Maria Clementina Castro

Brazil's first female civil engineer who transformed urban infrastructure in Rio de Janeiro

Breaking Barriers in Engineering

Born in 1912 in Rio de Janeiro, Castro became Brazil's first female civil engineer in 1936 after overcoming significant gender barriers at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. Her thesis on Reinforced Concrete Applications in Tropical Climates remains a foundational text in South American engineering literature.

Revolutionizing Urban Planning

In 1948, Castro designed the Carioca Cultural Center, a landmark project featuring earthquake-resistant construction techniques. She pioneered the use of painéis de concreto armado (reinforced concrete panels) that became standard in post-war Brazilian architecture. Her 1953 report Urbanização e Desigualdade exposed systemic flaws in favela infrastructure, influencing national housing policies.

Legacy in Sustainability

Castro's 1960s innovations in rainwater harvesting systems remain in use across Rio's low-income neighborhoods. The Rio Science Museum houses her original engineering models, showcasing her pioneering work in sustainable urban development. Her advocacy for women in STEM led to the establishment of Brazil's first engineering scholarships for women in 1968.