The Higher Institute of Industrial Design (ISDI) is making a move to the Playa municipality after its long-standing building at Belascoaín and Carlos III in Centro Habana was declared uninhabitable. Designer David Lahera confirmed this information on his Facebook page, and it was further disseminated by state media outlets like Cubadebate and Havana Government's website.
The new location for ISDI will be the former Pablo de la Torriente Brau Polytechnic Institute, situated at 1st and 32nd streets, which is currently undergoing renovations. In recent years, ISDI students have attended classes in other University of Havana faculties due to the deteriorated state of the original building. Authorities indicate that classes for the 2025–2026 academic year might still be held in these temporary locations while construction at the new site is completed.
Administrative Transition and Renovation Efforts
The administrative transfer of the building has been finalized, and diagnostic tasks, project design, contractor hiring, and material procurement are underway for a comprehensive renovation. The goal is to ensure safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing conditions for training the next generation of Cuban designers.
However, questions have arisen regarding the fate of the old "Pablo" facility, which previously offered courses in trades like crafts, construction, and more recently, computer science. "The news doesn't mention what happened to the Polytechnic," noted a user in the comments section of the officialist Cubadebate.
A Legacy of Neglect
The decision to vacate ISDI's original location isn't new. Back in March 2022, the institution closed due to a "complex architectural failure" that jeopardized the building's safety, as announced on social media. At the time, a civil engineer described the issue as "structural and very dangerous," pointing out that the building was never adequately reinforced to handle new loads, such as a theater added on the top floor.
In January, the situation reached a critical point when a partial collapse occurred, injuring an elderly woman and affecting several families. "The collapse of ISDI is also the collapse of Cuba," wrote designer Carlos Zamora in a viral post, sparking renewed criticism about the neglect of essential infrastructure for higher education.
Embarking on a New Chapter
Established in 1984, ISDI has graduated over 3,000 designers and maintains connections with the productive, service, and sociocultural sectors. Its dean, Dr. Sergio Peña Martínez, stated after the collapse that "ISDI does not stop" and emphasized the commitment to securing a facility that matches its legacy and mission. Although the move to "Pablo" is driven by urgency, it could signify the beginning of a new chapter for one of the nation's most innovative and resilient institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about ISDI's Relocation
Why did ISDI have to relocate from its original building?
ISDI's original building was declared uninhabitable due to severe structural issues, including a complex architectural failure and a partial collapse that posed significant safety risks.
Where is ISDI's new location?
The new location for ISDI is the former Pablo de la Torriente Brau Polytechnic Institute in the Playa municipality, which is currently being renovated to accommodate the institute.
What happened to the previous functions of the 'Pablo' facility?
The fate of the old "Pablo" facility, where courses in trades and computer science were offered, remains unclear according to available reports.