Planning education in Brazil

Abstract

Urban planning education started in Brazil at the end of the 19th century. Since then it has been expanding and has consequently become more important. Initially taught in Engineering and Architecture undergraduate courses, it has been introduced in other areas such as Geography, Sociology, Economics and Public Administration, with a strong emphasis on professional experience. The involvement of urban planners in universities, public sectors and engineering firms will present both advantages and challenges for urban and regional planning by creating links between theoretical knowledge and interventionist practice. The expansion of graduate courses in Brazil’s main cities and regional urban hubs has signaled the growing importance of this field of knowledge and professional expertise.