Abstract from the publisher :
Urban Space and National Identity in Early Twentieth Century São Paulo, Brazil focuses on how the political, cultural, and technical networks within the field of engineering provided the space within which an important professional middle class prospered in the city of São Paulo and made lasting contributions to the development of modern Brazil. It centers on the influence of middle-class aspirations, morals, and manners in setting the tone of political discourse and competition during the critical years of 1930-45. The book examines the development of local institutions and the history of urban planning and design in the city of São Paulo to explore socio-cultural ideas and practices reflected in these middle-class professionals' work.