The venerable Malecón, a literal and metaphorical bastion of Cuban identity, has fallen into disrepair and faces an uphill battle against increasingly threatening storms due to climate change. As a vital cultural space, we believe it should better reflect the vibrant spirit of the people who use it. We therefore propose a suite of design recommendations that will serve the dual purpose of strengthening Havana’s sea defenses and revitalizing a unique national icon.

Murallón de Defenso:

The steps at the toe of the seawall disrupt the force of the wave while the curve guides waves back and away from the city. Ladders will enable re-access to the walkway and a series of cutouts will preserve the ability to dive into the bay. For efficiency, the existing wall can be recycled and used as aggregate for the new wall.

Rompeolas Costa Afuera:

To further protect the city from devastating storm waves, we propose building a series of massive offshore breakwaters. These structures will add to the bay’s ecological value, providing habitat and a base for reef building. Mangroves planted along them will increase their aesthetic value as well as providing further structural support.

La Avenida:

The Malecón occupies a thin sliver of land hugging the city’s shoulder, and expanding the pedestrian space will increase the potential for valuable public engagement. The first step is to reduce the roadway from six to four driving lanes. A vegetated corridor can be introduced, providing aesthetic value and distancing pedestrians from the path of traffic. A naturally-surfaced walkway and bike trail between the green corridor and the seawall rounds out the design.

Órgano Marino:

With its proud African and Latin heritage, Cuba has gifted the world a rich and diverse repertoire of musical styles. The Malecón is also a musical space, and to celebrate that we propose the Órgano Marino, a massive instrument powered by wave motion similar to the Zadar Sea Organ of Croatia.

Parque Oceánico Peatonal:

Piers at the end of the Avenida de los Presidentes and the Avenida Paseo will extend these two tree-lined corridors and frame the Parque Oceánico Peatonal, a pedestrian green walkway. This will connect the inner city to the Malecón, increase engagement, and provide a natural environment in which citizens may unwind and enjoy life.

Plaza Musical y Artística:

Across from the Hotel Nacional, this broad plaza opens the Malecón to larger-scale events, musical performances, and public art installations. A stunning venue, it will draw residents and tourists alike to the water’s edge to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Pasos del Mar:

An installation of monolithic sea steps reflects the grandeur of this storied and proud capital city while providing sea access and an attractive congregation space extending out from the Parque Antonio Maseo.

Paseo Marítimo:Eleven Magazine Design Competition: Shaking up Havana's Malecon - A Sea Defence + Cultural Space Challenge

The Paseo Marítimo, inspired by the Vieux-Port de Montréal and Osanbashi Pier of Yokohama, would be a large public gathering place with designated spaces for commercial tenants, public art, boat access, and grassy areas for relaxation and recreation.