ABSTRACT 
Title of Thesis: SEEKING HOME: COMMUNITY  
DEVELOPMENT FOR THE VENEZUELAN  
DIASPORA IN QUITO, ECUADOR 
Victoria Valentina Urdaneta, Master of 
Architecture, 2020
Thesis Directed By: Dr. Juan Burke, Assistant Professor, School of 
Architecture, Planning and Preservation 
As the political and economic problems in Venezuela worsen, the migration crisis the 
country is facing, increases. Four million Venezuelans have left the country, and the 
number is expected to double by the end of 2020. Popular destinations include 
countries like Colombia and Ecuador. This thesis proposes a response to the 
migration crisis in Quito, Ecuador. With 400,000 Venezuelans currently there and 
more expected to move to Ecuador by the end of this year, the problem obvious. This 
thesis explores the design of a refugee center in a self-sufficient community that 
offers housing, migratory and job search assistance, as well as educational programs, 
intending to help Venezuelans find a home in their new city, regardless of how 
extended their stay is.  
SEEKING HOME: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE 
VENEZUELAN DIASPORA IN QUITO, ECUADOR 
by 
Victoria Valentina Urdaneta
Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of the  
University of Maryland, College Park, in partial fulfillment 
of the requirements for the degree of 
Master of Architecture
2020
Advisory Committee: 
Dr. Juan Burke, Assistant Professor, Chair
Karl F.G. DuPuy, Professor Emeritus, Advisor 
Brian Kelly, Professor, Advisor 
Dr. Joseph Williams, Assistant Professor, Advisor 
? Copyright by
Victoria Valentina Urdaneta
2020
Preface 
?Refugees didn?t just escape a place. They had to escape a thousand memories until 
they?d put enough time and distance between them and their misery to wake to a 
better day?  
- Nadia Hashimi, When the Moon is Low 
i! i 
Dedication 
 This thesis is dedicated to all Venezuelans, the ones still trying to keep heir 
homes in their native country and to the ones trying to make a home out of a new 
country.  
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Table of Contents 
Preface ...........................................................................................................................ii 
Dedication ....................................................................................................................iii 
Table of Contents ..........................................................................................................iv 
List of Figures ...............................................................................................................vi 
1. Introduction ...............................................................................................................1 
2. Worldwide Migration Crisis ......................................................................................3 
Migration History ......................................................................................................3 
Main Causes ..........................................................................................................4 
Refugee Camps Around the World ........................................................................6 
3. Migration Crisis in Venezuela ...................................................................................8 
The Cause of the Problem .........................................................................................8 
Political Crisis .....................................................................................................10 
Social and Economic Crisis .................................................................................13 
Defining the Venezuelan Migration .........................................................................15 
Migrating to Latin America .................................................................................16 
Dangerous Paths ..................................................................................................18 
Rising Tensions ....................................................................................................18 
4. Refuge in Ecuador ...................................................................................................20 
Ecuador as New Home ............................................................................................20 
Social, Political and Economic Overview of Ecuador ........................................22 
Priority Needs of the Venezuelan Community ....................................................24 
Venezuelans in Quito ...........................................................................................25 
Help for Venezuelans in Ecuador ........................................................................27 
Stories from the Exiled ............................................................................................28 
5. Seeking Home ..........................................................................................................35 
Redefining Home .....................................................................................................35 
The Meaning of Home .........................................................................................36 
Design for the Exiled ...........................................................................................37 
Dwelling as a Community ...................................................................................39 
The Needs of a Refugee ...........................................................................................40 
Case Management ................................................................................................42 
Employment and Migration Services ..................................................................42 
6. Building Practices ....................................................................................................44 
Affordable Housing .................................................................................................44 
Sustainability and Green Building ...........................................................................46 
Quito?s Climate and Geographic Information .....................................................47 
Daylight ...............................................................................................................49 
Passive Heating and Cooling ...............................................................................50 
Water Treatment ..................................................................................................52 
7. Site ...........................................................................................................................53 
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Site Overview ..........................................................................................................53 
Site Selection ...........................................................................................................54 
Site Analysis ............................................................................................................57 
Existing Context ..................................................................................................60 
Accessibility ........................................................................................................61 
Climate Analysis ..................................................................................................62 
8. Program ...................................................................................................................64 
Program Typology ...................................................................................................64 
Program Matrix ....................................................................................................65 
Precedents ................................................................................................................68 
Homes For All - Copenhagen, Denmark .............................................................68 
IntegrARA Iztacalco - Mexico City, Mexico .......................................................70 
Program Organization ..........................................................................................72 
9. Proposal ...................................................................................................................74 
10. Conclusion .............................................................................................................80 
Bibliography ................................................................................................................81
This Table of Contents is automatically generated by MS Word, linked to the Heading 
formats used within the Chapter text.   
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List of Figures 
Figure 1.1: Key flows of newly registered refugees and new asylum-seekers in 2018 
(Source: UNHCR) 
Figure 1.2: Main Causes of Migration (Source: Author) 
Figure 1.3: Refugee Camps Around the World (Source: Author) 
Figure 2.1: Timeline of Events Leading to the Economic Crash (Source: Author) 
Figure 2.2: Venezuela?s GDP Comparison with Neighboring Countries (Source: IMF 
World Economic Outlook Database) 
Figure 2.3: Boom Under Chavez, Decline Under Maduro (Source: Statista) 
Figure 2.4: Protests in Venezuela between 2017 - 2019 (Source: Observatorio 
Venezolano de Conflictividad Social) 
Figure 2.5: Chain of Events Leading to the Migration Crisis (Source: Author) 
Figure 2.6: Inflation Rate Increase (Source: Bloomberg) 
Figure 2.7: Psychosocial factors that prompted Venezuelans to migrate (Source CPAL 
Social; Modified by Author) 
Figure 2.8: Percentages of Where Venezuelans are Going as of April 2019 (Source 
Author) 
Figure 2.9: Migrant Victims of Organized Crime (Source InSight Crime; Modified by 
Author) 
Figure 3.1:Percentages of Venezuelans living in Ecuador (Source: Author) 
Figure 3.2: Arrival of Venezuelan Citizens in August 2019 (Source: Ministry of 
Government and IFRC ) 
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Figure 3.3: Primary Needs of the Venezuelan Community (Source: Author / Statistics 
from UNHCR ) 
Figure 3.4: Migratory Situation of the Venezuelan Population in Quito (Source: 
Author / Statistics from IOM ) 
Figure 3.5: Challenges Faced by Street Vendors (Source: Author) 
Figure 4.1: The ?Third Space? (Source Author) 
Figure 4.2: Definitions of Home (Source Author) 
Figure 4.3: Links between Internal Displacement and Housing (Source Internal 
Displacement Monitor Centre) 
Figure 4.4: Displaced People Worldwide (Source UNHCR; Edited by Author) 
Figure 4.5: Needs of a Refugee (Source Author) 
Figure 4.6: Refugee Unemployment Probability (Source VOX) 
Figure 5.1: Affordable Housing Mission (Source Greening Affordable Housing and 
Author)  
Figure 5.2: Benefits of Green Building (Source Greening Affordable Housing and 
Author) Figure 5.3: Climate Summary (Source WeatherSpark)  
Figure 5.4: Average Monthly Rainfall (Source WeatherSpark)  
Figure 5.5: Types of Daylight Usage (Source Author)  
Figure 5.6: Passive Heating and Cooling Strategies (Source Author)  
Figure 5.7: Stormwater Runoff (Source Author)  
Figure 5.8:Relative Construction Periods for Modular Constructions and On-site 
Construction (Source Design in Modular Construction) 
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Figure 5.9: Clement Canopy - Under Construction (Source Bouygues Construction) 
Figure 5.10: Clement Canopy - Completed (Source Bouygues Construction)  
Figure 6.1: Administrative Areas of Ecuador (Source: Author) 
Figure 6.2: Neighborhoods of Quito (Source: Instituto Geogr?fico Militar) 
Figure 6.3: Neighborhood Selected (Source: Instituto Geogr?fico Militar, Modified by 
Author)  
Figure 6.4: Site Selection Matrix (Source Author)  
Figure 6.5: Administraci?n Zonal Quitumbe (Source Author)  
Figure 6.6: Ravines Adjacent to Site (Source Author)  
Figure 6.7: Selected Site Analysis (Source Author)  
Figure 6.8: Exiting Conditions (Source Author)  
Figure 6.9: Accessibility to Site (Source Author) 
Figure 6.10: Sun Diagram (Source Sun Earth Tools, Modified by Author) 
Figure 6.11: Wind Rose Diagram (Source Meteoblue, Modified by Author) 
Figure 7.1: Program Elements (Source Author) 
Figure 7.2: Program Matrix (Source Author) 
Figure 7.3: Visual Programming to Scale (Source Author) 
Figure 7.4: Homes for All - Front Facade (Source ArchDaily)  
Figure 7.5: Homes for All - Public Plaza (Source ArchDaily) 
Figure 7.6: Homes for All - Porosity and Social Realm (Source ArchDaily) 
Figure 7.7: IntegrARA Iztacalco - Side Facade (Source ArchDaily) 
Figure 7.8: IntegrARA Iztacalco - Shared Courtyards (Source ArchDaily) 
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Figure 7.9:  IntegrARA Iztacalco - Program Diagram (Source ArchDaily) 
Figure 7.10:  Building Typologies (Source Author)  
Figure 8.1: Site Plan 
Figure 8.2: Typical Ground Floor Plan 
Figure 8.3: Plaza La Esquina  
Figure 8.4: Side Entrance to Complex 
Figure 8.5: Courtyard 
Figure 8.6: West Elevation  
Figure 8.7: South Elevation  
Figure 8.8: Unit Layouts 
Figure 8.9: Apartment Home 01  
Figure 8.10: Apartment Home 02  
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1. Introduction  
 This thesis analyses the migration crisis faced by Venezuelans between the 
years 2014 through 2019, which was triggered by the socio-economic crisis attributed 
to the political problems happening in the country. The main objective includes 
proposing an architectural projects that pretends to ease such problem by analyzing 
precedents, defining the concept of home and understanding the problems associated 
with refugee camps by proposing something different. The thesis acknowledges the 
effects that this mass migration is causing in neighboring countries as they face the 
massive influx of these immigrants. The following chapters will analyze the cause of 
the problem, focusing in the political and social problems that led to an inevitable 
collapse of the country?s economy. While the bulk of Venezuelans are moving to all 
countries in South America, like Colombia, Chile and Peru, this thesis will focus on 
the migrant crisis experienced in Quito, Ecuador. Being a developing country with its 
own social and political problems, having to house over 400,000 exiled Venezuelans 
in less than 5 years is a complex situation.1  
 The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has set a few refugee 
camps for the Venezuelan communities in countries like Colombia and Brazil.2 
Immigrants groups have set temporary informal housing camps by themselves as 
well. However, these informal or formal refugee camps are only a temporary solution. 
1 ?Information Bulletin no. 1 Colombia and Ecuador: Population Movement? International Federation 
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. August 28, 2019.  
2 Mahecic , Andrej. ?UNHCR Opens Reception Centre near Colombian Border to Assist Vulnerable 
Venezuelans.? UNHCR, March 8, 2019.
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The idea is to find a more permanent solution that can serve as a prototype for other 
cities in Latin America facing the same problem. The concept of what a home entails 
and represents will be analyzed, with the intent of incorporating notions of 
homelessness in the architectural proposal for Venezuelans who are in desperate need 
of a shelter and a place to call home after being forced to leave their own. This thesis 
will analyze a community development as a possible solution to the problem. The 
paper will look into the needs of the community, including housing, migratory 
assistance, educational programs and job assistance. Affordable housing strategies, 
sustainable practices and modular construction will be analyzed. The combination of 
all topics explored, will lead to the final proposal of a refugee center that offers 
housing and assists with all other needs of Venezuelan migrants. ?
2!
2. Worldwide Migration Crisis  
Migration History  
 Immigration around the world has been a reoccurring phenomenon since 
migration is inherent to the human condition. From the richest nations to the poorest 
ones, they have all faced migration at some point of its history. As described in 
Immigration Worldwide, a country?s condition, policies and politics have a major 
influence in the process of migration, both for immigrants and for the country itself.3 
While the number of refugees and displaced people around the world fluctuates 
yearly, it is a problem that is always present. In 2018, 70.8 million people were 
forcibly displaced worldwide. With 25.9 million refugees, 41.3 million internationally 
displaced people and 3.5 million asylum seekers, all share a common problem, 
moving as a result of persecution, conflict or violence.4  
  
Figure 1.1: Key flows of newly registered refugees and new asylum-seekers in 2018 
 (Source: UNHCR) 
3 Segal, Uma Anand, Doreen Elliott, and Nazneen S Mayadas. 2010. Immigration Worldwide : 
Policies, Practices, and Trends.
4 United Nations. ?Figures at a Glance.? UNHCR.
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Main Causes  
 While the causes of migration vary from case to case, economic, social, 
environmental and safety factors are usually the main reasons behind massive 
migration movements. The oldest theory behind the cause of international migration 
is geographic differences in the supply and demand for labor. The explanation of the 
cause of migration through this perspective has had a major impact in the shaping of 
public thinking and immigration policies.5 However, through the rising of political 
conflicts and natural disasters in developing countries, the major forces behind 
massive migration has changed, along with policies related to it.  
 While developed countries tend to provide economic and social stability to its 
residents, underdeveloped countries struggle to provide institutional mechanisms for 
managing risks of their population.6 Not being able to manage such risks, generates 
an overall economic and social instability within the population. Economic factors 
frequently reflect a lack of employment or low wages, forcing people to find better 
opportunities outside their countries. Safety factors in many cases are a consequence 
of economic problems, these include ongoing wars, political persecution and an 
increase in crime rates. The most unexpected and hatred to control reason for forces 
displacement are environmental factors, which can displace communities temporarily 
or permanently depending of the degree of the damage. Extreme droughts, pollution 
5 "Theories of International Migration: A Review and Appraisal." Population and Development 
Review 19, no. 3
6 "Theories of International Migration: A Review and Appraisal." Population and Development 
Review 19, no. 3
4!
and natural disasters are the main environmental factors faced by countries around the 
world. Social factors tend to be a result of other factors, including economic and 
political problems. A lack of proper healthcare, education and overall opportunities 
are the main social factors that lead to massive migrations.7  
 Root causes of migration can be prevented before the escalation of conflict or 
severe repression within a nation. Intervening at an early stage, through the reform of 
policies, compromise, or financial incentives can help prevent uncontrollable 
migration movements. Long term measure include strengthening democratic 
institutions and the protection of human rights by international entities.8  
Figure 1.2: Main Causes of Migration (Source: Author) 
7 ?Root Causes of Migration.? Justice for Immigrants, March 15, 2017. 
8 Boswell, Christina. ?Addressing the causes of migratory and refugee movements: the role of the 
European Union? UNHCR
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Refugee Camps Around the World  
  The United Nations Refugee Agency emerged after the end of World War II, 
with the goal of helping displaced Europeans find a new home. Since 1950, when it 
was established, the agency has been helping refugees around the world. As of 2019, 
there are 9,700 people in 126 different countries providing protection and assistance 
to refugees, returnees, internally displaced and stateless people.9 Over the years, it has 
established refugee camps throughout the world with the help of assessing the 
necessities of refugees. The UNCHR states that refugee camps are intended to be a 
temporary accommodation for people who have been forced to flee their home for a 
variation of reasons.10  
 One of the oldest and largest refugee camps established by the UNHCR is the 
Kakuma camp in Kenya. The camp is composed of mainly Ethiopian and Somalian 
refugees, who have been living in it since 1992. Housing over 191,500 people as of 
August, 2019, the camp has turned into a community of itself.11  The largest refugee 
camp as of 2019 is the Kutupalong Camp in Bangladesh, which was established after 
Rohingya refugees fled violence in Myanmar at a staggering rate in 2017.12  Even 
more recently, the UNHCR has established camps in South America to aid the 
9 Refugees.? United Nations. United Nations. 
10 ?What Is a Refugee Camp? Definition and Statistics: USA for UNHCR.? Definition and Statistics | 
USA for UNHCR. 
11 ?Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement - UNHCR Kenya.? UNHCR.
12 ?Rohingya Emergency.? UNHCR.
6!
ongoing migration crisis faced by Venezuelans. Maico, Colombia and Boa Vista in 
Brazil are the two sites where these are located.  
 Due to the remote location of most refugee camps, some challenges faced by 
communities living in them include access to electricity, education, employment and 
integration in local communities. While camps were started with the intention of 
simply providing shelter, usually in the form of tents, the purpose and function of 
some have been redefined in the last few years as they have turned into communities 
preparing for better futures. 
 Figure 1.3: Refugee Camps Around the World (Source: Author) 
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3. Migration Crisis in Venezuela  
The Cause of the Problem 
 What was considered South America?s most prosperous country in the 1950s, 
turned into one of the world?s poorest countries in a span of 20 years, between 1999 
and 2019. In 1990, Venezuela enjoyed a GDP of 48.38B, a product of oil production, 
which was the beginning of its thriving phase. By 2010, Venezuela had a GDP of 
331.63B, when its oil industry was at its most successful and profitable moment. 
However, by 2019, the country?s GDP was 70.14B. In the world GDP ranking by the 
IMF, Venezuela today ranks in the 68th place, along with the countries of Oman and 
Luxembourg, which both have very small populations compared to Venezuela.13  
 Problems originated after Hugo Chavez?s elections as president of Venezuela 
in 1998 and his deployment of economic and political policies. He began to 
nationalize private companies, censor news outlets and jailed those who rejected his 
ideologies. The country?s currency went from being one of the strongest in South 
America, to the being the weakest in the world. Inflation rates have surpassed 
1,000,000% and 9 out of 10 Venezuelans live in poverty.14  
13 ?Rep?blica Bolivariana De Venezuela and the IMF.? IMF.
14 U.S. Government Support for the Democratic Aspirations of the Venezuelan People - United States 
Department of State.? U.S. Department of State. 
!8
Figure 2.1: Timeline of Events Leading to the Economic Crash (Source: Author) 
 
Figure 2.2: Venezuela?s GDP Comparison with Neighboring Countries (Source: IMF World 
Economic Outlook Database) 
9!
Political Crisis 
 For decades two main political parties divided the country, Acci?n 
Democr?tica and Comit? de Organizaci?n Pol?tica Electoral Independiente. Acci?n 
Democratica, often referred to as AD, was a leftist democratic party. The Comit? de 
Organizaci?n Pol?tica Electoral Independiente or COPEI, was described as the social 
Christian party. While specific differences existed between them, both parties 
believed a democratic government was the right option for the country. In 1998, a 
commander in the military, Hugo Ch?vez, became head of the United Socialist Party 
and proposed a socialist government as the right strategy to develop the country?s 
economy.15 His political agenda presented itself as a third option that overcame the 
popularity of the two-party traditional system. Ch?vez was elected in 1998 and soon 
after his election, political and economic changes, which mirrored his idea of a 
socialist regime, led to proposing a new constitution that accommodated his ideology. 
 Ch?vez?s policies resonated with the poor, he implemented governmental 
programs to provide necessities for the most needed, built infrastructure, and 
increased employment opportunities. However, all programs were funded with the 
country?s oil revenue. When Ch?vez took power, Venezuela?s oil industry was going 
through an economic boom. As soon as oil prices dropped, in 2009, the economy 
crashed and Chavez?s strategies became unsustainable.16 
15 Niemietz, Kristian. ?Venezuela's Economic Collapse Is Linked to Its Socialist Policies: Kristian 
Niemietz.? FEE Freeman Article.
16 Rajagopal, Divya. ?The Legacy of Hugo Chavez and a Failing Venezuela.? Wharton Public Policy 
Initative, February 7, 2017.
!10
 Fourteen years after his election, Ch?vez had a tight grip in the country and 
was able to take control of all major industries in the country. While poverty, 
unemployment and inflation had increased, it was still manageable to live and 
produce in the country for most families. However, Ch?vez passed away after losing a 
battle against cancer in 2013, and left his right hand, Nicolas Maduro, as his 
successor. Elections were called and Maduro won with 50.6% of the votes, the 
narrowest margin in a presidential election in Venezuela.17 After only one year ruling 
the country, the economy had shrunk by 50%. Venezuela's Central Bank stopped 
releasing economic data.18 However,  inflations rates had multiplied, and the 
migration of thousands of people had begun.  
Figure 2.3: Boom Under Chavez, Decline Under Maduro (Source: Statista)  
17 ?Venezuela's Chavez Era.? Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations. 
18 Millard, Peter, Cindy Hoffman, Marissa Gertz, and Jeremy C.F Lin. ?A Timeline of Venezuela?s 
Economic Rise and Fall.? Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg, February 16, 2019.
!11
 A series of massive protests belied the general disappointment among 
Venezuela?s populace. For instance, according to the Venzuelan Observatory of Social 
Conflict, there were 9,288 protests in 2014.19 Between 2014 and 2017, thousands of 
protests happened across the country, leaving hundreds of people dead, and thousands 
injured, as the military force repressed those who marched against the government.  
 In 2018, President Maduro, decided to call for early elections, in which the 
opposition decided not to participate since they were not considered legal under the 
constitution. Consequently, with no opposition to fight him, Maduro won and 
proclaimed himself president for another six-year period.20 A global rejection of the 
election?s illegitimacy had many countries voicing their opposition to Maduro?s 
electoral process. When his official presidential period came to an end in January, 
2019, the National Assembly?s President, Juan Guaid?, declared himself interim 
president. Since Maduro was elected in an election process that was performed 
outside of the proper timeframe, Guaid? invoked a constitutional amendment which 
allowed him to lead the government until new elections can be held.21 Regardless of 
Guaid??s actions, Maduro decided to stay in power, leading the country to have two 
?presidents? at the same time. This deadlock sparked a new set of protests across the 
country and worsened the situation for migrants.  
19 Editor. ?Durante El Primer Semestre De 2019 Se Documentaron 10.477 Protestas.? Observatorio 
Venezolano de Conflictividad Social
20 Cohen, Luc. ?Venezuela's Maduro Re-Elected amid Outcry over Vote.? Reuters. 
21 Margesson, Rhoda, and Clare Ribando. ?The Venezuela Regional Migration Crisis? Congregational 
Research Service, February 15, 2019.
!12
Figure 2.4: Protests in Venezuela between 2017 - 2019 (Source: Observatorio Venezolano de 
Conflictividad Social) 
Social and Economic Crisis 
 Venezuela?s economy has depended in the oil market for decades. The drop of oil 
prices in recent years and the mishandling of the country?s monetary resources by 
government officials has led to the emergence of multiple problems in the country. As 
inflation rates increased, prices increased and a chain of events broke loose, leading to the 
collapse of the economy and the start of the biggest migration crisis in the history of the 
country. With higher prices, people could not afford basic products, which consequently 
caused a scarcity of basic goods as farmers and store owners could not keep the same levels 
of production. Local companies started to layoff employers, while international companies 
closed their business in the country. Unemployment increased to 34%, the health care system 
collapsed due to the lack of workers and medical supplies, 3 out of every 4 hospitals have 
been abandoned under Maduro?s regime. This caused a 198% increase in Malaria cases in the 
country, as well as a drastic increase in infant mortality rates.22 As a consequence of poverty 
22 ShareAmerica. ?Venezuela in Crisis: Quotes and Facts.? ShareAmerica, April 30, 2019.
!13
and desperation in the population, violence levels have multiplied in recent years, turning 
Caracas, the nation?s capital, into the third most dangerous city in the world.  Due to all 
political and social problems, more than 4 million people have left the country in the last 5 
years.23 The Venezuelan exodus is a problem faced by all countries, especially Latin 
American countries.  
Figure 2.5: Chain of Events Leading to the Migration Crisis (Source: Author) 
 
Figure 2.6: Inflation Rate Increase (Source: Bloomberg) 
23 Rina Mazuera-Arias, Neida Albornoz-Arias, Miguel Morffe, Carolina Ram?rez, Myriam Carre?o. 
?Informe Sobre La Movilidad Humana Venezolana II? CPAl Social
!14
Defining the Venezuelan Migration  
 As Maduro rejects all humanitarian aid offered by other countries and NGOs, 
an increasing number of people continue to leave the country. Most Venezuelans are 
leaving to neighboring countries, especially Colombia due to its proximity to 
Venezuela. More than 4 million people have left the country, and it is expected by the 
U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organizations, that the 
number will reach 5.3 million by the end of 2019.24 With most people staying in Latin 
America and the Caribbean, it is feared that the spread of previously eradicated 
diseases turns into a regional problem and not just a national concern. Most people 
arriving to these countries are malnourished and in very poor health conditions. 
Figure 2.7: Psychosocial factors that prompted Venezuelans to migrate (Source CPAL Social; 
Modified by Author) 
24 Margesson, Rhoda, and Clare Ribando. ?The Venezuela Regional Migration Crisis,? Congregational 
Research Service, February 15, 2019.
!15
Migrating to Latin America  
 The reaction of thousands of Venezuelans arriving to each country varies, as 
some have the infrastructure to house this new community and others feel they are 
being forced to house a new problem. More than half of the population moving to 
South America have stayed in Colombia. It is estimated that the number will surpass 
2 million people by the end of 2019. There are currently 7 official crossing points 
between the Venezuela-Colombia border, which expands to 1,378 miles.25 However, 
many people cross through unofficial entries, causing an inaccuracy in the number of 
Venezuelans in the country.  
 Colombia is only a stopping point for many, who continue travel to countries 
such as Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina. 94.4 % of migrants use ground 
transportation to travel, with only 3.6% traveling by air and 1.9% by both ground and 
air transportation.26 The Caribbean has also been greatly impacted by the massive 
exodus of Venezuelans. Most islands have very small populations, like Trinidad and 
Tobago, with 1.4 million people. As thousands move to these islands, the increase in 
their population has started to become a problem. Outside of Latin America, The 
United States and Spain are the two countries who have received the greatest influx of 
migrants, where many apply for political asylum.27 
25 Margesson, Rhoda, and Clare Ribando. ?The Venezuela Regional Migration Crisis,? Congregational 
Research Service, February 15, 2019.
26 Rina Mazuera-Arias, Neida Albornoz-Arias, Miguel Morffe, Carolina Ram?rez, Myriam Carre?o. 
?Informe Sobre La Movilidad Humana Venezolana II? CPAl Social
27 ?The Venezuelan Exodus.? Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations
1! 6
Figure 2.8: Percentages of Where Venezuelans are Going as of April 2019 (Source Author) 
!17
Dangerous Paths  
 Organized crime groups have taken advantage of the Venezuelan migration 
crisis, capitalizing their businesses as they turn migrants into victims. Since most 
people cross international borders by foot, they encounter multiple criminal 
organizations along the way. In Colombia, migrants are recruited by the ELN, FARC 
or other guerrilla groups, while in Brazil the major concern is smuggling. Elsewhere, 
in countries like Ecuador, Per?, Panam? and Mexico, they are victims of modern 
slavery, human trafficking and sexual exploitation.28 Several countries have started to 
impose restrictions on Venezuelans to control the number of migrants. Per? and Chile 
imposed visas to Venezuelans in June 2019, a month later, Ecuador took the same 
decision.29 This has caused a new problem for migrants trying to desperately enter 
these countries, as it pushes them to take riskier routes where there are no official 
points of entry. Consequently, people have become more vulnerable to fall victims to 
criminal networks or armed groups.  
 Rising Tensions  
 Restrictive immigration methods not only caused a domino effect, as more 
and more countries are requesting visas, but also increased tensions for Venezuelans 
and their desperation of getting to their final destination. The flow of migrants 
arriving to Per?, Chile and Ecuador on the days prior to enforcing the humanitarian 
28 R?zquez, Ronna, and Josefina Salom?n. ?GameChangers 2018: Venezuelan Migration a New Gold 
Mine for Organized Crime.? InSight Crime, January 8, 2019.
29 ?Ecuador to Require Visas for Venezuelan Migrants: Moreno.? Reuters. Thomson Reuters, July 26, 
2019.
1! 8
visa, increased dramatically in each country. Applicants are being requested to 
provide their criminal records and passport documentation to be considered for a visa. 
These acts have increased acts of xenophobia across Latin America.30 Venezuelans 
who entered these countries before measures were implemented are now being 
persecuted by police officials and face possible deportations. Locals are rejecting to 
offer employment to those who lack proper documentation. Additionally, allegations 
of crime by Venezuelans have been made across the region, provoking violent 
backlash against all Venezuelan migrants.31  
Figure 2.9:Migrant Victims of Organized Crime (Source InSight Crime; Modified by Author) ?
30 ?Ecuador to Require Visas for Venezuelan Migrants: Moreno.? Reuters. Thomson Reuters, July 26, 
2019.
31 United Nations. ?Venezuela Situation.? UNHCR.
1! 9
4. Refuge in Ecuador  
Ecuador as New Home  
 Like most countries in South America, Ecuador maintained an open-door 
policy since the beginning of the Venezuelan migration crisis. The country has served 
as a destination and as a transit for Venezuelans traveling through the region. 
According to the UNHCR, more than 1.7 million people entered the country since 
2017.32 While regular entry was possible and accessible by simply providing the 
authorities an identity document issued by the county of origin, the country?s laws 
recently changed. On July 26th of 2019, president Lenin Moreno issued the Executive 
Decree No. 826 which establishes the requirement for Venezuelans to obtain a visa in 
order to enter Ecuador. A month later, staring on August 25th, the decree is being 
enforced.33  
 While the regularization process imposed by the Ecuadorian government was 
taken in order to benefit locals and migrants, this has sparked a new trend of irregular 
migration to the country. In a study done by the UNHCR, it was shown that there has 
been a significant reduction of Venezuelan entries since the decree was enforced. 
From an average of 2,000 people crossing daily throughout the year, the numbers 
have decreased to an average of 23 people in the month of September. However, there 
32 Stein, Eduardo. RMRP 2020 ?For Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela? Response for 
Venezuelans. 
33 ?Ecuador to Require Visas for Venezuelan Migrants: Moreno.? Reuters. Thomson Reuters, July 26, 
2019.
2! 0
has been an increase of people crossing irregularly, which exposes them to a variety 
of dangerous situations.34 
 
Figure 3.1:Percentages of Venezuelans living in Ecuador (Source: Author) 
 The Ecuadorian government has taken measures to address the needs of 
Venezuelan refugees and migrants. However, these will most likely become more 
evident in the next year, as the immigrant community tries to settle down in the 
country. From interviews and studies done by multiple organizations to Venezuelans 
34 Stein, Eduardo. RMRP 2020 ?For Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela? Response for 
Venezuelans. 
2! 1
in the country, it was concluded that the major difficulties faced by them are access to 
the labor market, and socio-economic integration opportunities.35  
 
Figure 3.2: Arrival of Venezuelan Citizens in August 2019 (Source: Ministry of Government 
and IFRC ) 
Social, Political and Economic Overview of Ecuador  
 Having gained independence from the Spanish Crown on May 24th, 1822, 
Ecuador is a country that has been developing ever since, like most countries in South 
America. With a population of 16.62 million people, the country is known for its 
diverse landscape. Its capital, Quito, is located among the mountains of the Andean 
Region, elevated at an altitude of 2,850 m.36 As described in an overview of the 
country by BBC, Ecuador is a patchwork of ethnic identities, a complex legacy of its 
35 Stein, Eduardo. RMRP 2020 ?For Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela? Response for 
Venezuelans. 
36 ?City of Quito.? UNESCO World Heritage Centre. 
2! 2
indigenous and colonial past.37 Multiple native Andean civilizations ruled the country 
for hundreds of years. In the fifteenth century, the Inka Empire controlled what is 
today Ecuadorian territory until the sixteenth century, when the Spanish conquered 
the Inka empire, until the beginning of the nineteenth century, when the country 
achieved its independence.38  
 Since the beginning of its establishment, the country was mainly based in a 
farming economy. After the discovery of oil, the country shifted to an oil-based 
economy, which allowed for a rapid growth in education, health and other key social 
institutions. Since 2014, due to the crash of international oil prices, the appreciation 
of the currency (USD), as well as growing trade conflicts, Ecuador has been trying to 
adapt its economy to the current situation, heavily relying in their farming economy 
once again, as well as other non-oil revenues.39  
 
37 ?Ecuador Country Profile.? BBC News. BBC
38 ?Discover Ecuador: By Ecuador.com: History of Ecuador.? Discover Ecuador | By Ecuador.com. 
39 ?Overview.? World Bank.
!23
Priority Needs of the Venezuelan Community 
 Food security, health, integration, protection and shelter are the primary needs 
of the Venezuelan community in Ecuador according to the United Nations.40 Multiple 
Non-Profit organizations along with governmental organizations are trying to fulfill 
the immigrant community?s basic needs. However, as more people enter the country, 
the number of people have become unmanageable. According to research done by the 
UNHCR, 31% of people crossing into Ecuador are experiencing hunger, while 72% 
of the diaspora already established in the country cannot cover their needs as per 
basic family food basket. Out of the percentage established in the country, 15% live in 
extreme poverty and 22% experience a form of poverty.41  
 The Venezuelan diaspora has been an important target for the public health 
sector of Ecuador, especially since the government guarantees free health for all 
residents. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 129,000 healthcare services 
were provided to this community in 2019.42 The lack of proper health care in 
Venezuela, usually worsens people?s health?s conditions as they arrive to their country 
of choice in desperate needs, increasing the amount of people who require assistance. 
In terms of employment, 20% of refugees surveyed by the UNHCR reported being 
unemployed and 36% indicated that finding employment is their priority need.43 The 
40 Stein, Eduardo. RMRP 2020 ?For Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela? Response for 
Venezuelans. 
41 Stein, Eduardo. RMRP 2020 ?For Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela? Response for 
Venezuelans.
42 ?Ministros de Salud de Ecuador y Colombia visitar?n establecimientos sanitarios de la zona 
fronteriza? Ministerio de Salud P?blica. 
43 OIM ?Monitoreo de Flujo de Poblaci?n Venezolana Ecuador?ONU Migraci?n. June 2019
2! 4
lack of a regular status and validation of professional degrees further challenge 
Venezuelans to find employment and exposes them to labor exploitation. The 
majority of the population ends up settling for some type of informal employment.  
Figure 3.3: Primary Needs of the Venezuelan Community (Source: Author / Statistics from 
UNHCR ) 
Venezuelans in Quito  
 With Quito being the capital of Ecuador, it has evidently turned into the 
principal destination for Venezuelans living in the country. About 50% of migrants in 
Ecuador currently reside in Quito. Like any other capital in a developing country, it is 
the city that offers the most opportunities for employment, one of the primary needs 
of the community. The center and the south of Quito have become the new home for 
many. In Quito?s Historic Center, an area called Barrio de la Loma is now referred to 
as ?Caracas? due to the amount of Venezuelans living there. An approximate of 300 
!25
immigrants live in the area. In the extreme south of the city, an area called Barrio 
Solanda, is now famous for being a ?mini Venezuela? for the same reasons.44  
 The majority of people rent apartments, where rents are usually around 180 
USD monthly. In one household, between four to six people live together, usually 
immediate or distant family members. Venezuelans use the streets of these same 
neighborhoods to work, as many sell products they produce on the streets. However, a 
obstacle for informal vendors are the local vendors. The main avenues and streets of 
Quito are filled with informal local merchants, leaving a limited amount of space for 
Venezuelans to sell their products. Confrontations between the locals and Venezuelan 
communities have occurred, forcing immigrants to move to less desirable areas of the 
city to continue their informal modes of employment.  
Figure 3.4: Migratory Situation of the Venezuelan Population in Quito (Source: Author / 
Statistics from IOM ) 
44 ?Centro y Sur De Quito Son El Nuevo Hogar De Los Migrantes Venezolanos.? El Tel?grafo - 
Noticias del Ecuador y del mundo
!26
Figure 3.5: Challenges Faced by Street Vendors (Source: Author) 
Help for Venezuelans in Ecuador  
 Multiple international and local non-profit and governmental organizations have 
taken the lead in assisting the needs of the Venezuelan diaspora throughout Latin America. 
CARE, previously known as the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe, has now 
established offices all around the world, and is one of the most active NGOs in Ecuador.45 
With the aim ?to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and social injustice to bring lasting 
change to the lives of poor and vulnerable people? as described by the organization, they have 
established a group specifically for the diaspora called ?People for Venezuela?. Along with 
other organizations in the country, they are working towards the efficient use of resources at 
assistance centers installed throughout the country and to prioritize the assistance of the 
people in the most vulnerable conditions.46  
45 ?Ecuador.? Care International.
46 ?CARE's Approach.? Care International. 
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 The International Organization for Migrants (IOM), has also established offices in 
Ecuador for the benefit of the displaced community. Through their program Humanitarian 
Assistance of Homeless Migrant, they provide fast and flexible humanitarian assistance to 
immigrants in difficult circumstances, who cannot be treated in through other existing 
programs.47 The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Adventist 
Development and Relief Agency, among other organizations, also assist Venezuelans in 
multiple locations in Ecuador.  
Stories from the Exiled  
 Every Venezuelan who has left the country has unique stories regarding their 
journey and settlement in their new city. Homelessness and unemployment are among 
the main challenges faced by Venezuelans when they arrive to Quito, Ecuador. A few 
people were interviewed to talk about their struggles, challenges and new lives in 
Ecuador. While every person had a different story to tell, they all shared one 
concluding thought: the moment Venezuela changes, they will return as soon as they 
can. 
 When asked about how long they had been in Ecuador, the answers varied 
between three years and five months. However, the interviewee?s reasons for leaving 
Venezuela were similar, their salaries were not enough to maintain their families. 
When asked the main reason why the left the country, one interviewee said ?My 
daughters told me to leave before I died in Venezuela. While I had a good salary, 
around fifty dollars weekly, it wasn?t enough money to buy even a cookie for my 
granddaughter. The situation was unbelievable, it was just too hard.? Another 
47 ?Asistencia Humanitaria De Migrantes Desamparados.? OIM ONU Migracion | Misi?n Ecuador.
2! 8
interviewee said ?I used to work in a school cafeteria, the school where my daughters 
attended, when I first started working there it was enough money to live, but then it 
wasn?t enough. I?m a single mother, one salary in Venezuela is not enough to sustain a 
family. I had to leave the country and leave my daughters there as well. When I 
settled here, I was able to bring them with me.?  
  
 
Figure 3.6: Venezuelan Begging for Food and Money on the Streets of Quito  
(Source: Author) 
!29
 In regards to housing, interviewees had very different experiences. Depending 
on the situation of the person, there is preference and more assistance offered. One 
interviewee described he had to live on the streets for a while saying ?When I arrived, 
I slept on a public square for two weeks, nobody wanted to rent me a room because 
I?m from Venezuela. I knocked on many doors for weeks, they would always say no, 
until one day a person decided to help me. It?s not easy, there is a lot of rejection 
towards Venezuelans, specially if its a single guy like me.?  
 The case of a second interviewee was similar . He said ?I had to sleep on top 
of a towel and use my clothes as a blanket. While I was able to rent a room, it didn?t 
have a bed. For two months I had to live in those conditions. I didn?t know if it was 
the cold or the sadness I felt that was consuming me. But I had to keep going, like all 
immigrants.? A third interview, who was with her two children, was able to find 
housing more easily, since people are usually willing to help mothers with young 
children. She described her experience by saying ?I was able to find an affordable 
room to rent, I pay seventy dollars monthly for it. They have more compassion when 
they see you with children. I know others who have struggled much more than I did.?  
 While housing was a major problem, they all described finding a job as their 
biggest challenge. Since the Humanitarian Visa was implemented in August 26th, 
2019 for Venezuelans living in Ecuador, employees started requesting visas to offer 
employment. The costs of the visa, 450 USD, is a cost that not many people can 
afford. An interviewee described his employment situation saying ?Finding a job was 
the hardest thing, because people demanded visas. Without the visa we have no life 
!30
here and that is, in my opinion, discrimination. Thankfully I already have my visa and 
Ecuadorian ID. For me it was easier to find a job because I?m a farmer. So I was able 
to adapt much easily, but those who are not used to it are struggling because the cities 
are collapsed.?  
 Figure 3.7: Franklin Mendez, a Venezuelan Living in Quito Who Works as the 
Maintenance Person of a Farm  (Source: Author) 
 Another interviewee described how her intention was to go to Chile, but on 
her way she had some problems in the border between Peru and Chile and decided to 
stay in Peru. While she worked there for a few months, she was not able to adapt to 
the country?s demands and decided to try it out in Ecuador. In her interview she 
!31
described her job situation saying ?I worked for three months in a hotel in Peru, but 
the situation there is too hard. I decided to come to Ecuador for a while to try it out 
here, but my intention was never to stay since my daughters were back in Venezuela, 
so I didn?t apply for a visa. But the situation back home just got worse, so I brought 
them here and started saving for our visas. Since I?m considered illegal, I have to 
work on the streets selling this drink.? She continued to described how she has to sell 
forty drinks everyday in order to get paid by the company. Additionally, since she 
does not have proper documentation, she is forced to work for more hours than others 
who do. 
Figure 3.8: Yusmari, a Venezuelan Working as an Informal Street Vendor in Quito  
(Source: Author)  
!32
 In regards to moving back to Venezuela, as previously mentioned, all the 
people interviewed said they would move back if the country?s political, economic 
and social situation changes. When asked about the possibility of moving back an 
interviewee said ?I have to come out to the streets everyday here to survive, and even 
so, I?m much better here than I was in Venezuela. But if the country changes, I would 
move back in an instant.? Another Venezuelan shared the same ideology, who said 
when interviewed ?If Venezuela changes I think all these countries will be left empty. 
And that is when they will regret mistreating us?If Venezuela changes it won?t be 
just me returning, but everyone will go back. A third interviewee simply answered 
?Even if I have to walk all the way back.?  While Venezuelans hove not lost the hope 
of the country changing soon, they are settling in Quito as their new temporary home. 
They go out to the streets everyday to survive and work as whatever they can to 
maintain their families and send back money to those family members who are back 
in Venezuela. 
!33
Figure 3.9: Horacio, Victor, Vaneska and Francisco, a Group of Informal Venezuelan Street 
Vendors in Quito. (Source: Author)  
!34
5. Seeking Home  
Redefining Home  
 ?No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark? a line from 
Warsaw Shire?s poem ?Home?, encapsulates in one sentence the truth behind all those 
who have been forced for some reason to leave their country. Refugees have many 
needs, which vary from person to person, however the one thing they all have in 
common is the need of finding and creating a new home. When a person leaves their 
country, culture, family, job, and all other things that encompass their world, their 
sense of home becomes a state of ?in between?. This hybrid space is the combination 
of a refugee?s former home and their new one.  
 
Figure 4.1:The ?Hybrid Space? (Source Author) 
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The Meaning of Home  
 When analyzing the meaning of home, multiple categories can be used to 
define it. For instance, the terms ?home? and ?house? are frequently used as synonyms, 
however, a house only represents the shell of home. While ?home? is to a certain 
extent a notion of architecture, it is mainly a notion of psychology, psychoanalysis 
and sociology, as Juhani Pallasma described in Identity, Intimacy and Domicile.48 The 
architectural dimensions of a home are limited to the extents of the built form. Home 
can be referred to as a geographical location, an emotion, an object or even a person. 
However, the term cannot be described as a single object, building, or place, but 
rather a combination of experiences and memories.  
 For a person who has never left the town they were born in, home might be 
described as their house. As a person moves to a new place, their belongings become 
their home in their journey. After arriving to a new place, home becomes the place 
that was left behind. Finally, after settling in the new place, home turns into the new 
place itself, through a combination of everything that was experienced along the way. 
In ?Poetry, Language, Thought?, Martin Heidegger describes dwelling as the 
gathering of the fourfold: earth, sky, mortals and divinities.49 According to the 
reading, having those fore elements present in a space create the perfect dwelling. 
Depending on the experiences lived by an individual, the definition of home varies 
and orient more towards one of the elements. Home is not a single dwelling but rather 
48 Pallasma, Juhani. Encounters: Architectural Essays ?Identity, Intimacy and Domicile?. Helsinki: 
Rakennustieto, 2012.
49  Heidegger, M. 1971. Poetry, Language, Thought. 145?161. New York: Harper & Row.
3! 6
a collection of moments that give individuals a sense of belonging and identity in 
relation to context.   
Figure 4.2: Definitions of Home (Source Author) 
Design for the Exiled  
 In recent years, the world has witnessed a time of record migration. People are 
displaced as a result of persecution, violence, violation of human rights, lack of basic 
needs, poverty and conflict. According to the United Nations High Commission for 
Refugees, there are over 70 million displaced people around the world.50 The majority 
of displaced people are living in cities, which in many occasions lack the 
infrastructure to house them and capacity to embrace them. As a result, immigrants 
face many challenges like exclusion, discrimination, and cultural barriers. Their sense 
of belonging is lost in their journey, as they lose the place they considered their home 
and begin the search for a new one. A combination of the place they left and the place 
they arrived to, along with their emotions towards both places, create a ?third space? 
50 United Nations. ?Figures at a Glance.? UNHCR. Accessed October 19, 2019.
!37
they begin to experience. Urban design solutions that address the ?third space? 
immigrants arrive to, should promote a sense of belonging, dignity, identity and 
resiliency. While architects are limited to designing the shell of a home, it is their 
responsibility to create spaces that people can turn into their homes.  
 In the book ?Drifting - Architecture and Migrancy? Stephen Cairns discusses 
how in the editorial ?Daidalos? by Gert Mattenklott, he described architecture for 
migrants characterized as ?tediously administrative misery to be found in Nissen huts, 
shantytowns and refugee camps, in paper-lined car wrecks and cardboard boxes with 
peepholes, or the suffering of shopping-cart existences and metro-shaft dwellers?.51 
Designing for the displaced has turned into a problem that the displaced have to solve 
for themselves. Through the unity of entire displaced communities, some have been 
able to adapt to their new ?homes? by transforming them to house all their needs. 
Cairns discusses a few examples like Mexican and Salvadorian makeovers of 
suburban bungalows in Los Angeles, the Cuban Catholic shrines in Miami?s Little 
Havana and the Vietnamese market gardens in inner-city Melbourne, where 
immigrants successfully created their ?hybrid space?.52  
51 Cairns, Stephen. Drifting: Architecture and Migrancy. Ondon: Routledge, 2004.
52 Cairns, Stephen. Drifting: Architecture and Migrancy. Ondon: Routledge, 2004.
!38
Figure 4.3: Links between Internal Displacement and Housing (Source Internal Displacement 
Monitor Centre) 
Dwelling as a Community  
 Dwelling as a community has turned into a major factor that leads immigrants 
to regain their sense of belonging and recreate a home in their new location. The most 
successful example of a displaced community that was able to unite to regain their 
sense of belonging is Chinatown. Through their transformation of entire areas of a 
city, they were able to turn the situation into an urban design strategy and municipal 
tourist area, providing shelter, employment and community acceptance. About 80% of 
refugees live in countries neighboring their native land. Consequently, communities 
of refugees are often formed immediately, but lack the tools to regain their sense of 
belonging. Architecture can be a starting point for displaced communities to find the 
tools necessary to house all their needs, starting with shelter.  
!39
Figure 4.4: Displaced People Worldwide (Source UNHCR; Edited by Author) 
The Needs of a Refugee  
 After arriving to a new country refugees are desperate to fulfill their basic 
needs, starting with shelter, where, ideally, they can be protected, access clean water, 
energy and begin rebuilding a sense of home. The United Nations Refugee Agency 
has established refugee camps around the world, where communities need it the most. 
While these offer provisional housing, the needs of a refugee extend beyond having a 
proper place to sleep.  
 As described by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, ?A 
refugee camp is intended as a temporary accommodation for people who have been 
forced to flee their home because of violence and persecution.?53 However, health, 
education, security and opportunities are also major necessities for immigrant 
communities.Refugee camps often lack education opportunities for children and 
employment opportunities for adults due to their frequent remote locations. The 
isolation of these camps also leads to the rejection from locals, as refugees are 
53 ?What Is a Refugee Camp? Definition and Statistics: USA for UNHCR.? Definition and Statistics | 
USA for UNHCR.
!40
perceived as an outcast community invading part of their territory. Consequently, one 
of the most important needs refugees face, which is often ignore by host governments 
and NGOs, is the need of inclusion and acceptance.  
Figure 4.5: Needs of a Refugee (Source Author)

!41
Case Management  
 Displaced communities share many needs however, each individual case has 
its unique characteristics. While many leave their country of origin due to violence, 
others leave due to political persecution. Their needs change as the reason behind 
their decision to leave varies. After arriving to a host country, refugees need a case 
evaluation from a professional to identify their necessities. Information about 
housing, language programs, education services, and professional certification are 
among the services offered by most refugee centers around the world. Counseling 
however, is the most important resource offered by these centers, which help the 
displaced adapt and overcome all obstacles and traumas suffered in their journeys.  
Employment and Migration Services  
 Due to rejection, lack of resources and proper assistance, immigrants often 
work in the service industry or manufacturing, regardless of their education level or 
professional degree. The lack of stable employment often results in homelessness and 
poverty. In developed countries, such as the United States, community and refugee 
centers are created to ensure that the influx of displaced communities does not turn 
into a problem for the country. The Lutheran Social Services Center, refugees are 
matched with a job developer upon their arrival. These professionals asses the skills 
and interests of the displaced and math them with a proper job opportunity. 
Additionally, contact is maintained throughout the first three months between the 
!42
professional and the person in need to ensure the match is successful.54 Orientation 
workshop, training programs and vocational training are also often offered to ensure 
the success of new communities in their new ?home?.  
 The most frequent problem refugees or immigrants have to face when 
searching for job opportunities is the lack of proper documentation. The official status 
in host country for displaced people varies from case to case. Access to adequate 
immigration lawyers is out of reach for most people, forcing them to work illegally or 
for less than the minimum wage. Such situation leads to a series of greater problems, 
like rivalry and competition with local workers. Certain refugee centers offer people 
all the information needed to have a legal status in their host country, like referrals to 
pro bono or low-cost immigration lawyers.  
Figure 4.6: Refugee Unemployment Probability (Source VOX) ?
54 ?Refugee & Immigrant Resources: Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia.? Refugee & Immigrant 
Resources | Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia. 
!43
6. Building Practices  
Affordable Housing 
 As described by the U.S Department of Housing, affordable housing can be 
defined as housing where residents pay no more than 30% of their income.55 The lack 
of affordable housing has been a continuing problem in many countries for decades. 
Even in developed countries, homelessness and over-crowding of shelters is a 
problem as the cost for housing increases and wages remain the same. In developing 
countries, such as Ecuador, the need for affordable housing is high. With a high 
poverty rate, at 23.2 % according to the World Bank, an increasing number of people 
are struggling to find a proper house to live in.56 
 As described by Ted Bardacke in Blueprint for Greening Affordable Housing, 
the most common types of affordable housing include: Rental housing for individuals 
and families, for-sale housing for individuals and families, housing for people with 
special physical needs, housing for people transitioning out of homelessness, housing 
for youth leaving the foster care system and housing for seniors. While project types 
vary, the mission remains the same, for the residents to achieve economic stability 
and social equity.57  
55 ?Defining Housing Affordability: HUD
56 ?Ecuador ? World Bank
57 Wells, Walker, Ted Bardacke, and Global Green USA. 2007. Blueprint for Greening Affordable 
Housing. 
!44
 With the lack of affordable housing in the most developed areas of cities, low-
income individuals are usually forced to live in remote locations around the world. 
This increases their expenses as these locations usually lack access to public 
transportation and in many cases access to the most basic needs. In recent years, as 
concerns of poverty, and homelessness along with climate change increase, 
developers have become aware of the importance of implementing green building and 
sustainable strategies as these further lowers costs. Affordable housing and green 
building closely relate as they share similar missions. Sustainability address economic 
stability and social equity as well, and additionally address the environment.     
Figure 5.1: Affordable Housing Mission (Source Greening Affordable Housing and Author) 
!45
Sustainability and Green Building  
 With the advancement of technology, new sustainable strategies are emerging 
constantly to address climate change and other environmental issues. Buildings 
encompass a high percentage in the amount of pollution and carbon emissions 
released through their construction. As a result, developers and designers are 
implement more of these sustainable strategies and turning their building into what is 
now known as green buildings. Bardacke described green building as ?the process of 
creating buildings and supportive infrastructure that reduce the use of resources, 
create healthier living environments for people, and minimize negative impacts on 
local, regional, and global ecosystems.58  
 Multiple strategies can be implemented in affordable housing projects that 
also make these green buildings, like passive heating and cooling, the use of 
recyclable and local materials, the use of energy efficient technologies, the use of 
natural light and water recycling methods. Additionally, Patrick Condon describes 
providing diverse housing types and investing in lighter, greener, cheaper, and smarter 
infrastructure as strategies to create more sustainable communities in Seven Rules for 
Sustainable Communities : Design Strategies for the Post Carbon World.59 The 
combination of affordable housing, green buildings and sustainable communities 
create healthier and accessible living opportunities.  
58 Wells, Walker, Ted Bardacke, and Global Green USA. 2007. Blueprint for Greening Affordable 
Housing. 
59 Condon, Patrick M. 2010. Seven Rules for Sustainable Communities : Design Strategies for the 
Post-Carbon World. 
!46
Figure 5.2: Benefits of Green Building (Source Greening Affordable Housing and Author) 
Quito?s Climate and Geographic Information  
 In order to select sustainable strategies appropriate for a site and take 
advantage of as many opportunities as possible, it is important to understand the local 
climate. Quito is located in the northern area Ecuador, with the Andes Mountains to 
the east and the in the Guagua Pichincha Volcano to another, in the Guayllamba river 
basin. Additionally to the Pichincha Volcano, the city is surrounded by other nearby 
volcanoes, including Cotopaxi and Cayambe, which are popular destinations visited 
by tourists. It is the second highest capital in South America with an altitude of 2,850 
meters.60 
60 ?Quito, Ecuador " City Info " Geography.? Quito Geography - Information, climate and weather in 
Quito.
!47
 Since Quito is located along the equator, its temperature is consistent for the 
majority of the time and it is considered a subtropical highland climate, according to 
the K?ppen Climate Classification system. Due to its altitude, 2,850 meters, the 
temperature is relatively cool, usually between 9 ?C and 19 ?C. There are two main 
seasons, wet and dry. The wet season occurs between October and May, with April 
being the rainiest month. The dry season starts in June until September, with August 
being the most dry. The average rainfall accumulation is 163 mm and happens 
between March and April.61   
Figure 5.3: Climate Summary (Source WeatherSpark) 
Figure 5.4: Average Monthly Rainfall (Source WeatherSpark) 
61 Average Weather in Quito, Ecuador, Year Round - Weather Spark.
4! 8
 There is a great variety of vegetation types in the city, including different 
types of fruit trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, flowers and many others. According to 
the Secretar?a de Ambiente of Quito, 60.46% of the Metropolitan District of Quito, 
256 407 ha., is considered natural heritage; classified as: wet forests, dry forests, wet 
bushes, dry bushes, wet grasslands and dry grasslands. 21,490 species of plants have 
been registered, of which 254 are native. The predominant species include 
Eucalyptus, Pumamaqui, Chilca Negra, Chilca Blanca, and Quishuar trees.62  
Daylight   
 With daylight being a natural resource, it is a very accessible strategy to 
implement in sustainable projects. Different forms of fenestration increase the amount 
of natural daylight that enters a space. Additionally, daylight reduces the costs 
produced by energy consumption. The use of daylight has also been linked to an 
improvement in people?s overall performance in a room. With Quito being in the 
equator, the length of daylight does not vary much along the course of the year, with 
an average of twelve hours of daylight every day. Since the change of the sun?s 
position over the site is minimal, the type of fenestration implemented can be used to 
its full potential all year round.  
62 Y. Sarango V, Alba Y. 2013. Diagn?stico de la Situaci?n Forestal del Distrito Metropolitano de 
Quito? DMQ. Secretaria de Ambiente. Alcald?a Quito. 
!49
Figure 5.5: Types of Daylight Usage (Source Author) 
 Passive Heating and Cooling  
 Passive heating and cooling strategies are closely related to the way daylight 
is used in a space. These strategies are implemented through a combination of using 
heat created by the sun to warm spaces, using prevailing winds to provide natural 
ventilation and using the landscape as tool for shade and evapotranspiration.63 Just 
like daylight reduces the need for electricity, using the sun?s heat to warm spaces 
reduces the need for heating. Passive ventilation improves air quality and reduces the 
need of air conditioning.64 The use of trees and plants as shading devices serves as a 
landscaping technique. Passive solar gains are an easy strategy that can be gained 
63 Wells, Walker, Ted Bardacke, and Global Green USA. 2007. Blueprint for Greening Affordable 
Housing.
64 Wells, Walker, Ted Bardacke, and Global Green USA. 2007. Blueprint for Greening Affordable 
Housing.
!50
through good solar exposure. All the previously mentioned techniques, especially 
when combined, reduce the amount of energy used and thereby costs for the users.   
 
Solar Heat
Prevailing Winds
Vegetation 
Figure 5.6: Passive Heating and Cooling Strategies (Source Author) 
!51
Water Treatment 
 Every building is part of a watershed, as water flows from a buildings?s 
surface  into lower laying areas close to the building, like creeks or rivers.65 With 
Quito?s topography series dramatically throughout the city, it is therefore important to 
consider water management for the proposed buildings. The site selected for this 
thesis has a changing topography and is adjacent to a ravine, making water 
management even more relevant. Some practices to help improve stormwater and 
black or gray water drainage include using permeable materials for hard surfaces, 
using cisterns or rain barrels to capture stormwater, and planting trees to reduce the 
amount of water runoff.66 The recycling and treatment of water reduces water costs in 
any household, and most importantly benefits the environment as more filtered water 
is released back to the groundwater aquifers.  
 Figure 5.7: Stormwater Runoff (Source Author) 
65 Wells, Walker, Ted Bardacke, and Global Green USA. 2007. Blueprint for Greening Affordable 
Housing.
66 Wells, Walker, Ted Bardacke, and Global Green USA. 2007. Blueprint for Greening Affordable 
Housing.
!52
7. Site  
Site Overview 
 Ecuador is located in the northeast of South America, bordering Colombia to 
the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The country is 
divided into seven administrative areas, with its capital, Quito, located in the second 
administrative area. The Metropolitan District of Quito is located in the north center 
part of the country. Given its natural topography, the city grew in a north-south axis, 
following the flatlands of a basin bordered by mountains. It is divided into 32 urban 
and 33 suburban and rural districts. The city?s growth is mainly due to the migratory 
process, which occurred due to the economic growth gained from agriculture 
practices and later from the industrialization starting in mid 1950s.67  
Urban Neighborhoods

Suburban Neighborhoods

Rural Neighborhoods

Figure 6.1: Administrative Areas of Ecuador (Source: Author) 
67Villareal, Maria Cristina.  ?Rehabilitaci?n de la Hacienda El Carmen Como Alojamiento? 
!53
Figure 6.2: Neighborhoods of Quito (Source: Instituto Geogr?fico Militar) 
Site Selection 
 The site selection for this thesis project was influenced by multiple factors, 
principally focusing on its location, accessibility, and lot size. Since the Venezuelan 
immigrants population is significant, almost 400,000 people, a large site is necessary 
to house as many as possible. Additionally, the majority of this community works in 
the downtown area of the city, which made accessibility to public transportation a key 
component. Three neighborhoods in the metropolitan district of Quito were analyzed: 
A. San Antonio de Pichincha, B. Quitumbe and C. I?aquito. The neighborhoods 
analyzed were divided in two typologies, urban and rural neighborhoods. For each 
neighborhood, one site was selected. Out of the sites analyzed, two of them were 
vacant lots and one is partially occupied by small residential buildings.  
!54
San Antonio de Pichincha
I?aquito
Quitumbe
Figure 6.3: Neighborhoods Selected (Source: Instituto Geogr?fico Militar, Modified by 
Author) 
  
 San Antonio de Pinchincha is one of the rural neighborhoods of Quito, located 
in the northern part of the city. Constituting of mainly residential buildings, the 
famous museum Mitad del Mundo is also located in it, attracting many tourists 
throughout the year. The neighborhood has a low density of population and housing. 
The zoning codes restrict the area to three story buildings only, usually implemented 
to espond to seismic conditions. The specific lot studied in the area is a vacant lot 
located 25 km from the city?s downtown, and while the metro lines do not reach the 
area, it is highly accessible through the use of buses.  
 Quitumbe, the next neighborhood studied, is located in the opposite direction, 
in the southern part of Quito. It is part of the urban neighborhoods and has a much 
greater population density. While it is also a residential area, it is much more 
accessible from the city?s downtown. The last metro stop is located in Quitumbe, as 
!55
well as a main bus terminal. The selected lot in this area is located about 20 km from 
the downtown and is partially occupied by small scale residential buildings. The site 
is also adjacent to a ravine.  
 The third neighborhood studied, I?aquito, is located right next to the central 
business district of the city. The buildings in the area are a combination of residential 
and office buildings, with most of them being high-rise buildings. Due to the high 
density in the area, the lots are much smaller. The site analyzed in this area was a 
vacant lot, which was too small in comparison to the other sites studied. However, its 
location was ideal due to its accessibly through public transportation and its proximity 
to job opportunities for the community.  
 After analyzing all three sites in San Antonio de Pichincha, Quitumbe and 
I?aquito, the site in Quitumbe was selected due to it?s size, location and accessibility 
to public transportation, size, proximity to facilities, which combined performed 
better than the other two sites. This thesis proposes that the residential project can 
blend into the current residential fabric, and act as another community space in the 
area.  
!56
Figure 6.4: Site Selection Matrix (Source Author) 
 Site Analysis  
 Until 2001, Quitumbe was part of a previously established neighborhood in 
the city called Chillogallo. This area was established as the first rural neighborhood of 
Quito, which until the 1970s was an agricultural area with large farms. In 1972, under 
a new decree, it became an urban neighborhood. At that time, there was a constant 
demand for land, since so many people from other parts of the country were moving 
to the capital city. Such situation forced the municipality to design new developments 
and master plans for the area. As a result of all the changes, Chillogallo?s  limits were 
redefined in 2000. It was further divided in five new neighborhoods, including La 
Ecuatoriana, Chillogallo, Turubamba, Guaman? and Quitumbe.  
!57
 Figure 6.5: Zonal Administration of Quitumbe (Source Author) 
 While the plan for Quitumbe was established in 1990, as stated earlier, it 
wasn?t until 2001 that it became an official urban neighborhood of the metropolitan 
district of Quito. The idea was to create a new urban center in the southern part of the 
city to house new residences, green spaces, cultural and recreational spaces as well as 
retail. Quitumbe?s economy is mainly based on retail activity, mostly privately-owned 
small retail shops. Construction, transportation, public administration and real estate 
activities account for other economic income. Quitumbe has a population of around 
100,000 people and is between 2890m and 3150m above sea level. The topography of 
the site is irregular as a result of the ravines.68  
68 Villareal, Maria Cristina.  ?Rehabilitaci?n de la Hacienda El Carmen Como Alojamiento? 
5! 8
 Figure 6.6: Ravines Adjacent to Site (Source Author) 
Figure 6.7: Selected Site Analysis (Source Author) 
!59
Existing Context  
 In order to propose a future development that works in the site, it is necessary 
to understand the current conditions of the area. Quitumbe is mostly a residential 
area. Surrounding the site, there are two big apartment complexes. The building 
typology includes five to six story mixed use residential buildings, with retail, usually 
small markets, on the ground floor. Each building complex has their own public 
space shared by the residents. There is a limited amount of public spaces for the 
community, with Parque las Cuadras being the main park and Plaza Quitumbe the 
only public square in the area. Since it is a residential area, there are multiple 
educational facilities close to the site located to the east and west. Multiple retail 
stores and mini-markets are located throughout the area, with a big shopping mall in 
the northeastern part of Quitumbe, called Quicentro Sur. 
 Figure 6.8: Exiting Conditions (Source Author) 
!60
Accessibility  
 Currently Quitumbe is an area of the city that serves as a transportation hub 
for its community. An important part of the community is the Quitumbe Bus 
Terminal, which has 87 transportation companies, with around 1,200 buses passing 
through the terminal daily. This terminal has helped the entire city of Quito reduce its 
vehicular traffic, as more people have access to public transportation. Currently, next 
to the terminal a new metro station is being developed which is expected to open in 
2020, this will further improve the public transportation system. Additionally, to get 
to Quitumbe, people can use the trolley bus, which runs to Quito?s center. The 
Avenida Mariscal de Sucre and Avenida Quitumbe ?an are the two main avenues by 
the site, which cross the city from north to south. The bus terminal, metro, trolley bus 
and main avenues make the site very accessible from any part of the city.  
Figure 6.9: Accessibility to Site (Source Author) 
!61
Climate Analysis  
 Just as important as it is to understand the existing conditions of the site, it is 
important to understand the elements that affect the site, including light, air and water. 
All these have a big impact in the site and serve as tools when designing a space. A 
sun digram is usually used to show the movement of the sun and consequently 
changes in natural light over the site. Like shown in Figure 7.9, since the site is 
located in the equator, the sun rises and sets at the same time throughout the year, 
making natural light to be consistent all year round. A wind rose diagram is the tool 
used to show wind patterns over a site. As shown in Figure 7.10, most of the winds 
come from the direction.  
Figure 6.10: Sun Diagram (Source Sun Earth Tools, Modified by Author) 
!62
Figure 6.11: Wind Rose Diagram (Source Meteoblue, Modified by Author) 
!63
8. Program  
Program Typology  
 This thesis intends to connect the Venezuelan community to the local 
community through a series of private, semi-private and public spaces. The program 
for the proposal is divided in three main categories, spaces to dwell, spaces to create, 
and spaces to connect. The project is meant to serve as a community within itself for 
the residents. The main aspect of the program consists of dwelling units. Each 
dwelling unit is meant to be for a four-person family or a series of roommates. Since 
it will be an affordable housing project, the shared spaces in each apartment is 
limited. For this reason, communal areas will be shared by the residents, including a 
communal kitchen and smaller services spaces like a laundry room.  
 In order to provide residents with job opportunities in the premises of the site, 
a market area will serve as a space for people to sell their handmade products and 
crafts. A community garden will also serve part of the proposal, that way residents 
can grow their own products and sell them to the local community. The market area is 
meant to serve as a community gathering space as well, where locals can sell their 
products too. In order to connect the Venezuelan diaspora to the local community, 
spaces like migration and job search assistance offices will be implemented to 
facilitate their transition to Ecuador. A small community center and public parks will 
be implemented as well to further develop the sense of community.  
!64
Figure 7.1: Program Elements (Source Author) 
Program Matrix  
 The program is divided into programmatic categories, which relate to each 
space?s level of relevance, function, and privacy. Common areas consist of spaces that 
are shared within the residents as well as spaces shared with the local community. 
Office space consist of a series of offices that assist residents with different problems 
encountered after migrating to a new country. These are semi-private spaces that are 
meant to focus on the residents. Outdoor spaces include a series of parks and gardens 
that allow people to cultivate their own crops, while others serve as recreational 
spaces for the community. Service spaces include small yet necessary areas for 
residents, like storage facilities. Finally, living spaces include the series of individual 
units, which will house around 5,000. In total, 2,500 modules will be used to house all 
program components, 2,200 for housing and 300 for the rest of the program.  
!65
Figure 7.2: Program Matrix (Source Author) 
!66
Figure 7.3: Visual Programming to Scale (Source Author) 
!67
Precedents  
 In order to understand the scale of the project, the building typology and  the 
organization of the proposal, multiple precedents were analyzed. These have aspects 
that relate to the affordable housing industry and to the modular technology that is to 
be reimplemented in the project. The precedents to be analyzed in the following 
section include Homes for All, in Copenhagen, Denmark and InterARA Iztacalco in 
Mexico City.  
Homes For All - Copenhagen, Denmark  
 Completed in 2018, by BIG in Copenhagen, Denmark, Homes for All is an 
affordable housing project that was built for the non-profit affordable housing 
organization Lejerbo. The five-story building offers housing for 66 low-income 
families and was constructed under a very strict budget. A checkered pattern is used 
for the structure, which is based on a singular pre-fabricated structure. The housing 
module is repeated along a curve and staked up to the height of the surrounding 
buildings. Additionally the firm was asked to create as much public space as possible, 
and consequently used the curve of the building to create a public plaza in the front 
facade. The stacking also creates additional space between each module, allowing 
every unit to have a private terrace. While the scale of this project is relatively small, 
this precedent serves as a great example for this thesis regarding the affordable 
housing strategies used and the modularity of its structure. 69 
69 Bjarke Ingels Group. ?Dorthervej Residences? 2018
6! 8
 
Figure 7.4: Homes for All - Front Facade (Source ArchDaily) 
 
Figure 7.5: Homes for All - Public Plaza (Source ArchDaily) 
!69
Figure 7.6: Homes for All - Porosity and Social Realm (Source ArchDaily) 
IntegrARA Iztacalco - Mexico City, Mexico  
 This social housing project consist of mid-rise, high-density scheme. 738 
housing units are divided into six, five-story blocks. Each block has its own private 
courtyard, which as described by the architects, were essential in order to create a 
sense of community. Selecting a proper site, close to public transportation and close 
to central areas of the city was a key component to make the project successful. 
Between the buildings, five different typologies are used for the apartments, varying 
from 50 to 58 squared meters. The first floor is used for retail and other mixed use 
programs, which made the project a role model for mix-use low income housing 
projects. This precedent serves as a great example for this thesis  project regarding to 
the programmatic elements, as mixed-used typologies are combined with housing 
units. The scale of the project and sustainability strategies used also serve as a great 
example. 70 
70 arq 911. "Integrara Iztacalco?  2011
!70
Figure 7.7: IntegrARA Iztacalco - Side Facade (Source ArchDaily) 
Figure 7.8: IntegrARA Iztacalco - Shared Courtyards (Source ArchDaily) 
!71
Figure 7.9:  IntegrARA Iztacalco - Program Diagram (Source ArchDaily) 
Program Organization  
 Since the proposal is meant to be replicated in other cities, the layout 
configuration can vary according to the site. Depending on the size of the site and the 
amount of people in need for housing, the scale of the project can vary as well. For 
this specific site in Quito, Ecuador, four different building typologies were explored 
after analyzing multiple precedents that varied in programmatic requirements and site 
limitations. These include the layout as one big building, a series of L shaped 
interlocking buildings, a series of buildings with a central courtyard and a series of 
more organic buildings that follow the topography and limits of the site itself.  
!72
One Porous Building
L-Shape Buildings
Courtyard Buildings
Organic Buildings
Figure 7.10:  Building Typologies (Source Author) 
7! 3
9. Proposal  
Figure 8.1: Site Plan  
 The Building complex consists of a series of four main housing buildings, 8 
smaller single loaded housing buildings and a school. Each big building has 245 
units, while the smaller building have 40 units. The idea was to design a space where 
nature blends in with the built environment, for that reason there are multiple exterior 
spaces around each building. The orientation and placement of the buildings relates to 
the orientation of the city and the fact that is by the Equator, which allows for more 
cross ventilation and increases the amount of natural light that enters the units. 
!74
Figure 8.2: Typical Ground Floor Plan  
 In the typical ground floor plan, the public spaces and services are placed 
along the main streets, while the units look towards the courtyards and interior streets 
within the complex. Each building has two courtyards with grilling areas, 
playgrounds and courts as well as a central garden for crops. The corner plaza is 
strategically placed in the intersection of the street, close to public transportation 
stops and towards the most active part of the area 
!75
Figure 8.3: Plaza La Esquina  
 
Figure 8.4: Side Entrance to Complex 
!76
Figure 8.5: Courtyard 
The interior courtyards are the most active space in the interior of the complex. These 
are the public spaces for residents to share, get to know each other and form a 
community within La Union. These courtyards are visible an easily accessible from 
all units. The space is designed so that it can be used by all residents, regardless of 
their age. 
Figure 8.6: West Elevation  
!77
Figure 8.7: South Elevation  
Figure 8.8: Unit Layouts  
The units, these are designed so that they are versatile modular spaces, all of them are 
10x7 meters, but can be rearranged according to the needs of the residents. Using 
foldable walls and fixed furniture in the bedrooms, like Murphy beds, they can be 
transformed from 1-3 bedroom units. 
!78
Figure 8.9: Apartment Home 01  
 
Figure 8.10: Apartment Home 02  
!79
10. Conclusion 
 The first and often main challenge faced by displaced people, are the 
difficulties of finding a permanent place to live. Migrants, refugees and all displaced 
people are often associated with the idea of temporary housing. This thesis tries to 
break the temporary housing stigma associated with immigrants, regardless of their 
situation and offer them a place they get to call home.  
 The idea if this thesis is to propose a project that can be easily replicated 
around South America, to offer the diaspora a permanent place to live,  a place that 
allows them to connect with the local community and where they can find job 
opportunities on site. 
 In conclusion, La Union seeks to provide the diaspora a place to live, work 
and connect with the community. The goal is to provided the thousands of 
Venezuelans who have been forced to leave Venezuela a ray of hope by providing 
them a safe place they can call home.  
!80
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