Brazil

Hydroelectric Dam Energizes and Displaces in Amazon

Plans to construct an $11 billion hydroelectric dam in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil has officials excited about the new energy it will create, and some locals preparing to relocate.

August 16, 2010 - The New York Times

Hopeful Progress in Brazil's Slums

Redeveloping the slums of Rio de Janeiro has been on the city's agenda for decades. Despite the many challenges, some new efforts seem to be paying off.

August 11, 2010 - People's Daily

Investing in Brazil's Urban Mobility Ahead of the World Cup and Olympics

As Brazil prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics, its cities are trying to improve their public transit systems.

July 13, 2010 - The City Fix

As Developing Countries Urbanize, Food Booms

A new study shows that agricultural output in the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China will be three times as great as those in the developed world. Increasing urbanization is seen as one of the drivers of this growth

June 17, 2010 - BBC

Design Has Room to Grow in Brazil

As it prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, there's room to grow in Brazil's architecture and design communities.

June 10, 2010 - Architect

Brasilia, 50 Years Later

Christopher Hawthorne remarks that Brasilia had an optimism that is remarkably different from today's new cities that are striving towards sustainability and preparing for eco-disasters.

April 23, 2010 - The Los Angeles Times

A Toolkit to Improve the Slums of Brazil

Brazilian slums represent huge segments of the country's urban population, especially in Sao Paulo. Upgrading them into economically sustainable segments of the city is a challenge, but a new toolkit offers a path to success.

March 31, 2010 - Citiscope

Friday Funny: Brazil Mayor Fights the Funk

Due to its pounding beat and often sexual themes, funk music has been banned from Carnival by the mayor of a small Brazilian town.

February 12, 2010 - Reuters

Brazil Approves Controversial Dam

The Brazilian government has approved a new hydroelectric dam in the Amazon. Many locals and environmentalists are fuming.

February 5, 2010 - Guardian

Brazilians Reinterpret Their Living Spaces

In this paper, Gustavo Rivera Jr. (Ph. D. candidate in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Chicago) evaluates the economic and sociocultural impact of recently developed public housing estates within the favelas of Belo Horizonte.

January 18, 2010 - The Urban Reinventors Online Urban Journal

Brazilian BRT Spreads Through Latin America

This article looks at the influence of the bus rapid transit system of Curitiba, Brazil, and how it is becoming a major aspect of urban design in other Latin American cities.

December 22, 2009 - Brazzil Magazine

Brazil's New Dam Opens Shipping Doors But Hurts Green Image

A new $7.7 billion dam is being built in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil, a piece of infrastructure expected to ease the shipment of goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. But its environmental impact may hurt Brazil's green credibility.

December 16, 2009 - The Washington Post

Function Over Geometry

This aerial view of part of Brasilia, Brazil's capital city, shows the paths of where people have crossed highways and literally made the road by walking.

November 25, 2009 - Discovering Urbanism

Highways Devastating the Amazon

The greatest threat to Brazil's Amazon Rain Forest is not just farming or logging, but the road construction that makes both possible, writes Stephanie Brault.

November 13, 2009 - Council on Hemispheric Affairs

Brazilian Billboard Ban Under Pressure

The ban on billboard advertising in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is showing pressure cracks, as continued opposition to the citywide policy has some lawmakers considering a repeal.

November 10, 2009 - The Independent

Real Work to Begin on Rio's Olympic Plans

Rio de Janeiro has been named the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Now, the city has to start making its Olympic promises come true.

October 11, 2009 - USA Today

Why Rio Won the 2016 Olympics

Rio de Janeiro has been selected as the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics. This analysis from NPR looks at why the Brazilian city was the obvious choice.

October 5, 2009 - NPR

South American Olympics Overdue or Undercooked?

As the International Olympic Committee prepares to announced the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics this week, South Americans are hoping it's finally their time. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is one of four finalists, but some say the city isn't ready.

September 29, 2009 - Time

Room for Improvement in Prospective Olympic Host Cities

A new report from the International Olympic Committee has evaluated the four host candidates for the 2016 Summer Olympics and found many places for improvement ahead of its October 2 decision.

September 3, 2009 - The Chicago Tribune

REVIEW: Contemporary Urbanism in Brazil: Beyond Brasilia

Susanna Diaz reviews a new book covering the history and thought of urban planning in Brazil, edited by Profs. Vicente del Rio and William Siembieda of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

September 3, 2009 - Vicente del Rio

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

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