Design interest in addressing urban complexities and the overlapping of ecological, social, economic and aesthetic practices informed a 2008 study trip to Brazil. Lectures and workshops hosted by distinguished artists, educators, urban planners, architects and officials offered Brazilian responses to urban design issues . Some of these individuals included: former Governor of the State of Parana, Jaime Lerner; Architect, Urban Planner and UN Deputy Secretary General for United Nations Centre for Human Settlements - Habitat II Conference, Jorge Wilheim; the Municipal Secretary of Environment for the State of Parana, Glecia Maria Gayer Balersiefer; founder of Coopa-Roca Rocinha Seamstress and Craftwork Cooperative Ltd., Maria Teresa Leal Tete; and General Director of Projecto Morrinho, Fabio Gavia.
