Dera, Beata, "Curitiba, Brazil, A Planning Role Model for Halifax"

Curitiba, Brazil is a city whose urban planning and problem solving, combined with its environmental programs, have been publicized by various planning sources. Its numerous accomplishments are hailed as those of a model city while Jaime Lerner, the former mayor of Curitiba, has been championed as a visionary hero. This thesis proposes that Curitiba can be considered a role model city and that Halifax can learn from Curitiba.

Through an examination of the recent planning history in Curitiba, the various bodies related to planning, the organization of the municipality and the legislation of municipal responsibilities, a planning process is derived. This process is comprised of six components: the master plan, a coordinating planning agency, political will, public involvement, creativity and environmental responsibility. These components in turn contain specific criteria which can be transferred to the City of Halifax.

Certain criteria are selected and contrasted against the present situation in Halifax. Among the 14 specific recommendations made for Halifax, some of them are: to adopt a visible vision, to incorporate environmental responsibility into all urban activities, to establish ultimate development boundaries, to incorporate a transportation plan within the MDP, and to create a municipal department of environment and a comprehensive planning and transportation department.

Beyond those specific suggestions, the entire concept of transferability of planning ideas from one city to another requires an understanding of both cultures and can be achieved most effectively if both places have similar priorities with regard to urban planning. It is argued, however, that certain planning ideas can be considered fundamental and universal, contributing to good global planning. It is also argued that most cities would benefit from the vision and impact of a single personality like Jaime Lerner, and would in fact be receptive to this kind of influence regardless of the culture.