
believed that the Philipsburg courthouse, expresses monumentality. By exploring
its influence on society and its surroundings, a deeper understanding of monumentality
will unfold, explaining ways in which monuments contribute to the shaping of
collective identity and historical continuity. Investigating the influence of the
Philipsburg courthouse has the potential to increase the understanding of how it
functions as a social space, as well as offer insights into how architectural
elements contribute to monumentality and how this influences local
perspectives. It can inform decisions related to the design of public spaces,
and the integration of cultural landmarks into urban landscapes. Overall, it
contributes to a better appreciation of the role monuments play in shaping the
fabric of society.