by Rebecca Robinson
Curitiba is the capital of the agricultural state of Parana
Developed rapidly in the second of the 1800s as the result of an influx of mostly European immigrants
Large growth in 70s and 80s- became industrial/commercial center
One of the fastest growing cities in Brazil- improvement in quality of life have accompanied growth (public transportation, cultural heritage, city parks, environmental education campaigns)
Planning in the 60s centered on creating transportation to provide for needs of the public (did not center on primacy of cars like other Brazilian cities)
Limited concentration of employment to city center (left this area for pedestrians)
Jaime Lerner key actor in cities development- 3 important elements: public transport, land use regulation/environmental protection, cultural services
Planning has encourage commercial development outside of city center (along axes)
Housing programs near transport axes
Bus system most cost effective and highly developed (more cars per capita than other Brazilian cities but no traffic)
2/3 of population use bus daily, people only spend 10% of income on transportation
Industrial city: employs 20% of the work force w/ 400 non-polluting industries
Award from UN for 2 waste management programs- “garbage that’s not garbage” 2/3 recyclables are recycled due to environmental education programs and “purchase garbage” slum dweller can sell their trash to city to diminish contraction of disease through unsanitary living conditions
Several initiatives to deal with sewage while protecting waterways
City preserves/restores historical sites
Very dedicated to preserving parks and woodland
City strives to provide social service (childcare, health, education, teach trades to low-income adults)
