Making Home in Havana

Más información sobre el libro

Havana captivates with its unique beauty and culture, yet much of its charm is vanishing. As Cuban society stands at a crossroads, the city, shaped by Fidel Castro’s revolution, is not well preserved. Time, climate, and neglect threaten its architectural legacy, making documentation of this heritage urgent. This book features stunning photographs and testimonies that explore the concept of home in Havana. Through fine photography and the voices of residents from former palaces to humble apartments, it presents an irresistible portrait of a city at risk of being lost forever. Vincenzo Pietropaolo and Cecelia Lawless have extensively visited Havana to grasp what home means to its inhabitants, particularly in the El Vedado and Centro Habana neighborhoods. They delve into how buildings transform into homes through human history and architectural features. With some renovation occurring in colonial Havana, their focus is on largely overlooked areas that continue to deteriorate. Their deep connection with the buildings and people creates a blend of documentary realism and artistic expression. The stories of residents reflect their lifelong efforts to turn decay into beauty, while the evocative photographs allow us to feel the essence of what they describe—a creation of time and space called home.