A riot of vibrant colours, quirky mosaics and surrealist sculptures, what may at first glance resemble a children's theme park is, in fact, a vibrant town in Cuba. Inspired by the unique designs of Spanish architect Gaudí, artist José Fuster's unusual approach to home design proved infectious with his community on the outskirts of Havana and helped transform an impoverished neighbourhood into a creative haven.

Click or scroll on to step inside the colourful world of Fusterlandia...

The genius behind this kaleidoscopic project, artist José Fuster spent time in Europe working on his art before deciding to take his creative ambitions back to his homeland of Cuba.

In 1975 he moved to Havana and purchased an unassuming wood house in the fishing town of Jaimanitas. Little did his neighbours know the daring plans he had for the property...

Situated in what was at the time a run-down and deprived area, the small wooden home that José snapped up was most likely modest and compact – the furthest thing from an artistic extravaganza. However, he had big ambitions for his simple suburban house.

An artist who specialised in ceramics, graphic design and engraving, José began the creative transformation by decorating the walls with intricate mosaics in bright, vibrant shades. Even in these early stages of design, the house was beginning to differentiate itself from others in the neighbourhood.

Fuster’s mosaic creations grew over time, inspired by Caribbean Cuban aesthetics and naïve art, which draws on childlike shapes and bright primary colours. He branched out to create larger sculptural pieces while his neighbours no doubt watched on in wonder.

With the artistic project expanding beyond the house to include a park, José added larger statues and incorporated colourful Cuban iconography.

Elaborate displays like this one helped earn José the nickname of the Picasso of the Caribbean, but the famous Cubist artist wasn’t Fuster’s main influence.

In case there was any doubt as to who the main source of inspiration was, there is a dedication to famed surrealist architect Antonio Gaudí at the entrance. With its colourful mosaic designs and organic sculptures, Fusterlandia has more than a touch of Barcelona's Park Güell about it. 

In many towns, this type of unorthodox architecture would have a community up in arms, but not here. Fuster offered to decorate his neighbours' homes and businesses too and soon his designs took over the town. This is the doctor’s surgery – definitely the coolest medical centre we've seen!

Buoyed on by his neighbours’ support, it seems Fuster’s vision had no boundaries. Elements of local folk history combine with tropical motifs such as palm trees, covering almost every surface in the neighbourhood.

It’s not just José at work either – sometimes the neighbours themselves get creative, with the project inspiring a whole new generation of artists.

While the mosaic wonderland has encompassed almost all of the town, the centrepiece of Fusterlandia undoubtedly remains the artist's studio and home, Taller-Estudio José Fuster. With visitors free to wander around, some are even lucky enough to see José at work.

While Fusterlandia's whimsical designs are surreal, they're also very much rooted in their location – look out for Cuban mantras adorning the walls, along with murals of famous revolutionaries and flags.

Fuster's artwork has been embraced by the whole town and what was once just a quirky house has become an artistic community. Over the course of a decade, mosaics have appeared across bus stops, benches, gateways and fountains, not to mention countless shopfronts and over 80 residential homes.

Aside from being a super cool neighbourhood brimming with creativity, Fusterlandia is a vast community art installation that's constantly growing. Having enjoyed a successful career, José uses proceeds from his art to fund the ongoing project, allowing him to continue his mission to enrich the local landscape.

While it may look unlike any other town in the world, Fusterlandia's unique style reflects the artistic vibrancy of Cuban culture, joining the country's other colourful icons, such as its famously bright classic cars.

As well as being a feast for the eyes, Fuster’s neighbourhood incorporates a whole host of colourful social spaces including terraces, parks and benches that help to foster a strong sense of community.

This fabulous yellow building features a mural of a boat traversing the waves, carrying a menagerie of animals with it.

Not only does Fuster help fund the work on his neighbours’ homes, but he has also built public swimming pools and other community facilities that improve the lives of residents in this low-income area. The tourism generated by the remarkable works of art is reinvested in the neighbourhood.

The childlike imagery and larger-than-life designs can't help but spark wonder in residents and visitors alike. Fusterlandia is a playground for the imagination – here the everyday landscape of life collides with a fantastical and enchanting world.

Once a rather austere gateway, José has transformed this simple streetscape into a pastoral paradise. Multicoloured mosaics create an undulating, tropical landscape complete with palm trees, animals and a shining sun.

For homes in Fusterlandia, colourful patterned façades are the norm. This bold exterior pairs lime green with blood red and warm orange for a look that perfectly channels the carnival spirit. If you look closely, you can just make out a goat and two brightly-adorned figures.

Made up of shards of ceramics, there's a whole host of images hidden in the mosaics, from mermaids and palm trees to saints, as well as quotations from some of Fuster’s favourite writers: Alejo Carpentier, Onelio Jorge Cardoso and Ernest Hemingway.

While the town remains a residential hub, Fusterlandia has morphed into something of a living art gallery. In contrast to many museums and landmarks around the world, the community is free for anyone to visit – a sort of Disneyland for bohemians if you like. 

While Fuster has had to fend off accusations that the town is an exercise in self-glorification, he remains unfazed. He told local website Havana Cultura: “This project is not only about my house. It’s about my neighbours’ houses. My neighbours are great people.” The artists’ wall here is just one place where other creatives are celebrated.

Today, Fusterlandia is a haven for artists, as well as being a popular stop-off for tourists and Instagrammers who come from all over the world to marvel at the colourful displays. Most importantly though, it's still home to a tight-knit residential community.

A mishmash of design influences, Fusterlandia is a thrilling example of how architecture can revitalise communities and breathe new life into struggling towns. What was once a forgotten and downtrodden part of Cuba is now a vibrant mecca for the arts.

In comparison, our homes suddenly feel rather sensible and boring. Do you think our neighbours would mind if we followed suit? Failing that, we may just have to move in ourselves!

Loved this? Now discover more unusual architecture around the world