On Wednesday, a partial collapse struck the former building of the Higher Institute of Design (ISDI) in Havana, just days after architects warned about its impending failure.
The construction firm, Gómez y Durán Construcciones SRL, confirmed the incident via social media with the post: "When neglect leads to a partial collapse. Warnings went unheeded," accompanied by images showing the side of the building that had fallen.
Days prior, the company had publicly highlighted the building's severe deterioration with a warning: "When neglect takes over buildings. Former headquarters of the Higher Institute of Design (ISDI)."
News outlet CubaNet also reported on the event, sharing a video on Facebook that indicated the collapse happened around noon.
Witnesses, including local residents and workers, reported seeing people inside the building shortly before it gave way. "Several homeless individuals sleep there," concerned witnesses said, fearing potential casualties. As of now, no injuries or fatalities have been officially confirmed.
According to CubaNet, after the collapse, locals gathered at the site to collect bricks and other debris, a testament to the scarcity plaguing Havana's residents, who often repurpose rubble for home repairs.
The building, which housed the ISDI for decades and is part of Havana's architectural heritage, has been progressively deteriorating due to lack of maintenance and institutional neglect.
Located in the heart of Central Havana, the ISDI building has experienced ongoing decay and neglect, leading to multiple structural incidents over the past year.
Initial reports highlighted the collapse of a section of the building without any reported casualties at that time. Soon after, authorities acknowledged the collapse and claimed actions had been taken, yet the overall condition of the building continued to decline.
The state of neglect also facilitated the theft of materials and documents. Days before the latest collapse, a break-in resulted in the disappearance of historic records, including academic files and furniture.
Residents noted the complete lack of security and the frequent presence of people sleeping there.
This building, which was once home to one of the country's most prestigious design institutions, contains historical documents and academic works of patrimonial value. However, the absence of preservation efforts, institutional abandonment, and lack of effective intervention have turned the structure into a critical point of urban risk, both due to its structural condition and the security challenges that surround it.
Understanding the Collapse at Havana's ISDI Building
What caused the partial collapse of the ISDI building in Havana?
The partial collapse was primarily due to prolonged neglect and lack of maintenance, leading to severe structural deterioration.
Were there any casualties reported from the collapse?
As of now, there have been no official confirmations of injuries or fatalities resulting from the collapse.
How has the local community responded to the building's collapse?
Following the collapse, local residents have been collecting bricks and debris for reuse, highlighting the resource scarcity in Havana.