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Jaime Lerner
Architect, city planner, former Chairman of the International Union of Architects and politician, the Brazilian Jaime Lerner is also one of the main stars of the film “Last Call for Planet Earth”. First and foremost a humanist, he has integrated ecology into his daily life. His environmental and social policy shines through all measures he has implemented in his home city of Curitiba. Walking around there, one notices a lot of parks providing an average of 50 m² of green space for each inhabitant. As well as this, Curitiba has developed an exemplary public transport network and waste processing facilities. With education, programmes enabling children from deprived areas to receive classes have been introduced, libraries known as “Beacons of knowledge” have been set up, 24 hour health centres managed by local associations have been developed, where people can be seen free of charge. Elected as mayor of Curitiba three times since 1971, then governor of Paraná from 1994 to 2002, Jaime Lerner is the driving force behind this urban dream. Combining ethics and strategy, he has set up “rural towns” for country people, with schools, community clinics, land and small industry. His secret? The respect he gives to his inhabitants. When people feel they are being respected, they feel responsible.
Currently, Jaime Lerner is an urban planning advisor to the United Nations. The aim is to mobilise architects around city support initiatives, through the use of definite projects aimed at improving local life and at restoring quality of life, communications, solidarity and creativity.
To do this, one requires solidarity, political will and a strategic vision. As with acupuncture, the proposed initiatives need to be simple and targeted. Their effects must be immediate and their cost low. The work of “urban acupuncture” contributes to improving urban life through regular initiatives. It is this energy that speeds up change. “As architects, we work with proposals and not diagnostics. If people want now us to be responsible for future generations, our proposals require sustainability as their objective. That is my way of thinking”.
Legends of the pictures
1. Jaime Lerner
2. Curitiba
3. Opera of Arame (architect: Domingos Henrique Bongestabs)
Constructed in the middle of a natural environment as part of a project launched by Jaime Lerner, the circular building is made of iron tubes in the form of a cage. The auditorium (holding 2400 people) is accessed by a gangway on stilts.
4. Free University of the Environment - Unilivre (architect: Domingos Henrique Bongestabs)
This gigantic wooden hut cleverly perched among the trees was made using old telegraph poles, and has become one of symbols of Curitiba. The university defines itself as a centre of teaching and consciousness-raising on knowledge and practices linked to the environment.
5. Public transport
A kind of surface based metro, this cleverly-designed public transport system is part of an overall life/work vision. Over 80% of trips are now done using articulated buses that frequent bus stops in the form of transparent tubes used as security doors accessible by handicapped people. People get on and off without delays. Their efficiency (2 million passengers per day) eliminates car pollution.
6. Oscar Niemeyer Museum (architect: Oscar Niemeyer)
The Museum is a work of art in itself. The architect’s signature is readily visible - a sculptor for urban spaces, exploring the possibilities of concrete to the maximum. Built in front of the main building, linked to it by a tunnel, is an annex 30 metres high, giving a new identity to the complex. Built in 2002, this big concrete eye appears to float while looking across the city. |
