The aim of this project is to explore possibilities for learning environments in the informal settlements on the outskirts of Bogota, Colombia. This topic emerged from the growing necessity to provide schools in the poorest municipalities surrounding the Colombian capital where hundreds of internally displaced people arrive every month. The initial research focused on the history of educational architecture as a means to establishing common denominators, trends and priorities, particularly in relation to pedagogy and climatic context. A private school and a learning centre, two schools from the opposite ends of the spectrum, have served as precedents for this thesis in order to obtain a better understanding of the environmental performance of buildings in this climate and the challenges of sustainable growth. Further research is presented to inform design decisions along with the analytical work that served this purpose. Special attention was drawn to the roof and its potential as a thermal moderator, as well as to the quality of daylight in highly obstructed spaces. Finally, the design process illustrates the methodology and development of the main concepts for a school in the hillsides of Soacha, one of the fastest growing municipalities south of Bogota.

In Colombia, even though the construction of social housing has increased there is still a high demand that has not been fully covered. In addition, the majority of current schemes lack in comfort and consideration of local climatic conditions. This project focuses on the design of affordable urban housing units. The introduction of climate-responsive strategies is a principal aim for improving living conditions. Design proposals have been developed for locations in two different cities illustrating response to different climatic conditions in the country.

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Chile is one of the most seismic countries worldwide. Despite this, it does not have a proper relief policy to overcome the stressful consequences that an earthquake has over the affected families. It also does not take into account how to react in the different climatic scenarios that Chile presents.

This study addresses the design of post disaster housing to be applied in different climatic contexts of Chile. In the north, represented by Antofagasta, and in the south represented by Punta Arenas.