Architecture and Urban Planning in Brazil

11-Day Sample Program in Brasília, Curitiba and Rio de Janeiro

From the Imperial Palace in Rio de Janeiro to modernist Brasilia. With names like Oscar Niemeyer and Burle Marx and his famous sidewalk patterns, Brazil’s architectural culture is rich and diverse. This program model aims to delve into Brazil’s past by discovering the designs that have and continue to influence the future of architecture in Brazil.

Exploring Brazilian Modernism, while focusing on the impacts of colonialism, the program will bring learners face-to-face with a land of diverse design and thought. Plus, the program will highlight the future of design in a changing world: confronting the challenges of designing new projects in accordance to new sustainability standards and improving peoples’ lives in urban communities.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Brasília

- Bem Vindo! (Welcome to Brazil!):
From now on, relax and let us take care of everything to make sure you'll have an amazing experience.

- Orientation Session:

After check in, there will be a group Orientation Session about the program and Safety & Culture in Brazil.

- Tour of the Metropolitan Cathedral:

The Metropolitan Cathedral, or Cathedral of Brasilia, is one of many public buildings designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. Near the entrance there are four statues known as the Four Evangelists. Finally, in their designs, techniques and materials Niemeyer and Costa combined modern curved lines and the free use of Brazilian baroque reminiscences.

- Welcome Dinner:

Group dinner at a traditional Brazilian restaurant to kick off the program!

Day 2:

- Architetonic Landmarks Tour and Conversations:
Example of planned city, Brasília replaced Rio de Janeiro as Brazil’s center of government in 1960 under the visionary leadership of President Juscelino Kubitschek, architect Oscar Niemeyer, urban planner Lucio Costa and landscape architect Burle Marx.

- Lecture with a Brazilian Professor:

BrazilIan Legacy in Architecture and Urbanism

Day 3:

- Visit to Ministério das Cidades:
The cities ministry chamber is an office under the federal government that aims to combat social inequalities, transforming cities into more humane spaces, expanding the population's access to housing, sanitation and transport

- Visit to Museum of Indigenous People:

Built in 1987, the Memorial of Indigenous Peoples was designed by Oscar Niemeyer in a spiral, referring to a round hut of the Yanomami Indians. The space is dedicated to show the great diversity and richness of indigenous culture in a dynamic and alive.

- Visit to TV Tower:

Located on Brasilia's Monumental Axis, the central avenue in the city, The Brasília TV Tower was completed in 1967 (the observation platform was opened in 1965) at a height of 218 meters, but in 1987 another 6 meter was added by the TV channel Bandeirantes. Now the TV Tower is 224 m height. This tower is the fourth tallest structure of Brazil and allows a panoramic view of Brasília.

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