Books About Brazil

5 Responses to “Contemporary Urbanism in Brazil: Beyond Brasilia”

1. David Gertner says:

   November 17, 2009 at 4:01 pm

   “Beyond Brasilia” is a very insightful work. More importantly, the book is an extremely significant contribution to the understanding of contemporary Brazilian urbanism. The book’s three part structure and relevant essays are well chosen by the editors, teaching readers about key contemporary contributions to Brazilian urbanism. The book is also well put together and beautifully illustrated. It fills an existing gap in understanding the recent history of urbanism in Brazil, since pioneering work by legends such as Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa. Some of the cases and experiences presented address decisive issues, such as the role urbanism has had in Brazil in urban revitalization and social inclusion. It is a must read and a reference for anyone interested in urbanism in general, and, particularly in Brazilian urbanism.
   Rating: 5 / 5
2. Evandro C. SANTOS says:

   November 17, 2009 at 4:54 pm

   This book fits a very important niche in the modern urbanism studies in Brazil, bringing necessary analysis for the case of Brasilia, and also highlighting important cities for the Brazilian urban design development, such as Curitiba.
   
   Authors were very successful in such huge task of bridging relevant aspects of Brazilian urbanism from its more relevant urban design cases, giving life to an exaustive analysis and evaluations.
   
   A necessary book for Latin American urban studies and a very important tool for a deep understanding of the characteristics of Brazilian contemporary urbanism.
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. Regent Cabana says:

   November 17, 2009 at 6:19 pm

   Finally, a comprehensive and well written book in English that covers the major urban issues facing Brazilian cities today. I use it in my comparative urban sociology class. It provides detailed yet accessible case studies chosen across the Brazilian urban landscape. Essential to students of urban sociology and planning who do not speak Portuguese. Highly recommended!

   Regent Cabana
   
   Professor, Laval University
   Rating: 5 / 5
4. Fredrick Wagner says:

   November 17, 2009 at 8:25 pm

   This book is a great contribution to the literature on Brazil. It captures the reality of what is happening in urban and regional planning and design and describes well the transformation that the country is going through as well as the lessons learned. A must read for people interested in understanding urbanism in Brazil. I highly recommend it.

   Rating: 5 / 5
5. Helena Moussatche says:

   November 17, 2009 at 8:50 pm

   A great book showing that Brazilian urbanism has evolved beyond Brasilia and modernism. Considering urbanism as a social production of cities, Del Rio and Siembieda support their argument with a variety of case studies on the successes and failures of the latest urban planning and design efforts in Brazil. This is an excellent tool for anyone interested in understanding the challenges cities throughout the world face today. The lessons learned from the Brazilian experience of having planning agencies attempt to reduce social inequalities while responding to community needs, are invaluable.
   Rating: 5 / 5