network. With more people living outside the city walls than within,
the walls were replaced by a system of parks and paths along the former
boundary. As Boston's Big Dig is manifested with a series of parks and
paths, it can learn how another North American city did it four centuries
ago.

The 1772 construction of the Palace of the Governors in the Plaza de Armas
began the transition from baroque to neoclassical influenced architecture.
Ushered in were the three P's: portales; patios, as influenced by the
Moors; and Persian-influenced louvers. These three patterns at the public-private
edge were in use during the entire time of Spanish rule of Cuba. Construction
of what is now known as Central Park and the Prado public walk also began
in 1772 and soon became a favorite gathering place for the citizens. The
Pradofor the past eight decades has featured a wide marbled pedestrian
way that is raised 1-meter above the narrow traffic lanes on each side,
statues of ferocious lions and a greenway of lush vegetation. With such
an abundance of class and a clear priority given to the pedestrian, the
Prado is my favorite street anywhere in the world.

In 1863, demolition of the walls began and continued until the early 20th
century. During the republic era, this urban space became the main focal
point of the city. Larger buildings were erected, transforming the area
into one of homogeneous city blocks. Buildings were built simply, putting
creativity into the ornate facades. Then, came other developments: the
Inglaterra, Plaza and Telégrafo hotels, the modern tobacco factories,
magnificent examples of industrial architecture; the impressive headquarters
of the Centro Asturiano, a monument to the