The cultural center of Sainte-Anne in Guadeloupe is hosting a month-long exhibition titled "Nannan a Kaz Kréyòl" (Memories of Creole Houses), running until October 19, 2025. Created by photographer and designer Giorgiana Gace, this artistic and documentary installation immerses visitors in the daily life of traditional Creole homes from bygone eras, showcasing familiar objects that are gradually disappearing over time.

The exhibition offers a profound cultural experience that revives the atmosphere of traditional Caribbean living. Through suspended fragments, architectural details, and testimonies from former residents, visitors can rediscover local craftsmanship in construction and interior design. The traditional Creole houses featured were lightweight, well-ventilated, and firmly anchored to the ground – characteristics that helped them withstand natural disasters that frequently impact the archipelago.

"The Creole house, for me, is not just a building. It's life stories, it's 'ki jan moun té ka viv andidan a sa' [How people lived inside it]," explained Giorgiana Gace, the designer and photographer behind the exhibition. Her perspective emphasizes the human element that made these structures more than mere architectural forms.

During Friday evening's opening ceremony on September 19, visitors were transported back to their memories of the 1960s and 70s. One visitor shared, "It reminded me of when I was little. I found the colors, the peace, the objects, everything that was there." Another attendee recalled fond childhood memories: "When it rained, I loved going to my grandfather's house, sitting in his chair – a rocking chair – being in his arms and listening to the rain fall!"

The exhibition reveals how traditional Creole houses possessed numerous advantages that modern construction often overlooks. These homes utilized wood, vibrant colors, and practical objects that each served specific purposes in response to local needs. The architecture was already bioclimatic before the concept became popular in contemporary sustainable design discussions.

Visitors who have immersed themselves in "Nannan a Kaz Kréyòl" have been reminded of memories from not-so-distant times, while younger generations have witnessed visual illustrations of their parents' stories. The installation demonstrates qualities that deserve revival today, especially after years of borrowing architectural models from other regions that may not suit the Caribbean climate and lifestyle.

The exhibition suggests that this journey through time could serve as a catalyst for reconnecting with indigenous architectural wisdom and cultural practices. By showcasing the practical advantages of traditional Creole housing – from natural ventilation systems to disaster-resistant construction techniques – the display encourages visitors to consider how ancestral knowledge might inform contemporary building practices in Guadeloupe and the broader Caribbean region.