Barbados
At a Glance
- Course Term: Offered during the Summer Semester.
- Academic Areas: For University Studies-Architecture students.
- Semester Away requirement: Summer sessions satisfy University Studies-Architecture “Study Abroad” requirement.
Program Overview
The traditional wood and stone structures, coral was also used in construction, lending a unique Barbadian flair. Jacobean, Georgian, and Victorian styles dominate the landscape. The iconic Chattel House is an integral island's architectural legacy. The vivid colors of these chattel houses shows the West African influence.
As you travel around the island you will see many examples of the Chattel House, a distinct form of architecture that is unique to Barbados. The design of these small wooden houses dates back to Emancipation, when the former slaves were allowed to build a house on a piece of plantation land. Because they did not own the land, the house could not be built on a permanent foundation, in case it had to be moved. The solution to this challenge was to build a wooden house and rest it on a base of coral stone blocks, so that they could literally move house if so required. Hence the name chattel house, as a man's movable possessions were called his chattels. Despite its humble origins, the chattel house evolved into a carefully planned structure, with several distinct design characteristics and a variety of intricate adornments.
European colonization of the Caribbean left a rich architectural heritage. Of the English-speaking Caribbean, Barbados is perhaps the most fortunate in its profusion of old buildings of all types. These are chiefly late Georgian or Victorian, but include a significant number of earlier structures, including, astonishingly, at least eight major seventeenth century houses and several from around 1700.
Courses
All students are required to take a total of 6 credit hours in Summer 2020 to participate on this program. Students should meet with their academic advisors to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and that the courses are degree applicable.
The Summer Semester in Barbados will include:
- CARC 311 : Field Studies in Design Philosophy 3.
Design communication in international and domestic environments away from the Texas A&M University campus; emphasis on the tools, methods and techniques for design communication. May be taken up to two times in the same semester.
- CARC 331 : Field Studies in Design Communication 3.
Design philosophy in international and domestic environments away from the Texas A&M University campus; emphasis on the historical, philosophical, cultural, social and economic factors that influence design solutions. May be taken up to two times in the same semester.
- ARCH 485 : Directed Studies 3.
Special projects in architecture. May be repeated for credit.
- ARCH 685 : Directed Studies 3.
Individual problems involving application of theory and practice in design and construction of buildings and groups of buildings.
Eligibility
- Open to ALL majors with a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Must obtain approval of the faculty leader
- University Studies majors in the College of Architecture and students enrolled in CARC 481 have first preference
- Must be in good academic standing
- Students must attend all Study Abroad program-specific meeting(s)
Program Highlights
- The College of Architecture offers a program at the Bellairs Institute in Barbados.
- Historic buildings documentation at Wildey House, an 18th-century dwelling in Bridgetown, Barbados (HQ of the Barbados National Trust)
- Understand the various elements of tangible and intangible cultural heritage
- Learn the basics of heritage conservative treatments
- Free weekends for personal exploration and travel around the island-beaches, nature reserves, and city centers