Architecture Professor Julio Cesar Pérez Hernández imagines the future with reverence for the past
Havana, Cuba is a city of stories in its cobbled streets, grand colonial facades, and sunlit courtyards all whispering of the characters of centuries past. But what does the future of the city’s built environment look like? Professor Julio Cesar Pérez Hernández, a Cuban architect and urban planner, has dedicated himself to the possibilities for Havana’s future.
Pérez Hernández is also the first and only Cuban recipient of the prestigious Loeb Fellowship at Harvard University. He describes this monumental event with warmth and deep intellect. “The Loeb Fellowship changed everything,” he said. “I arrived at Harvard in 2000 to give a lecture at an international symposium on Hispanic architecture. In 2001, I was awarded the fellowship, and suddenly I had access to incredible resources, plans, books, and the knowledge of many great minds.”
It was there, in the quiet corners of the Harvard library, that The Master Plan for 21st century Havana, Pérez Hernández’ vision, took shape. “Every morning, I’d go down to the basement to study the so-called ‘Blue Book,’ a pilot plan for Havana from the late 1950s. I analyzed its successes and mistakes and began imagining a future for my city, one that respected its heritage while embracing progress.”
“The Master Plan for 21st Century Havana is rooted in this philosophy," he explains. "It is a vision that integrates historic preservation with modern urban needs, ensuring that Havana remains not only a city of memories but also a city of opportunities." The plan proposes a harmonious balance between restoring colonial landmarks and fostering new, sustainable development. It prioritizes pedestrian-friendly streets, green corridors, and the revitalization of Havana’s iconic waterfront, the Malecón. "We cannot freeze Havana in time," he said. "But we can guide its growth in a way that respects its soul.”
His passion for Havana’s urban fabric is unmistakable, but his work stretches far beyond a single project. As a scholar, historian, and designer, his career has been shaped by research, practice, and teaching. “I believe that a true academic must do more than just theorize,” he said “You must build, write, and most importantly, teach. Teaching, for me, is life itself.”
For several years, Pérez Hernández has brought his philosophy into the classroom at the Notre Dame School of Architecture, where he teaches urban design, traditional architecture, and historic preservation. He challenges students to confront the real-world complexities of preserving architectural heritage while planning sustainable growth. His connection with Notre Dame began in 2012 as a visiting professor in a design studio for fifth-year students—a formative experience that left a lasting impression on him. Returning in 2017 as an associate professor of the practice, he now guides emerging architects by blending academic insight with hands-on expertise. “Teaching internationally is rewarding, but Notre Dame is exceptionally meaningful,” he reflects. “The University’s mission aligns with my values—I feel God brought me here to live, teach, and practice. When you’ve actually done urban design and preservation, that practical experience makes all the difference.”
He credits this philosophy to one of his earliest teachers, his father “I am the son of a master builder,” he says with quiet pride. “Before I ever stepped foot in an architecture school, I learned the craft of building from him. He taught me the importance of excellence, of doing things right. That foundation has guided me throughout my career.”
His latest endeavor is also a deeply personal one—a book titled The Tradition of Courtyards in Cuban Architecture. “Courtyards are the heart of Cuban homes,” he explains, noting that these spaces narrate the story of Cuban architecture, from ancient civilizations to Spanish influence. Describing the writing process as a labor of love, Pérez Hernández offers the first comprehensive documentation of these defining elements, detailing their secular presence, compositional role, and unique typology. Through a rich narrative, he traces their evolution from antiquity through Moorish Spain to the vibrant patios of modern Cuba. “They are more than just architectural features; they are spaces of gathering, storytelling, and resilience,” he adds, “Capturing the enduring cultural and climatic significance of these timeless microcosms.”
Despite decades of accomplishments, Pérez Hernández’ hunger for knowledge remains insatiable. “Life shaped my career in ways I never expected,” he admits. “I never imagined Harvard, never planned for an international career. But opportunities found me because I worked hard, stayed open, and never stopped learning.”
Pérez Hernández’ advice for young architects and scholars is simple, yet powerful. “Work hard. Study harder. Never stop learning.”
Havana, like his career, is an evolving story, one of resilience and reinvention. Thanks to visionaries throughout time, its future can be as rich as its past.
Mulham Al-Kharboutli is a Syrian architect and researcher pursuing an MSHP at Notre Dame (2025). He is the founder of Metmar.Studio (2020–present).