Image: favim. com, 2016. Location:Greater Metropolitan Area, (GAM) San José, Costa Rica.

Chapter V – Preliminary Studies

The GAM is the urban system, in the center of the country, where just over half of the population is located.
It is a strategic area, as it allows easy access to government institutions, public and private services, important cultural centers and organizations with similar purposes.

POSITIVE ASPECTS:

Among the environmental assets, there are fertile soils, spectacular landscapes, surface and groundwater.
Urban growth threatens these natural resources.

This is also home to the country’s largest
economic activity, with a declining agricultural sector.
The metropolitan region is competitive with the vast majority of Latin American cities, providing a good quality of life to its inhabitants despite deficiencies. (UGAM 2015)

NEGATIVES

Lack of wooded areas or parks and green areas,
Poor quality of transport that hinders integration with other urban centres and markets,
Concentrations of poverty and wealth, the middle class predominates, being a city less socially segregated than other Latin American capitals. (UGAM, 2015)

Weather Factors

Costa Rica is a tropical country, due to its proximity to the equator it does not have a winter or summer season. A distinction is generally made in the Pacific region between rainy season (May to November) and dry season (December to April), in the Atlantic region of influence by months of heavy rain (December to April) and months of low rainfall. The rainy season is from May to November, during the months of December to April there is very little or no rain. The country’s average rainfall is around 100 inches. During the rainy season, you will experience real “tropical downpours” for 2 – 3 hours in the afternoon; the rest of the day is warm and sunny. (Tierra Verde 2016)

The sun shines throughout the year. It has more than 12 hours of sunlight, as the sun rises at 5:45 a.m. and sets at approximately 5:45 p.m. In Costa Rica the average annual temperature is between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius and the coldest months of the year are November, December and January. The months of March through May are the hottest months of the year. San Jose, located in the Central Valley, has an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, with a mild breeze coming from the coast. (Tierra Verde 2016)

Temperature Average minimum and maximum during the day

Average hours of sunshine during the day

Monthly Precipitation

Climate Considerations in the Future Hostel and Mission Centre

During the winter, September to December, cold and windy nights were experienced; The impact of a river that is located at the back of the facilities is then analyzed, in which there are no physical or biological impediments to the flow of wind currents.

The exterior walls are made of concrete, which provide adequate protection; however, humid spaces can be found, since there is currently little ventilation and airflow, inside the space provided for the shelter. This is located on a slope under the entrance of the mission center.

The provision of insulation in the walls is recommended, such as special sealants to prevent moisture. Windows are necessary to provide proper ventilation, and to facilitate the entry of sunlight during the day, as humidity has been denoted. It is important to take advantage of the few light sources already established and prop

Roofs and facades should be considered, as these determine the feel of the internal environment. Openings must be available to close at night. It is important to take advantage of sunlight during the day, since during the evening, it can be cold and humid. Protection and insulation must be taken into account, that the structure is compact protected from the wind; however, with good rainwater, canoe and water systems that minimize humidity, since the water system is old (approximately 60 years old).

Leakage problems have been found in the upper part, which seep into the concrete towards the ground floor, which results in the possible deterioration in the gypsum structures, which constitute the divisions in the lower part.

These problems are solved by identifying the source of the leaks, correcting them and reinforcing them with sealants and plasters, to prevent future leaks of water and moisture.

Graphical analysis of climate weather in San José

Number of rainy days during the year

Relative humidity during the year. Average

Wind speed during the year, meters per second.

Location: Many of the institutions that provide support and follow-up are located in the GAM, as well as the facilities of the Rostro de la Justicia Shelter.
For confidentiality reasons, the location cannot be disclosed, as victims of organized crime are protected.

Cultural spaces for dispersion and leisure are identified.
MAP: COMMUNITY/ RECREATIONAL AREAS/ CULTURAL SPACES

Legislations: Trafficking in Persons

As published in La Gaceta, on November 23, 2015:

The regulations of Law 9095 against Trafficking in Persons and the creation of the National Coalition
against the Smuggling of Migrants and Trafficking in Persons (CONATT) set out everything
corresponding to the Costa Rican State’s plan of action in response to this global problem.
The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime was ratified in Costa Rica by
Act No. 8302 of 12 September 2002, with its protocols to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in
persons, especially women and children, supplemented by Act No. 8315 of 26 October 2002 and the
smuggling of migrants by land. sea and air, ratified by Law No. 8314 of September 26, 2002.
With the law against trafficking in persons, the National Coalition against the Smuggling of Migrants
and Human Trafficking was created on October 26, 2012.
As primary care measures, immediate actions are required, which are aimed at providing care and
protection to a victim of the crime of trafficking in persons.

Article 172 of the Code of Criminal Procedure punishes trafficking in persons with provisions thatfavour victims.

They refer specifically to the assistance that must be provided, according to basic needs:

Secure hosting.
Comprehensive health care.
Legal advice.