essay
The Arrival of a Residential Complex
Lilly Alexxandra
Lilly Alexxandra is a multi-disciplinary designer from Curaçao and Bonaire, currently studying Contextual Design at Design Academy Eindhoven. She explores the context of memories and oral history in her ongoing search for identity.
The Arrival of a Residential Complex.
I visited the island of Bonaire in May of 2023, where a great deal of time was spent at “Te Amo” beach. I needed to escape life again, drift away in thoughts, as I felt the sun on my skin, and find peace of mind on the island I call home.
I did the only thing I could do and the one thing I knew that always has been a routine: I tag along with my family as they go on about their daily life. I enjoy this very much as it gives me the opportunity to slightly interact and experience everyday life. I bring my camera and equipment, a few rolls of film and all the necessities that help me document and observe.
Then came the arrival of a Residential complex. And everything changed.
On a Wednesday morning as I wandered around the coastal boulevard, I felt a shift in energy. One of the workers in front of the shop said to me “it arrives at 3pm today!”. All of a sudden I realized there was all kinds of buzz around me, people were cleaning in front of their shops, more sandwiches were made, and the golf carts started appearing.
This was not a great day to wear the “Bonaire” bucket hat that I bought earlier that week in the souvenir shop.
