Shaw_Lydia_HavanaCompendium

CENTRAL HAVANA, CUBA WITH COMPARISONS OF SOUTH PHILADELPHIA EAST

CENTRAL HAVANA, CUBA WITH COMPARISONS OF SOUTH PHILADELPHIA EAST

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Lydia Shaw

Table of Contents Collage: Sunset on the Malecon...................................................Page 1 Collage: A Visit to S Philly E...........................................................Page 2 Photo Mapping the Locations.......................................................Page 3 Location Comparisons..................................................................Page 4 Creative Installation: Expanding the Malecon............................Page 5 Expanding the Malecon Explained..............................................Page 6 The back cover displays Walking the Streets of Philadelphia and Havana

An abstract collage comparing the iconic features of South Philadelphia East, Pennsylvania and Central Havana, Cuba

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Central Havana Cuba

*Street Diagram: Central Havana, A diagram of the key features and locations of the area

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Sunset on the Malecon, An abstract collage featuring current photos from various locations along the Malecon

S Philadelphia East Pennsylvania

*Street Diagram: S Philadelphia East, A diagram of the key features and locations of the area

A Visit to S Philly E, An abstract collage featuring current photos from various locations along the streets of Soiuth Philadelhia East

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Photo Mapping the Locations with photos from various well-known landmarks

Location Comparisons To best understand Havana, Cuba, I found it easiest to compare it to a place I am familiar with, Philadelphia. More specifically, South Philadelphia East. Established by Dutch settlers in 1631, this area of the city originally served as a safe haven for immigrant/ migrant families; later it’s waterways became a navy base which then turned into a local attraction. The area has a population density of 16,771 people/sq mi with demographics of: 52% white, 26% black, 12% asian, 10% other. The main building styles include: Georgian, Federal, Victorian, & Postmodern. A majority of these buildings are used for residential and business purposes.

The main forms of transportation for residents is by car, SEPTA buses, or by bike.

Having this knowledge, I was able to compare and contrast the two cities. Central Havana, Cuba was established by Spanish colonizers in 1515. It served as a place for spanish fleets coming to the “New World,” making it into a shipping harbour, which acts as a tourist attraction today. The population density of the city is 39,537 people/sq km with demographics of: 51% mulatto, 37% white, 11% black, 1% asian. The main building styles include: Cuban Baroque, Art Deco, Eclecticism, & Neoclassicism. A majority of these buildings are used for residential, business, and religious purposes. The main forms of transportation for residents include the METROBus or Colectivos (Shared Taxis), walking, or biking.

*In reference to the diagrams on pages 1 and 2, the red lines represent vehicular noise, the orange represents buildings, the blue circles encompass the noise from nearby water, the green circles encompass the noise from neaby parks. Additionally, the names of major streets and neighborhoods have also been labled.

(Right) Queens Village residences in Philadelphia and (Left) Central Havana residences looking towards church in Cuba

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Expanding the Malecon, A creative installation to enhance and protect the beloved and iconic Malecon

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Expanding the Malecon Explained The Malecon is a five-mile long esplanade, roadway, and seawall. It is located in Havana, Cuba where it has been enjoyed by locals and tourists since its creation in 1901. This esplanade mainly serves as a walkway and viewing location for Cuba’s vibrant sunsets. It also serves the purpose as an exercise and fishing spot.

After many years of wear and tear on the Malecon due to pedestrians, vehicles, and hurricanes, it is in need of a fresh new design that emulates Havana’s vibrancy and energy. So, I have created a solution to help protect Havana, as well as, provide areas for tourists, locals, and vendors.

My design includes retractable piers, rigid steps, arches, and street lamps.

All of these elements work together to create a space that provides a renewed sea defense, cultural social spaces, and the resurrection of an old icon back to life.

The retractable piers will be painted with the same palette as the iconic buildings that surround the area. These boardwalks could be used for fishing, walking, or pop-up vendor shops. They would have the ability to fold up during hurricanes. The steps would be made of reinforced concrete and would provide a seating area and exercise alternative. Many people who occupy the Malecon are drawn to the sunsets and having more seating would draw larger crowds. These steps would also help protect against hurricanes as their rigid design chops up the water’s motion. The arches are mainly a design element that emphasizes the historical architecture of the site. Many arches can be seen lining the Malecon and framing the buildings nearby. These arches could be used to create a frame for photo opportunities. The pier’s boards would fold up underneath these small structures during severe storms. The street lamps would be used for a soft ambient lighting for pedestrians after the sun has set. The lights also indicate when there is a hurricane warning and will turn red and flash when the pier begins to retract.

(Above) Photo Opportunities: The arch is a beautiful frame for both the iconic buildings and the spectacular sunsets.

(Below) Hurricane Preparation: The steps are grounded by an irregular face seawall that is constructed with a wave return wall to help combat hurricanes’ destructive nature and rising water levels

Before

After

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