Lost to Revolution: William F. Cody Projects in Havana, Cuba

Renowned for his distinctive designs for residences, hotels, spas and golf clubs, primarily in California and Arizona, architect William F. Cody (1916–1978) also designed projects outside the US. Two of Cody’s projects designed in 1955 were to be built in Havana, Cuba. Although not actualized, the presentation will present Cody’s design for the Villa Real Golf Club and Hotel of which was ready to begin construction but was halted with the onset of the impending revolution. Also, Cody designed a 14-story mix-use office building featured in Art and Architecture Magazine, September 1955, for the same clients. Cody and Havana architect Raul Portela, the project architect for Villa Real, were planning for an office on the top floor. Not much is publicly known about these projects, so attendees will be some of the few to see drawings, plans, and details from the William F. Cody archives.

Catherine Cody, the youngest daughter of William F. Cody, and Professor Don Choi, professor of architecture at California Polytechnic State University, who together with Jo Lauria co-authored the seminal book about Cody, titled Master of the Mid-century, The Architecture of William F. Cody, will share insights, photos, drawings and more, telling the story of Cody’s total design plan for these Cuba projects within the context of his state-side projects during this same time.

While examining the two Havana Cuba projects in detail, the presenters will also include other examples of Cody’s mid-1950s designs to show how these designs fit in the context of the contemporary architecture of the time. A book signing follows the presentation.

$15

Things To KnowAges 13 and older
Wheelchair accessible
Parking and handicap parking available
Seated activity
Restrooms are available
No smoking or e-cigarettes

Important InformationModernism Week Theater is located at the south end of the hotel’s central atrium.
Ample free public parking is available. Enter underground parking at Hyatt on Palm Canyon Drive or in the multi-level public garage across from the Palm Springs Art Museum.
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week CAMP Theater Activity.

Check-in Location Modernism Week Theater At CAMP
Hyatt Palm Springs
285 N Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262View Map

Photo Credits: Catherine Cody {"locationAddressVisibility":"visible"}