by Kgaugelo Selane
An exciting international collaboration in architecture and urbanism innovation project between Brazil and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is making headlines in both countries. Inspired by the world-renowned urban innovations in Curitiba, Brazil, the partnership aims to transform urban landscapes in both countries.
Curitiba, the capital of the southern state of Paraná, is an important cultural, political and economic center in Latin America as well as one of the fastest growing cities in South America. Its explosive growth over the past half century has required the city to demonstrate tremendous resourcefulness in tackling the accompanying problems of sprawl, congestion, environmental impacts and social inequality. The strategies it has employed in combating these challenges are instructive for other growing cities.
Curitiba's revolutionary Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, pioneered by former mayor Jaime Lerner, has set a global standard for urban transport. Cities like Pretoria and Cape Town have already adopted this model, recognising the existing synergies between Pretoria and Brazilian modernism. TUT seeks to create a platform for knowledge and skill exchange between the two cities by advancing urban environments that promote human conviviality and social justice, championed by thinkers like Paulo Freire and Ivan Illich.
On 19 June 2024, TUT hosted a bilateral meeting at the Pretoria campus, organised by Prof. Amira Osman, Prof of Architecture and the South African Research Chair in Spatial Transformation: Positive Change in the Built Environment. Also, in attendance was Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Pro. Tinyiko Maluleke; Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamkaka, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation; Dr Grace Kanakana Katumba, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment; and Prof. Brandon Shongwe, Assistant Dean for Research and Innovation.
“This meeting is a significant milestone for TUT. It marks the beginning of a promising partnership that will benefit both our institutions and our communities,” said Prof Maluleka.
The meeting built on an earlier engagement that took place in 2023, when a delegation from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR) in Curitiba visited TUT to explore possibilities for international collaboration. Internal discussions at PUCPR highlighted a strong interest in collaborating in the fields of Architecture and Urbanism. Connections established during Prof Osman’s keynote speech at the Global Network for Public Theology Consultation hosted by PUCPR in October 2022, further fuelled this interest.
"The solutions to urban challenges cannot be found within a single discipline," said Prof Osman. "This partnership will allow us to combine our strengths and tackle these issues from multiple angles."
The bilateral meeting represents a significant step towards establishing a robust international partnership with PUCPR and the collaboration promises to leverage shared expertise and experiences in Architecture and Urbanism to address common socio-economic challenges and drive positive change in the built environment.
TUT is ready to lead the way in creating a future where urban spaces are designed with social justice and human well-being at their core, reflecting the university’s commitment to innovative and impactful research.
“This is just the beginning. Together with our Brazilian partners, we are excited to see where this journey will take us and the communities we serve,” said Prof Maluleke.
Curitiba city (iStock City Stock Photos)