Architecture
Cuba is home to some of the most spectacular architecture in the Americas. With a Spanish colonial legacy dating back to the 16th century, Havana is graced with hundreds of magnificent structures: El Morro castle at the gates of the harbor; the Cathedral of San Cristobal; the Grand Theater; El Capitolio, modeled after the U.S. Capitol Building, to name just a few. It also boasts an array of splendid 20th century buildings in a range of styles - Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Catalan Modernismo, and more. These are far more numerous than the colonial structures, but are often overlooked when it comes to preservation, because they are scattered all over the city.
The wages of time, the scarcity of construction material, and the Carribean salt air have conspired to erode almost every building in the country. Much of Cuba's unique architectural legacy is in danger of crumbling into irreversible disrepair. The Cuban government has undertaken an ambitious program of restoration, and has given the city historian's office unprecendented financial independence in revitalizing Old Havana, where much of the colonial architecture is concentrated. UNESCO has designated the area a World Heritage Site. As Cuba's international tourist trade continues to expand, foreign companies who build hotels there are required to contribute to the ongoing preservation and restoration efforts. As a result, Old Havana today is a flurry of activity, with scaffolding and workers at every turn.
American urban planners and architects have also taken notice, drawn not only to the beauty of the structures, but to the layout and design of neighborhoods that are pedestrian-friendly and promote community through the proximity of public spaces and resources. Numerous American design conferences focusing on Cuba have been organized in recent years, examining issues from history and preservation to sustainable neighborhood development.
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