T HE CUB A II K V I E AV- 



IS 



ARCHITECTURE IN CUBA- PREVAILING STYLES 



From " Mnrkctn for Construction Malrrinis and Mncliinrn/ in Cuba," by W. W. Ewing, Special Agent. 



The prevailing architecture in Cuba seems to be a combination of classical Roman and 

 Renaissance. Tuscan and Doric, with occasional Corinthian and Ionic models form the basis of 

 the style prevailing both in the city of Habana and in the smaller cities of the island. Houses 

 with pitched roofs, low ceilings and small windows that are so common in the United States 

 are not found in Cuba. Workmen's houses of wood, usually consisting of one story 12 to 15 

 feet in height, and the native-built "bohios" are used in the country districts. 



Village of Cascorro, Camaguey 



The mild, even temperature renders high ceilings and large openings almost essential to 

 comfort, and since no other styles of architecture permit such construction, the adoption of the 

 prevailing type is easily understood. Only in buildings erected over 300 years ago are the low 

 roofs of the Spanish Renaissance to be found with thick walls and small openings and ventila- 

 tion dependent upon "patios" or interior courtyards. 



Nearly all the various styles of Spanish architecture may be found in Cuba, with such 

 limitations as might be expected because of the semitropical climate. 



During the military occupation of Cuba by the United States in 1900 an effort was made 

 to introduce the American cottage style on the island, but the experiment w^as not successful 

 because of the climate. The so-called Cuban style of architecture dominates over all others in 

 that Republic, and has been continued with many improvements, favored recently by good 

 taste and more abundant means. This style, as it exists in Habana, bears comparison with 

 the best of the Italian Renaissance and the architecture of the period of Louis XVI. 



Marble, cement tiles, or ceramic mosaics are used almost entirely for floors. Wood is very 

 unsatisfactory and is seldom used for this purpose. Most of the marble comes from Italj-. 

 American quarries do not appear to be aware of the extent to which this material is used in 

 Cuba. Cement tiles are manufactured on the island, although some are imported. Such 

 floors are found very satisfactory on account of their coolness, cleanliness and durability. 



CONSTRUCTION TYPES, 



Wood has been used in rare cases for important constructions, but this material is not 

 allowed for walls, floors, or roofs in the heart of Habana. Owners usually prefer masonry 

 buildings, on account of the more lasting qualities and the freedom from white ants, which 

 are so numerous where there is wood construction. 



