Urban cultural landscapes are an attraction and a way of doing of the cities that work towards the preservation of heritage around the world. Camagüey is not the exception of this practice; for this reason, José Rodríguez Barrera, director of the Historian’s Office, together with various specialists from the institution, exchanged ideas about the future rehabilitation project for Calle Independencia with journalists from the Camagüey.

The project

The rich history of one of the most central arteries of the city, the activation of a cultural value where the human being is the protagonist; together with interactive elements that recreate manifestations such as literature, music, theater, ballet, as well as cultural roots and radio; this were the key points to introduce this attractive project.

International, national and local experiences such as the pedestrianization of Ignacio Agramonte and Antonio Maceo streets are taken as a reference to work on this new challenge, where it is intended to allocate a place to our Nicolás Guillén and social inclusion.

People with visual disabilities will be able to interact with the content that will be provided through information plates and models in Braille code; while history and heritage will be contained in digital panels with QR codes for access.

The proposals

The consultation with the journalists in Camagüey was very helpful, because despite the fact that the project draws attention, the vision from other horizons enriches the work.

Daicar Saladrigas, director of the Adelante newspaper, suggested that the engraved crystals that are intended to be placed in the Ignacio Agramonte Birthplace Museum not only recreate passages of love that Ignacio and Amalia uttered to each other, but also part of the family history.

Among other issues, it was discussed the location of the sculpture dedicated to the National Poet, the changes in the uses of the stores located on the section of the street that will be pedestrianized and the promotional ones that will be located.

The meeting with other audiences that can contribute with ideas and help with feedback will take place gradually to turn the restoration project on Independencia Street into an urban space with a more cultural than consumerist vocation.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García