How Technologies Contribute to Urban Sustainability: The Case of Curitiba—Brazil

Abstract

New research are being developed continuously seeking for technologies that improve life quality. Among the topics addressed in these studies, the development of technologies for the urban environment with a focus on sustainability presents itself as a relevant theme. Since the 1970s, concepts of intelligent cities have been discussed, highlighting strategies focused on physical, social, institutional and economic infrastructure in an innovative and sustainable way. This work aims to analyze the city of Curitiba, capital of the state of Paraná (Brazil), considered a model of an intelligent Brazilian city. The method used was the case study, focusing on strategies applied in the abovementioned city. A documentary review was also carried out based on the UN Habitat III discussions held in Quito (Ecuador), on sustainable urban development studies for the new agenda of 2030. Results show that Curitiba stands out mainly for its mobility, economic development and urban innovations, and demonstrate that technology helps to promote transparency and greater efficiency in services provision, mitigating resources use inefficiency and contributing to the environment and its population life quality. Finally, in the final considerations, it is stated that conscious addition of new technologies tends to increase efficiency of cities and contribute to a balanced development in the economic, social and environmental sectors.