Modern Architecture of Curacao: The Docomomo Movement 1930-1960

Modernism is an important architectural style in which technological innovations are used for social purposes. The Curaçao chapter of the nonprofit organization DoCoMoMo (Documentation and Conservation of the Modern Movement), dedicated to documenting and conserving modernist buildings, sites, and neighborhoods, was founded in September 2008. But unlike in the United States, this architectural movement is relatively unknown in Curaçao. This book describes the twenty-five most important buildings in this style on the island. In doing so, the author aims to give international exposure to modernist structures in Curaçao and increase local appreciation and awareness of this architectural style.

One of the most important architects who worked in this style in Curaçao was Ben Smit. He produced an impressive record of buildings on the island up to 1971 and became known for a natural, tropical style of design for both private dwellings and commercial buildings. Smit often used vertical sun-breakers, the brise-soleil popularized by Le Corbusier, to prevent direct sunlight into the interior.

Michael A. Newton was born in Curaçao and studied architecture at Delft University of Technology (Netherlands). He was involved in establishing a monument policy for Curaçao and has written several publications on the island’s historical architecture. He works as a restoration architect and heritage consultant in Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, Suriname, Belize, and the Bahamas.