Customer Reviews

The Havana Guide: Modern Architecture 1925-1965

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This book focuses on the various works of prominent Cuban architects from the 1920's until the beginning of the now almost five-decades-long Castro reign. The most recent creation depicted is from 1965; we can safely assume that probably all of the architects portrayed in this book went into exile in the sixties (author Eduardo Rodriguez does not make mention of a single one staying there).

The author still lives in Cuba, and rather than condemning the architects he writes about for having left the island, as is customary from Cubans who stayed there, he laments the loss of their talents. Photographs and blueprints are surprisingly plentiful and very interesting, however he is not clear upon whether they are recent photographs (on some it's obvious, because of the decay apparent on the building), or if they were taken at the time of completion. He is also inconsistent in informing readers of the present uses of said buildings (many homes are now diplomatic guest houses or residences, some government buildings are identified by the use given to them when Batista was in power. As an example, one is identified as the Lottery Building, an institution that Castro abolished shortly after taking power). He does let us know the present names of former high-class suburbs (those with anglo names such as Country Club or Vanderbilt were re-named by the Castroites).

The book makes evident what a diverse society Havana had at one time, as opposed to feeding you the oft-repeated stereotype of said city simply being a haven for casinos and mob-controlled hotels. It gives you an idea of what could have been, in light of the fact that these architects were very prolific at the time of the Revolution and that, by the author's own admission, there has been very little construction in Cuba since 1959.

Do not assume that The Havana Guide is solely for architects, however. It is also a book that will be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in Cuba. It may also serve as a trip back in time for those who lived in Havana and were able to see these buildings first-hand.

Es un libro excelente sobre arquitectura cubana, sobre un período además poco documentado y del que desgraciadamente van quedando pocos exponentes en Cuba. Imprescindible para comprender la evolución de la arquitectura en Cuba.

THE BOOK COMPILES MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE IN CUBA. YOU CAN GET REALLY SURPRISED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE DESIGN OF THE CONSTRUCTIONS BUILT IN THOSE YEARS IN CUBA. The author dedicates about a page to each building including pictures(B/W), plans and a short explanation. The book will be expecially interesting if you are travelling to Cuba(interested in architecture) because it divides the buildings depending on the areas where they are located.

I bought this book when it came out in 2000 and was floored at the beauty of Cuban modernism. This book contains many rare photos and biographies of the Cuba's noted Architects of the pre Castro era. Sadly most of these masterpieces were not appreciated by the Communists and although many have been preserved as diplomat homes and homes for party members and other government officials, ( Castro lives in Siboney ) , the majority of were ruined by over use and under-maintenance as was Cuba in general.

This book is the only one of its kind. Written by the undisputed authority on Cuban modernist architecture, it is a must for anyone visiting Cuba who is interested in architecture, or anyone interested in modernism in general. The essay and entries are informative, readable, and written with wit and style. I've "lost" at least 3 copies of this book to friends who come over and ask to borrow it. Highly recommended!

This book is quite helpful. As an architecture student working on a hypothetical embassy in Cuba, this book gave context to my building and showed the vast array of Cuban architecture.