Urban Planning & Design in Brazil 2011

Urban Planning & Design in Brazil 2011

Urban Planning & Design in Curitiba, Brazil

University of Florida College of Design, Construction, and Planning

Department of Urban and Regional Planning

University of Florida International Center

Joseli Macedo, Program Director

1. Studio Abroad 2. Urban Planning & Design 3. Brazil

Images courtesy of Project Team membersArtwork, Layouts and Illustrations by Erika DuranFinal Review by SaraBenton, Shayna Gershman, Lara Holi-mon, Brett Lackey, and Josette Severyn

© 2011 University of Florida, Department of Urban and Regional Planning

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Universidade de São PauloMarcelo de Andrade RomeroMaria Cristina da Silva LemeEmilio HaddadEduardo C. Nobre

Fábio Mariz Gonçalves Alexandre DelijaicovVioleta KubruslyRodrigo Minouro

Faculty and Lecturers from Participating Universities and Agencies

Universidade Federal de Santa CatarinaAlina SantiagoRenato T. SaboyaMarcelo Cabral Vaz

QUAPÁ SEL NacionalSilvio Soares MacedoHelena Napoleon Degreas

Universidade PositivoJussara Maria SilvaRivail Vanin de Andrade

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Participants...............................................................4

Schedule.................................................................10

São Paulo................................................................13

Florianópolis............................................................27

Curitiba....................................................................99

Contents

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Participants

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Joseli Macedo Program DirectorDepartment of Urban and Regional PlanningUniversity of Florida

Erika Duran Graduate Teaching AssistantSchool of ArchitectureUniversity of Florida

Jenny Allport Environmental DesignDepartment of Urban PlanningUniversity of Calgary

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Sarah BentonDepartment of Urban and Regional PlanningCenter for Latin American StudiesUniversity of Florida

Sonya Eldridge College of Urban Planning and PolicyUniversity of Illinois at Chicago

Shayna GershmanDepartment of Urban and Regional PlanningUniversity of Florida

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Lara HolimonDepartment of Urban and Regional PlanningUniversity of Florida

Kevin Ice Department of Urban and Regional PlanningUniversity of Florida

Michelle JaniszewskiDepartment of Urban and Regional PlanningUniversity of Florida

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Brett Lackey Department of Urban and Regional PlanningUniversity of Florida

Nicolette JonesDepartment of Planning and Urban StudiesUniversity of New Orleans

Jon LehmanCollege of Urban Planning and PolicyUniversity of Illinois at Chicago

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Ammar NajiDepartment of Urban and Regional PlanningUniversity of Florida

Josette Severyn Department of Urban and Regional PlanningUniversity of Florida

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MAY 6 Arrive in São Paulo | Lunch at USP | Lectures: Prof. Eduardo Nobre, Prof. Alexandre Delijaicov

MAY 7 Site Visit Martinelli Bldg. | Lectures: Rodrigo Minouro, Prof. Fabio Mariz Gonçalves , Prof. Violeta Kubrusly |Site Visits: Sé Cathedral, Republica, Liberdade, Paraisopolis, Morumbi, Crackolandia

MAY 8 Site Visits: MASP, Pinacoteca, Portuguese Language Museum, Historic Train Station: Estação da Luz

MAY 9 Site Visit: Parque do Ibirapuera | Travel to FlorianopolisMAY 10 UFSC Student Presentations | Site Visit: Lagoa Neighborhood |

QUAPÁ-SEL workshop: Silvio Macedo | Lecture: Marcelo CabralMAY 11 Lagoa Workshop | Group Presentations to Faculty and Guests UFSC MAY 12 Island Tour - North Florianópolis: Jurere Internacional, Joaquina, Santinho

- South Florianópolis: Ribereirão da Ilha, Pântano do Sul, Campeche - Historic Downtown Florianopolis

MAY 13 Lecture: Margaret Carr - Regional Open Space System |Site Visit: Lagoa FerryMAY 14 Joaquina BeachMAY 15 Travel to Curitiba | Site Visit: Balneario CamboriuMAY 16 Curitiba Walking Tour: Law School UFPR, Praça Tiradentes, Civic Center,

Oscar Niemeyer Museum, Polish ParkMAY 17 Innovative Cities Conference - Jaime Lerner - Keynote SpeakerMAY 18 Innovative Cities Conference - Jeremy Rifkin - Keynote Speaker

Program Schedule

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MAY 19 Innovative Cities Conference: Fritjof Capra - Keynote SpeakerMAY 20 Innovative Cities Conference: Nicholas Christakis - Keynote SpeakerMAy 21 WeekendMAY 22 WeekendMAY 23 Individual ResearchMAY 24 Universidade Positivo Project Introduction: Critical Analysis of Bairro Novo and Santa

Felicidade RegionsMAY 25 Bus Tour Bairro Novo and Santa Felicidade - Site Analysis and SurveyMAY 26 Presentation of Initial FindingsMAY 27 TRAVEL: Iguaçu FallsMAY 28 TRAVEL: Iguaçu FallsMAY 29 TRAVEL: Iguaçu FallsMAY 30 TRAVEL: Iguaçu FallsMAY 31 Critical Analysis of Site JUNE 1 Critical Analysis of Region and Relation of IPPUC Proposal to Regional IdentityJUNE 2 Proposal Development and Presentation PreparationJUNE 3 Final Presentations JUNE 4 WeekendJUNE 5 WeekendJUNE 6 Lecture: Reinaldo Pilotto, Secretaria Municipal do Meio Ambiente

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JUNE 7 Urban Parks ProjectJUNE 8 Urban Parks ProjectJUNE 9 Urban Parks ProjectJUNE 10 Individual ResearchJUNE 11 WeekendJUNE 12 WeekendJUNE 13 Individual ResearchJUNE 14 Urban Parks ProjectJUNE 15 Urban Parks ProjectJUNE 16 Summer Program ClosingJUNE 17 Back to US

13Sketch: Erika Duran

São Paulo

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CITY : São PauloSTATE: São PauloUNIVERSITY: Universidade de São Paulo USPFACULTY: Joseli Macedo Fábio Mariz Gonçalves Emilio Haddad Eduardo C. Nobre Alexandre DelijaicovSão Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, the largest city in the southern hemisphere, and the world’s 2nd largest metropolitan area. The city is the capital of the state of São Paulo, the most populous Brazilian state.

RMSP – São Paulo Metropolitan Region is formed by 39 municipalities, from which the MSP – Municipality of São Paulo stands out.

It comprises 8,500 square meters with a population of almost 20 million inhabitants on the RMSP and 11 million on the MSP.

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Lecture: São Paulo Metropolitan Region

FAUUSPProf. Dr. Eduardo A. C. NobreProf. Dr. Alexandre Delijaicov

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2009SAO PAULO METROPOLITAN REGION

São Paulo Metropolis is located on São Paulo Basin in the Paulistano Plateau, between the Sea Mountains to the south, and the Cantareira Mountains, to the north.

In this sedimentary basin, the drainage system is formed by Tietê river and and its tributaries, Pinheiros, Tamanduateí, Aricanduva, Pirajussara and others.

This resulted in a hillside landscape with altitudes varying form 839 of 710 meters above sea level

source: SÃO PAULO, 2005.

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SAO PAULO URBAN SPRAWL

Historical Facts

São Paulo was founded in 1554 by Portuguese Jesuit Priests.

Until the 19th century, the city had little interest to the Portu-guese Crown, based on a subsistence economy.

From the late 19th Century until 1930, coffee production on São Paulo State hinterlands brought an economic growth cycle, that associated to external migration (Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Lebanese, etc.), reflected on the urbanization process.

From the 1940s on, peripheral industrialization(automotive transnational branches, mainly Ford, GM, VW and Fiat) concentrated investments on the Southeast Brazil and internal migration (people expelled form rural areas or running away from drought and other phenomena) led to the metropolization process .

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São Paulo Growth

0

5,000,000

10,000,000

15,000,000

20,000,000

25,000,000

1872 1890 1900 1920 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1991 2000 2010

year municipal metropolitan

1881

1905

1914

1952

1880 1905 1914 19522001

2001

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Conceito teórico do Plano de Avenidas. Fonte: Maia, 1930.

The metropolis is very much segregated with high income strata living on the infrastructured central areas.

Whereas the low-income lives on the outskirts, with poor infrastructure.

From the 1930s on major importance has been given to planning for the automobile.

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Student PerspectivesIt was impressive to recognize the size of São Paulo’s economy - which represents 30% of the Brazilian econ-omy. With a population of 19 million, three million live in informal settlements or favelas. When I realized that more than 20% of the city’s population lives in favelas, I started to recognize the gap between the low income and the high income segments of the city. Safety and security concerns can be seen everywhere, in subway stations actively monitored by armed police and resi-dential buildings protected by high fences and a mini-mum of two controlled gates.

Since the population is concentrated in the areas with better infrastructure, the city is very compact. Segrega-tion between income groups manifests itself differently than in the United States. In São Paulo both high income and low income groups live in the same location. How-ever, higher income groups enjoy a more secure envi-ronment, upgraded infrastructure, and the advantage of being in the city center. Lower income groups are segregated and isolated by the fences of new devel-opment around favelas as if ignored and are unable to share in the benefits from the economic growth of the city.

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Using helicopters to commute in São Paulo, and the city having the biggest fleet in the world was one of the more interesting solutions I have come across to solve commuting problems. The old city was reshaped by economic and population growth patterns. His-toric Victorian buildings were demolished and new roads were built on land that was made available by draining rivers. Many of the old characteristics were changed to provide the city with necessary infrastruc-ture, and to make the city grow more and more. These changes and actions highlight the issue of planning and its ethical role in society. Planners balance be-tween the needs of the population and the environ-ment, preserving a city, and planning for expansion in the earlier stages to avoid costly remediation of improperly planned interventions. Unfortunately what occurs in growing economies is the implementation of strategies without planner perspectives on managing growth, which leads to problems that planners solve or minimize after they have occurred.

-Ammar Naji

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Although, density has been a controversial indicator of successful levels of ridership able to sustain public tran-sit, São Paulo has the densities to support public trans-portation infrastructure. Meanwhile, access to public transit has been associated with increases in physical activity and possible achievement of minimum require-ments of moderate intensity physical activity recom-mended by the CDC for health benefits. Keeping in mind the health benefits that public transportation can provide, public transit seems to be the more ef-ficient way to travel as buses and subway systems are established and ridership supports the uses of such transportation systems. Most bus stops observed, if not all, included public transit infrastructure as many stops had covered shelters, benches, and trash cans, which may contribute positively to ridership. The availability of public transportation and supportive infrastructure may suggest that residents of São Paulo may be reaching minimum physical activity recommendations during the work week when accessing public transit.

Pedestrian crossing signals differ in São Paulo in com-parison to the US, whereas a green walking man, a red blinking standing man, and a solid red standing man signaled pedestrian traffic. In the US, pedestrian cross-ing signals are usually comprised of a white walking man, orange blinking hand, and solid orange hand.

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Both countries utilize countdown signals at select locations, but are not required at every signaled intersection. Brazil’s usage of the green walking man and red standing man may be a better system for pedestrian walk signalization as green and red are more intuitive and require less signage and instruction as the signal system denoted by green is go and red is stop is socialized into children’s being with games such as green light red light as the colored coordinated light signal system is already well established.

Meanwhile, the treatments of crosswalk infrastructure at intersections differ between São Paulo and the US. In São Paulo, all crosswalks use high visibility crosswalk lines as op-posed to the US where it is less common to encounter high visibility crosswalks, rather US crosswalks usually entail two parallel lines designating a crossing area.

Furthermore, stop lines were not observed in São Paulo in contrast to the US where stop lines are more common, but not required; whereas stop lines may suggest additional safety precautions at intersections and contribute to a pedestrian friendly environment. Safety in the pedestrian en-vironment does not always just include availability of pedes-trian infrastructure.

-Josette Severyn

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The architecture of São Paulo is wonderful. The diver-sity of styles, building age and scales make the city a very interesting place to observe. It is unfortunate to see the amount of civic disinvestment taking place, but it is unusual in that this disinvestment does not seem to control whole areas, but just spreads itself evenly throughout the entire city. The casualties of the city’s broken tax system (abandoned buildings) are a peculiar form of blight. I had never seen large skyscraper-type buildings be completely abandoned before. However, the diversity of buildings does blend with this patchwork to create something uniquely São Paulo.

-Kevin Ice

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Visit: MASP- Museum of Modern Art São Paulo

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MASP Subterranean SpaceSketch: Erika Duran

Modigliani Painting Sketch: Erika Duran

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Florianópolis

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STATE: Santa CatarinaUNIVERSITY: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina UFSCFACULTY: Joseli Macedo Alina Santiago Renato T. Saboya

City population: 408,161

Florianópolis (nicknamed Floripa) is the capital city of Santa Catarina State in south-ern Brazil. It is composed of one main island, the Island of Santa Catarina (Ilha de Santa Catarina), a continental part and the sur-rounding small islands

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The island of Santa Catarina is the main business center for the City of Florianópolis . A similar example of the function and use of the island of Santa Catarina is the island of Manhattan within the city of New York.

The high influx of traffic and resulting pollution greatly influence the general population of the island. Strate-gies to preserve the simple culture and natural treasures of the island are heavily studied by Architecture and Urban Planning faculty and students. Faculty and students of UFSC presented several issues within a residential neighborhood called Lagoa da Conceição. UF Students toured the city and the site. They were asked to observe issues and propose solutions for the neighborhood during a charette.

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3rd QUAPA SEL Workshop Floripa

Open Public Spaces in the Lagoa da Conceicão

WORKSHOP

QUAPA SEL is a national research network that focuses on the urban landscape. This workshop presents an opportunity to further investigate discussions about public open spaces in Brazilian cities and their roles in the public sphere. The workshop includes the participation of researchers from the Grupo Quapa SEL Nacional ( Universidade de São Paulo) and the University of Florida Center for International Design and Planning.

SCHEDULE

May 10, 2011 Tuesday 8:30 AM Presentation of Context: The Lagoa da Conceicão | Venue: ARQ/UFSC Auditorium 1:30 PM Guided tour around the Lagoa da Conceicão. Bus leaves from ARQ bus stop. 4:00 PM Lectures and Debate | Venue: ARQ/UFSC Auditorium

May 11, 2011 Wednesday 8:30 AM Project Scope and Selection of Thematic Teams | Venue: ARQ/UFSC Auditorium 9:00 AM Work in thematic groups | Venue: Model-making Hall 12:00 PM -1:00 PM Lunch 1:00 PM Workshop continues 5:30 PM Presentations and Closing

Open Public Spaces in the Lagoa da Conceição

Workshop

QUAPA SEL is a national research network that focuses on the urban landscape. This workshop presents an opportunity to further investigate discussions about public open spaces in Brazilian cities and their roles in the public sphere. Theworkshop includes the participation of researchers from the Grupo Quapa SEL Nacional (Universidade de São Paulo) and the University of Florida Center for International Design and Planning.

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May 10, 2011 Tuesday8:30 AM Presentation of Context: The Lagoa da Conceição

1:30 PM Guided tour around the Lagoa da Conceição

4:00 PM Lectures and Debate

May 11, 2011 Wednesday8:30 AM Project Scope and Selection of Thematic Teams

9:00 AM Work in thematic groups

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch1:00 PM Workshop Continues5:30 PM Presentations and Closing

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The QUAPÁ-SEL workshops in Florianópolis were held in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Participating parties were mem-bers of the QUAPÁ/SEL National, faculty and under-graduate students of Architecture and Urbanism from the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), graduate students from the Graduate Program in Ar-chitecture and Urbanism PósARQ/UFSC, faculty and graduate students from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Florida (UF/USA), technicians from the Instituto de Planejamento Urbano de Florianópolis (IPUF) and researchers in the area. The workshops were coordinated by QUAPÁ-SEL Floripa and the Architecture and Urbanism Graduate Program PósARQ/UFSC and were supported by the Grupo de Pesquisa Desenho Urbano e Paisagem/CNPq/UFSC and the INFOARQ/ARQ/UFSC, CNPq lab, CAPES and UFSC. The 2009 workshop addressed improvement op-portunities and deficiencies of the City of Florianópolis, and the 2010 and 2011 workshops addressed issues sur-rounding the Lagoa da Conceição area.

3rd QUAPA SEL FLORIPA WORKSHOP

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The 2010 workshop explored the topics of Ecology and Environment, and Mobility and Urban Design. In the 2011 workshop, students from the A and C groups of the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Project | 2011/1 from UFSC (ARQ5633) presented and contextualized Lagoa da Conceição, addressing the following topics: Environment, History and Culture, Urban Mobility, Legislation and Landscape Perception. These topics were also addressed during the workshop.

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The first day of the workshop was dedicated to lectures about the site and a guided site visit to familiarize participants with the study area.

The event started at 9:00 AM in the UFSC Architecture and Urbanism auditorium with the official opening ceremony conducted by Professor Alina G. Santiago, QUAPÁ/SEL Florianópolis Coordinator, who invited the following professors to the opening ceremony table: Silvio Soares Macedo, research leader for QUAPÁ/SEL national; Joseli Macedo, urbanism professor from the University of Florida/USA; Sonia Afonso, Coordinator for UFSC’s Architecture and Urbanism Program; and Fernando Ruttkay, Graduate Coordinator for the Architecture and Urbanism Graduate Program PósARQ/UFSC.

After the opening, Professor Alina G. Santiago ex-plained the activities that would take place throughout the course of the day, introduced the students from the A and C groups of the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Project ARQ 5633, presented the context within which the Lagoa da

First Day – 10.05.2011 – Lectures and Site Visit

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TOPIC PARTICIPANTSENVIRONMENT Carolina Buss, Fernanda Coutinho, Geruza Kretzer, Laís Moretto,

Leonora Alencar, Valéria VepoCULTURE AND HISTORY Larissa Moreira, Leonardo Daher, Maria Lina Cunha, Marcelo

Monteiro, Renato NieroMOBILITY Lesy Duarte de Andrade, Lucas Roberto Batistti de Souza, Marcos

Marciel Sansão, Marianna Spíndola Godoy, Marina Freitas KleinURBAN PLANNING Beatriz Menegon, Cláudia Machiori, Larissa Aguiar, Lucas Parahyba,

Luiza FuriaLANDSCAPE PERCEPTION Cristina D. Bernardes, Cristiano Poletto Netto, Eduardo Ferreira Lima,

Lígia Sell, Gabriela Cascelli Farinasso, Gesser Simone Katrin

Conceição would be addressed and presented the study program sequence. The students of ARQ 5633 presented their analyses of Lagoa da Conceição, addressing the following topics:

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The presentations included audiovisual media in both English and Portuguese. The oral presentation was given in English. During the presentation by Group 4, Professor Alina G. Santiago assisted in explaining Florianópolis’s Master Plan – its evolution, inconsistencies, and current discussions to revise and develop a new master plan – and the plan focused specifically on the Lagoa da Conceição, which was developed by community activists seeking to preserve the area.

At the end of each presentation there was time alotted for questions and debate. The Master’s and Doctorate Students from the University of Florida actively participated in the process of familiarizing themselves with the study area and analyzing the site along with the other participants.

In the afternoon, the guided site visit of the Lagoa da Conceição and Praia da Joaquina, both located on the east side of the Island of Santa Catarina, began at 1:00 PM. The lookout point at Morro da Lagoa provided a panoramic view of Lagoa da Conceição, beaches and dunes; it was possible to recognize the existing ecosystems and the spread of urbanization.

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The visit to Joaquina beach, famous among the surfing community, with dunes and rock croppings, allowed the group to witness the frequent use of the beach by locals and tourists. In the Centrinho da Lagoa da Conceição, or Little Downtown of Lagoa da Conceição, urban occu-pation is evident. The Centrinho is a historic and cultural center recognized for fishing and other aquatic activities within the Lagoa.

Informational pamphlets were prepared and distributed to the participants. The visit promoted an exchange of ideas between local and international participants. This exchange and integration between the two groups aided in further developing the projects during the workshop.

Back at UFSC, in the Auditorium of the Department of Architecture and Urbanism, Professor Silvio Soares Macedo presented research on Public Open Space Systems in Brazil with a focus on public open spaces in Florianópolis. The architect Marcelo Cabral Vaz presented on the metamorphosis of the urban space in Lagoa da Conceição.

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The second day was designated for the charrette: breaking up into work groups, discussion and generating proposals, creating a presentation, synthesis and critiques of the results. The charrette took place in the Model Making studio of the Architecture and Urban Planning building at UFSC.

The charrette began with the presentation of themes for the four working groups. The groups were assembled and discussed the topics of ENVIRONMENT, MOBILITY, LEGISLATION and LANDSCAPE PERCEPTION. Aerial photographs, maps, tracing paper, and other drawing materials were provided to the groups. The groups also used personal laptops to develop materials and to create their presentations. Every group comprised University of Florida students and at least one Brazilian student from UFSC. Some of the coordinating team members (Alina G. Santiago, Vanessa Casarin and Vanessa Dorneles) and speakers, (Silvio Soares Macedo and Marcelo Cabral Vaz) participated in the group discussions.

Second Day – 11.05.2011 – Charette

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Other members were responsible for documenting through photographs (Renato Saboya, Alina G. Santiago, and Angela Favaretto) and blogging (Jonara Oliveira, Ângela Favaretto, and Renato Saboya). Professors Margaret Carr and Joseli Macedo from the University of Florida also worked with students throughout the charrette.

Group PresentationsWorking groups presented their analyses and proposals for the four topics of the charrette: environment, mobility, legislation, and landscape perception. At the end, Professor Silvio Soares Macedo analyzed a synthesis of the proposals. A debate followed and the feasibility of possible solutions presented for the Lagoa was discussed.

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Team 1: ENVIRONMENTSarah Benton - UF Lis Cavalcante - UFSCOscar Debali - UFSC Michele Janiszewski - UF Claudia Mate - UFSC Larissa Carvalho Trindade – M.Arch. PósARQ UFSC

study area

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Site Analysis

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•Illegal occupation of preservation lands•Urban pressure on conservation areas Dunes, forest, lagoon

•Privatization of shoreline•Lack of access and connections Between and to public open spaces

Problems

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•Road As barrier Impact of future expansion

•Water pollution & Sanitation Affects wildlife Impermeable surfaces and stormwater runoff Improper sewage disposal Lack of adequate sewage treatment

•Sea level rise

Problems

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Proposal Map

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Proposal Diagrams

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Privatization ofShore Line

Increase Buffer Area between the

Lagoon anddevelopment

Providepublic

facilities in buffer

regions

Ask ownersfor

easements to allow publicaccess to the

shore

Taxbenefits

for owners

IncreaseDevelopment

Rights

Public-PrivatePartnership

Public Acquisitionof private

properties for community

benefit, i.e. parks

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Water Pollution

ReactiveProactive

Expand thewater

treatmentfacility or

construct a new one

Ask for federal

assistance

Bio Remediation: Find native

plants whichwork as natural

filters for thelagoon

Increase fines and

punishmentsfor illegal

disposal in thelagoon

Enforcelaws and

regulations

OilrecyclingProgram

(to preventit frombeing

disposedof in thelagoon)

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ImpermeableSurfaces (Run-off)

Retention/ Detentionzones with

native plantfiltration

Increase theamount of

required open space on

private parcels

Recommend orrequire gravel orother permeable

materials for driveways

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Urban Pressure onConservationBoundaries

Encouragebrownfield

redevelopmentinstead ofgreenfield

development

Increase and createtransitional zones

betweenconservation areas

and urban areas

Createtransitional uses such as trails for

hiking or lowdensity buildings

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Occupation ofPreserved Areas

Public Acquisitionof private

properties for community benefit

Public-PrivatePartnership to

prevent furtherdevelopment ofpreserved land

Provideincentives for

residents/ businesses to

relocate

Increaseddevelopment

rights, taxbreaks, etc.

Enforcement ofexisting lawsthrough fines and increased

monitoring

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Sea Level Rise

Elevate theconnecting

bridge

Zone for a largerconservation

area around thelagoon

Dredge andadd land to

createbuffer/park

whereneeded

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Team 2: LAND USE AND LEGISLATIONVanessa Goulart Dorneles – UFSCSonya Eldridge - U. of Illinois at ChicagoShayna Gershman - UFJonathan Lehman - U. of Illinois at ChicagoAmmar Naji - UF

Current Conditions

•Until 2000, buildings in Lagoa could have a maximum of four floors

•After 2000, buildings could only have two floors

•Four-story structures under construction when the plan was adopted were completed and grandfathered

Masterplan 1985

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Proposed Masterplan 2010

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•The proposed zoning code would allow buildings for have a maximum height of six floors. Buildings outside of Lagoa can have a maximum height of 10 floors

•Clash between local business and land owners and community members

•Discussions are suspended indefinitely because of this clash

Proposed Master Plan (2000)

Potential Problems

•Denser, taller construction may lead to obstruction of natural landscape

•Population and economic growth create addi-tional pressure and challenges

•Annual population growth in Lagoa is 4.77% per year and the growth of the urban area is 9.94% per year

•Increased growth of the urban footprint that encroaches on conservation areas

•Desires of the tourism and entertainment industries will conflict with local priorities

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Policy Alternatives

•Buffer zone – Enforce current buffer zone policy (from 1985 Master Plan) to provide community with green spaces and an unobstructed view of the lagoon, dunes, and other natural features.

•Green Spaces – An expansion of open space to provide linkages between coastal lagoon areas and interior neighborhoods.

•Mixed-Use – central business district with multiple land uses encourages pedestrian traffic and economic activity day and night, during all times of the year.

•Tourist residences – low-rise inns feature expansive views and easy access to recreation spaces; slightly larger tourist hotels at a lower price point are located closer to central business district, bars, and restaurants.

•Mixed-Service- located throughout neighborhoods to serve the multifarious needs of local residents.

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Team 3: MOBILITYLara Holimon- UFKevin Ice- UF Brett Lackey- UF Daniela Lopes - UFSC

Context•Congestion Traffic must travel along one major road through Centrinho

•Increased traffic during summer Auto-oriented development

•Reliance on fishing and tourism

•Initial development Long, parallel streets

•Regional mobility is a major problem for the city Project area is a passage way between the main island and east of the island

Problems•Accessibility Both internal and external

•Connectivity Lack of grid system

•Bridge creates bottleneck for autos and restricts pedestrian, bike and water taxi access Renovation of bridge blocked due to his toric status

•Public transit is inadequate -Access to transit -Lack of multimodal

•Sidewalks and crosswalks are dangerous for pedestrians

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Current Bus Stops

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Bridge

•Water taxis unable to pass•Only 2 lanes •Narrow sidewalk •No bike access•Beach access

Pedestrian Access

•Sidewalks are too small•Isolated neighborhoods are far from center•Placement of crosswalks

Pedestrian Nodes

Bridge to Lagoa

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Potential Solutions

• Bridge• Bike sharing program and bike lockers/stands• Bike lanes• Increase pedestrian access • Increase use of water taxis• Multimodal futureBridges•Demolish bridge and construct taller bridge•Lack of access during construction•Free public transportation•Renovate into a draw bridge with sidewalks and bike lanes•Potential bike share facility East of renovated bridge•New bridge to the south of the existing bridge•Would make renovation of existing bridge more feasibleBike Sharing and Lockers•Implement bike sharing program 2 stations Potential for 3rd station across the bridge

•Install bike lockers at major bus and water taxi stops•Improved connection to stations with bike and pedestrian improvements

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Proposed Bike Path

•Inner neighborhoods have lack of cross street access and pedestrian infrastructure

•Increased non-auto travel times is main focus

•Sidewalks are narrow and streets are wide Addition of bike lanes would not require new construction, just paint Saves on cost of implementation

•Need to integrate bike lanes with public transportation infrastructure and bike share program

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Current Roads

Increased Pedestrian Access

•Improve sidewalks and crosswalks

•Narrow sidewalks should be expanded where possible

•Setbacks should be mandatory in commercial areas

•By law, pedestrians should have access to the lagoon

•Access needs to be implemented, especially to water taxi facilities and fishing locations

•Proposed traffic crossing signals at major pedestrian intersections

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Increase Use of Water Taxi

•Improve points of access

•Increase parking options for commuters Bike lockers at docks

•Lower the prices Would allow for more people to be able to use the service

•Bridge renovation to improve access

Multimodal Vision

Overall goal is to increase the attractiveness of alternatives over the automobileFlat topography helps this vision

This project will be successful by tapping into existing needs Meets goals of community input to the planning process

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Team 4: PERCEPTIONJenny Allport- University of CalgaryMarcelo Vaz Cabral – PósARQ UFSCErika Duran- UFBenjamin Himschoot-UFJosette Severyn- UF

Positive perceived aspects:

• Nature• Views• Quiet• Leisure – Windsurfing, Base jumping, Paragliding, Surfing• Tourism• Reputation for Family Activities• Street Life – Bars, Restaurants• Beauty, Clean Air

Negative perceived aspects:

• Traffic, especially at certain times of the day• Illegal occupation of coastline and slope• Erosion• Accessibility• Lack of sewage treatment• Dirty, disorganized, chaotic (due to traffic)• Visual and physical barriers

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Modeled after Professor Silvio Soares Macedo’s strategy to understanding the urban inhabitant.this graphic shows Alina’s trajectory throughout the week.

Alina is a Professor of Urban Planning and Architecture at the University of Santa Catarina. She has lived in Lagoa for more than 10 years.

During the week she travels from her home in Lagoa to the University of Santa Catarina’s campus. On the way home she stops at a café in the “Centrinho” and has a cup of coffee.

On the weekend for leisure, she goes shopping at the “Centrinho” or visits one of the beaches on the island. Her selection of which beach to visit is dependent on the direction of the wind.

Interview: Alina G. Santiago

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Alina drew her perceptions of the view toward the north, facing the moun-tains. She also illustrated the cluttered view toward the bridge that enters the Downtown Lagoa area. Finally, she described the crowded conditions that are experienced by all of the users of the space- personal vehicles, mass transit, and pedestrians.

VIEW TO THE NORTH

VIEW TO THE SOUTH

CROWDED URBAN CONDITION

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Marcelo has lived in the area all of his life. He has witnessed improvements and degradation in the area. His weekly activities include go-ing to the University of Santa Catarina, visiting his mother, and making a special stop at the bridge to photograph the fishermen. His leisure activities involve going to the beach and spending time at local bars with friends.

When possible, Marcelo walks (the footsteps in the diagram) to his destination. When the distance is longer, Marcelo takes public transit buses.

One Marcelo’s biggest concerns for the area is losing the humble origins and characteristics of the space in exchange for large scale construction and high rises that have already occurred in other parts of the island.

Interview: Marcelo Cabral

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To obtain a complete understanding of perceptions of the area, the group thought it was important not only to interview permanent residents but also first-time visitors to the neighborhood. Since there had been a guided site visit the previous day, one of the group members, Jenny Allport, was selected to be interviewed.

The diagram to the left illustrates her perception during the walking tour of the site. The primary focal points were the chaotic atmosphere with vehicles and pedestrians constantly interfacing, aquatic activities, and the restaurants and bars.

Interview: Jenny Allport

Improvement Proposals:

•Sightlines •Beautification •Native plants •Shade trees •Increase amenities •Walkways •Benches •Picnic tables •BBQ grills

CURRENT CONDITIONS

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PROPOSED WATERFRONT OPEN SPACE

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Streetscapes and Street life:

Hierarchy of Use with priority for pedestrians, then bicycles and finally motorized vehicles with restricted access in certain areas.

Connectivity: People to people, people with place, and place with place. Improvements should occur in the following:

A place for residents and touristsPedestrian & recreation areasPublic spacesImprove access to transit and add routesImprove pedestrian connectivity to destinationsImprove bicycle networks

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Lecture: QUAPÁ SEL Research on Open Spaces in Brazil

SILVIO SOARES MACEDO

QUAPÁ Research Organization

Coordinators:- SILVIO S. MACEDO- EUGENIO F. QUEIROGA

RESEARCH CONDUCTED

1) Landscape Architecture in Brazil2) Landscape Architecture in Brazil II3) Contemporary Landscape Brazilian Architecture4) QUAPÁ SEL – Open Spaces and the Contemporary Brazilian Public Realm5) QUAPÁ SEL II – Open Space Systems and the Urban Form in the Contemporary Brazilian City

Collaborators:ANA CECILIA ARRUDA CAMPOSFABIO MARIZ GONÇALVESFANY GALENDERHELENA NAPOLEON DEGREASROBERTO VIGNOLA JRROGÉRIO AKAMINEVANDERLI CUSTÓDIO

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANINING USP

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QUAPÁ SEL II – Open Space Systems and the Urban Form in the Contemporary Brazilian City

The research project had its beginnings from the spacial concepts of Milton Santos, the open space concepts of Miranda Magnoli, the public ream from Arendt (1991) and from the notions of complexities of systems from Morin.

A national research network was created to cover the topic of urban public open space– Rede QUAPÁ-SEL – which currently collaborates with the following universities: UFPA, UEMA, UNIFOR, UFRN, UFPE, UFAL, UFBA, UnB, UFMS, UFU, UFMG, UFES, UFRJ, USP (FAU, FFLCH, IAU-SC e IEB), PUC-Campinas, UFPR, UEM, UFSC e UNISINOS.

The main objective of the research network is to create a theoretical, conceptual and methodological reference base, with the following goals:

-further discuss existent open spaces in Brazilian cities-confirm these open spaces as representative of the urban culture and condition of urban life-enhance public life through development and connection of open spaces-understand the infrastructure of significant open space system in within Brazilian urban contexts-evaluate innitiatives such as master plans and management practices by institutions, companies and residents to justify public open spaces -critical analysis of current dominant values that guide plans for public open spaces-understand the contribution of different systems of open spaces to public life

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QUAPÁ WORKING METHODOLOGY

Weekly researcher meetingsSite VisitsLecture series with professionals in public and private arenasWorkshops in all cities with participants from academia, public policy, and general publicGraphical Analysis of aerial maps and photographsPublishing of subject-specific textsAnalysis of urban and environmental legislationImage documentation

RESULTS

Development of sistematic research procedures for open spacesDevelopment of national research network Development of dissertations, theses, and scientific literature on the topic of public open spacesCreation and publishing of reference textsDevelopment of procedures for evaluating open spaces and performing a graphic map analysis

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Open Space Systems and the Urban Form

All urban contexts from the district scale to the regional scale posess a system of open spaces that integrate the area. These open spaces may be public or private, vegetated or not.

According to Magnoli,1982: “Open space is all constructed space not occupied by a built volume which people have access to.”

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BUILT VOLUMES VOLUMETRIC OPEN SPACE

Sketches by Silvio S. Macedo

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PUBLIC OPEN SPACES EXIST AS ROADS, STREETS, AND SIDEWALKS

Sketches by Silvio S. Macedo

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Understanding day-to-day dynamics of metropolitan cities involves the interaction and articulation of open spaces

Sketches by Silvio S. Macedo

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Placement, accessibility and distribution of public open space constitute a group of connections with multiple urban roles, among them - LEISURE, URBAN CIRCULATION, COMFORT, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, URBAN DRAINAGE, URBAN MEMORY, RECREATION

Public open space is publicly owned. According to Arendt the term public means, “everything that is public, where everyone can see and be seen.” Theoretically, the concept of public open space houses the activities of the day-to-day of the inhabitant- grocerie shopping, having a picnic or contemplatively walking- these are opportunities to see and be seen and creat the opportunity for fortuitious encounters.

Sketches by Silvio S. Macedo

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Lecture: Why a Regional System of Open Space?

Margaret H. Carr

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Spectrum of ethical belief:

biocentrics anthropocentrics

Ecosystem service from Costanza et al, Science 1997

Gas regulation balance Climate regulationDisturbance regulation Water Regulation Water supply

Erosion control/sediment retention Food production Genetic resourcesAesthetics, spiritual recreation

ExamplesCO2/O2greenhouse gas regulationstorm protection/flood controlprovisioning of water for agriculture industryprovisioning of water by watersheds and aquifers,“drinking water”prevention of soil lossfish, game, cropsbiodiversity, medicines, food cropsparks

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Florida Population Growth and Habitat Loss, and Biodiversity

4th largest state in population on its way to becoming 3rd largest

Florida has lost over 11 million acres of forest and wetland communities in the last 50 years.

About 10% of longleaf pine forests, 33% of scrub, and less than 50% of wetlands left

3rd in species richness for a state in the U.S., high level of endemism, 3rd in listed species, 31 extinct or extirpated species

0

2

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8

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1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

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Habitat Fragmentation

A reduction in patch area Increasing isolation of remaining habitat patches

“Habitat fragmentation is the most serious threat to biological diversity and is the primary cause of the present extinction crisis.” (Wilcox and Murphy 1985)

From Curtis,1956

Landscape Ecology“In land use decisions and actions, it is unethical to evaluate an area in isolation from its surrounding or from its development over time. Ethics impel us to consider an area in its broadest spatial and temporal perspectives.” (Forman 1987)

Protecting Green Infrastructurenatural support system that maintains native species, and natural ecological services, sustains air and water resources, andcontributes to the health and quality of life for human communities

(Benedict 2000)

Connectivity vs. Fragmentation “Connectivity is in many respects the opposite of fragmentation. A reserve system with high connectivity is one where individual reserves are functionally united into a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.”

(Noss 1992)

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A Green Strategy t h e F l o r i d a E c o l o g I c a l N e t w o r kMargaret H. Carr, ASLAThomas S. Hoctor, Ph.D. Department of Landscape Architecture, University of FloridaPaul D. Zwick, Ph.D. Department of Urban & Regional Planning, University of Florida

Florida’s Statewide Greenways Initiative 1990 - 2010

Florida Greenways Program & the Florida Greenways Commission 1990-94

Initial Greenways Legislation - DEP Lead State Agency & Florida Greenways Coordinating Council1995

GIS Decision Support Model Completed,Public Review & Comment 1997-98

Legislative Adoption of Five Year Plan 1999

Adopt Priorities and Implement Protection 2000-10

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Ecological Network Goal

Use a regional landscape approach to design an ecologically functional Statewide Greenways System that:(1) conserves critical elements of Florida’s native ecosystems and landscapes;(2) restores and maintains connectivity among native ecological systems and processes;(3) facilitates the ability of these ecosystems and landscapes to function as dynamic systems; and(4) maintains the evolutionary potential of the components of these ecosystems to adapt to future environmental changes.

Florida Ecological Greenways Network

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Urban Growth Trends In Orange County, Fl

Orange County 2005

DevelopmentConservationOpen Water

Orange County 2050

Orange County 1950

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FLORIDA 2060: A Research Project of 1000 Friends of Florida

Developed Land

Conservation LandsPermanently Protected

ObservationsComplex relationship between density of development and loss of natural and agricultural lands.The higher the density, the greater potential to protect natural areas and agricultural landsHigher densities threaten historic urban patterns and communities

Ecological Networks are Essential

To protect ecosystem servicesTo protect agricultural landsTo define the limits of our cities

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Student PerspectivesThe story of Ilha de Santa Catarina and Florianópolis is an all too familiar struggle between tradition and development, local lifestyles and tourism. The population of the area dou-bles in the summer months leaving homes, apartments and hotels unoccupied through the winter. Overdevelopment threatens the culture, lifestyle, and history of the area, as well as the natural landscape that initially attracted the tourists. Communities, especially in the south, have so far resisted the vertical and horizontal sprawl that is seen in both Florianópo-lis and the northern areas of all over the island. Some land-owners are finding the economic incentives too enticing, and sell their land to developers. This creates leapfrog devel-opments, which fragment the natural landscape.

Although the island has a fairly extensive transportation system, private companies compete for fares on populous routes instead of collectively working to improve the entire system. Ilha de Santa Catarina and Florianópolis have a great natural beauty that draws people to the island; how-ever it is this influx of population that threatens both the nat-ural landscapes, culture, and cultural way of life.The north and south of the island provide a contrast between what once was, and what could be. Communities of the north have become tourist Meccas, with signs of new construction all around. Growth and development are evident even in the retail spaces that line the freeway, offering flooring, furni-ture and swimming pools to outfit newly constructed homes.

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In the south, the picture is much different as the towns neigh-borhoods struggle to retain their fishing culture and small town lifestyle. Boats line the beaches and streets as fishermen busy themselves repairing nets and transporting their catch . These sleepy communities are not without external pressure for de-velopment. Seeing the changes in other parts of the island, community groups organize against the pressure of mass tour-ist developments.

Leapfrogged developments change the cultural landscape and community dynamic of the area, creating pockets of dis-connected growth. Illegal developments on the water’s edge restrict access to public beach spaces. The key to develop-ment on this island is finding the balance between the eco-nomic strength that tourism provides without overdeveloping this resource. Both the restriction on growth and construction of luxury dwellings increase property values, creating afford-ability issues for the region.

People are drawn to the island for safety, nature, the small town feel, and views. But with an increase in population, sprawl, and verticalization, these are the very characteristics that are threatened.

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Natural barriers also restrict growth, although residential and commercial developments have started crawling further up hillsides and illegally onto shorelines. Without protection of fragile ecosystems, such as the sand dunes and forests, people will find ways to construct onto these as well.

Nature provides important ecological services, such as fil-tration of air and water. Even areas with restricted building height and density impose on the environment through the byproducts of development. The lagoons on the eastern side of the island are polluted from sewer and cooking oils, re-quiring signage to communicate unsafe usage. The sewage treatment plant of Lagoa da Conceiçãcao is over capacity and operating in the environmentally sensitive sand dune area, which filters water between the ocean and lagoon.

Design solutions to these problems may be found in natural systems themselves. Biomimicry of the local plants and filtering sand may provide a basis for regional biofiltration sewage treatment plan.

-Jenny Allport

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The students at UFSC attend classes from March to November. This works out well because the high season for tourism is November to February, so there is no lapse in economy. It is uncommon for a city to experience minimal trends in economic stimulus, especially in areas that rely on tourism or have a large university. Having a constant demand for services throughout the year pro-motes a steady economy and gives the city more eco-nomic security. Although this is true for the areas around downtown Florianópolis, UFSC, Lagoa, and Jouquina, most of the other areas we visited around the island suffer during the low-season months. This was apparent at one of the stops we made atJurerê Internacional, on the north end of the island. We walked around a large courtyard area that was empty with shops and hotels lining both sides.

-Brett Lackey

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Located on an island torn between traditionalism and modernization, Floripa and its residents are dangling between the fringes of long-standing customs and the fervent force of urbanization. Residents of the northern section of the island, dependent on the bustling tourist economy have long been caught in the middle of development that both compromises the natural beauty of this ecological gem, yet strengthens theeconomic viability for an island dependent on accommodating the masses. As conflicting as this may seem, the slow-pace of island life seems to be reflected and revealed in the little things. With that said, the haphazard parcels, roadways, and the placement of the sewage treatment plant seem to be a result of this laidback, reactive culture. After talk-ing to a number of Brazilian planning students, these assumptions were substantiated. So far, I get the impres-sion that Brazilian planners improvise and have a truly reactive approach to ‘wicked’ planning problems

-Sonya Eldridge

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The charette was significant in the way it reinforced the impact of public opinion on planning. The citizens of Lagoa were asked to provide their input to the planners creating the Master Plan for Lagoa. However, the final draft ignored citizen’s suggestions and the people would not vote to pass it.

Discussions concerning the Master Plan for Lagoa have come to a halt because the planners are unwilling to compromise about certain aspects, such as building height. Citizens want to hear a plan that they feel takes their demands into consideration.

Professor Renato discussed how this same process took place in São Paulo, but the people were able to approve a Master Plan and the local government passed it in 14 months.

I found this discussion extremely fascinating because it seems easier to pass a Master Plan in the second largest city in the world then a (small city) community on the island of Florianópo-lis. This phenomenon demonstrates how important localism is in the planning process. In the United States, it is common for only a handful of local citizens to attend planning meetings and provide input to policymakers. I am curious about the percent-age of Lagoa citizens that turned out to the meeting to pass the Master Plan and how it compares to the number of people that turned out to pass the Master Plan in São Paulo.

-Shayna Gershman

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During our stay in Florianópolis and Santa Catarina Island, I ob-served continued inconsistency in sidewalks throughout the area as was previously noticed in São Paulo. Since sidewalks are owned and maintained by the property owner behind the side-walk, the materials used varies. This results in a fractured land-scape of different colors and designs, as well as physical differ-ences that affect safety and walkability of the area. Many of the materials (e.g., polished tiles of varying size and shape, concrete, stone, etc.) used are not practical because they become very slippery when wet. The only positive aspect of the most common-ly used material of polished tile is that it can might be perceived of as more attractive or pleasing to the eye than the simple concrete used in the US. Individual ownership of these sidewalks, as opposed to the US where sidewalks are publicly owned and maintained the municipality (in most cases), results in inconsistent quality of the sidewalks making walking a sometimes cumber-some and dangerous activity. In this case, I believe local govern-ment should play a more involved or active role for sidewalks in Brazil as is done in the US .

I also noted that parking is most often located below buildings, which does not occur as frequently in the US. This allows for high-er densities or more compact development in urbanized areas, and is something we could increasingly implement in the US .

-Sarah Benton

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There were a few surprising environmental planning issues surrounding Lagoa da Conceição; specifically the illegal oc-cupation of the coast line. From my Brazilian group members I learned that the land is zoned as conservation, to be used as a buffer zone between the shore line and development, but is currently occupied by hotels and condominiums. In the States the shore line development would have been grandfathered into the zoning had the area been zoned conservation post-development but that was not the case in Lagoa da Conceição. Unthreatened by punishment, these establishments were built after the land was zoned for conservation and continue to operate as though the hotel managers own the land. Had this happened in the States the developers would have been heavily fined and the structures torne down but unfortunately in Floripa zoning policy is not enforced. Floripa should take a stronger stance on its zoning policies and find or hire people to enforce their laws with fines or acquisition of illegal developments.

When I brought up the lake’s polluted status during our group’s brainstorm, the Brazilian students agreed with my ideas and admitted that they had not originally thought about the lake as an environmental planning concern. Their main focus was protecting and connecting the urban green space which the town had already done a decent job of doing. The lake’s pollution is holding it back from its potential to become a spectacular tourist attraction with beaches

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and recreational swimming. The fact that the majority of the town’s sewage is deposited into the because the sewage treatment facility can only handle 36% of the town’s sewage demands that another sewage treatment plant should be built or the current plant be expanded. To decrease illegal dumping, the fines and punishments need to be increased and, most importantly, enforced. During a walk in the study area, a Brazilian student informed us that restaurants illegally dump their oil in the lake. This instigated a conversation on oil collection programs. Oil collection programs collect used oil from restaurants and convert it into Biodiesel which can be used in various equipment and machines. This program could benefit the city and prevent the disposal of oil in the lake through green technology and is worth experimenting with.

- Michele Janiszewski

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Our field trip to Lagoa da Conceição complemented the students’ presentations and was essential to building our knowledge of the community before we embarked upon our design charrette the next day. Given the centrality of the Lagoa’s centrinho in the hearts and minds of local resi-dents, as well as to the tourism industry of Florianópolis, I was surprised to encounter a place that had, aside from its peerless natural setting, very little sense of place. If one were to ignore the Havaianas boutique and the Mormaii outlet, one would be hard pressed to identify Lagoa da Conceição as anything other than a mid-size, tourist-oriented Brazilian town. I was struck in particular by the extent to which the town has shut itself off from the natural setting of the lagoon. Only along the few residential blocks of Rua Alfonso Delam-bert Neto and Rua Orlando Carioni, the town is organized inwards and is oriented towards its main commercial strip, Rua Henrique Veras do Nascimento. Perhaps the most sub-stantial tragedy are the so-called illegal developments that line the shore along the south side of this street, where nu-merous businesses disrupt not only the visual connection to the lagoon, but physical access as well .

-Jon Lehman

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Curitiba

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CITY : CuritibaSTATE: ParanáUNIVERSITY: Universidade PositivoFACULTY: Joseli Macedo Jussara Maria Silva Rivail Vanin de Andrade

City population: 1,718,421

Curitiba is the Capital and largest city of the Brazilian state of Paraná. The city has the largest population, the largest economy in the state, also in southern Brazil.

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Keynote Speakers of CICI 2011:Jaime LernerParag KhannaJeremy RifkinFritjof CapraNicholas Christakis

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CICI 2011 – International Conference of Innovative Cities 2011Curitiba, BRAZIL

From May 17-20, 2011, over 4,000 specialists and thinkers from 5 continents, including the students from the UF Curitiba Program, were drawn to the 2nd International Conference of Innovative Cities to debate the future of cities all over the world. It was an honor to hear from such a select group of keynote speakers, namely Jaime Lerner, Parag Khanna, Jeremy Rifkin, Fritjof Capra, and Nicholas Christakis. The conference was focused around 8 key themes: digital cities, clean energy cities, network cities, educating cities, entrepreneurial cities, intelligent cities, World Cup cities, and innovative cities. The CICI project promotes and supports actions with a focus on sustainability, social balance and greater harmony between man and the environment. Its objective is to stimulate the transformation of urban environments into spaces conducive to innovation, creativity, and the creation of sustainable business.

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Jaime Lerner, former mayor of Curitibaspeaking at CICI 2011.

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Parag Khana, during his address at the Innovative Cit-ies Conference in Curitiba, mentioned the importance of connectivity to growing cities. “Cities are the sum of their connections,” he said. Connectivity has several implica-tions both locally and globally.Khana emphasized that the survival of cities in the 21st century depends on their con-nectivity, both within their immediate region and within the global economy as a whole. “The mega-trend of the 21st century is the desire to be connected,” he reiterated. The theme of connectivity resonates in a city like Curitiba, a city gaining worldwide recognition, but at the same time still struggling with a host of urban issues synonymous with developing countries. Several planning initiatives in this city are notable for how they address the issue of connectivity both within the city limits and beyond.

But like many other urban centers in the developing world, Curitiba experienced rapid urbanization at the end of the last century and is continuing to grow. As a result of this ex-pansion, Curitiba has many new urban problems to address such as a lack of affordable housing and a lack of appro-priate urban systems like sanitation infrastructure. More-over, while some of Curitiba´s successful planning initiatives like the Bus Rapid Transit system have put this city on the global map, it is important for the future of this region that the other urban issues are not swept under the rug.

Student Perspectives

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As a global society we need to come up with better ways to live; we need to come up with more efficient ways to use energy, we need to think about the continued avail-ability of resources that we use to live like air and water, and we need to make sure that the entire population of the world has a healthy environment in which to live. It is great that Jaime Lerner advertises Curitiba´s innovative transport system to the rest of the world, but many other urban systems are still in need of innovation and develop-ment here. Curitiba needs to deal with the pollution of its surrounding waters, as well as come up with ways to pro-vide better sanitation to its inhabitants.

I was a bit shocked to hear that only more than half of the Curitibano households are connected to the main sewer-age system, and that only about 6% of waste water in this region is treated. Being from the USA, where urban sanita-tion system was developed a century ago, I sometimes am unconscious of the complexity of such urban systems. I do know that in the developed world, while we have sufficient waste-water treatment facilities, we use a lot of energy in this process. Our methods are not sustainable. Curitiba is in need of wastewater treatment facilities, and since they were able to develop public transport on a budget, per-haps this city can create a model of sustainable water management as well. -Nicolette Jones

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Our month long stay in Curitiba offered a great oppor-tunity to experience life in a Brazilian city and enrich our understanding of planning in a global context. This process began when we attended the Interna-tional Conference on Innovative Cities (CICI). I was not sure what to expect from this experience, but I was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of information that I was able to gather throughout the conference. Specifically, I enjoyed hearing from speakers that came from a wide array of disciplines because the variety of sessions offered throughout the conference reinforced the interdisciplinary nature of the plan-ning field. My past experience with planning profes-sionals has brought me into contact with engineers, architects, etc. At the CICI 2011 conference, leading thinkers from the fields of sociology, political science, economics, and more offered their insight on plan-ning-related themes .

-Shayna Gershman

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Lecture: Overview of Curitiba’s Plan

Rivail Vanin de Andrade Joseli Macedo

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5.34%5.90%

2.29%

4.25%

2.11%

4.81%

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2%

3%

4%

5%

6%

Gro

wth

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1970/1980 1980/1991 1991/2000

CuritibaRMC

609,

026

875,

269

1,02

4,97

5

1,49

7,31

1

1,31

5,03

5

2,06

1,52

0

1,58

7,31

5

2,72

5,62

9

0

500,000

1,000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

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Res

iden

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ion

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CuritibaRMC

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1965 1975 2000

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1974 1979/1981 1991 1992

North / South Axis

Boqueirão AxisInterdistrictsSingle FareEast / West Axis

Direct Line Boqueirão Biarticulated

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North / South Biarticulated

Metropolitan Integration

South CircleBiarticulated

East / WestBiarticulated

1995 1995 1999 2000

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Student PerspectivesCuritiba has a reputation as an innovative city through its transportation and urban design strategies. The city has many success stories – the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, mixed-use development, pedestrian zones, and a high rate of parks per capita that offer social, recreation and environmental services.

However, the top-down implementation of these urban plans focus on the visual, rather than essential but invisible infra-structure and safety improvements. In the words of the former mayor, Jaime Lerner, ‘to innovate, you must keep innovating”. Innovation means continually working to improve systems, looking at the problem from many different angles, and solving multiple problems at once. Innovation means improving the city, both visibly and hidden, and using the human capital of its citizens to do so.

Curitiba’s revolutionary bus system has been recreated in sev-eral cities around the world. Built for a fraction of the cost of an underground system, the BRT has several advantages over a basic bus transportation system. Speed is improved through a level loading system, exclusive bus lanes, light priority, and fare collection done by someone other than the driver. The impres-siveness of Curitiba’s bus system is not only through speed of operation and cost saving of the original development, but also how long this system has been in place.

- Jenny Allport

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Curitiba reminds me of a European city every time I walk outside of the hotel, but when we drove around the city it is evident how young the city is in comparison to cities like Paris or London. Rua das Flores and the various plazas emphasize the strong social bonds that exist in a city. The way of life in Curitiba appears busy, yet relaxed as you can see people strolling around the pedestrian mall on their way to lunch during the work day .

The most surprising thing about the BRT system is that there are no places for bikes on the bus or the lack of bike lockers near main terminals like the TransMilenio system in Bogota. The topography in the city center does not seem like it would be difficult for a cyclist, but the lack of dedicated paths would make it difficult to travel with automobile traffic and pedestrian crowds. I was disappointed that there are very few bike lanes in a city that wants to deem-phasize the use of personal cars.

Despite having APA restrictions, the lack of adhering to these restrictions made me question how concerned about the environ-ment the Brazilian people and government are. The lack of regard for strategic ecosystems, yet the focus on creating parks for tour-ism are two very conflicting and confusing actions. It would make sense for Curitiba to be more concerned about the quality of water and the public green spaces because that would not only enhance the quality of residents’ lives but also tourism.

-Lara Holimon

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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA & UNIVERSIDADE POSITIVO

PROJECT TITLE

Critical Analysis of Curitiba’s Regional Plans – BAIRRO NOVO and SANTA FELICIDADE

PROPOSAL

Objectives(i) Enable students to perform a critical analysis of the city of Curitiba and its current conditions (ii) Discuss regional plans for the city and identify positive and negative aspects (iii)Verify the applicability of legal and urban strategies proposed by the Estatuto da Cidade (city statute) (iv)Allow for the integration of the academic realm with local reality

BACKGROUND

Curitiba’s 2004 master plan incorporated several institutional innovations that reshaped practices that were improperly regulated from a legal standpoint.

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The City included management guidelines in the proposal for adaptation of the 1966 Master Plan to the Estatuto da Cidade. Six Sectoral Plans were proposed based on Law 11.266, article 88. The fundamental purpose of the Sectoral Plans was to fur-ther develop public policy in areas of primary strategic impor-tance for both the Municipality and the Metropolitan Region.

The Sectoral Plans were delivered to City Council at the end of 2007 and are still awaiting approval. The Sectoral Plans are: • Urban Mobility• Housing And Integrated Transport• Environmental Control And Sustainable Development• Economic Development• Social Development• Social Defense And Security

Additionally, nine Regional Plans were developed to promote integration among public policies in this new decentralized structure of local government. The Regional Plans seek to integrate regional administrative action to the City plan, suggesting short-, mid-, and long-term actions that can guide public investments.

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The critical analysis proposed by this project will be a multidisciplinary analysis of the Regional Plans of Curitiba with the goal of suggesting adjustments in order to expedite their final approval.

PROGRAM

The critical analysis will be developed for two Curitiba Regional Plans: BAIRRO NOVO and SANTA FELICIDADE. The intervention sites were selected by professors from participating academic institutions. The objective of the selection criteria was to choose districts with different socioeconomic and physical urban contexts to identify not only successful and unsuccessful areas within the proposed plan but also characteristics of the whole process.

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Project Development development will occur in five stages:

DATE PHASE DESCRIPTIONMay 24 Initial research and preparation Procurement of data sets, surveys and literature

review developed by Universidade Positivo students and professors to be discussed with the whole group.

May 25 Site Visits Site visits and surveys of Bairro Novo and Santa Felicidade districts.

May 26 – June 2 Project Development Development of problem statement, analysis, synthesis, alternatives, and project proposals.

June 3-4 Presentations Formal presentation to the academic community and select guests and public officials.

June 6 - 30 Preparation of report Formatting project documentation and developing materials for publication.

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PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

1-Review supplied materials and information on selected sites from the Universidade Positivo server - Bairro Novo and Santa Felicidade.

2-Conduct a critical analysis of each region and present a diagnosis for the site.

3-Specify positive/successful points and highlight those considered most relevant.

4-Specify negative/unsuccessful points and highlight those considered most relevant.

5-Synthesize analysis and establish guidelines for the development of proposals

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6-Identify the relationship between successful points of the diagnostic stage and the proposed guidelines.

7-Identify the relationship between unsuccessful points of the diagnostic stage and the proposed guidelines.

8-Specify the scope of the proposal addressing the following conditions: SOCIAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL SPATIAL

9-Relate the proposals to regional identity

10-Develop a counter-proposal for one area of interest

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Bairro Novo

Critique & Recommendations for the IPPUC PlanUniversity of FloridaJenny Rae AllportSonya EldridgeShayna GershmanLara HolimonNicolette JonesJonathan Stamm LehmanAmmar Naji

Universidade PositivoCamilla Bulgacov e SilvaJoyce MazurAmanda Ximenes MottaLuiza Perini MonclaroGivago Miguel FerentzGuilherme Felippe KlockThiago Thomaz

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•Location & Context Context, Population, Density, Income, Hydrological, Environmental

•General Critique Prioritization and Phasing

•Stimulation of Territory Transportation Connection and safety, Regularization of Settlements,Sewage

•Milestone of Identity Eco innovation tourism

•Project Multipliers Community support & Policing, Build on existing social services

•Institution Instruments Community support & Policing, Build on existing social services

Outline

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Location and Context

Bairro Novo

AVERAGE MONTHLY INCOME

•The area of Bairro consists of mostly low income households. The light orange area shows households that earn between 3 and 6 minimum monthly salaries.

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POPULATION DENSITIES

•Sitio Cercado is the densest area in Bairro Novo. In the center of Sitio Cercado there are more than 300 inhabitants per hectare. This gives it much potential in the development of social and human capital. The higher densities of the area can also enhance further economic development

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HYDROLOGICAL MAP

•Bairro Novo is situated within 2 drainage basins, the Bacia Ribeirão Padilhas and the Bacia Rio Iguçu. The Stream of Padilha also drains into the greater Iguaçu river. Sítio Cercado is within the Stream of Padilha basin and as we saw on the tour this water feature is in need of restoration. Continued pollution of the Padilha stream will eventually pollute and damage the Iguaçu River, and is a threat to the entire region of Curitiba as a whole.

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AREAS

•Bairro Novo contains a major APA area (Área de Proteção Ambiental), APA Iguaçu. There are many legally protected areas, and some are more recent, highlighted in yellow. Bairro Novo, in Umbara and Ganchinho, contains many forested areas, and this should be protected as development increases.

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Bairro Novo Images

Commercial Street

Contaminated water way

Freight train line

Bridge over ring road

CAIC in Sítio Cercado

New COHAB housing project in Sítio Cercado

Vacant land

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General CritiqueIPPUC Plan- Divided into 4 main areas:

•Stimulation of Territory

•Milestones of Identity

•Project Multipliers

•Institutional Instruments

IPPUC has many good initiatives, such as road paving and revitalization of commercial areas. The community has a good base of social services such as CAIC and COHAB housing, which the plan can build onHowever it emphasizes urban acupuncture over basic infrastructureRequires prioritization and phasing, and a plan for community engagement, implementation, and assess-mentsThe plan is detailed in some areas but lacks details for big ideasRequires integration with a city wide plan

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Short Term Medium Term Long TermLess Than 5 Years Up to 10 Years Up to 20 YearsSewer Infrastructure Innovative Recycling

CenterBus station redevelopment

Street & Sidewalk Repairs New access to the Zoo Eco-ResortsSocial Housing Projects UnderpassCitizen street Eduardo Pinto da RochaCommercial Area Revitalization Occupation ProposalPlazas, Parks and Squares APANeighbourhood Multipurpose Center Technical assistanceLocal Involvement Cultural Tourist ParksPedestrian & Cycling Connections and Safety

Zoning ZR-OC UMBARA

Recommendation Phasing / Implementation

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Stimulation of Territory

Plan

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1. Stimulation of Territory

Street Extensions and Paving and revitalization of Certain Roadways Y

New access to the Zoo Y Y

Social Housing Projects Y Y

Duplication of the underpass Y

Metro connections with rest of city, bus station redevelopment Y

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Recommendation

Regularization of Informal Settlements

•Regularization occurs when community members show the need for the legalization process

•Increased quality of life because of tenure stability and availability of public services

Tools Used to Regularize Informal Settlements

• Collective adverse possession” Multiple occupants are allowed to request posses sion if occupied for at least 5 years

•“Real right to use concession” 50 year lease Public ownership protects from land speculation Ability to use land as collateral

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Recommendation

Improving Sanitation

•Present waste water disposal is creating health hazards

•Need for Sanitary Surveying (data collection), geologi-cal testing(soil tests),plus outreach and education pro-grams for the community

•Operation and Maintenance of a new system could create jobs for technicians as well as trainers of techni-cians

•Types of Systems that could be implemented in Bairro Novo Condominial Sewers (Sitio Cercado) Oxidation Ditches (Sitio Cercado) Land Treatment (Soil Aquifier Treatment) Waste Stabilization Ponds (Umbara and Gaichinho)

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RecommendationCondominial Sewers (Sitio Cercado)

Oxidation Ditch

Soil Treatment

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Biological Options for Treating Wastewater:Waste Stabilization Ponds

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Transportation Connection and Safety

Recommendation

•Use the land beside rivers and streams for walkways and bike paths, which would also protect the river

•Linked city bike network, instead of individual paths, so cyclists will have limited conflict with vehicles

•Increase signaled crossing zones for pedestrians and cyclists

•Bike path on Rua Tijucas do Sul

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Milestones of Identity

IPPUC PLAN HIGHLIGHTSDestaques do plano do IPPUC So

cial

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2. Milestones of Identity

Revitalize the Commercial Area Y Y

Izaac Ferreira da Cruz - Commercial street Y Y

Sao Jose dos Pinhais - Commercial Area Y Y

Villa Tecnológica Y Y Y

Eduardo Pinto da Rocha Y Y

Occupational Proposal Y

Citizen street Y Y

Linha de Ocio Y Y Y

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Project Multipliers

Plan

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3. Project Multipliers

Neighborhood Multipurpose Center Y Y

Forests and Squares Y Y

Linear Parks Y Y

APA Y Y

Tourist Parks Y N Y

Cultural Tourist Areas Y

Eco-resorts, Ecotourism, Zoo Expansion Y N

Recycling Center Y Y Y

Bibliodecks Y N

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RecommendationEco Innovation Tourism

•As Curitiba is already renowned for its innovative transportation system, we are proposing Eco-Innovation Tourism instead of Eco-Tourism

Interactive Recycling Museum•Displays with materials and processes•Recycled End products•Cradle to cradle design processes

Biofiltration Sewage and Waterway Clean Up•Design Competition for a regional bio-filtration sewage system and a biological based waterway clean up for the river and streams•Reconstructed wetlands and indoor facilities•Similar to ‘Living Machine’ Units

•For students, residents, technical tours, eco-tourists

Interactive Recycling Display

City of Emmen Zoo, Netherlands

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Recommendation Institutional Instruments

Plan

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4. Institutional Instruments

Local planning committee for monitoring and updating the plan; partnership building initiatives Y

Technical assistance Y Y

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RecommendationLevel of Participation

Current level of participation in Bairro Novo is at tokenism

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Recommendation RecommendationResident MobilizationLocal Planning Committees

Step 1Leadership

•Identify community leaders via neighborhood associations (67)

Step 2 Vision

Step 3Outreach

Step 4Collaboration

•Subcommittees to serve as conduit between residents and IPPUC

•Leaders organize community visioning and community policing meetings

•Monthly community meetings at Citizenship Center

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•Sitio Cercado: Some of the highest violent crime rates in the city

•Proposal: Adaptation of community policing model in Rio de Janeiro

•Proposal: Create a community association that organizes the existing 67 organizations into a coalition

Safety and Policing

Recommendation

•Anchor for engagement

•Location for monthly community policing meetings and other various meetings

•Greater Bairro Novo Community Association

Citizenship Street

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Recommendation

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Santa Felicidade

Working with the status quo for a paradigm shiftUniverisity of FloridaSarah BentonKevin IceMichele JaniszewskiBrett LackeyJosette Severyn

Universidade PositivoBruna FaberLaura RibasLuana GanasiniMarilia NovelletoMariah SousaMariana DissenhaNatanne RotavaSamantha SommerRafaela Reis

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•Pros and cons of Region

•Suggestions for immediate action

•Analysis of existing proposals

•Alternative proposals

•Synthesis

•Curitiba Regional Impacts

•Summary

Outline

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Suggestions for Immediate Action•Reorient goals of projects to support community needs first

•Identify proposals that support such needs, and develop specific implementation details for the projects

•Develop projects to support proposal ideas

•Make pedestrian networks built, maintained, and managed by the city

•Map the following networks: sewage & storm water systems, as well as transportation, including bus, automotive, pedestrian, and bicycle modes.

•Create action plan for these systems to be developed

Critical Analysis of Existing Proposals

Existing Regional Proposals

All existing proposals analyzed

Put into 3 categories:

1.Proposals to prioritize2.Proposals to assimilate into new plans (transport and wastewater)3.Proposals to deprioritize

•Focus on feasibility, funding, paths to action•Many proposals that served the status quo were deprioritized

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Proposals to Prioritize

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Community Centers

•Pros: Chosen for their mix of social and environmental benefits, e.g. enhancing sense of community•Cons: Lack funding and implementation details

Linear Parks and Biodiversity Corridor

•Pros: Promotes quality of life, tourism and green space identity.Has potential for regional draw•Cons:Lacks funding and implementation details.

Institutional Instruments

•Pros: Encourages local monitoring.Has potential to connect within Curitiba and other municipalities.•Cons: Too broad; does not address how inter-regional coordination can be improved

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Moro Aqui Program

•Pros:Addresses key need of favelas, through infrastructure provision and relocation of residents out of precarious situations into social housing. Development of social housing onsite•Cons:Lacks funding details and implementation details

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Proposals to be Assimilated into New Comprehensive Plan

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Existing proposals that can be consolidated into the new comprehensive transportation plan

•Pros: Contributes to network connectivity•Cons: Lacks clarity, funding and implementation details

Connectivity Development

•Pros: Infrastructure improvements to meet Regional needs. Increases connectivity in the Region via new pathways•Cons:Lacks funding source. Lacks timeline schedule

Bike paths

•Pros: Specifies locations and is integrated into Curitiba’s bicycle network.•Cons:Lacks funding details

Bus Development

•Pros:Extends accessibility•Cons: Lacks Funding Details

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Proposals to Deprioritize

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Tourism basedMoney and effort should be concentrated on more critical needs and areas e.g., sewage, low income neighborhoodsSymbolic, “urban acupuncture” programs that don’t create a holistic approach or address root problems

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Alternative Proposals

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Mixed Use Development Standards

•Required of all high and medium density development in Santa Felicidade

•Mixed Income Housing Standards

*30% requirement to be “affordable”

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•Use development to fund vital city infrastructure

•Exactions will harness the power of the market for the greater good.

•Sewage & storm water, transportation including bike and pedestrian modes, schools, and infrastruc-ture maintenance

•Overall plan of action for sewage & storm water as well as transportation will be required before establishing a fund for exactions to pay into

•Reduce congestion on major roads

•Increase connections between local roads.•Increase access to parks and other amenities

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Short- and long-term design guidelines

•Short term goal is implementation of “Form-based codes” that will restrict the size of walls, as well as require multimodal permeability in new developments. •Height of walls to be limited to a height determined by citizen input (under 4 ft)

•Public pedestrian access (sidewalks) will be required on all edges of developments.

•Long-term goal will be to bring non-conforming uses into compliance

Re-Imagining the city“Districts are structured with nodes, defined by edges, penetrated by paths, and sprinkled with landmarks.” – Kevin Lynch

Nodes: Democratic spaces like Community centers,bus terminalsEdges: Improved region identity, diminishing walls in neighborhoods, improving social integration of community thru mixed-income policy.

Existing

Proposed

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Paths: Connecting parks linearly, sidewalk connectivity, better flow and continuity

Landmarks: Cultural parks

Curitiba Regional Impacts

Form-based code in Santa Felicidade as example for replication elsewhere in CuritibaExactions to contribute to improvement of housing, schools, and healthcare Integrated transportation network to improve flow, access, and connectivity throughout CuritibaImproved sewage and storm water treatment affects Curitiba-wide health and environmental quality

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On our first day in Curitiba, Brazil, we took a walking tour of the Center of the city. One of the first areas we walked to was the pedestrian mall, a point of pride for Curitibans . It was a Monday during the workday, and the pedestrian mall was full of people, be they shopping or walking to and from their work after a cafezinho. The hustle and bustle of the pe-destrian mall was what I expected; h. However, upon further visits to this area, I observed a different scenario. On Sun-days, when almost all shops are closed, the pedestrian mall is quiet. Since most of the area along the pedestrian mall is retail and office space, the space falls into disuse, or does not meet its potential. Except for a few who may patronize the one small cluster of cafe/bar/snack-shop for a relax-ing afternoon beer, the few people walking around are just using the pedestrian mall as a pathway to get to and from places not located on the promenade.

When I walk Rua das Flores, I think of other pedestrian malls that have been successful in the U.S. and what makes them different from Curitiba’s. An example of a successful pedes-trian mall would be the one built in 1974 (only 2 yeas after Curitiba’s) in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. The most im-mediate difference is that fact that Charlottesville’s pedes-trian mall mixes retail and office spaces with residential uses.

Student Perspectives

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The presence of residents every day of the week, morning and night, weekday and weekend, incorporates an element of natural surveillance to the area that Curitiba’s pedestrian mall seems to lack.

Additionally, Charlottesville has a very strong “cafe culture” downtown. It has diversified the uses along the mall and balances a good number of restaurants/bars/cafes (with outdoor seating) with retail shops, commercial/office space and public facilities. These outdoor spaces are frequented and enjoyed by locals and university students alike, both at night and during the day. During the hot summer, the tree lined pedestrian mall provides a natural canopy and climate control for the mall. I was particularly surprised that there was not a more vibrant cafe culture along the pedestrian mall in Curitiba because it should come naturally to a population with such strong European ancestry. The greenery along the mall was also lacking for a city that is so proud of its green spaces. As it appears, Curitiba could stand to learn a few lessons from the Charlottesville case.

-Sarah Benton

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The city of Curitiba has a global reputation as an innovative, livable city. The media and global academia have hailed Curitiba as a model for planning and sustainability and prior to my arrival in Curitiba I was convinced that the world-renowned city would be a planner’s dream. After spending four or so weeks in Curitiba, what I have learned is that the city, while worthy of a number of precedent-setting achieve-ments, is like any other city, plagued with urban problems ranging from the socioeconomic end of the spectrum all the way to sewage treatment and management. It appears that despite Curitiba’s great successes, including the Bus Rapid Transit and social programs like the recycling program, Curitiba faces a number of basic urban challenges that are in dire need of intervention.

Planning projects in Curitiba have been criticized for being forms of ‘urban acupuncture,’ which does serve a beauti-fication purpose, but offers little in terms of necessary func-tionality. Urban priorities such as sewage treatment and sanitation systems remain inadequate and many city resi-dents are without basic city services such as these. Histori-cally, residents and stakeholders of Curitiba have had mar-ginal influence on city policy-making and planning projects. Curitiba city planning and politics has been dominated by elites and business owners and efforts to engage the public in the decision-making process have been minimal. Plans and projects have simply been imposed on people, lacking

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any form of deliberation or debate. Social programs in Cu-ritiba, although widely hailed as being successful in address-ing the city’s low-income population are rather paternalistic and tend to focus on service provision rather than citizen mobilization and empowerment.

Social infrastructure should be at the forefront of Curitiba’s future. Although a couple of their planning initiatives are worthy of recognition, much work remains to be done in terms of civic engagement. Providing social services to people is of course a necessity, but it is not enough. Basic social service provision is paternalistic and does not enable people to rise out of poverty to better their lives; it simply pacifies their desire to achieve their highest potential. Edu-cation is key in this effort, and organizing may be one of the only ways to ensure that residents are aware and engaged to take control of their lives. So far, Curitiba has succeeded at addressing the symptoms of a few of its social problems; however, it has failed to even acknowledge the structural inequities that reinforce the status quo. Although it is dif-ficult to specify strategic details for organizing the residents, it goes without saying that before their quality of life can be improved, they must increase mutual solidarity to ensure their demands are met.

-Sonya Eldridge

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Working with the Brazilian students and learning about their perspective has made me realize that the issues facing Brazilian cities are culturally ingrained. The af-fluent have achieved a level of comfort and stability at the cost of the rest of society, and there is no per-ceived need to challenge this. This makes me think that any effort to address the societal ills in Brazil must come from empowering the working classes. Social organization and community input is very new in Brazil, in my opinion it must continue to develop for Brazil to see improvements in its living standards. As it is, living standards are world class for the affluent; the main question seems to be how the middle- and working-class people and their neighborhoods will develop? Without addressing the income gap Brazil seems to have achieved a level of development that cannot go any farther. In fact due to the phenomenon of elite succession I believe that without seriously addressing equity issues Brazil’s current development trajectory will begin to result in lowered living standards for all segments of society.

- Kevin Ice

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I think that in Curitiba, probably more than any-where else that I have been, there is a palpable tension between architecture and urbanism—or perhaps more precisely, between architects and urbanists—which is particularly interesting given how intertwined they are as a discipline within the academy. But it is extremely clear the extent to which Jaime Lerner and his ideological disciples have shaped the built environment, and the ex-tent to which isolated, design-based solutions have come at the expense of a more comprehensive and appropriate planning process that integrates ideas from across a spectrum of sources. The fact that Jaime Lerner doesn’t like subways should not preclude the city from building one. I’m not a trans-portation expert, but it seems to me that the city is ready for one (and has likely long been ready), and not just for one line down an existing bus corridor.

Urban Acupuncture, to the extent that I understand it, may be the single most useful reference in ar-ticulating the contradictions inherent in Curitiba’s unique form of urbanism. Pepper the cityscape with just enough interesting, “out-of-the-box,” and slightly gimmicky, landmarks, and it will obscure the larger picture and its shortcomings. The green-houses in the Jardim Botânico that don’t work, the Opera de Arame with bad acoustics, the Museum Oscar Niemeyer that looks 30 years older than it is, and the pedestrian mall that would prefer not to be known by its array of seedy discount establish-ments all mask the myriad substantial problems that Curitiba faces, whose solutions are long overdue and have been deprioritized at the expense of less impactful, ego-driven projects.

-Jonathan Lehman

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While in Curitiba we collaborated with a local university, Universidade Positivo, on a project, in which we assessed a region called Santa Felicidade. We began our regional as-sessment by visiting multiple sites that were identified by our fellow Brazilian counterparts as important areas to consider in our project. On our tour of the site we stopped at a num-ber of parks taking particular notice of the surrounding ar-eas, some of which had fortified enclaves of super-mansions, and viewed one of the two favelas, informal settlements, in the region. It was apparent on our tour of the region that there are cultural differences between Brazilians and Ameri-cans in our educational training, knowledge, and perspec-tives, but also in the design of the built environment and urban planning priorities.

Despite the presence of favelas, the mere prevalence of such communities does not reflect the image of the city, but only represents an extreme end of the spectrum. The Santa Felicidade region, part of the greater metropolitan area of Curitiba, is actually an affluent area. The prevalence of wealth was clearly visible when we visited Parque Tingui, where located across the street from the park there were fortified enclaves of super-mansions. These homes had im-permeable concrete walls at least 10 feet high with rings of electrified barbed wire positioned at the top. It is apparent that the walls were initially constructed out of fear of crime,

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however the effects of the wall and barbed wire perpetu-ate the presence of physical and social disorder that may no longer conflict the area, while simultaneously advertis-ing to criminals that this is a home that belongs to someone with considerable wealth and valuables that may be worth breaking into.

The impermeability of the walls and the physical environ-ment create an unfriendly pedestrian environment that not only reminds the pedestrian of disorder that may instill fear of crime and violence, but it creates an environment that would permit for such acts to occur .

While the fortified enclaves adjacent to Parque Tingui con-tributed to an unsafe pedestrian environment, the com-munity severely lacked pedestrian infrastructure (e.g., side-walks, buffers, pedestrian lighting). This is significant not only because it decreases access to the park, creating barriers to walkability, but it also discourages walking, a vital form of physical activity. The lack of pedestrian paths not only de-creases the probability that members of the community will utilize Parque Tingui, but it also reduces the chances of so-cial interaction between members of the community, both of which influence quality of life and health.

- Josette Severyn

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Curitiba has conceptualized and implemented well thought out planning initiatives throughout the city. In particular Cu-ritiba’s green space and transportation system are used as examples for cities worldwide. However, before employing their resources to expand these aspects of their built envi-ronment, Curitiba should focus on the city’s infrastructure to advance itself.

One aspect of Curitiba’s parks that I have not seen before were the fully developed outside gyms which I think is a great idea. In the States I have seen bars along paths to encourage runners and walkers to use for stretching but they were not as nearly as extensive as Curitiba’s outside gyms. The open gyms hosted a variety of machines to be used for stretching and some aerobic equipment. Positioned in parks or along trails runners and walkers can easily access them and expand their workout at the open gyms.

- Michele Janiszewski

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As with every journey, this one also comes to an end. The best memories stay with us along with the lessons we have learned.

We extend a warm thanks to all who contributed to the 2011 Brazil Program. Thanks to all the students, professors, mentors, and organizations that helped make this journey possible.