Innovative GHETTO Project: Redistributing Wealth to Resettle Refugees in Venice

Henriquez Partners Architects Unveils Innovative GHETTO Project at Venice Biennale

The theme of the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale, “How will we live together?” has encouraged architects to consider their role in creating inclusive spaces. Henriquez Partners Architects has responded to this challenge with their innovative project, GHETTO. In collaboration with UNHCR and the ECC, this theoretical project proposes the resettlement of 1,000 refugees in Venice, financed by the sale of timeshare condominiums for tourists from America.

The GHETTO project is a series of four architectural islands that aim to redistribute wealth from tourists to refugees. Each island is positioned near a significant site in Venice, including the Venetian ghetto, Stazione di Santa Lucia, Piazza San Marco, and the Arsenale. These sites were selected for their relevance to four key factors in Venice, including the refugee crisis, Venetian over-tourism, the Jewish ghetto as project inspiration, and challenging the traditional role of the architect.

GHETTO is more than just an architectural project; it is a symbol of social justice. Henriquez Partners Architects believes that architecture has the potential to be a poetic expression of social responsibility. The GHETTO project is a testament to this belief, as it explores innovative economic models that redistribute equity to provide social benefits.

The GHETTO project demonstrates how architects can use their skills to create inclusive and sustainable spaces. By challenging traditional roles and exploring new financial mechanisms, architects can create a world where everyone can live together in harmony. GHETTO is just the beginning of what is possible when architects embrace their responsibility as global citizens.

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