The Torre David, a bank tower built in 1990 in Venezuela's capital Caracas but never completed, was the scene of one of the largest squats in the world between 2007 and 2014. The residents developed a self-organised structure that provided space not only for housing, but also for small shops offering everyday needs, including tattoo studios, a hair salon and fitness facilities. At times, up to 1,200 families found accommodation in the vertical settlement. After accidents due to inadequate structural security and the formation of mafia structures, the government dissolved the occupation in 2014. The residents were relocated to a social housing complex far outside the city.

Use / utilisation of the vacant building complex

The building complex provided a place of refuge for around 1,200 families. A partly well-functioning self-managed community life developed. The residents made use of the building and adapted it to their needs. After accidents and the formation of mafia structures led to the dissolution of the occupation by the government in 2014, the residents were relocated to a social housing complex far outside the city.

Residents of Caracas