Restructuring of the peripheral city and the urban reform impasse in Curitiba

Abstract

The broad debate on transitions inÍ the pattern ofÍ territorial intervention and organization of the State, from the late 1970s, has focusedÍ on countries in the Northern Atlantic region. The research aims to highlight some specificities about the brazilian metropolis, with support in the regulationist theory and critical urban studies about Brazil. It is argued that, in the case of peripheral countries this transition has been permeated by continuities, especially as to selectively state intervention in the territory. This analysis includes a case study of the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, focusing on its urban planning trajectory, from the 1960s until today. Although Curitiba is internationally known for its planning experience (often taken as a model), it is evident that the city has not succeeded in breaking the dynamics of urbanization marked by deep socio-spatial disparities.