Kombiná

What defines contemporary Caribbean architecture? We have asked ourselves this question many times while designing new projects on the Dutch Caribbean islands. After 25 years of work in the Caribbean we wanted to document our work and visualize the search for an answer to this question. That is why we’ve decided to make a documentary back in 2023.

We first started the process by applying for subsidies, writing a script and putting together shooting schedules with filmmaker Pim Gelevert. In order to be able to record and show a documentary – about Lyongo’s search for contemporary Caribbean architecture – in our anniversary year of 2024.

Making a documentary

Everyone knows what you mean when you talk about ‘contemporary Caribbean music’. Styles such as reggae, calypso, soca, salsa, zouk and merengue are known worldwide. This music emerged from a mix of African, European and other influences, characteristic of Caribbean culture. But when it comes to architecture, it isn’t this clear and often raises questions. What does contemporary Caribbean architecture look like? And what influences do migration and a diversity of cultures have on it?

Architecture in the Caribbean is often reduced to the traditional styles. Curacao’s colorful facades, Bonaire’s historic slave houses, and Saba’s gingerbread trims. While beautiful, these images only scratch the surface of the islands’ architectural diversity and innovation. Very little has been documented about the contemporary architectural landscape—until now…

Just like music, language and culture – architecture is a mix of influences. Our documentary Kombiná – which literally is translated as ‘mixed’ – tells the story of how our projects reflect the local communities.

In depth conversations

During filming in May 2024, we had many beautiful conversations with people from the islands. The Caribbean, known for its vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and colorful traditions, faces unique architectural challenges. With a growing population, increasing tourism, and rising demand for public and private spaces, the islands are experiencing a transformation. Over the past two decades, there has been a significant push toward creating buildings that are not only functional but also sustainable, resilient, and reflective of local identity. An important task and therefore a theme in the documentary.

Lyongo’s philosophy is clear: architecture is the answer to social challenges and should celebrate the essence of a place. In this film, Lyongo visits various projects that he has designed on the Dutch Caribbean islands over the past 25 years. In Curacao we’ve visited Mangrove City Park, Curacao Medical Center, Hofi Vidanova – among others. On Bonaire we went to visit modern villa’s, like Villa van de Sande and Villa Catalina. Education is a big theme in our conversations on St. Maarten. We also visit a very special dental practice here. Finally, the viewer also visits the unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean: Saba. Where they will see the local school, the fire station and one of our earlier projects the Green Flash House; a unique villa up in the green mountains. Lyongo explains his design and gives the viewer an insight into his design process. Together with young designers, residents and students, he discusses important themes such as sustainability, heritage, social inclusion, climate and local culture. He investigates whether and how these themes influence the architecture that he creates.

During these conversations we’ve also addressed other current issues that arise on the Caribbean islands, such as climate change and decolonization of our heritage. Consider, for example, climatological issues for designers on the Caribbean islands. Most houses there are too hot, so they do not protect you well against climate influences. This is often solved by energy-consuming cooling machines – for example cooling costs 5 times as much energy as heating. People with a small budget cannot afford this, so they must live in a house that is too hot which affects their well-being. A better design ensures healthier people and less energy use. This applies not only to homes, but also to other buildings such as offices or public spaces.

In addition to climate challenges, as a designer in the Caribbean you also must deal with extreme weather conditions, in the form of hurricanes. Hurricanes are expected to become more intense due to climate change. With a category 5 hurricane you are talking about wind speeds of 250 km/hour, a strong storm in the Netherlands has wind force 12, which is only 120 km/hour. Designers are faced with the task of creating buildings that are both comfortable, sustainable, and safe. In the documentary we will show our projects that have withstand hurricanes for the past 25 years.

Why we made this film

Our wish was clear: to record our vision of contemporary Caribbean architecture and to document the developments that the Dutch Caribbean islands are going through. Little had been documented about Caribbean designs to this date. When something is recorded, it is often in writing – in a book for example. But that medium is rarely used by people from the Caribbean islands. Moving images, on the other hand, are a more suitable medium. In addition, our projects lend themselves better to video images, so that you can experience them well in their context and through the eyes of the users. The choice to record our projects in a film was therefore obvious.

Kombiná provides a platform to showcase not only Lyongo’s vision but also the possibilities for future generations of Caribbean designers. For him, this film is more than just a documentary; it’s a deeply personal narrative. “It is a personal story in which I’ll share my fears, achievements, struggles and dreams. Which all have shaped me as a human being and are the basis for my architecture. I hope this documentary inspires others, especially youngsters, in their quest of creating a better living environment for all. But also for a wider audience; I hope that the images and projects inspire people and reflect the beauty of the Dutch Caribbean islands. For me the title perfectly reflects the spirit of the film and these islands: a fusion of ideas, cultures, and solutions to create something greater than the sum of its parts.”

Credits

This documentary is made possible by two generous clients, lyongo architecture, the Social Design Foundation and the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied.

Directed by Lyongo Juliana
Cinematographer and director of photography: Pim Gelevert
Narration by Shirma Rouse
Line producer: Emma Heinhuis
Script by: Lyongo Juliana and Emma Heinhuis
Subtitles English & Dutch: Emma Heinhuis
Subtitles Papiamentu: Hellen Noort.
Poster design by: ejpeg.design

Recording: May 2024
Production: June – September 2024
Language: English, Papiamentu and Dutch.

We wanted to let someone communicate comfortably in their own native language with each interview or conversation. The subtitles are completely in English, even when English is spoken. So that the film can be followed by everyone and can also be viewed by the hearing impaired.

Awards and screenings

Kombiná premiered October 2024 to a sold-out audience at the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (AFFR), where it received the prestigious second-place Audience Award. With over 80 films shown and 8,000 attendees, this recognition underscores the power of its message. Architects, urban planners, students, and community members alike were moved by the film’s vision.

We have organized a premiere on every Caribbean island where filming took place. In 2024, a premiere took place on Curacao and Bonaire. In 2025, premieres are planned in St. Maarten, Saba and the Netherlands (Amsterdam).

After that, we hope to be able to offer the documentary at various film festivals. To eventually make the film accessible to a wide audience online.

Watch the trailer

In Kombiná, architect Lyongo Juliana takes the viewer on a journey through his work from the past 25 years. From projects on Curacao and Bonaire to the windward islands of St. Maarten and Saba. Together with young designers, residents and students, Lyongo explores the essence of architecture that reflects not only the environment, but also the community. What is the impact of themes such as sustainability, heritage and inclusion on his designs? The documentary challenges the viewer to think: is there such a thing as contemporary Caribbean architecture?