Spine3D and Florida International University Collaborate on a New Study for Development of Havana's Famous Waterfront Miami, October 08, 2007- Spine3D, international leader in architectural visualization, recently granted research funding to the Florida International University School of Architecture. The first phase of this funding has been allocated to a study of the Malecon, an oceanside neighborhood in Havana Cuba. Spine3D’s goals are simple, get ready for the eminent development boom in a post-Castro Cuba, however, do it responsibly! Though Spine3D is not a development company, they work directly with many of America’s most powerful builders. Consequentially Spine3D executives predict this study will open a dialogue between designers, developers, and the public. “We are well aware of the desire and the need for new construction on the Island” says Eddie Leon, Spine3D CEO. “We are doing our part to ensure that new construction is well informed and architecturally sensible,” ads Leon. A native Cuban, Leon has left the island as a child but did not forget it’s inherent beauty. As the CEO of Spine3D, he also initiated the Virtual Havana Project that aims to digitize all existing buildings in the historic core of the city. This database will soon be available to builders and researchers alike. Currently, Florida International University has an entire team of students and faculty dedicated to creating new proposals for the redevelopment of the Malecon. The first phase of the research is expected to be completed by December, 2007. Other areas of the city will follow in subsequent phases. In an effort to better convey their ideas and intentions to the design community, Spine3D has joined forces with the Miami chapter of American Institute of Architects in inviting Rodolfo Machado from the famed Boston firm of Machado and Silvetti Associates for a lecture on urban planning and design. Machado has accepted the invitation, and this public lecture will take place at the FIU School of Architecture in November, 2007. “I believe our academic research will generate fresh new ideas for revitalizing this aging city” says Leon. Designs and findings of the Malecon Study will be published by Spring, 2008. Spine3D was founded in 2000 by Kevin Smith, Eddie Leon and Johann Beckford. It has offices in Miami, New York and Shenzhen. For additional information contact: or visit
10.08.2007