The Problem of Housing in Cuba. Town Planning and the Pinar del Río Crisis

Abstract

The main objectives of the Revolution were to achieve the construction of new housing, the eradication of speculation processes and the abolition of private sector renting. Nevertheless, despite a relative increase in standards in comparison with other Latin American countries, the problem has yet to be resolved due to high demand and widespread lack of resources. In order to deal with this problem, different initiatives have been established by both the public and private sectors. This paper documents the specific case of the city of Pinar del Río which presents significant examples of the different processes carried out and the impact of these on the layout of a city determined by land prices and later, rationalist planning. This latter was affected during the crisis by self-help housing and the spontaneous occupation of land.