Historical documents and academic works from ISDI end up in the trash in a park in Havana

Thesis projects, research, books, and catalogs belonging to the academic legacy of the Higher Institute of Industrial Design (ISDI) were found discarded like trash in Carlos J. Finlay Park in Havana, an event that has caused outrage among alumni, professionals in the sector, and cultural heritage advocates.

The complaint was filed this Monday by designer Esteban Aquino, a graduate of ISDI three decades ago, who shared a gallery of images on his Facebook profile, showing historical documents, diploma works, and specialized bibliography scattered on the floor like mere trash.

"The Carlos J. Finlay park is currently serving as a dumping ground for the archives and library of that academic institution, whose building has been quietly deteriorating for such a long time," he expressed.

Aquino explained that the discarded material represents decades of work by teachers, tutors, and students who contributed to the development of industrial design and visual communication in Cuba.

These documents were fundamental historical and technical references in the academic training of generations of designers.

"They lamented that the work of those who are now excellent representatives of design ends its life scattered like trash."

In his post, the designer recalled that Decree 88 itself, in its Article 4.1, defines design as "a strategic problem-solving activity that promotes innovation, leads to a better quality of life, and contributes to raising the culture of the population."

In his view, the fact that these files have been discarded without consideration demonstrates that the country has not yet developed a true culture that values the importance of this field.

"Being ignorant does not mean being insensitive. Not knowing is not synonymous with disrespect," added Aquino, questioning how it is possible that individuals trained in the principles of respect for social property, education, and culture can disregard a documentary heritage of such value. "I wonder what motivates these people. What values are we talking about?" he wrote.

The publication has generated a series of comments from internet users who expressed sadness upon recognizing important documents, including academic contributions and foundational materials.

For some, this situation reflects not only institutional neglect but also the widespread abandonment of education and culture in the country.

This episode adds to other reports of the deterioration that ISDI has suffered over the years, to the point that the building that housed the prestigious institution is in a state of total neglect and ruin.

The scene of theses and books rolling through the streets not only symbolizes the deterioration of the Cuban educational system but also reflects the disregard for the collective memory of an institution that for decades trained professionals who are now prominent figures in design both inside and outside the country.

ISDI is facing one of the most critical stages in its recent history. The collapse of part of its headquarters in Centro Habana marked the beginning of an unchecked deterioration, following years of ignored warnings about structural failures.

Despite being shored up since 2022, the building continued to be in use until its precarious condition overcame institutional inaction.

The day after the collapse brought even more distressing images. Part of the building completely collapsed, leaving an elderly woman injured and four families homeless.

Voices from the academic community described the event as a reflection of the country: "the collapse of ISDI is also the collapse of Cuba," wrote a graduate designer on social media, amid a wave of indignation that resonated strongly both within and outside the university sphere.

Far from finding solace in their authorities, students and graduates shortly after denounced the dean's authoritarianism, whom they accused of ideological repression and disconnection from technological reality.

His statement that "the internet is not needed for design" generated widespread backlash and was seen as a symbol of a leadership that is disconnected from the present and indifferent to the needs of a community that is increasingly struggling.

In an attempt to escape the physical and symbolic collapse, ISDI announced its move to the former Pablo de la Torriente Brau Politecnico, in Playa. The original location was officially declared uninhabitable, marking the end of more than four decades in the heart of Havana.

Authorities promise a phase of reconstruction, although doubts persist about the future of the center and about the institutional capacity to make amends for years of neglect that have left scars in the memory of Cuban design.

Frequently Asked Questions about the abandonment of academic heritage in Cuba