CASA AZUL

Designers: United Nations Special Envoy for the Venezuelan Situation, International Organization for Migration–Panama; Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs, Fordham University (United States); with TAMassociati (Italy); Locations: Venezuelan migration routes in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean; Years: 2020–present

Casa Azul, Spanish for “Blue House,” is an architectural and research initiative that explores how design can improve the delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable migrants. The project focused on much-traveled paths from Venezuela along South and Central American and Caribbean migration routes. Casa Azul is grounded in a flexible space concept, which allows for the adaptation of existing structures or new buildings that can quickly and easily transform into the distinctive, bright blue casas. These hubs offer not only necessities but also space for embracing a shared humanity though opportunities for social, economic, and cultural interactions with local communities.

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Image: Before and after retrofitting example, 2020; Drawing by TAMassociati; Credit: TAMassociati