That's a wrap on Week 2...

Happy Friday. For those stateside, Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

To those that went to Rio de Janiero this weekend, be safe and have lots of fun.

For the rest here in Curitiba, keep warm, its cold out.

Anywho, relating the story of Wednesday onward...

Wednesday was a day of lectures at UFPR. There was a charette in the morning with the Architecture students, but since they need time and privacy to sort out their projects, our group refrained from going. Anywho, our group took the adventure of navigating the city buses to UFPR, with our TA taking the lead. She did an excellend job of getting us to our destination and attending both lectures. Unfortunately, the Prof was unable to attend as she recovers from a serious cold. Hope you feel better. Drink plenty of tea.

The lectures at UFPR included a architectural history lesson of Brazil, with emphasis of the Parana state. The lecturer used models to help us visualize the transformation of the architecture in Brazil, from the colonial style, to the Bauhaus modernist style.

The second lecture, involved speaking of lighting, and electrical wiring on the urban landscape. The lecturer spoke about how the wiring of the electric grid on the city has varying effects on the perception of the city. The second half of the presentation involved speaking of an experiment that was conducted by some of his students regarding the perceptions one has as the result of night lighting.

Both lectures were very informative and were quite related when it comes to the urban form.

As a recap on how to get to UFPR from the hotel, you have several options.

1. Walk to Praza Rui Barbosa, and take either the Petropolis or Sta. Barbara bus to Centro Politecnico.

2. Take the Centenario / Campo Comprido biarticulated line from Brigadero Franco stop to Campo Imbuia Stop, and Transfer to Interbarrio II to Centro Politecnico.

3. Take Praza 29 de Marzo stop (near supermarket, but the tube not facing it) on the Pinahais / Campo Comprido line (304) to Campo Imbuia Stop, and Transfer to Interbarrio II to Centro Politecnico (less stops).

Note: The Praza 29 de Marzo bus line (Pinahais / Campo Comprido line (304)) is the same line to Rodoferroveraria, which you can get to the train/bus station. Furthermore, the Rodoferroviaria stop on the Pinahais / Campo Comprido line (304), has a free transfer to the Airport line (208) if you don't take the Executive Airport shuttle.