Parque José Martí - the hall

The next series is about the abandoned "Estadio José Martí" or "Parque José Martí" in La Habana -- Cuba. It was originally designed in the 1940's under dictator Batista's regime. After the revolution the new socialist government selected architect Octavio Buigas to design what would be the focal piece of the park, the grandiose grandstand. The unusual and strong forms rise up from the landscape like concrete waves, reflecting the post-revolutionary architectural and political tides in Cuba. Its design is reminiscent of the Miami Marine Stadium in Miami which was designed by a Cuban architect as well.

Architect: Octavio Buigas de la Cruz
Built: 1959-1960 just after the revolution
Structural system: Thin-walled cantilever
Construction material: Reinforced concrete

With its close proximity to the ocean, the salinity in the air penetrates the concrete and causes corrosion of the reinforced steel bars causing the structures to quickly deteriorated. Despite this, Cubans continue to train, exercise and play soccer in the crumbling sports complex.