Cuban architect Edelberto "Bertín" Díaz, who now resides in Panama, argues that Havana requires urban planning solutions tailored to its unique landscape, culture, and climate. He warns against the uncritical adoption of foreign models, which he describes as mere "showmanship" that has historically failed the city.
Díaz identifies two key areas where change is essential in Cuba: "This is not just about transitioning from one political order; it's about transforming a city that seems stuck in the past. We need to move from treating spaces as museum pieces to giving them real value so they enhance our lives instead of burdening them."
Rethinking Urban Spaces
During an interview with CiberCuba journalist Tania Costa, Díaz was asked if Havana could feature a green space similar to New York's Central Park. He firmly responded, "If you tell me we need to bulldoze 50 blocks to achieve what New York has, that seems quite absurd."
Instead, Díaz, who was the chief architect for Iberostar until 2000, suggests exploring homegrown alternatives. He highlights bamboo as a plant with excellent oxygen-enhancing properties, though he admits it requires further study. His central thesis is that "you don't need the same recipe to achieve similar results."
Challenges in Havana's Urban Development
Díaz critiques Cuba's historical trend of importing solutions unsuited to its context. He points to the Paseo del Prado, the Capitol building, and Soviet-era prefabricated structures as examples of poorly adapted models: "Ultimately, it's just showmanship," he asserts.
The urban crisis he describes is reflected in stark numbers: nearly 1,000 buildings collapse annually in Havana, the national housing deficit has long exceeded 800,000 units, and 35% of the housing stock is in poor or fair condition. In 2024, the Cuban Housing Plan met only 39% of its goals due to cement shortages.
Neighborhoods such as Centro Habana and Habana Vieja show the most severe deterioration, with irreversible losses of historical heritage and over 30,000 cubic meters of daily waste contributing to diseases like dengue.
Political Transition: A Critical Need
The regime has only recently acknowledged the severity of the building crisis, yet government responses remain woefully inadequate. On the political front, Díaz is both cautious and resolute. "A change is undeniably on the horizon. Where it will come from, I can't say with certainty. What the proposal will be, I don't know, but the urgent need for change is clear in the reality of the Cuban people," he states.
The architect emphasizes the importance of preparation: "We must act with foresight," he warns, cautioning against improvising during such a transition, which could leave the nation unprepared.
Díaz also notes emerging interactions between professionals and politically motivated groups, which could soon become more formalized. He supports revisiting previous attempts to chart a course forward, as these efforts offer valuable insights that could guide future steps.
Finally, Díaz advocates for urban sustainability that incorporates local cultures and job development in each area, rather than focusing solely on economic gains.
Frequently Asked Questions about Havana's Urban Challenges
What are the primary urban challenges facing Havana?
Havana is grappling with a significant number of building collapses, a massive housing deficit, and deteriorating neighborhoods, all exacerbated by inadequate government responses.
Why does Díaz oppose adopting foreign urban models for Havana?
Díaz argues that foreign models often result in showmanship rather than practical solutions, as they don't account for Havana's unique cultural, climatic, and geographical characteristics.
What alternatives does Díaz propose for Havana's urban development?
Díaz suggests exploring local solutions like using bamboo for its excellent oxygen-enhancing properties, rather than mimicking foreign models like New York's Central Park.