Rum & TuKola

RIP Cuban Architecture

Today’s Hablando de Espacio radio show, run by heroic young architects Claudia Castillo and Orlando Inclán, featured a chat with art critic and curator of the Havana Biennial Nelson Herrera Ysla. He had some scathing things to say about contemporary Cuban architecture. Here’s a tiny translated bit: 

“Speaking honestly, the Cuban architecture that’s being produced today is in its worst moment in history. Exaggerating a little bit, just a little, I’d say that it doesn’t exist as an expression of the material and spiritual culture of our country. It’s disappeared from the space of our cities, countrysides, and the global panorama of Cuba, slowly and progressively before all of our eyes.” 

He goes on to point to the anodyne, generic buildings that have invaded the rest of the Caribbean, like the Miramar Trade Center, above, that are among the only new constructions in Havana. It’s informative and so, totally true. Bravo, señor. Spanish-speakers, check it out.