Cuban Architecture Essay

Cuban Architecture Essay

Robert Herrera

LAH 4480

Prof. Cruz–Taura

11/13/2014



The roots, spirit, and state of Cuban Architecture.

Cuba is well renown for is outstanding architectural structures and rich cultural history. The eclectic design and structures have roots that date back as far as the times of the native Tanio's. This paper will explore the different time periods of Cuba and how it reflected the architecture of the time periods. By examining the roots and progressing through the different eras that had major impacts on architecture, this paper will illustrate the gradual changes over time in the development of aesthetical diverse architecture that Cuba has today.

Before Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba there already existed a culture called Arawak often ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...Schools of architecture close and most leading architects left Cuba. The United States imposed an embargo against Cuba which economically stopped Cuba's urban development. New construction projects created an environment devoid of a recognizable spirit of place. These new projects with curtain walls and low ceiling have no shutters or balconies to shade or cool them without air conditioning. The Cuban government states there are no homeless in Cuba, an independent study of Havana by Mario Coyula and Jill Hamberg proves many Cubans live in slums with poor electricity, plumbing, natural light, ventilation, and open space. With no architectural or building education many Cubans self–build shanty homes from material found or stolen from nearby building ruins. The country has no order of zoning, building code laws unrelated to Cuban climate, local building materials, and lifestyle. Many residents in Cuba have lost their dwellings or are endangered by serious structural or health conditions where they live. The communist revolution that came to power established policies that reframed both architectural practice and thinking crushing any potential development of a sense of place of the native, colonial, and modern Cuban character. Cuba has an uncertain future architecturally Cuba currently lies frozen in time like a static

... Get more on HelpWriting.net ...