As a result of the post-World War II economy boom and the rapid development of the oil industry, Venezuela appeared to be entering a “golden age” driven by petroleum wealth. During this period, numerous architectural projects were conceived to symbolize the nation’s newfound prosperity, among them The Helicoide. While the structure still stands today, it has become a monument to a far darker chapter in Venezuela’s history.

Originally designed as an expansive, multi-level comercial center intended to reflect modernity and progress, The Helicoide was never completed as envisioned. Under the government control, the building has since been repurposed as a detention center, where humane rights abuses have been reported against protesters and civilians. In recent years, investigations and international reports have alleged that those claiming legitimacy as the governing power have operated as a criminal network commonly referred to as Cartel de los Soles, further deepening the country’s political and humanitarian crisis.