Planning and Development MSc students take virtual field trip to Brasília

As part of our Masters programmes in Planning and Development, our students participated in a virtual field trip around Brasília, to celebrate over 60 years since its inauguration as Brazil’s capital.

Brasília is among the youngest cities to be awarded World Heritage Status, and it is famous for its iconic modernist planning and architecture. Our students were able to explore how the city’s protected status preserves these iconic features but constrains its ability to serve the needs of its residents, both now and in the future. They had the opportunity to hear from a wide range of perspectives, from Brazil’s indigenous peoples to local real estate consultants, tour guides, and academics.

The students were led through various talks with guest speakers and industry professionals, exploring vibrant residential, commercial and symbolic spaces within the city, as well as its socio-economic diversity in its more deprived areas.

On the final day, our students were organised into seven teams and asked to prepare a five-minute pitch on an idea for Brasília’s future. The ideas presented ranged from new ideas for transport systems to the introduction of new zones to promote entrepreneurship. The winning teams (who will receive Brasília mugs!) pitched ideas for reviving new development in the protected Plano Piloto area and put forward an overall vision for Brasília in 2040.