As a result of the booming post-WW2 economy, Venezuela was seemingly undergoing a “golden age” fueled by petroleum. During this time period, there were many architectural projects designed to represent the newfound prosperity in Venezuela; one of which being The Helicoide. While it still stands today, it has grown to be a monument to a darker side of Venezuela that acts as a plague to the people. Originally designed to be an expansive, multi-story shopping center akin to the Galleria with a wide variety of amenities and products for the people of Caracas to enjoy, it now serves a much more violent purpose. The building, controlled by the government, serves as a prison and torture facility where countless inhumane acts are performed to innocent protestors and bystanders. These protestors originate from the vast political conflict that has been ongoing in Venezuela ever since Hugo Chavez took power.