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Architecture of Cuba

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See also: History of Cuba
Colourful and Eclectic Street Architecture in Havana, the Capital of Cuba

Architecture of Cuba refers to the buildings, structures and architectural history throughout the Caribbean island nation of Cuba. The unique mix of cultural and artistic influences throughout history have led to Cuba being renowned for its eclectic and diverse architecture, which can be defined as a unique fusion of numerous well-studied architectural styles from around the world.

After being circumnavigated by navigator Sebastian de Ocampo in 1508, Cuba was subsequently settled by the Spanish in 1511.[1] Being ruled by Spain for more than 400 years following this, Cuban architecture is therefore deeply reflective of this colonial period. Various historical events throughout this time period contributed to further structural and artistic influences, such as trade liberalisation due to major trade reforms in 1778 and 1791.[2]

Following this, Cuba continued to see diverse architectural pursuits into the 20th century. This was mainly due to increased funding into architectural projects because of national prosperity from high sugar exports during World War I.[3] The Art Deco period is also a notable reference point for Cuban architecture prior to the turn of the century.

In modern times, Cuban architecture is continually celebrated by historians and tourists alike. Contemporary issues such as privatisation and how architecture itself is viewed as a profession in Latin America are both relevant topics when considering the future of Cuban architecture moving forwards.

Early History

Prior to Christopher Columbus landing in Cuba in 1492, the island was inhabited by Ciboney Indians and Arawak Indians who had migrated around the Caribbean. Thus, early architecture in Cuba was rudimentary and based on the culture and lifestyle of these hunter-gatherer groups.[4]

Colonial Period (1511-1898)

Havana fortress, Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta

The Colonial Period was characterised by volatility, meaning military architecture from this period is notable. Military architecture can be defined as the complex structures and fortifications designed to protect a region during unwanted attacks.[5] Italian engineer Battista Antonelli was the first to introduce such a style of Renaissance military structures to Cuba, which he designed and built just prior to the beginning of the 17th Century. Antonelli's work included the Castillo de Ios Tres Reyes del Morrow and the Castillo San Salvador de la Punta, both located in Havana. These structures were both recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage listed fortifications in 1982.[6]

La Cabaña fort in Havana is another key example of military architecture, driven by elements of French design and therefore a reflection of the Franco-Spanish alliance that impacted Colonial Cuba.[7] Taking over 10 years to build and covering 10 hectares of land, this fortification is the largest Spanish military structure in both North and South America.[8]

Neoclassicism

Due to an increase of French immigrants to Cuba in the 19th Century, Cuban architecture also became highly influenced by neoclassicism, which was reflective of architectural projects taking place in France. The city of Cienfuegos, located on the south coast, was greatly impacted by these trends, and is considered one of the most neoclassical cities in Cuba.[9] In the nation's capital of Havana, notable neoclassical buildings include the El Template and the Hotel Inglaterra.[10]

20th Century

See also: Republic of Cuba (1902-1959)

The Architecture of Cuba throughout the 20th Century took influence from visiting architects from around the world, and is therefore characterised by international artistic trends such as the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Political and social changes also lead to an increase in public works, and thus civil architecture from this period is notable. Cuba also saw a building boom post-revolution, with architectural choices that reflect the values held by Cuban society at the time.

Art Nouveau and Art Deco

The Bacardi Building, Havana 2006

In an attempt to keep up with fast developing cultural styles abroad, Cuba was quick to follow the trend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture at the beginning of the 20th Century.

Art Nouveau, which translates from French as 'new' art, was an ornamental style of architecture that become immensely popular in Europe at the turn of the century.[11] The style was first introduced in Cuba due to the 1905 Paris Exhibition.[12]

Art Deco inspiration was soon to follow, becoming a stylistic choice for both public and residential designs by private architects in Cuba, particularly in the 1930s. A key example of this is The Bacardi Building, located in Havana, and celebrated as an iconic building that draws inspiration from the Art Deco period. The result of an architectural design competition, the building is characterised by its marble and red granite facade.[13] The Bacardi Building was also the very first skyscraper to be built in the city of Havana.[14]

Civil Architecture

Lonja del Comercio Building in Havana

After reaching independence in 1902, Cuba saw an immense building boom, with a particular focus on civil works.[4] This was largely driven by an increase in population, with the number of residents in the capital of Havana doubling from 1900 to 1930, mostly due to new laws which facilitated higher rates of immigration.[15]

The Lonja del Comercio building was constructed in 1908 by architects Tomás Our and José Mata to be used as a commercial bank and stock exchange. The design, featuring a high Renaissance inspired facade, was a reflection of new architectural preferences at the beginning of the 20th Century.[16]

Post Revolution (1959 - 1999)

Due to strict government regulation following the Cuban Revolution, the need for extensive planning and government approval significantly slowed architectural development. Furthermore, the United States embargo against Cuba which began in October 1960 meant that architectural projects often faced difficulties in terms of gaining resources and materials for construction, particularly in the first decade proceeding the embargo.[17]

National Arts Schools

See also: National Art Schools (Cuba)
Vittorio Garatti, School of Ballet, Escuelas Nacional de Arte (1961-65)

One of the largest scale architectural projects of this early post revolution period was the National Arts Schools buildings in Havana. Designed by Cuban architect Ricardo Porro, and Italian architects Roberto Gottardi and Vittorio Garatti, shortages of traditional materials due to the US trade embargo lead to the decision to use primarily local brick and terracotta tiles.[18] The ambitious design of the Art Schools is truly a reflection of the utopian socialist and idealistic optimism present in Cuba following the revolution.[19]

Composed of five unique buildings for each school of Art, the project commenced construction on March 13, 1961,[20] aiming to organically intertwine natural Cuban landscapes with unique architectural techniques from around the world. One key focus was to employ the Catalan vault structure, a layered brickwork construction technique, drawing inspiration from the work of Antonin Gaudi in Spain.[21][22]

However, construction of the National Art Schools never reached completion. Work stopped in 1965 for various reasons, principally due to new national preferences in favour of Soviet-style architecture and the damaging economic impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis.[22] Despite being incomplete, the Art Schools have since received significant recognition for their innovation and beauty as an architectural form. The National Council of Cultural Heritage prescribed the Schools as national monuments in 2011.[23]

21st Century

Contemporary Architecture

In addition to the rich history of Cuban architecture, contemporary architecture is of increasing importance in Cuba. One recent project is the art space Factoria Habana, which was designed by Abiel San Miguel in 2009. The building was converted from an old industrial building, and features elements characteristic of modern architecture such as high ceilings, concrete floors and an open floor plan.[24] Ultimately, contemporary architectural structures are beginning to coexist with historic Cuban structures and buildings.

Future

The future of Cuban architecture is debated. It is suggested that Cuban civil infrastructure, particularly in Havana, is outdated and therefore no longer providing for its citizens.[25] Although a lot of architectural restoration work has been done and the city is nevertheless celebrated by tourists, Old Havana still has many buildings which are in a state of disrepair, poorly maintained or abandoned.[26] Many of these current restoration projects are directed by the Office of the Historian of Havana.[24]

See Also


References

  1. ^ Staten, Clifford L.,. The history of Cuba (Second edition ed.). Santa Barbara, California. p. 18. ISBN 9781786844910. OCLC 1005001178. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Staten, Clifford L.,. The history of Cuba (Second edition ed.). Santa Barbara, California. p. 16. ISBN 9781786844910. OCLC 1005001178. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Corona, Daniela. "A collage of colourful and eclectic monuments - the best of Cuba's architecture and where to see it". cubaholidays.co.uk. Retrieved 2019-05-12. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  4. ^ a b Staten, Clifford L.,. The history of Cuba (Second edition ed.). Santa Barbara, California. pp. xiii. ISBN 9781786844910. OCLC 1005001178. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Bevilacqua, Marco Giorgio (2014). "Military Architecture and Mathematics". Nexus Network Journal. 16 (3): 517–521. doi:10.1007/s00004-014-0220-x. ISSN 1590-5896.
  6. ^ Niglio, Olimpia (2014-12-01). "Geometry and Genius Loci: Battista Antonelli's Fortifications in Havana". Nexus Network Journal. 16 (3): 723–735. doi:10.1007/s00004-014-0202-z. ISSN 1522-4600.
  7. ^ Luengo, Pedro (2017). "Military Engineering in Eighteenth-Century Havana and Manila: The Experience of the Seven Years War". War in History. 24 (1): 4–27. doi:10.1177/0968344515620829. ISSN 0968-3445.
  8. ^ "Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña | Havana, Cuba Attractions". www.lonelyplanet.com. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
  9. ^ Sainsbury, Brendan. "Cuba's eclectic architecture". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  10. ^ Planet, Lonely. "Havana's Architecture in Havana, Cuba". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  11. ^ Black, Iain (2000-11-01). "Art Nouveau 1890–1914". The London Journal. 25 (2): 110–118. doi:10.1179/ldn.2000.25.2.110. ISSN 0305-8034.
  12. ^ Rodríguez, Eduardo Luis; Beusterien, John; Menocal, Narciso G. (1996). "The Architectural Avant-Garde: From Art Deco to Modern Regionalism". The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts. 22: 256. doi:10.2307/1504156. ISSN 0888-7314.
  13. ^ "Edificio Bacardí". Havana City Guide. 2013-12-17. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  14. ^ "Bacardi Building". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 2019-05-19.
  15. ^ Lejeune, Jean-François; Beusterien, John; Menocal, Narciso G. (1996). "The City as Landscape: Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier and the Great Urban Works of Havana, 1925-1930". The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts. 22: 158. doi:10.2307/1504152. ISSN 0888-7314.
  16. ^ Lejeune, Jean-François; Beusterien, John; Menocal, Narciso G. (1996). "The City as Landscape: Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier and the Great Urban Works of Havana, 1925-1930". The Journal of Decorative and Propaganda Arts. 22: 159. doi:10.2307/1504152. ISSN 0888-7314.
  17. ^ Lynch, James (1979). "Cuban Architecture since the Revolution". Art Journal. 39 (2): 101. doi:10.2307/776395. ISSN 0004-3249.
  18. ^ "AD Classics: The National Art Schools of Cuba / Ricardo Porro, Vittorio Garatti, Roberto Gottardi". ArchDaily. 2013-09-12. Retrieved 2019-05-14.
  19. ^ "Revolution of Forms: Cuba's Forgotten Art Schools". www.revolutionofforms.com. Retrieved 2019-05-14.
  20. ^ Lynch, James (1979). "Cuban Architecture since the Revolution". Art Journal. 39 (2): 103. doi:10.2307/776395. ISSN 0004-3249.
  21. ^ Rajabzadeh, Shaghayegh; Sassone, Mario (April 2017). "Brick Patterning on Free-Form Surfaces". Nexus Network Journal. 19 (1): 5–25. doi:10.1007/s00004-016-0305-9. ISSN 1590-5896.
  22. ^ a b Loomis, John (2002). "Castro's Dream". World Monument's Fund. Retrieved 14 May 2019.
  23. ^ "National Art Schools". World Monuments Fund. Retrieved 2019-05-14.
  24. ^ a b "Young architects struggle to update the face of Cuba". Design Observer. Retrieved 2019-05-20.
  25. ^ Bullivant, Lucy (November 2010). "A revolution in Cuban architecture? Castro opens up private sector". Architectural Review. 228: 29–30.
  26. ^ Perrottet, Néstor Martí,Tony. "The Man Who Saved Havana". Smithsonian. Retrieved 2019-05-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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