City planning is a complex task that requires attention, care and extensive technical knowledge. The city is a dynamic mosaic and the field of urbanism examines the relationship of the city’s various components, looking at how people interact with their urban environment. Because of this, not only are city planners an important part of city development, but urban theorists — like Jane Jacobs, Françoise Choay, Zaida Muxi, Maria Elaine Kohlsdorf, Paola Berenstein Jacques, Raquel Rolnik, Silke Kapp, Ermínia Maricato and Françoise Choay — also have a critical role. In terms of planners, Amanda Burden has had an important role, and is known for the work she did in New York, where in addition to planning for urban growth she also developed a series of public spaces.

 

Carmen Portinho

 

Country of Origin: Brazil

Born: 1903

Died: 2001

Academic qualifications: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Engineer and Urban Planner)