Social media users confirmed on Friday the collapse of part of the building of the Instituto Superior de Diseño (ISDI) in Havana, located in Centro Habana.
One side of the building completely collapsed, according to images shared by the official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso on Facebook.
The building has been at risk of collapse for years.
The interior facade of the building, which had been shored up and closed since 2022 due to structural failures, experienced a significant collapse in July 2024.
The authorities at the university center then communicated the incident through WhatsApp groups for students and professors, indicating that the incident affected a part of the facade that was already in a precarious condition.
The message stated that access to the building was "prohibited until further notice" due to the risks posed by the structure.
There has not yet been an official communication regarding the incident from this Friday.
The ISDI had been closed in March 2022 due to structural failures that jeopardized the safety of students and staff.
At that time, the authorities pointed out a "complicated architectural failure" in the building, which led to the temporary relocation of the faculties to other locations of the University of Havana.
The building, constructed in 1860 and remodeled several times, has served multiple purposes throughout its history. Since 1984, it has housed the Higher Institute of Industrial Design, which later adopted its current name.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collapse of the Higher Institute of Design in Havana
What happened at the Higher Institute of Design in Havana?
Part of the building of the Higher Institute of Design (ISDI) in Havana collapsed. The building, located in Centro Habana, had been closed since 2022 due to structural failures and posed an imminent risk of collapse. This recent collapse affected the side of the building that was already in precarious condition.
Why was ISDI closed in 2022?
The ISDI was closed in 2022 due to serious structural failures. Authorities identified a "complicated architectural failure" that jeopardized the safety of students and staff, leading to the closure of the building and the relocation of the faculties to other facilities of the University of Havana.
What other structural issues have been reported in Cuba?
In Cuba, multiple structural problems in buildings have been reported. These include the collapse of concrete in a state building in Santiago de Cuba, collapses in schools and homes in Havana, and the roof collapse of the Museum of Fine Arts in Matanzas. The lack of maintenance and the inaction of the regime have been critical factors in the recurrence of these incidents.
What is the current situation of the buildings in Havana?
The buildings in Havana are in a critical state of disrepair. This is evidenced by the frequent collapse of structures, such as balconies and staircases, which endanger the safety of residents and passersby. The lack of adequate intervention by the authorities has exacerbated the situation.
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