Cuban architecture has a vast array of styles and a complex history behind the melting pot of architectural movements on display throughout the country. The multitude of styles create a visually interesting country full of beautiful cities with so many well crafted buildings. These well crafted buildings add character to an already interesting country. So many of these styles present an almost classic image and feel to the country that make it seem older than it really is. All of the buildings look like they have weathered and lasted through the ages and yet also prepared to last through several more.
Buildings in Havana often represent the time period that they were constructed in and what was influencing the country at that point in time. Several of the styles on display in Cuba are colonial structures to neo-classical, baroque, art deco, art nouveau, and eclectic. Several of the styles like neo-classical represent the time period of Cuba where they were under Spanish colonial rule and had various European sensibilities and styles forced upon the country. These contribute a lot to the classic, grandeur look and style that permeates throughout the country. Other styles like art nouveau and art deco represent the period of American capitalist interest in the country. When America took interest in Cuba, they brought investors who brought several modern building styles with them and changed the way the country looked to appeal to American sensibilities at the time. They even founded a school for architecture to further ingrain the American ideas for architecture and educate citizens on their sensibilities and beliefs towards architecture.
Unfortunately, several Cuban buildings are beginning to crumble. This is due to a couple unknowns when these buildings were being constructed. Many didn’t know beach sand shouldn’t be used for building because of the salt content. They also didn’t know that the steel had to be separated from the bottom. This has resulted in several historic buildings to expand and collapse. Several metal railings have started to rust and fall apart. Many modern building techniques hadn’t been invented yet to avoid several of the natural problems that would corrode Cuban infrastructure especially infrastructure from the colonial period. Heavy rain has caused some walls to collapse. Additionally, the Cuban government didn’t invest in restoring and maintaining several of these buildings. This has resulted in several historic buildings to fall apart making one wonder if these buildings will weather through Cuban history.
Do you think the Cuban government should invest resources into restoring these historic buildings or let the passage of time take them?
Does the mix matching of styles remind you of any other cities or does Havana seem one of a kind in that aspect?
I find it so interesting that the architecture seen in Havana is representative of so many different styles, which also reflect different time periods. I really like the neoclassical style, and I am hoping they could modernize that style and brighten some of the buildings up. Your first question is very important, and I'm sure the people of Cuba have mixed opinions on this. I wouldn't want to speak for them, but I think some of the most important historical buildings should be restored in order to last for many generations to come.
ReplyDeleteHello! I really like your first question- "Do you think the Cuban government should invest resources into restoring these historic buildings or let the passage of time take them?". That is because I am on my city's Historical District Commission. The commission's job is to protect historic buildings in the city's historical district. It is so important to protect the historic buildings of a city because once they are gone, they are gone forever. Also, a lot of the buildings that the Cuban people live in are historic buildings and in need of repair. If nothing is done, then those buildings that are falling apart are going to collapse and people could get hurt and/or lose thier house. So, because of that I think it is very important that the Cuban government needs to invest resources into restoring these historic buildings.
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ReplyDeleteThis is a great analysis of Cuban architecture. To answer your second question, many cities around the world have several styles of architecture like Cuba. One that comes to mind is Valencia, Spain which has architecture form different eras as well as an area that is designed to have "futuristic" architecture. I also think that the Cuban government would be wise to restore their historic buildings, possibly renovating parts of them to maintain the history of the city and improve living conditions for the citizens that live there.
Cuba as a society is struggling to get by. Finances would be better spent on basic needs right now, considering the amount of shortages in the country. So much in Cuba is already aging and falling apart. I figure the government might a well let these buildings go for now. There are more important places to spend funds.
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