Past editions

EcoHabitat Competition winners

2005-10-06T20:12:25+00:00

The 43 presentations for the EcoHabitat Competition were of such high quality that the organizing committee had an arduous task, not only to select the first ten finalists, but from among them to choose the two winners. Selected in the executed projects, is a “Home for Single Mothers in Yeredemém Mali, presented by the team of Fernando Martín-Consuegra, Francisco Botella y Carlos Higinio Esteban. In the category of ideas in the design process the winner is a “Dwelling for Fishermen” in Venezuela, presented by Fabiana Zapata. Their work will be presented at the EcoMaterials Conference in Santa Clara.

The 2000 Watt Society: a vision becomes reality

2005-10-06T20:13:46+00:00

A vision of the future called the “2000 Watt Society” will be presented on the first day of the EcoMaterials Conference in Santa Clara by Swiss architect Roland Stulz. 2000 watts is the average world-wide energy demand per capita. The vision of a 2000 Watt Society calls for the reduction of energy consumption by a factor 3 to 6 in the northern hemisphere and for countries of the southern hemisphere to develop their economies with an increase in energy input by a factor 3 to 6, but in a sustainable manner.

Monument to Che Guevarra

2005-10-06T20:15:25+00:00

Santa Clara is the city liberated by Che and his group during the revolutionary struggle, an event that penetrates the entire city. A memorial park was built as a tribute to this hero in little over a year with the support of the entire population. It includes a large sculpture of Ernesto “Che” Guevarra looking out over the horizon. The Plaza, Tribune, Museum and the Monument to Che were inaugurated on December 28, 1988 in a ceremony commemorating the XXX Anniversary of the Battle of Santa Clara.

Santa Clara, its history and highlights

2005-10-06T20:16:34+00:00

Santa Santa Clara is the host city for the EcoMaterials Conference, and visitors can not only enjoy many sights, they can absorb the spirit and feeling of this special place as they walk the streets, travel in bici-taxis or buy flowers in the park. While its history goes back more than three centuries, its current fame has much to do with its being “the City of Che”. The accompanying article provides an account of its 316 history as well as point out attractions of interest in the entire province.

Making Better Concrete

2005-10-06T20:18:35+00:00

"Making Better Concrete: Guidelines to Using Flay Ash for Higher Quality, Eco-Friendly Structures"
This book by Bruce King is a good addition to the library of anyone who wants to understand the theme of using fly ash in concrete. Such understanding is important for people who take the decisions about what products to use. Pozzolans in concrete could have a tremendous impact on reducing the environmental footprint of cement. Worldwide, the production of Portland cement alone accounts for 6-8% of human-generated CO2 (depending on whom you ask). So here, in a single industry, lies the opportunity to slow the very alarming trend toward global warming.

Transportation in Santa Clara

2005-10-06T21:06:36+00:00

The people of Santa Clara move about at a slower rhythm than most large towns. They walk or ride bicycles that can be left in small parking places in individual houses or they recur to bici-taxis or horse drawn carriages for longer distances or when their hands are full. A special train takes students to the university. Of course, taxis and private automobiles exist. However, the feeling is that of people in the streets….a lively mood.

Flower Market

2005-10-06T21:10:16+00:00

At the periphery of Santa Clara´s Central Park, the traveller surprisingly encounters a lively cluster of flower stands and vendors, that provide a colourful and aromatic ambient from early morning and throughout the whole day. Roses, mariposas, daisies, and gladiolas, vie among themselves with their beautiful colors and scents, at the same time as they fulfil the desires of a population accustomed to buy flowers, singly or in bouquets, either for their own pleasure or as a refined gift, always well-received.

Culural Event

2005-10-06T21:12:18+00:00

The Theater “La Caridad”, a nacional monument inaugurated September 8, is the center of cultural life of Santa Clara. It will be the locale for the Gala to welcome the participants in EcoMateriales 2005 in November. The folk dance group “Abbó Aché” will receive the guests at the entrance and accompany them into the theatre where they will enjoy a variety performance among the best in the country. Other surprises await, with dancing and local music. The group “Los Fakires”, honoured and appreciated throughout Europe and the Americas, will set the feet moving to the strains of Cuban music, in a festival to remember.

Villa Clara: an attractive environment for EcoMaterials 2005

2005-10-06T22:56:36+00:00

Although it does not enjoy the fame of other important Cuban tourist centres, Villa Clara does offer visitors an abundance of interesting historical and cultural sites that have become an acclaimed destination for foreigners who come to the country on business trips, or to participate in conferences and congresses, or simply attracted by the natural beauty or to better know Cuba and its people.