On Friday, the Higher Institute of Design (ISDI), one of the most emblematic academic institutions in Cuba, experienced a partial collapse at its location on Belascoain and Carlos III, Central Havana. This incident not only affected the physical structure of the institution but also left the Cuban design community in shock.
The collapse occurred in the afternoon when part of the building gave way due to the poor structural conditions that had been reported repeatedly by students and teachers. Although no fatalities were reported, a 78-year-old woman was injured and four families were left without access to their homes.
“Yesterday was a very sad day for design and Cuban designers. Witnessing the collapse of the Instituto Superior de Diseño ISDI, our school, has been heartbreaking,” expressed the user Carlos Zamora on Facebook.
In an extensive and heartfelt message, Zamora expressed his concern over the news of the collapse of the mentioned institution, affiliated with the University of Havana.
"The collapse of ISDI is also the collapse of Cuba, the collapse of our ideologies, our families, our dreams, our future, and even the collapse of our physical integrity as individuals. [...] I hope we never forget the collapse of ISDI,” he remarked.
On the other hand, César Pérez, another Facebook user, made a comment filled with irony, pointing out the priorities in resource management in the country:
While the ISDI was collapsing in slow motion, and there was no way to repair it, the construction of hotels was proceeding full steam ahead with GAESA. So perhaps both things were part of a secret plan to bring some joy to our future designers. Considering that there are no tourists willing to pay a fortune to visit dumps and ruins, I propose that the ISDI be temporarily and definitively relocated to Tower K. This way, they would kill two birds with one stone: provide luxurious accommodation for the designers and silence the critics who are shoving in their faces that their monstrous building has less occupancy than Cuca's Airbnb, who also sells candy on the side.
The first secretary of the Communist Party in Havana, Liván Izquierdo, announced that the work of clearing debris in the affected area has begun.
"We are working with the forces of Gecal and the Raúl Roa Contingent in the collection of debris and remnants from the partial collapse that occurred at the Higher Institute of Industrial Design," she stated.
He also added that ensuring safety in the surrounding areas is a priority, and the structural condition of the rest of the building is being assessed.
On his part, Dr. C. Sergio Peña Martínez, Dean of ISDI, also expressed his views on the matter and left a message for the community:
ISDI is in the news, sadly, but it's necessary. The collapse was not the expected end, although it was always a possibility. Efforts were focused on intervening only in the affected area, but our old and beloved building could not withstand the ravages of time and demolition. A part of ISDI has fallen, and in response, we will not cry because we cannot clearly see the future we dream of. We will rise up and fight for a new space, one that we deserve and that Cuban design needs. We will all fight to be together again. ISDI will always exist; this painful outcome may even speed up the process and open up new paths for us.
The ISDI has been a benchmark in the training of design professionals in Cuba since its founding in 1984. However, the lack of maintenance, combined with the widespread deterioration of infrastructure in the capital, highlighted the risks associated with the structure.
In March 2022, the ISDI campus was closed due to a "complicated architectural failure" that jeopardized the safety of its occupants. Since then, classes have been relocated to other faculties of the University of Havana. Despite the measures taken, in July 2024, part of the interior facade of the building, which had been propped up and closed off since 2022, suffered another collapse, highlighting the seriousness of the structural issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collapse of the Higher Institute of Design in Havana
What happened at the Higher Institute of Design (ISDI) in Havana?
On Friday, the ISDI experienced a partial collapse at its headquarters in Centro Habana due to poor structural conditions. No fatalities were reported, but a 78-year-old woman was injured and four families were left without access to their homes.
What is the cause of the collapse at ISDI?
The collapse was the result of structural failures in the building, which had been reported repeatedly by students and faculty. The lack of maintenance and the widespread deterioration of infrastructure in the Cuban capital contributed to the collapse.
How does this event affect the design community in Cuba?
The collapse of the ISDI is seen as a blow to the design community in Cuba, according to expressions from alumni and teachers. It symbolizes the deterioration of institutions and the future of Cuban design, generating deep dismay among those who were trained and worked in that emblematic space.
What measures are being taken following the collapse of ISDI?
After the collapse, authorities began clearing debris in the affected area and are assessing the structural condition of the rest of the building. Ensuring safety in the surrounding areas is the priority, and they are working with construction companies to manage the situation.
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