In the early 1970s, Curitiba had about 600,000 residents and was one of Brazil’s fastest-growing cities. During Jaime Lerner’s three terms as mayor in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Curitiba gained international acclaim for innovative urban, environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural development initiatives. The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) were pioneering urban solutions. Public parks in river basins acted as drainage systems, while programs like the “green exchange” promoted waste separation and environmental education. Curitiba prioritized human-scale development, historic preservation, and created Brazil’s first pedestrian mall. The city’s approach emphasized simplicity, innovation, and long-term planning.
Curitiba’s achievements highlight the success of sustained political and social efforts. The city boasts a legacy of public places, policies, and practices that have influenced its culture. From a single public park in 1971, Curitiba now has over fifty square meters of green area per inhabitant. The 20 km busway from 1974 has evolved into an integrated transit network serving 1.1 million passengers daily. Curitiba remains a top Brazilian city for living, investment, and tourism, and has won several prestigious international awards.