WILLEMSTAD - The building that currently houses NAAM (National Archaeological Anthropological Memory Management) in the historic district of Pietermaai has recently been painted in a striking salmon pink color. DOCOMOMO Curaçao, an organization dedicated to documenting and preserving modern movement buildings, expresses deep concern about this choice.
The NAAM building is among the top 25 most important modernist buildings in Curaçao and will be featured in the book "Modern Architecture of Curaçao 1930-1960," which DOCOMOMO will publish later this year in collaboration with the LM Publishers Foundation.
The building holds special significance for many residents of Curaçao as it used to serve as a library. It was opened in 1945 as the Public Reading Room and Library, along with some offices. It is a fine example of the "Nieuwe Bouwen" (New Building) style, a branch of Modern Architecture that emerged in Europe in the early decades of the 20th century and later spread elsewhere. Buildings in this style were typically very light in color. The NAAM building is an adaptation to the tropical climate and was designed by the DOW architect C.M. Bakker. It was designated as a protected monument in 1999.
DOCOMOMO appreciates the restoration and investment in the city center but considers the drastic change of color a major architectural mistake by the General Pension Fund of Curaçao (APC), the owner of the building. It is not only the exterior that is being painted salmon pink, but also the light colors on the patio, including walls and doors, are being changed to dark colors. An entrepreneur plans to transform the entire building into a restaurant with an Art Deco ambiance, which seems to be the reason behind the color choices. However, the NAAM building is not an example of Art Deco architecture. There is a lack of knowledge and expertise in architectural history during the preparation phase.
DOCOMOMO chairman Ronny Lobo expresses his dissatisfaction with the situation and is concerned that other historic buildings may suffer the same fate. He remarks, "Tomorrow, someone might come up with the idea of painting the Penha building in this color." He emphasizes that color is an integral part of a building's architecture and collective memory. Unfortunately, there are still no restoration guidelines for the monuments on the island, including Willemstad, which has UNESCO World Heritage status and includes Pietermaai.
DOCOMOMO Curaçao Foundation calls for greater attention to the historical and architectural context in such projects. It is crucial that the appropriate expertise is employed to ensure that buildings are restored and preserved in a respectful and suitable manner.
