Jaime Lerner Arquitetos Associados was founded in April 2003, with offices in Curitiba and presided by architect Jaime Lerner. The practice has as working proposal to build – through partnership with local actors - ideas and solutions that can be detailed and implemented by cities authorities. More than a simple transference of models or projects, the proposal is the practical and conceptual application of urban principles which consider the strategic role of cities in their countries and within the world stage; the search for sustainable development of cities; the priority for public transportation, pedestrians and meeting areas within cities; the need to foster a mix of incomes and functions in the city, and within neighborhoods; the preservation and valorization of local identity and urban memory; the valorization of public spaces; the valorization of urban and natural landscapes; the development of local economic vocations, and the attraction of new businesses.