São Paulo: Dynamics of Brazil's Global Megalopolis

September 2, 2008 - 4:00 pm

Juarez R. Brandão Lopes, University of São Paulo and UNICAMP

Moderator:
Mauricio Font, Bildner Center for Western Hemisphere Studies

This seminar explores the role of São Paulo as a global metropolis. One of the world’s top cities, São Paulo is part of the larger metropolitan region of 39 counties/towns and a population of more than 20 million. Traditionally the heartland of Brazilian industry and finance, this megalopolis has experienced profound transformations in recent decades. The talk addresses changing perspectives on metropolitan São Paulo in terms of its industrial prominence and its large and complex services sector. Based on studies at IPEA, EMPLASA, the University of Loughborough (UK) and other institutions, Professor Juarez Brandão Lopes’ talk probes the idea of a symbiotic relationship between the two sectors. Manufacturing, innovative, and modern services are at the heart of the emerging macro metropolis. He goes on to sketch trends and project them into the future.

A well-known Brazilian sociologist, Juarez Brandão Lopes served as professor at the University of Sao Paulo and Unicamp. He is currently a senior adviser to the president of EMPLASA and is part of the Study Group on Metropolises at iFHC (Instituto Fernando Henrique Cardoso). He has also served as coordinator of the Núcleo de Estudos Agrários e Desenvolvimento Rural.

The Bildner Center thanks EMPLASA (the state of São Paulo’s Planning Agency for Metropolitan Affairs) for making possible Professor Juarez Brandão Lopes’ visit to The Graduate Center-CUNY. Part of the state’s Secretariat for Economy and Planning, EMPLASA prepares studies, elaborates plans, and provides technical assistance to municipalities.