The graduation project is located on the island of Aruba, a former Dutch colony. In the late 20’s the Lago oil refinery was established on the South-eastern end of the island contributing to the rapid urbanisation of the local culture, resources and a more profound built environment. In 1985 the economy of Aruba suffered due to a reduced worldwide demand for oil . This brought the island to direct its economy towards tourism. The Capital city became a port of call for Caribbean cruise ships and the northern coast accommodated luxury hotels. Since 2009 the oil refinery has discontinued operations, meaning that tourism is the only promising sector, making the island fully reliant on tourism. Recessions in countries that are main suppliers to the Aruban economy reverberate heavily and demonstrate the fragile state of the dependent tourism industry. More than 88% of Arubas total GDP is contributed by the tourism industry. This dependency on tourism and the influence of the oil refinery also brought with it a loss in culture identity and connection with its sister
islands.