Architect Joel Ramalho Junior dies in Curitiba at 91

Architect and urban planner Joel Ramalho Junior has died in Curitiba at the age of 91. A prominent figure in modern architecture in Paraná, he arrived in Curitiba in 1967 to work for the Institute of Research and Urban Planning of Curitiba (IPPUC).

Throughout his career, Ramalho Junior contributed significantly to the urban development of Curitiba and held various public management roles, including positions at the Curitiba Popular Housing Company (Cohab) and the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba Coordination (Comec). He also served as the president of the Brazilian Institute of Architects – Paraná Department (IAB/PR).

His architectural portfolio includes several notable projects, such as the Paraná Social Security Institute (now ParanáPrevidência) and the Presidente Tancredo Neves Building at the Legislative Assembly of Paraná in Curitiba. His work also extends beyond the state, including the BNDES building in Rio de Janeiro and the Pernambuco Convention Center in Olinda.

In addition to his professional practice, Ramalho Junior was a dedicated educator, serving as a professor at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) for 27 years, where he helped train multiple generations of architects.