Editorial 2-2018 english

Abstract

How to face the consequences of climate change in vulnerable populated areas? What actions to undertake for habitat management on a sustainable basis? How do the qualities of modern urban landscapes influence attitudes in the population from the perspective of sustainability? How to guarantee the conservation of homes in historic areas with local resources? How to train young architects so that they can respond to the challenges facing cities in the 21st century? These are some of the questions that we present in this new issue of Architecture and Urbanism. They are posed by professionals from different latitudes, searching for solutions to the most pressing problems of the human habitat. Beyond the solutions provided by each of these valuable investigations, it is worth highlighting an idea that underlies in all of them: The need to take into account and to invite the population to participate in the actions to undertake in the future, a strategy that, for some specialists, must dominate the panorama of action in the new century.

This premise leads us to reflect on the future of the city of Havana on the occasion of its five centuries of foundation. These days, great controversy has emerged in professional circles after the unofficial announcement of the construction of a new hotel in Vedado, while the national press reports on plans aimed at solving some of the problems accumulated in the city, to sanitize and beautify it with a view to the anniversary celebrations. In the midst of this scenario of controversies and challenges, multiple questions arise. What role will architects and urban planners play in such big decisions? How to help in this colossal work? What participation could the population have in these transformations? It would be worth reviewing once again two essential texts: “Havana, an impossible equation?” by Carlos García Pleyán and “... How will Havana be?” by Mario Coyula, published by Catalejo and Revista Bimestre Cubana respectively. Both publications pose very suggestive questions, but above all offer intelligent answers, which can help us find ways to act upon our city.

We have thought that our magazine should, and could contribute something in this direction, and for that, in the numbers of 2019, we will reserve a space destined to divulge experiences that focus attention in Havana. It is in our interest not only to promote the works that address the past of the city, an inexhaustible and essential subject, but also to highlight those that propose solutions for its development, which seems to be an urgent issue. With this in mind, we invite researchers, academics, and professionals in general to join this call, with the intention of contributing to the preservation of the harmony and uniqueness that have made this city worthy of inclusion in the list of World Heritage Cities.