Unibes Cultural launches a four-part monthly series as part of the Heritage Journey programming. The cycle convenes architects, urbanists, researchers, public administrators and professionals from allied fields to examine challenges facing Brazilian cities and how architecture, urbanism and cultural heritage shape inclusive, sustainable spaces responsive to contemporary change. Discussion topics span heritage preservation, historic center renewal, housing, mobility, sustainability, public space, memory and innovation. Curated by architect Olivia Argentini, the series explores how buildings, neighbourhoods and public spaces embody a society's history, identity and values, fostering dialogue between experts and audiences on pathways toward more human, accessible and resilient cities. The opening session takes place 16 August 2026 at 10h with the panel Is it worth living downtown?, addressing urban renewal challenges and opportunities through heritage preservation, housing, mobility, safety, mixed-use development and public space quality. Major city centres hold historical patrimony, cultural diversity and vibrant public life yet face infrastructure constraints, residential stability and public realm coexistence concerns. Panellists—moderated by Olivia Argentini and including Mariana Rolim, vice-president of the Council for Defence of Historical, Archaeological, Artistic and Tourist Heritage of the State of São Paulo, architect and urbanist Ciro Pirondi, and architect Roberto Loeb, a leading figure in contemporary Brazilian architecture whose work integrates architecture, urban form and public space, including the Unibes Cultural building—discuss architectural and urban perspectives on keeping these areas vital, inclusive and able to balance heritage, development and quality of life. The 2026 Heritage Journey, presented by São Paulo's Municipal Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy, explores under the title "São Paulo: Each Perspective, One Story" distinct ways of understanding the city while honouring its tangible and intangible heritage, territories and multiple narratives shaping contemporary urban life. Date: 16/08 Time: 10h Age guidance: 14 years Free admission. Programming under the Cultural Expressions pillar with sponsorship from Banco Daycoval, principal support from Itaú and Laranjinha Itaú, support from CSN, Banco Safra, Norfil, White Martins, Banco Rendimento, Grupo GR, Haganá, Enercore and CBF Rolamentos, produced by the Ministry of Culture and Unibes Cultural through the Federal Cultural Incentive Law (Rouanet Law).
