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Two Projects for Centro Havana

Part 2 Project 2011
Alex Stevens
 University of East London London | UK
In 2011 communist Cuba is in a period of political change. Raul Castro is reducing the state’s control of the economy and allowing private ownership. The people now have the chance to set up small businesses and work their way out of poverty. Tourism is growing and there is an increase in business relations with other countries.

The two projects designed deliver architectural solutions acknowledging this political change whilst also addressing current social problems. The buildings provide for the new opportunities the people of Cuba are gaining whilst fitting in with the social and cultural context of Centro Havana.

The library on the Prado holds a collection of resources, and services to help the local community develop, in particular for the setting up of privately owned businesses. The Library also provides conference space and function rooms for the businessmen and women visiting Cuba. Positioned between two existing buildings along a promenade the slim terraced form of the Library has a powerful presence. On ground level the building connects to a new shaded public space with a concrete stair positioned among columns that lift the building entirely off the ground.

The second project sits within a void left from a fallen garage. The project provides much needed adaptable housing for people left to live in cramped conditions after their previous homes have become uninhabitable. The project also caters for the surrounding residents, providing sanitation facilities and workshop spaces. Urban agriculture now plays an important role in the production of food for local people. On a raised podium a community garden provides space to grow food away from ground level that is prone to flooding.

Building studies investigating the relationship between form and atmosphere inspired physical models used to test and describe the lighting and proportions of the spaces within the two projects. Prototypes of innovative yet simple construction techniques were tested and developed at full scale to achieve the varying characteristics of space. By utilising local materials and construction methods it is hoped the buildings are contemporary yet fitting additions to the city of Havana.

Alex Stevens
Tutor(s)
Isaac Cobo i Displas
Mr Mark Hayduk
2011
Cast and sketches of Sir John Soane's 12-14 Lincoln's Inn Fields - Rooms around a courtyard connect to each other through transient spaces of differing scale and form
Study drawings and models of Francesco Borromini's San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane - Spacial hierarchy is defined by geometry unique to each space
Two Projects for Centro Havana - Site plan and cast model of the area surrounding the Prado. Large scale buildings contrast to dense housing with thin courtyards
Library on the Prado - Providing a collection of resources and services to help the local community develop and set up privately owned businesses
On ground level the library connects to a new shaded public space with a concrete stair positioned among columns that lift the building entirely off the ground
Cast of the Library on the Prado staircase
View from the library reading terrace - Air circulates through tall spaces accessible from the stair that turns in and out of the Library
A view to the Atlantic from the top room of the Library - A stillness is found above the busy streets of Havana
Library on the Prado model. section and plans
Industria Housing and Community Project - A new penetrable facade continues the rhythm of fenestration along the street
A new route to the Malecon with shaded public space workshops and sanitation facilities
Model of Industria Housing and Community Project and a view of the community gardens on a raised podium
Cast of thin plaster partitions and a model view from a residential space to a central courtyard. Air flows over the plaster block partitions for cross ventilation
Industria Housing and Community Project plans and section
View of the two projects within Centro Havana - By utilising local materials and construction methods the buildings are contemporary yet fitting additions to the city
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