Speaking at the public meeting hosted by the government last evening, one resident questioned if any consideration for national identity was given when designing the structure rather than the ‘mimicry’ of modernism in the detailed plan.

“I do respect this structure for its modernism but its perhaps potential ‘passé’ (unfashionable) and perhaps we could look at structures that are represented more of the natural materials we have here as there are a lot of useful stones in West End,” the resident said.

He noted that stones have been proven historically as the most durable structures in the territory dating back to colonial times.

“The longest-lasting buildings in the islands are built with stone. Maybe that hadn’t been considered enough but I am just putting that forward. I would love the BVI to be more visually identifiable in this structure. It’s very alien and I hope that something more solid, more firm and long-lasting would be considered,” he continued.

The resident also questioned the attractiveness of the building to incoming visitors.

“I am wondering how much consideration actually went into the expectations of visitors coming into the BVI. You must think about the fact that they are coming from an urban environment where this kind of architecture is the norm and daily life for them and perhaps the sort of futuristic projection that is being placed into the imagination here perhaps not as exciting or attractive to the tourist visitors that are coming in,” he pointed out.

Design’s won’t always be to everyone’s liking

Meanwhile, Premier Andrew Fahie said the designs of a structure of this magnitude may not always be to the liking of everyone, but the main goal is to be modern.

“The main point is to make sure it is futuristic in use and also allows for future expansion and also many other areas inside and outside where future expansion is allowed. I am confident that with this process that we are following, we have done so with it as much as is humanely possible,” the Premier said.

Premier Fahie as well as INROS Lackner SE — the German company hired to complete the structural design — described the new West End Ferry Terminal design as ‘futuristic and organic’ .