The work of the national institute of savings and housing (INAV) in Havana (1959-1962)

Abstract

The National Institute of Savings and Housing (INAV) was created in 1959 in Havana and operated until 1962. The constructive work done by this agency marked a turning point within the context of housing policies in Cuba and sparked a boom in the construction of large-scale social housing estates. From that moment on, Cuba was at the same level as its regional counterparts thanks to the development of a massive and comprehensive plan. This paper offers the results of research of a historical nature based on the collection of primary data, fieldwork and narratives obtained through interviews with the founders and first beneficiaries of this program. This allowed us to gather, classify and characterize the work done by the INAV in Havana.