Architecture News

Building Together: Cuba's Revolutionary Housing Solution

Addressing Cuba's Housing Shortage Through Collective Action

In the 1970s, Cuba confronted a profound housing deficit, driven by demographic expansion, internal migration, and the decay of existing residential properties. To tackle this critical issue, the government devised a unique approach: deploying regular workers from their conventional occupations to participate in housing construction.

The Genesis and Functioning of the Microbrigadas Program

The Microbrigadas program was a distinctive system where apartment buildings were erected by factory and office personnel rather than professional builders. Teams composed of mechanics, administrative staff, and general laborers were dispatched to construction sites. To maintain structural integrity and quality, the state provided dedicated teams of architects, engineers, and master builders to supervise these sites, train the workers, and ensure the soundness of the structures. This process, termed "esfuerzo colectivo" or collective effort, saw workers constructing housing units while their colleagues back in their primary workplaces assumed their duties, showcasing a profound level of societal cooperation.

Preserving an Artistic Landmark: The Revitalization of Judd's Artillery Sheds

A Legacy Under Restoration: Donald Judd's Artillery Sheds in Marfa

The Chinati Foundation has announced a significant undertaking to restore the Artillery Sheds in Marfa, Texas. These structures, originally military buildings, were ingeniously adapted by artist Donald Judd to host his monumental series of 100 untitled aluminum works, created between 1982 and 1986. This ambitious preservation effort is being spearheaded by architect Troy Schaum of Schaum Architects, in close collaboration with the Getty Conservation Institute. The project will meticulously address the buildings' exterior integrity, enhance accessibility, improve environmental efficiency, and refine the surrounding landscape, all while safeguarding the distinctive character of Judd's site-specific art installation. This restoration follows the Artillery Sheds' recent designation to the National Register of Historic Places in 2025, as part of the expanded Donald Judd Historic District.

The Historical Context and Artistic Transformation of the Artillery Sheds

Situated within the former Fort D.A. Russell on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Artillery Sheds were initially erected in 1939 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for large-scale mechanical operations. In 1980, Judd began transforming these utilitarian structures. He replaced the original garage doors with quartered glass windows of his own design and added curved, Quonset hut-style roofs, effectively doubling the buildings' external height. By 1986, the same year the Chinati Foundation was established, Judd had meticulously finalized the placement of his 100 aluminum artworks, integrating them seamlessly into the reconfigured spaces.

Enhancing Durability and Sustainability: The Scope of the Restoration

The restoration work will encompass crucial repairs to the roofs, gutters, and facades of the sheds. A key upgrade involves the installation of over 10,000 square feet of energy-efficient glass, providing enhanced protection for the artworks against Marfa's often extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, the project will improve overall accessibility through updated pathways and entry points. Environmentally conscious initiatives include the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, designed to nourish native grasses and support the delicate ecosystem of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert landscape.

Maintaining Artistic Integrity: The Restoration Philosophy

The project team is committed to minimizing interventions that might alter the profound relationship between Judd's artworks and their architectural environment. Troy Schaum emphasized this delicate balance, stating that the true brilliance of the restoration lies in upholding Donald Judd's original vision while subtly refining the periphery. This approach integrates low-energy mechanical systems and other discreet modifications that blend harmoniously into the existing structures, ensuring the authenticity of the artistic experience.

Relocation and Conservation of Judd's Aluminum Works

A significant aspect of the restoration will involve the temporary relocation of Judd's 100 aluminum works, marking their first movement since their initial installation in the 1980s. Prior to reinstallation, the artworks will undergo thorough documentation and material analysis. Chinati's dedicated conservation team, led by Head of Conservation Bogna Skwara, is collaborating with Alfred Lippincott, co-owner of Lippincott's LLC and one of the original fabricators of the works, along with experts from the Getty Conservation Institute, to ensure their meticulous care.

Securing the Future: Chinati's Capital Campaign and Viewing Opportunities

This extensive restoration is a cornerstone of Chinati's "Art as Intended" capital campaign, which aims to secure the collection's stewardship, improve infrastructure, enhance the visitor experience, and ensure long-term financial stability. The upcoming 39th annual Chinati Weekend, scheduled for October 9–11, 2026, will present one of the final chances for the public to view the Artillery Sheds and Judd's installation before construction commences. During the multi-year restoration period, the Artillery Sheds will be closed to visitors, though other permanent installations across the Chinati site will remain accessible.