Historical monastery as pivot for Paramaribo's future

This master’s thesis is the result of research into the convent of the Congregation Daughters of Mary Immaculate Conception, located in Paramaribo, Suriname. The objectives of the research are to bundle relevant information about the building, both historically and architecturally, to make an assessment of its heritage value. Subsequently, we try to formulate possibilities for re-use, considering the existing heritage values and the dynamics of the neighborhood.
The research is divided into two parts. In part 1 ‘Yesterday and today’, the complex is described in detail through a spatial, historical and architectural analysis. The surroundings of the building are examined. Then we describe the building history and the history of the order. Finally, the architectural structure of the complex is discussed. The information that is assembled is brought together in a value assessment. This shows that the most important heritage values of this complex are the architectural, historical, urban planning and socio-cultural value.
Part 2 ‘Tomorrow’ builds towards the proposals for re-use. To arrive to this, a restoration philosophy is first set out. Next is the chapter ‘Restoration and management’, in which we list the necessary technical interventions in the historic building. This is followed by the philosophy for re-use. In this chapter we bring together the factors that play a role in the redevelopment of the monastery complex. The product of this research are six concrete reallocation proposals: office, coworking hub, retirement home, student housing, hostel and a combined scenario of coworking hub and student housing. Each scenario is described and evaluated.