T he R ebirth
of the
M aster ’ s T hesis
by
L os A ngeles R iver
D ominic L ueftenegger
S upervisor P eter D roege & A nis R adzi | U niversity
of
L iechtenstein | SS2015
The Rebirth of the Los Angeles River Dominic Lueftenegger July 2015
Abstract
The Los Angeles River
is an
82
ki-
River. Several
projects and ideas
lometer long stream which starts in
for certain areas have been devel-
San Fernando Valley and flows into the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach. On a big part of its length the river flows in a huge concrete shell, which was built to protect Los Angeles of floods in case of storm water. Of course this river bed makes
oped and published, but the con-
the city very unattractive and is a
and tries to connect as well as re-
symbol of the grey image
L.A. has.
A big problem in Los Angeles County is the water pollution. All the
nection between the single project areas as well as the implementation is often missing.
The
development of
the chosen project site of my master’s thesis is going to pay attention to the surrounding project ideas inforce them.
from there into a river and the riv-
Non-accessible channeled rivers are located in many cities worldwide, which means that this master’s thesis not only focus on the specific situation at the Los Angeles River, but
er flushes the dirty water into the
also tries to find a solution which
Pacific Ocean. This
would be applicable on other loca-
water flows in a direct way from the streets into the canalization,
means that the
ocean as well as the coast gets very
tions as well.
dirty and turns the surfer’s paradise into a place of muckiness.
The Pa-
cific is not able to absorb this huge amount of dirty water quickly.
Since a few years the city of Los Angeles wants to revitalize the L.A. 4
The thesis question is:
governmental departments as well as non-profit organizations.
How
can
Urban Design
improve a
Many Los
useful plans and data of the
lifeless area around a non-accessi-
Angeles River
ble and channeled river?
area have been provided by different institutes.
This question is going to be answered on the Los Angeles River as an example.
I
On
and the surrounding a two week field trip
interviewed people, drew sketches
and took photos.
Also specific liter-
ature is used to answer the research question.
The
aim of this master’s thesis is to
solve major problems
L.A.
has to
handle at the moment:
How to turn the existing Los Angeles River into an attractive and accessible stream? How to turn the industrial area in Boyle Heights into a mixed-use development? How to connect the two districts of Boyle Heights and Downtown and remove the separation between them?
The
outcome of this master’s the-
sis was a new development at the
Los Angeles River between the two districts of Downtown and Boyle Heights. Due to a network of canals the river was extended across the whole area, by what it was possible to reduce the water velocity and introduce plants and animals.
New mixed-use buildings have been introduced in a new created master plan, which connects the east and the
To answer the research question I was in touch with several stakeholders in Los Angeles including 5
west side, whereby the
Los Angeles
River turns into the center of a new developed district.
6
Content
Introduction Methods and Analyses Design Concept Desing Project Conclusion Annex
7
Introduction
“On a holiday trip in summer 2013 to California I spent a few days in Los Angeles. While cruising by car through the city, I crossed the Los Angeles River and immediately recognized it from several movies. This was the beginning of a research I did to find out, why this “river” looks like it does. During reading texts and books about the L.A. River and what is happening around it, I came up with the idea in doing a project at the river as my master’s thesis.”
The Los Angeles River
The
Los Angeles has an enormous urban sprawl. The climate in this south Californian area is classified as a Mediterranean climate, which means a very dry summer and a rainy season in winter. In average there are only around 30 rainy days per year. Due the
metropolis of
to the immense urbanization in
Los Angeles Basin,
the water
is not able to trickle away into the ground.
Ballona Creek, Santa Monica Bay and Dominguez Channel. The
biggest watershed in
Los AnL.A.
geles is the area around the
River. Flowing from its headwaters in the Angeles National Forest to the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach, the 82 kilometers long Los Angeles River covers around 2253 square kilometers of watershed and winds through
14 cities. (EPA, 2014)
This means that all the rain
which falls on the roofs and streets will be flushed into the canalization.
From
there the water flows into a
river which leads into the
Pacific
Ocean.
N
0
The city of Los Angeles and its surrounding is separated into four areas, which are called watersheds. All the water which falls from the
S
sky in one of this areas will flush
5
into the same river, creek or other
Fig. 03: Los Angeles Watersheds Fig. 04: Location of the Los Angeles River in L.A.
body of water.
The Los Angeles waLos Angeles River,
tersheds are the
10
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
LONG BEACH
11
Until
the late
geles
River
1930’s
was a
Los Annatural stream, the
this unique river from
Hollywood
movies, where car races take place
free to flow through the area with
in the concrete shell in which only a
nature on its banks.
small creek is running along.
in
1938
Due
to a flood
the government decided to
channelize the stream.
was not
The reason why the Los Angeles Riv-
only very positive for flood protec-
This
ers bed is dry most of the time is the
tion, it also allowed to develop the
unique southern
in most of its length the
Californian climate. As mentioned above, there are only a few rainy days a year, which means
river flows in a huge concrete shell,
that the river is actually not worth
which was created due to this flood
to be called a river, it is much more
area right next to the
Nowadays
protection
plan.
L.A. River.
Everyone
knows
a tiny creek in an enormous concrete
Fig. 05: The natural L.A. River before its canalization Fig. 06: The L.A. River flows in a concrete shell on a big part of its lenght through the urban area
12
bed. In wintertime when the rain pe-
channel looks still the same on most
riod takes place, the river turns im-
of its length. Especially in the river’s
mediately into a huge rapid flush.
The
north part, first projects have been
All the water of the area with a size of 2253 square kilometers flushes into the Los Angeles River.
realized and the river is accessible
reason is clear:
for people again.
Also some animals have settled down, which shows that it is absolutely possible to bring the
Los Angeles River back to life. In
the last years the government
wants to impel a revitalization of the
Los Angeles River. So
there are
already some studies how the river could look like, nevertheless the
Fig.  07:  The Los Angeles River is natural on some parts in its beginning at the north of the city
13
Water Pollution
A big problem is the water pollution. Water from the streets flushes unfiltered into the river and then continuous flowing into the ocean. In the L.A. River Watershed are up to 2.000 storm drains leading into the river. Although next to gutters at the sidewalks are signs calling “No dumping - drains to ocean”, almost on every gutter is a lot of garbage.
water quality high.
This is a very big problem at the Los Angeles River. People from L.A. founded “Proposition O”, a union which wants the city of Los Angeles to invest $500 million in bonds for projects to protect public health by removing pollution from the city’s watercourses, beaches, and the ocean to meet Federal Clean Water Act requirements. (Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, 2014)
One
of the most important things
when revitalizing a river is to keep the
Fig. 08: Strom drain system next to the L.A. River Fig. 09: No dumping, drains to ocean - nobody cares
14
The Los Angeles
government real-
Some
organizations as well as the
izes at the moment a plan which will
government try to inform the res-
reduce the water pollution enor-
idents
mous.
keeping
Several
former industrial or
about
the
water
importance
clean.
There
of are
parking areas will be turned into ar-
exhibitions at the
tificial wetlands, which help to clean
ence
the water in a natural and sustain-
should learn about circulation of
able way.
water, but there are also stands of
A
great side effect is that
Center,
California Sci-
where especially kids
the local people get a new green
the non-profit organization
place for recreation in the middle of
of
Friend Los Angeles River, which tries to
the urban neighborhood.
speak to people directly on streets and enlighten them.
Fig. 10: Strom drain outlet Fig. 11: Garbage floating in the river
15
Reserch & Reserch Question
How can Urban Design improve a lifeless Area around a non-accessible and channeled river?
16
Of
course there are already some
ideas of different organizations for several parts along the river.
The “Los Angeles Revitalization Corporation� already made a concept how to bring the Los Angeles River back to life. In their master plan, they suggest to bring back organization
vast green areas next to the river right in the heart of
Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Revitalization Master Plan focuses on: - flood control - public safety - appearance of the river and the pride of local communities in it - promotion of the river as an economic asset to surrounding communities - preserving, enhancing and restoring environmental resources at the river - storm water management alternatives. - public involvement - master plan development - a safe environment and recreational opportunities along the river - a safe access to the river - compatibility between the river and other centers Source: (Department of Public Works Los Angeles) 17
Huge
parks and green areas are
planned such as the
Piggyback Yard
on a former rail yard north-east of
Downtown Los Angeles. Nevertheless people of the government say,
fication of the
Los Angeles River.
Just to buy the land of the proposed new designed Piggyback Yard would cost around $350 million. Also it is not possible to remove the existing
that it is completely unrealistic to
railway tracks, because they run
do this.
towards one of the biggest ports
Of
course it would be awe-
Long Beach,
some to turn the whole area around
in the world in
the river into a huge river park and
means they are heavily in use (Dominic
the city would benefit a lot, but it
Lueftenegger, 2015)
is also very unrealistic.
which
The govern-
ment cannot spend that enormous
Another idea of an organization pro-
amount of money just for a beauti-
pose to make urban farming along
Fig.  12:  Vision of the Piggyback Yard Group
18
the
L.A. River. (Bianca Barragan, 2015)
Urban farming in such a dense area as Los Angeles sounds great, nevertheless the area around Downtown
To
get different ideas for this mas-
ter’s thesis several realized projects have been analyzed in detail:
the water of the river is
Bishan Park in Singapore as well as the Seoul River in South Korea as designing references. This two
not clean enough to be used as a wa-
projects act completely different
tering source.
rather want
in redesigning a river, whereby one
to have this space used to create af-
gets two different views on river
fordable housing, which is needed a
revitalization projects.
and the river is a toxic place to grow food.
Also
lot in this city.
People
The South Los Angeles Wetland Park has been chosen as an ecological reference project.
In the Asian city of Singapore the existing concrete shell of the stream was removed completely and a big river park around it was created.
Due to the new wideness of er, the stream can choose way through the park. Also
the rivits own the wa-
ter quality has been raised by this introduction.
People
can use the
river park for all kind of activities, which makes this place very vivid.
Of
course it is necessary to have a
lot of space available, which is not
19
Fig. 13: Bishan Park in Singapore
always the case in an urban sur-
in this channel is pumped from other
rounding.
areas into the river.
Nevertheless this project
There
is just a
shows how it is possible to create a
small creek flowing in a very arti-
river in an urban settlement, where
ficial, rectangular channel.
people and nature benefit from each
very few plants exist in this canal,
other. (Atelier Dreiseitl)
whereby
visitors
Only
immediately
a
feel
somewhere else than in the middle
In Seoul
a completely other view of
A former Cheonggyecheon, which was replaced by a highway, was redeveloped in an urban design. It is completely artificial, even the water
of a metropolis.
Of
course due the
redesigning a river is given.
fact that the water of this river is
river called
pumped into it, no floods are expected, which is a completely different
Los Angeles. Nevertheless this reference project initial situation than in
Fig. 14: Cheonggyecheon River in Seoul Fig. 15: South Los Angeles Wetland Park
20
examples excellent, that also an ar-
yard in a densely populated neigh-
tificial river can be very attractive
borhood, an area of around nine
for people.
acres were turned into a green oasis in the middle of the city.
The
main focus at the research was
South Los Angeles WetPark, a project which shows
Of these 4 to 4.5 acres are bodies and wetland.
nine acres around
given to
used for water
land
The
project improved the existing
how the water quality can raise in
infrastructure and is perfectly in-
Los Angeles. This
tegrated in the regional storm drain
new
artificial
green area is located on a historically
undeveloped
plot
in
South
Central Los Angeles. Created
on a
former railcar and bus maintenance
network.
By
using water from this
storm drain network it is possible to develop an artificial wetland in a sustainable way.
Designed to be able
Fig.  16:  South Los Angeles Wetland Park
21
to work with different conditions
cleaned water is sent to the
the wetland park is capable to han-
geles
dle extreme flood or drought and
the ocean. (Perinn Drumm, 2012)
Los An-
River where it makes its way to
also long-term mutations caused by the climate change.
through the wetlands for natural
The South Los Angeles Wetland Park not only cleans the water and helps the city in meeting Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) requirements set by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, it also is a place where lo-
treatment.
detail, storm water
cals and foreign people can learn
San
about sustainability and water man-
(Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, 2014)
The
wetland park collects urban
runoff from a storm drain, removes trash and pollutants, and sends it
In
arriving by a pipe drain under
Pedro Street,
which runs on the
agement.
On
a boardwalk through
west side of the wetland, is detoured
the wetland several signs with in-
into a small treatment facility that
formation how the water treatment
filters away trash and chemicals,
works are situated.
such as oil from city streets.
9,500
The
Also
around
native plants and trees were
water then takes a circular trip in an
planted and provide open space and
underground pipe on the northern
water quality benefits.
side of the park before being deliv-
places an existing blighted site with
ered into the first pool on the east,
greenery from a combination of na-
where bacteria naturally cleans up
tive trees, shrubs, marsh plants and
the remaining pollutants.
myriad flora.
The
water
has to pass three separate pools in a row which takes around days.
After
50
to
120
passing all pools, the
The
This
former
park re-
Brown-
field was turned into a green area including
trails,
boardwalks,
ob-
servation decks, picnic areas, and a
22
natural rock garden seating area.
the park is easily accessible to ev-
Also the new wetland area incorporates native California plant species, requiring no pesticides or fertilizer. As already mentioned, the park also
erybody.
serves as an outdoor classroom by
was necessary to install security
providing educational signage along
cameras on site.
the walkways.
To
Although
the crime stats
in this area were regressive for the last years,
South Los Angeles
is
still a very dangerous place, so it
illumine all these
boardwalks in the
South Los AngeWetland Park a lighting powered by solar energy was installed. Due to this sustainable illumination it is possible to reduce energy consumption by around 77%. (Institute for
A
les
wetland is already completely fin-
Sustainable Infrastructure, 2014); (LA Stormwa-
a green place for recreation, also
ter,
2014)
many species of birds, turtles and
In
the middle of
few meters to the east a similar
ished. In
2006 the Augustus F. Hawkins Natural Park opened and was a fully success. It not only cleans the water and gives the local people
even an egret have taken up residence
South Los Ange-
there. (Mary Catherine O’Connor, 2014)
les the new created wetland park is surrounded by many homes and
In
schools, whereby the site is a per-
reference projects have been com-
fect location for a green area with
bined to redesign the
restored natural features.
River. Also
Before
the transformation to the new green area was realized, the site was previously inaccessible to the public and surrounded by a high fence.
23
Today,
this master’s thesis ideas of each
the
Los Angeles
water
treatment
South L.A. Wetland Park plays a major role in this project. concept
of
Methods and Analyses
“To answer the research question I was in touch with several stakeholders in Los Angeles including governmental departments as well as non-profit organizations. I got many useful plans and data of the Los Angeles River and the surrounding area. On a two week field trip I interviewed people, drew sketches and took photos. Also specific literature and internet resources are used for research.�
Project Site
The
project site of this master’s
thesis is located in the heart of
Angeles
where the
border
between
L.A. River
city
Los
is the
districts
In
Los Angeles Rivshell is around 80
this region the
er’s concrete
meters wide, nine meters deep and
of
separated from the surrounding by
Downtown on the west and Boyle Heights on the east side of the stream. The reason why this area
several railway tracks on both sides
was chosen for this master project
service station for trains surround-
were the very specific conditions at
ed by around
this site.
allel.
of the stream.
On
the west river
bank there is also an maintenance
This
40 railway lines in par-
makes an access to the
stream impossible.
The
boarder of the project sites
Hollywood Freeway in the Santa Monica Freeway in the south. On the east and west side the project site is not limited. In this area around the 2.600 meter long part of the stream, four major streets are crossing the Los Angeles River (from north to south: First-, Fourth-, Sixth- and Seventh Street). Next to these four crossings, there are no other bridges across the river in this area. Also, are the
north and the
N
S 0
200
Fig. 18: Project site between city’s disttricts of Downtown Los Angeles and Boyle Heights
except
the
four
important
The whole river line acts like a scar through the city. The two districts of Downtown and Boyle Heights are completely different and not connected at all, although four big primary streets are crossing them.
Whereas the region on the west side is turning into an Arts District at the moment and many new developments are happening there, the area on the east side of the Los Angeles River is mostly used for industries.
river
crossing streets, there is no hierarchy in the existing street grid.
26
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
27
BOYLE HEIGHTS
Fig. 19: View towards south
28
Fig. 20: View towards north
29
Fig. 21: Overview
30
WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL
CIVIC CENTER UNION STATION
ANGELS FLIGHT
CITY HALL
PERSHING SQUARE
L.A. THEATER
EVERGREEN CEMETERY SCI-ARC
HOLLENBECK PARK
CALVARY CEMETERY
BETH ISRAEL CEMETERY
Runner Biker Public Building Fig. 22: Connectivity
31
Downtown Los Angeles
Population: 34.811 Daytime population: 207.440 Km2: 5,84 People/km2: 5.960 Ø household income: $15,003 (2008) Education: 17,9% have a four-year degree Ø age: 39 Ø household size: 1,6 people Single parents families: 411 Ancestries: Mexican (23,1%), Korean (3,6%) Foreign born: 11.656 (41,9%) Source: Los Angeles Times
Fig. 23: Western river side: Downtown Los Angeles. A rough definition of the borders are the surrounding freeways and the Los Angeles River Fig. 24: Good mix of ethnicity in Downtown
32
Population: 99.243 2 Km : 16,89 People/km2: 5.875 Ø household income: $33.235 (2008) Education: 5,0% have a four-year degree Ø age: 25 Ø household size: 3,8 people Single parents families: 3.889 Ancestries: Mexican (81,6%), English (0,2%) Foreign born:: 48.566 (52,4%)
Boyle Heights
Source: Los Angeles Times
Fig. 25: 94% of inhabitants are Latinos Fig. 26: Eastern river side: Boyle Heights
33
West side: Downtown
At
the moment there is an enormous
construction-boom
which
takes
Los Angeles. Downtown is grow-
place in the center of
The district of ing. Due to the fact that on the west side of the center the Harbor Freeway is a border, new built high-rise buildings expand the skyline towards the
Los Angeles River
on the east-
ern side.
In the north of Downtown the Civic Center including Town Hall and famous Walt Disney Concert Hall are located. A planned project called Park101 tries to connect the Civic Center as well as the nearby Union Station to the Los Angeles River. At the moment it is not sure if this project is going to be realized, notwithstanding from an urban planning view it would be very important to
On the west side of the river in Downtown Los Angeles new facilities were created. Several new shops, restaurants and the opening of the Southern Californian Institute of Architecture ensure for a great development of the area. Many
connect the river and the district of
Boyle Heights with Downtown.
new residential buildings were and
On the south west side of the existing center in Downtown, between the Financial District and the Los Angeles River, a district of 50 square blocks called Skid Row is located. In this
are going to be erected, whereby
area one of the largest homeless
the population density in the area
communities of the
Los Angeles River Nevertheless it seems like there is not really a master plan behind all this projects. Buildings are going to be built on spots, which are obvious not meant to be built on. right next to the will raise.
United States with around 3.000 to 6.000 inhabitants is located. 85 to 90 percent of the people are drug addicted, many of them are also mentally ill.
34
Fig. 27: The
skyline of
Downtown Los Angeles
ably growing to the south east
35
is prob-
The
city of
Los Angeles
allows the
people to sleep on streets between
9pm
6am. Within this time the Skid Row are cluttered up with tents, shopping carts and improvised cardboard houses. People and
streets in
live in groups of four to five people in a tent and try to look after each other.
At
night drug dealers from
Skid Row come to sell Heroin, Crack and Meth. Police officers do care anymore about mari-
outside of
drugs, especially
Chrystal not even
huana. (Kenneth Cole, 2008)
“It
is like the set of a third world
Los AnSteve Lopez writes in his article in The Los Angeles Times. refugee camp backlit by the geles skyline.”,
(Steve Lopez, 2005)
Iconic Bridges Industry Commercial Residential Open Space Fig. 28: Strengths: Mixed-use area in Arts District; Iconic bridges across the river
“But it is not like people do not have a place to go. There are several missions, where homeless people can get free beds, safe housing and warm food. There is enough available for all of them, but many simply do not 36
Fig. 29: Analyzing of the western river side
37
want to follow any rules or reg-
residential buildings in this area.
ulations if they move in one of the
course by this, homeless people get
units.” a resident describes the situ-
pushed out, have to leave and look
ation. (EKF Productions, 2010)
for another place to stay.
Often people do not take down their simple dwellings, by what Skid Row
One
looks very unattractive during day
ing to see what will happen to
Of
resident comments the whole
situation:
“It
will be very interest-
right next to the financial center of
Skid Row in the next ten to twenty years. Currently Downtown is undergoing
Los Angeles is pretty good, so many
a massive gentrification process with
investors smell the chance to gain
dozens of new and renovated lofts,
money by building up new office and
restaurants and hotels going up ev-
time too.
Nevertheless
the location
Fig. 30: People living on street in Skid Row
38
ery four to six months. I foresee
Skid
as artists, businessmen and musicians
row shrinking yearly as new business
move in.
and enterprise slowly creep in block
homeless now while they still have
Eventually developers will 3rd street and the Fashion District all the way into the Arts District and make it into a sort of East Village or SoHo. The Freeways circling Downtown will be the new sociolog-
The
city better plan for the
by block.
time left!”. (Comment
want to connect the area from
youtube)
Some
of user vortex755 on
homeless people try to get
shelter in the area next to the
Los
ical and financial barriers separating
Angeles River, sometimes even in the concrete shell itself. Also in the industrial area in Boyle Heights peo-
west-side and south-side
ple build up their dwellings under
/ east-side. The homeless will be forced to leave
bridges crossing the river.
Housing
Fig. 31: A
homeless man is washing himself and his
clothes in the toxic water of the river.
Fig. 32: Homeless
guy walking with his shopping cart in
the concrete channel of the
39
Los Angeles River
is just one problem these people
along the river new housing devel-
have.
opments are created.
A
bigger problem is that they
Although
new
often use the river’s water to wash
housing units are needed a lot in
their clothes and take a bath.
the
Be-
Los Angeles of
region and a fast residential
build-
cause of the high contamination of
development
the water this is really dangerous.
ings is necessary, it is obvious that some planning decisions are made to
As
mentioned before there is an
fast in this area.
There
is not real-
enormous construction boom at the
ly a long-term master plan behind
moment in
these projects, whereby the whole
Not
Downtown Los Angeles. only in the Financial District high-rise buildings are built,
new created
new
also right next to the railway tracks
Arts District seems very chaotic. The few empty spots in this region are filled with buildings,
Fig. 33: New housing projects in Downtown
40
without thinking ahead how this part
Arts District. The
of the city could develop in future.
new erected buildings and existing,
Some
renovated structures is a role mod-
planning decisions could put
back a further growing of
Down-
town.
combination of
el for other developments.
The only
two negative aspects in this area are the missing master plan and the miss-
Notwithstanding
the future pros-
ing concept how to deal with home-
pects of the area on the west side of
less people, who gets pushed out of
the river seems very good.
this part of
Especial-
Los Angeles.
ly the reuse of existing structures, such as the
SCI-Arc
university, en-
sure for a vivid area and turns this former
industrial
region
into
an
Fig.  34:  Industrial buidlings in New apartments in the background
41
the
foreground;
East side: Boyle Heights
On the east side of the Los Angeles River the industrial area of Boyle Heights is located. Due to the connection to the railway tracks which run towards one of the world’s biggest ports in
Long Beach,
the
location right next to the stream is kept for industries.
Here
several
logistics businesses load items from trains to trucks or inverse.
Fur-
ther eastside the area is used almost completely for housing.
Especially
on the north boarder right next to
Santa Ana Freeway,
a community in-
cluding a high school was developed a few years ago.
Buildings right next to the Los Angeles River have a direct rail connection to the railway tracks running from south to north. Industry Commercial Residential Open Space River Fig. 35: Weaknesses:Streets are only used for industrial traffic; River is not accessible for residents
However these
connection tracks are mostly not in use and already timeworn.
Compa-
nies using these buildings, which are in pretty good shape, are logistics businesses
This
and
wholesale
trades.
means vehicles on streets are
42
mostly trucks.
Vast
space of con-
warehouse buildings are used as a
crete surfaces mould the perception
storage for film production equip-
of this district.
ment.
In
Also
this area are almost no pedestri-
ans.
Also the few people and private
in
Boyle Heights
many home-
less people have built up their shel-
motor traffic do not derange film-
ters.
ing, whereby it is very easy for pro-
next to the
duction companies to cut off streets
groups of people created their own
temporary.
community.
The
great view towards
the city’s skyline makes the industrial area of
Boyle Heights
popular for film productions.
very
Many
Especially under bridges right Los Angeles River bigger They also do not get dis-
turbed by residents or tourists, so for homeless people this area is also attractive.
Fig. 36: Vast parking space in Boyle Heights Fig. 37: Unused railway tracks
43
Public Transport & Traffic Actually the public transport in Los Angeles is not as bad as it is known. There are thousands of buses in the
- The
metropolitan area which run in line
sary to have access to internet to
every
few
minutes.
Unfortunately
system of bus lines is very
complicated to see through. get from
A
to
B
So
to
it is almost neces-
get the perfect connection on your
the public vehicles are only used by
mobile.
a few people, who are mostly poor.
solve by providing free internet hubs
Nevertheless
at bus stops. In
the public transport
system could be much more improved to attract even people from a higher
This
problem is very easy to
European cities you WIFI available at public transport stops. can often find free
society class:
Fig. 38: Tram crossing the Los Angeles River Fig. 39: Only two bikes per bus can be transported
44
- In Los Angeles bus stops are almost invisible. Often there is only a small sign on a post, which you of-
wait for the next service if the racks
ten cannot even see from the other
and would raise the number of peo-
side of the street.
ple riding a bike.
Also
sometimes
are already in use.
Bigger bike racks
or other solutions are very welcome
there is absolutely no information about the bus line, departure times or even the bus number which serves
Riding a bicycle is another issue in Los Angeles. Actually the combina-
this stop. In this issue there is real-
tion of riding a bike and going by bus
Los Angeles public transport system.
would work very well.
ly a big backlog in the
Of
course
bike lakes in the city could be much more
improved,
notwithstanding
- When you enter a bus, you have to pay in cash having the exact amount. Although some buses have already
there is no reason why there are
launched facilities to use a prepaid
rainy very often, an enormous num-
TAP-card,
ber of people riding a bike are on the
nevertheless there are
so few bicyclists in the city. In the
Netherlands,
only a few machines to reload this
streets. In
TAP-cards. If
where the weather is
Los Angeles, a city where
a bus driver would be
it rains only a few days a year and the
able to give some change, the whole
sun is shining almost every day, peo-
bus ride would be much less compli-
ple sit in their cars and wait in a traf-
cated.
fic jam on a highway.
There
is no ex-
planation for this behavior, because
- Busses
which are made for trans-
porting up to
150 people have only 2
bike racks. It is not allowed to take a bicycle into the bus, so one has to
45
even the long distances cannot be an excuse.
By riding an express bus you can get from A to B very quick, often faster than going by car.
For pedestrians of course the walking distance is a disaster. The typical American street grid makes walking very monotone. While driving along Sunset Boulevard is awesome, going
town there is a big lack of bus
this street by bicycle or even by foot
ly not given in this area. If one is in
is extremely boring.
the middle of the industrial area in
Nevertheless
routes and stops.
Without
an own
vehicle it is almost impossible to get to a spot in the industrial area.
Also
the walking distance is absolute-
this problem could be solved pretty
Boyle Heights,
easy by adding some interesting spots
walk you cannot leave the quarter.
at street crossings for example.
Also
within a ten minute
by public transport it is hard
to get away: within a
Especially in the region around the Los Angeles River next to Down-
15
minute bus
ride, one only reach the edge of
Downtown’s
center, although the
Fig. 40: Public transport system Fig. 41: 15 minutes ride by public transport
46
distance is only a few kilometers. If
where people can even reach remot-
this district should be turned into
er destinations.
a mixed-use neighborhood, several new public transport connections
Also
must be introduced.
problem.
the quality of street is a big
Not
only
in
the
area
around the river, but actually in
Although
there are many railway
Los Angeles River, the closest train station is Union Station located north of Hollywood Freeway. The simplest way to connect the industrial area with its surrounding, would be a train station, tracks along the
the whole city of
Los Angeles. The
street quality map below shows very good, how many streets are in bad conditions.
Of
course also an im-
provement of street and sidewalk quality would raise the number of pedestrians for sure.
Fig. 42: Ten
minutes walk
-
all necessary facilities
should be available within this area
Fig. 43: To
extend the experienced walking distance it is
also necessary to improve street quality.
47
Restaurants & Cafes A few restaurants are located at north along 1st street right next to the residential area. South of 1st street, where industrial and logistics businesses are located, almost no restaurant is located. So at lunchtime many food-trucks come
Grocery & Schopping There are indeed some shopping facilities in Boyle Heights. Mostly
in this area and provide a meal for
Heights. Only
people working there.
store is located.
Food-tracks symbolize very well a lack of facilities in an area. Cafes are only located on the west side in Downtown.
these shops are part of logistics or industrial business, which means it is primary wholesale trade.
Smaller
shops or grocery stores you cannot find in the industrial area of at
6
th
Boyle
street a small
Fig. 44: Lack of restaurants and cafes Fig. 45: Lack of grocery stores and shopping facilities on both sides of the Los Angeles River
48
Nightlife & Art Although an industrial area is a perfect location for nightlife activities, in Boyle Heights next to the river there is none of this facilities situated. In the south industrial area, between 6th street and 7th street,
All Facility Maps Overlaid Especially on the map, where all facilities, shops and entertainment establishments are overlaid, one can
a few art and entertainment spots
side next to the residential area sev-
are located.
see pretty well the lack of activity opportunities on the eastern side of the
Los Angeles River. At the north
Nevertheless due to Los Angeles’
eral restaurants and shops are lo-
the short distance to
cated.
Arts District,
there is still a lot of
of
potential to introduce art in
Heights.
Boyle
At the central and south area Boyle Heights, there is a lot of potential for a new activity developments.
Fig. 46: Lack of art, nightlife and entertainment facilites on both sides of the Los Angeles River Fig. 47: All facilities overlaid on one map
49
Crime The area around the Los Angeles River is very safe. Crime only happens if there are people, so the most dangerous region in Boyle Heights
Land Prices Land on the east side of the L.A. River is a lot cheaper than a plot on the west side. Of course in Down-
is the residential development in the
into an
Arts District,
whereby the
north.
land prices raise a lot.
Nevertheless
Although
the industrial area
town the industrial area is turning
Boyle Heights
is abandoned at night, burglary is
in
not a big deal in this district.
potential for prices to catch up.
there is a lot of
Es-
pecially when the river is revitalized, in combination with the skyline view westwards, the land price could raise also on the river’s east side.
Fig. 48: Crime map Fig. 49: Rental price
50
Owners & Renters Whereas in the Arts District next to the Los Angeles River the rate between owners and renters is almost
Schools The few schools which are located around the Los Angeles River have a very bad rating. Whereas two
equal,
school buildings in the south of
in
Boyle Heights
dominate the statistics a lot.
renters
Arts District have a quality rated as “medium”, high schools right next to the residential development in Boyle Heights are rated as very bad. (Trulia)
Fig. 50: Owners and renters Fig. 51: Existing schools
51
Opportunity
The les
region around the
River
Los Ange-
has a lot of potential to
turn into an attractive mixed-use district. in
Especially the industrial area Boyle Heights is a good place to
start developing this district step by step by introducing needed facilities right next to the existing residential buildings.
To trigger this development, the beginning must be a redesign and reuse of the stream. If the river is attractive and accessible, people want to be, live and stay at the river. It is also a great chance to use the straight line of the river through the city of
Los Angeles,
which would allow
runners but especially cyclists to cross the metropolis fast.
The
river
could be a center for sport activities and recreation in the huge urban sprawl of
Fig.  52:  Opportunities: Mixed-use area; Connecting street grid
L.A.
There are already some plans in how the river could be used by cyclists. One idea of the Los Angeles River 52
Revitalization Corporation
is to sim-
is still very chaotic and there is no
ply make a bicycle path in the river
planning strategic behind this evolu-
bed itself.
tion.
This
would be very cheap
and could be easily done.
As a last step the west area of
Also there
the river should be integrated into
is a big lack of continues running and
a new street grid, which connects
biking paths, so it would be probably
Never-
Downtown and Boyle Heights. By this, the former separation between
theless the problem of making the
these two districts will be abrogated
river accessible is not solved.
completely.
very honored by inhabitants.
You
cannot enter the river where tracks are located on river banks, which means you have to enter the bike
Elysian Park or Vernon. There is a distance of around eight kilometers in-between, where the bike path is isolated due to the railway tracks. In case of a flood, bicyclists and runners are trapped in the river, which could end very bad. Also the stream is still not attractive at all. Under these conditions, nobody will use the new introduced bike path anyway. path either north at south at
Finally, although the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles already made a positive development, the area 53
Fig.  53:  Bike path proposed by Linear City
Conclusion
As
a final part of analyzing the ex-
and its threats were analyzed.
To
isting conditions it was necessary to
conclude the analyzing of the area
list up all positive and negative attri-
and start into the designing process,
butes of the existing situation.
design principles which are important
Also
a first vision has been written down
for the next step have been chosen.
Strengths - Iconic landmarks like bridges - Identity of the river and its surrounding: Appearance in a lot of movies - Very popular location next to Downtown Los Angeles - Weather / climate is very pedestrian friendly Weaknesses - Vast open space - Fail of human scale - No mix of uses; Only industrial buildings - Streets are not pedestrian friendly - River is not accessible for people - Railway tracks on both sides of the river - Homeless people live at the river and use its water
54
Opportunities - Empty spaces can be filled with needed facilities - Green river belt can turn the whole image of the city - People can use the river as recreation area - Investors can gain high profit by using expensive land sensible Vision for the Los Angeles River and its surrounding - River is accessible for the inhabitants - New vivid space especially at the eastern side of the river - More sustainable master plan at the Arts District - Mixed-use buildings: Industrial, commercial and residential use - Green / natural river area - Water quality ensured by wetland - River is a connecting element between east and west Threats of the vision - Land owner do not want to co-operate on a transformation of the area - Whole project fails on a financial or social issue Principles - Social design principles by Jan Gehl: Human scale / slow traffic
55
Design Concept
“I am a big fan of Jan Gehl, his books and also his urban design principles. So when designing a new master plan and developing an urban concept, for me pedestrians and slow traffic had the major priority. My vision of a new district around the Los Angeles River intends a wide range of different opportunities and facilities for people, which makes it a joy for them to be outdoors. The city is designed for people.�
Uses & Users
The existing industrial area in Boyle Heights on the east side of the river is situated on a very popular location. The distance to Downtown Los Angeles is very small, but it is still a bit outside of the center, whereby
expensive, so it would not only be a
the noise as well as the pollution is
a mixed-use district and a new vivid
not that big. In
place would be created.
L.A.
there is a very
big deal for investors to create residential buildings in this high potential area, also would it be a great opportunity for the whole city if this industrial area would turn into
big market for residential projects
-
actually the city needs almost the
There
is already a housing develop-
Boyle Heights
which push-
double amount of housing units per
ment in
year than there are built.
es against the industrial area.
Apart-
ments, studios and houses are very
The
idea is to remove the industry step
PARK 101 FAMILIES
SCI-ARC MTA
STUDENTS
ARTISTS
Fig. 55: Kept existing businesses Fig. 56: Proposed target groups Fig. 57: Building more housing would have slowed down raising housing costs
LOGISTICS
FAMILIES
ELDERLY PEOPLE
Fig. 58: Amazing view across the river towards Downtown Los Angeles. Only the wires disturb the view.
58
59
by step and replace it with mixed-
very north, next to the existing single
use buildings, with a strong focus
family houses and the high school,
on apartments.
an area especially for families has
This
area, especially
on the east side of the river, is very
been designed.
qualified for residential buildings.
connection to the existing
The
The west view faces Los Angeles’ Skyline, whereby the value of the housing projects raises a lot.
is mainly designed for elderly people
central area in
SCI-Arc is reserved for students, artists and young people. The south area and families again.
The existing logis-
The new created area in Boyle Heights was separated into several
tic businesses are not removed com-
parts to design different areas for
still there on an underground level.
different target groups.
Although
So
at the
pletely, but in some areas they are there is this diagrammatic
Fig. 59: Student’s dormitory facing the L.A. skyline
60
distinction of users, the goal is to
are responsible for the cleanness
have a good overall mix through all
of the building and its surrounding.
kind of ages and societies.
In
buildings right next to the river,
homeless people are responsible for
The idea is to give also former homeless people, who lived in this area before redesigning started, a new place to be. Beside expensive apartments
the maintenance service of the new
each building has also to contain a
get a new home as well as a job.
few rooms for homeless people, to
Also
give them a chance to get back to a
of the apartment buildings are kept
regular life.
clean, which keeps the value of the
To be allowed to live in
one of this rooms, homeless people
created natural stream.
Hereby
it is
possible to kill two birds with one stone:
Former
unsheltered persons
the green river area in front
edifice high.
Fig.  60:  Penthouse facing Downtown Los Angeles
61
Network of Canals
The
make the river sensible in the whole
The concept Most time of
area.
creek runs through the wetland, and
main idea of this project is to
Many Angelinos
do not even
know that there is a river.
The simple
works like following: the year, just a small
people can use the redesigned river
concept is, instead of getting rid of
area for their leisure time.
the water as soon as possible during
flood comes, inflatable rubber dams
flood, keeping the very valuable wa-
under bridges dam up the water and
ter as long as possible.
year
direct the backwater into a network
there are more extreme droughts in
of canals in the area around the riv-
California,
er.
Every
so the city of
Los An-
Many
When the
of these canals are exist-
geles simply cannot afford to flush
ing storm drains, which are opened
away rain water.
to the surface where they appear as swales.
So
this canals are not only
Fig. 61: Possible locations of dams Fig. 62: Inflatable rubber dam
62
tanks for the water, also the plants
mously.
giving the whole river
in the swales on top of it get poured
more
the speed of water gets
by the rivers backwater.
whole
reduced and allows plants as well
concept also works the other way
as animals to live in the water and
around:
next to the stream.
When
This
it rains, rain water
By space,
The
whole area
Los Angeles River works
does not be flushed into the river
around the
immediately, but swales absorb and
like a sponge, which soaks up the wa-
plants use it.
ter when the capacity is high, and let it go when there is a need for it.
It
is possible to do this network of river, whereby the city
By creating this concept, you do not only create a network of canals,
can reduce its waste of water enor-
there is also a green network of
swales on the whole length of the
Los Angeles
Fig. 63: Water is wasted and flushes directly into the drain system
Fig. 64: Water is used to water plants
63
PARK 101
1s
t
ST
RE
ET
1st STREET DAM
3rd
1st STREET
STR
EET
3rd STREET DAM
3rd STREET
4th STREET DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES 4th STREET DAM
6t
h
7t
h
ST
ST
RE
RE
ET
WHITTIER BLVD DAM
BOYLE HEIGHTS
WH
ET
IT T
IER
7th STREET DAM
7th
ST
RE
BL VD
ET
FREEWAY No.10 DAM
Fig. 65: Network of canals
64
PARK 101
1s
t
2n
d
3rd
ST
ST
RE
ET
RE
STR
ET
1st
3rd 4th
STR
STR
EET
EET STR
EET
EET 4th STREET
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
6t
h
7t
h
ST
ST
RE
RE
ET
ET
BOYLE HEIGHTS
WH
IT T
7th
ST
IER
RE
BL VD
ET
Fig. 66: Network of green space
65
N
S
0
40
Fig. 67: Elevation view: Dams under bridges
plants, trees and public space on the
Swales
surface.
new designed area.
So
this is the way how the
In
almost all
river is made sensible in the whole
streets swales are present and lead
area.
people towards the river.
Swales
can also be accessible
Trees
in
for people by placing benches and
this green stripes are giving shadow
other facilities on it, whereby the
on typical sunny days in
use of this green stripes is not reduced to nature, but also available for much more different activities.
0
are the new identity of the
California. By this, people are activated to spent more time outside and turn this former dead area into a vivid place.
4
Fig.  68:  Section: 32 meter wide boulevard
68
0
4
Fig. 69: Boulevard: Zoning
69
River Accessibility
One
of the most important things in
this project is to ensure the access to the river.
The
existing
L.A. River
is flowing in a very strict concrete channel.
This
shape is very iconic,
because many people know it from several
movies.
Different
studies
were made, if the area around the stream would benefit from opening the strict river bed.
Three
different
solutions where made:
1: Keeping the existing shape 2: Open up one or both sides 3: Open up one side partial The
best way for a river redesign is
to open the eastern shell on certain areas.
Due
to the heavy use of the
railway track on the west side, this border should be kept linear, whereas on the east the river is allowed to expand in some parts.
As
mentioned before, the new de-
signed
Los Angeles River is a combi-
nation of the two reference projects Fig.  70:  Different variations of river edges
in
Seoul
and
Singapore. Instead
of
70
removing the existing iconic shape of
proposal of a non-profit organiza-
the river completely, it is now just a
tion is to dig in and countersink the
bit widen on certain points. It is very
tracks on the east side of the river
important to always keep the history
into the riverbed.
of the river and the identity of this
very costly and would interrupt the
area in mind.
busy railway service for a long time.
Instead The
next step was to ensure the ac-
cessibility of the river. of the railway
On both sides Los Angeles River several tracks are running along,
This
is of course
of digging in the tracks two
different solutions where developed in this master project.
Especially
on the east side, where
whereby it is hard to get the stream
the existing shape of the river is kept
connected to its surrounding.
on most part of its length, the rail-
One A
B
71 GSEducationalVersion
E
F
C
G
D
H
Fig.  71:  Concept sections A: Existing concrete shell B: Railway tracks boxed in C: West side crossed under, east side boxed in D: Both sides crossed under E: River bottom naturalized F: Whole river naturalized G: Flood case H: Some lakes still remain after flood
way tracks are boxed in.
By this, the
existing bridges are connected by an elevated street above the existing railway.
A
new development area is
created six meters above the existing ground level, whereby the train line turns automatically into an underground line.
So
it is possible to use
the very valuable land in this area twice.
Another
advantage is to keep
the trains as well as the produced noise completely underground.
Ac-
cess to the river is given by stairs and ramps, which lead people from the top level towards the stream.
On
the eastern river side, the exist-
ing railway tracks are mainly crossed under.
This
means the stream gets
more space and the new created wetland flows under train lines towards the developed area.
No stairs
are needed to connect the river and its surrounding
-
people can sim-
ply access on a smooth slope the stream. In this case you need to give Fig.  72:  Network of paths across the river
the river more space and cannot use
72
the area twice, as it is done on the
sides of the river as well as both city
west side.
districts.
Nevertheless,
especial-
By
this the river is not a
ly for the eastern river area this is
boarder any longer, but is turned
the best solution, because the value
into a connecting element between
of the new created buildings raise a
Downtown
but
Boyle Heights. All paths are useable for people running, walking or cycling along. The
also a direct connection to the re-
integrated platforms can be used for
designed green river area.
relaxing or fishing.
lot when having not only a west view towards
Los Angeles’ Skyline,
and
On the east side,
where the river is made wider in some
In
the river bed itself a network of
areas, the green space is experienced
paths and platforms are integrat-
as a park, which people can use for
ed.
all kind of activities.
New
paths are connecting both
Fig. 73: Flow velocity Fig. 74: Open space access
73
River Revitalization
As
mentioned in an earlier chapter,
Angeles River
itself.
One
possibility
Los An-
is to turn the whole river into a huge
geles of raising the quality of wa-
wetland, which not only cleans the
ter by developing several wetland
water, but also is much more attrac-
areas.
tive to the people than the existing
there are already plans in
Of
course, introducing new
green spaces in such an urban area
L.A.
concrete shell.
The
whole river is
is always a good idea and
redesigned into an enormous recre-
very important, but it is not sure if it
ation area which really changes the
is really the best way to reduce the
whole image of the dirty, grey and
like
water pollution in
Los Angeles
by
air polluted city of
Los Angeles.
creating several wetland parks dispersed in the city. It would be good to filter the water right at the
0
Los
In this master’s project the concrete of the existing shell is removed com-
20
Fig.  75:  Section B
74
pletely and replaced by natural soil,
broadness of the river bed.
which allows reeds and other water
rivers bottom as well as in the ar-
plants to grow.
eas which are made wider, the shape
This
plants ensure
On
a raising water quality as it is done
of the soil is very irregular.
South Los Angeles Wetland Park mentioned earlier.
huge range of different areas where
at the
Due
to the reduced necessity of
maintenance service, in the existing
By
the
this
small animals can live are created.
Dams reduce the velocity of the water, by what the introduced plants and animals will not be flushed away.
concrete shell the water is only allowed to flow in a small furrow. In the redesign of the
Los Angeles Riv-
er the water is able to use the whole
Especially on the western river bank, the bevel shape of the channel is kept. To plant also this side of the
Fig.  76:  Section A
75
river, the bevel slope is terraced by
To
plants in gabion baskets.
add as less artificial elements as
Although
possible in the redesigned river wet-
the bevel side of the river is not bev-
land, the introduced paths and plat-
el but terraced anymore actually,
forms are made out of wood.
people are not able to recognize this
wooden areas are connected to the
due to the huge amount of plants.
ground only on very specific points,
Also
in this area, during flood, wa-
where by the accessible part of the
ter can trickle away into the natural
river actually is floating above the
soil.
wetland.
This
brush layer wooden flooring
bevel riverbank terraced by
on concrete foundation
plants in gabion baskets gravel
reed
bed substrate
0
5
Fig. 77: Section C
Street Grid & Development
The next step was to design the area around the river. When analyzing the existing conditions in central
L.A.,
the very insufficient develop-
ment of the street grid was noticed.
One
building is next to each other,
which is actually pretty good.
Nev-
ertheless the sides of the building blocks are not paid attention at all, so there is no front facade.
Between
the buildings there is a very narrow street, which is often very dark and dirty, so people do not like to spend their time in it.
In
Existing blocks Creepy street between buildigns No space for water to trickle away 2 front facades 2 side facades Depth of buildign: 30m - 45m 10 - 15% green space Red: Front facade Blue: Side facade
the new designed area a typical
block
development
is
proposed,
whereby a front facades is created on all four sides of the block.
The
buildings can be much higher than the existing one or two storey edifices, because due to the land prices
Downtown it is By this, the buildings can be re-
and the nearness to
much more sufficiency. deepness of the
duced whereby a bigger courtyard Fig.  78:  Building blocks
can be designed.
This
courtyard can
78
New commercial block
New residential block
Rectangular courtyard Green space, where water can trickle away Lower floors can cover the whole plot 4 front facades
Rectangular courtyard Green space, where water can trickle away Lower floors can cover the whole plot 4 front facades
Depth of buildign: 35m 10 - 15% green space
Depth of buildign: 15m ~ 50% green space
Red: Front facade Blue: Side facade
Red: Front facade Blue: Side facade
79
be used to develop green spaces where water can trickle away, instead of being flushed into the river as it is handled at the moment.
To remove the separation of the two districts of Downtown and Boyle Heights, the two different street grids have been combined to make a smooth transition across the river.
Two
new boulevards on both sides
BOYLE HEIGTS
are running parallel next to the river.
New
centers, according to ex-
isting conditions were designed.
So
there is a river park on the north,
DOWNTOWN
next to the existing residential area and the high school.
A
new design
campus on the east in combination with the existing
SCI-Arc University
on the west joins the two districts Streed Grid East Streed Grid West Important Open Space Important Building Fig. 79: Street grid
across the river.
New
market halls
in combination with the existing logistics businesses in the south.
Bridges
across the stream connect
Fig. 80: Spots and centers
this spots on both sides of the river
Fig. 81: Connections
and turn it into a combining element.
80
RIVER PARK
PARK 101 RIVER PARK
SQUARE
DESIGN CAMPUS
SCI-ARC
PARK
SCI-ARC
CAMPUS PARK
MUSEUM
MTA
PARK SQUARE
SQUARE
MUNICIPALITY
STUDIO EVENT PLAZA
MARKET HALLS
COMMERCIAL AREA
COMMERCIAL AREA
81
EVENT PLAZA
RESIDENTIAL AREA
Development Stages
The
whole master plan is going to
be developed in three stages.
step by step. In the new street grid
The
in this area it is possible to keep some
first step is to develop the water-
of the existing warehouses which are
Boyle Heights. The
still in good shape, so the new de-
front area in
Design Campus as well multifunctional Event Plaza new
as the
velopment can still contain some al-
in the
ready build areas.
This
system also
south are built on top of the boxed in
ensures that new and old parts of
railway tracks.
the district can existing next to each
The
other parts of
the existing railway line are crossed
Between the two new centers a first stripe of mixed-use buildings is
other.
under.
built and works as a buffer between the wetland area and the new created boulevard in the east.
Following
this, the existing indus-
trial area in
Boyle Heights
is going
to be replaced by new developments
The last step is focused on the western river side in Downtown Los Angeles. The existing structure of the Arts District is going to be redeveloped. This ensures to make the whole area more sustainable and sufficient. Also this redevelopment will be done step by step from east to west.
Fig.  82:  Development stages
82
83
Design Project
“When designing the area around the Los Angeles River, my major priority was focused on public space. Buildings, bridges and other constructions are simply adumbrated, whereas streets, parks and squares are planned more in detail. For me it was important to always keep the human scale in mind, which means that building heights, distances of facilities and sizes of squares are adapted to people’s needs.”
Master Plan
On the north side of the plot a river park is located. So people and families of the existing residential area can use this park as a local recreation area. This park is also the destination of the planned Park101, which connects the civic center and the river. This is also the first introduced connection between Downtown to Boyle Heights. On the east side of the river, on most of its lengths the railway tracks are crossed under, except on two certain point. In the north, a new created Design Campus is located. A new pedestrian bridge connects the existing Arts District and SCI-Arc University with the new campus. In
the south a new event plaza also cross over the existing tracks. In com-
bination with the nearby market halls this is the new shopping hub in this area.
On the underground floor, space is reserved for the existing logistic business, so items can be delivered from the railway to the shops in very short distances.
N
When designing the new street grid, it was important to making it possible to keeping some existing buildings. So the MTA building, a service and logistic building for trains is still there. Also some existing warehouses can still be found in this area and be used for film production. The
S 0
200
existing railway tracks of the former logistic business where turned
into pedestrian paths, which lead to public destinations like a museum, a park and the municipality.
Although the street system as well as the block devel-
Fig. 84: Urban design master plan
opment are very strict, the whole new district is opened up by several open
Fig. 85: Public transport network
spaces, parks and other public uses.
86
RIVERPARK PARK 101 SECTION A RIVER PARK SECTION A SQUARE
DESIGN CAMPUS
CAMPUS 3RD STRE
PARK
ET
SCIBUS TERMINAL
ARC
CAMPUS
4 TH ST MUSEUM
PARK
RE
ET
MTA
SECTION B
SQUARE SQUARE
SECTION B
MUNICIPALITY
BUS TERMINAL PLAZA
LOGISTICS STUDIO
6TH STREET
EVENT PLAZA
MARKET HALLS SECTION C
7TH STREET
87
SECTION C
MUNICIPALITY
PARK MUSEUM
SQUARE BUS TERMINAL CAMPUS DESIGN CAMPUS
RIVER PARK
SQUARE
MTA
PARK 101 SQUARE
SCI-ARC
PARK
STUDIO MARKET HALLS
BUS TERMINAL PLAZA EVENT PLAZA
N
S
0
25
Fig. 86: Master Plan
Design Campus
This
is a zoom-in into the campus area, where the crossed under railway
tracks are turning into an underground railway line.
Right next to the design
campus a bus terminal is located.
The
idea in the whole area was to give the pedestrians the priority and see
motorist traffic as guests.
So there are three to four meter wide walkways.
in most crossings, the pavement of the sidewalks continuous, whereas the asphalt of the streets is interrupted.
By this the motor traffic gets slowed At the crossing all the paths on swales are accessible for pedestrians, by what the green stripes in the middle of the streets can be used for people. down automatically and pedestrian feel save.
N
Next
to two car lanes are two meter wide bike lanes in each direction pro-
vided.
Between the bike lanes and the sidewalks a small green area is introParking spaces are not introduced along the main boulevards. Car parking is possible either in building’s courtyards or in underground parking spaces. In General, in this urban design the main planning principles of Jan Gehl are put into practice. duced, where palm trees give shadow.
S 0
20
Fig.  87:  River and Design Campus in Boyle Heights
90
UNDERGROUND TRAIN STATION
DESIGN CAMPUS
BUSTERMINAL CAMPUS
91
CINEMA
River Park
N
The River Park crosses under the railway tracks on both sides of the river. The park is terraced on some parts, so the flood never uses the whole area, and people can still use it. In the diagrams above the different steps in a flood scenario, and which parts of the park are still available for users are shown. After the flood, due to the irregular bottom of the park, small lakes will remain. GSEducationalVersion
GSEducationalVersion
GSEducationalVersion
GSEducationalVersion
S 0
20
Fig. 88: River Park transformation during flood Fig. 89: River Park
The existing concrete of the river bed is not only used for terracing, also a small hill is created, which turns into an island during flood. Trees along the railway tracks take care of noise protection. 92
PARK 101
CAFE’
PLAYGROUND
CAMPFIRE
BBQ
93
SPORT AREA
Street Design
Swales in middle of the streets not only give the river some space to expand, they are also accessible for people. At crossings, people can access the swales by paths, which are running through the green space and connect several benches and meeting places. New
public transport lines have been introduced, especially along the new
designed boulevards.
Also
the existing railway tracks are usable for peo-
ple, so there is an underground train station below the new Fig.  90:  Street view: Design Campus and swale
planned.
Design Campus Two new bus terminals are very well placed in traffic junctions. 94
95
Balcony View Facing Downtown
The River
is widen on some parts of its length, which means on the west
side the railway tracks are boxed in, whereas on the east side the tracks are crossed under. Fig.  91:  View facing west: Regular and flood case
Especially
waterfront buildings on the east river bank have
a great view across the revitalized river towards the skyline of
Los Angeles. 96
97
Penthouse View Facing North
Fig.  92:  View facing north: Regular and flood case
On both sides of the river new promenades have been designed, which are kept as pedestrian area. The first four to five stories of the waterfront buildings are designed as a pedestal, floors above are stepped back, to keep the human scale in this area. On the ground floor the space is used for cafes, restaurants and shops, whereas the upper floors are used for offices and housing. 98
99
Wetland
Fig.  93:  Wetland view facing south
This view one gets when standing on one of the platforms in the River Park. Surrounded by nature, the platforms can be used for relaxing or fishing. Several paths are crossing the wetland and connecting Boyle Heights and Downtown Los Angeles. Although two railway bridges are crossing the River Park, the nature does not feel interrupted at all. The wetland simply flows under the bridges. 100
101
River Park
Here
the connection from the east to the west is very good visible.
The Park101 is flowing from the Civic Center in Downtown Los Angeles towards the river and ends at the new designed River Park. The existing concrete of the river bed is not only used for terracing, also a small hill is created, which turns into an island during flood. Trees along the railway tracks take care of noise protection. planned
Fig.  94:  River Park: Regular and flood case
102
103
Section
Fig.  95:  Section: Regular and flood case
The section view shows how the redesigned Los Angeles River looks during flood. The water simply flows under the railway tracks, whereby the rail traffic does not get disturbed at all. Paths and platforms inside the river are under water. Due to the use of durable materials, the elements do not get damaged. 104
105
Conclusion
ANIS RADZI DR.-ING. BArch. MUrbDes
PETER DROEGE DIETRICH SCHWARZ PROF. DIPL.-ARCH. ETH/SIA
PROF. DI MAAS GOETZ STOECKMA
PROF. DIPL.-ING. DIP
HUGO DWORZAK DIPL.-ING. ARCH. MArch
ROBERT MAIR DIPL.-ING.
NN
P AA
PETER A. STAUB PROF. DIPL. AA MSC LSE
CONRADIN CLAVUOT DIPL.-ARCH. ETH
“After several months of preparing, researching, designing and planning I got a completely different view on the Los Angeles River. This stream is not a scar in the urban pattern, or an eyesore in the heart of the city. Due to its appearance the river is already an icon, which acts as a sight in L.A. This stream is a forgotten treasure, which, if it gets treated the right way, could breathe new life in the vast urban sprawl of Los Angeles.”
How can Urban Design improve a lifeless area around a nonaccessible and channeled river?
Fig.  97:  Final presenting sheets
The biggest and most important input for an attractive development between Downtown and Boyle Heights is given by the Los Angeles River. Now the stream is accessible for
Another
residents and can be used for all
is created with shops, offices and es-
kind of activities.
Although the identity of the channel is mainly kept, due
pecially housing units, people will be
to the enormous network of canals
new facilities such as a campus, mu-
and swales, the river is now percep-
seum, several squares and event pla-
tible in the whole surrounding area.
zas, the quality of the new created
The Los Angeles River gives this new created area an unique perception. The redesigned river is now a connecting element between Downtown and Boyle Heights. A new street
district raises even more.
grid ensures a smooth transition
Although this part of Downtown already does a very positive mutation,
across the stream.
important thing to improve
a lifeless area is to make this region attractive for people.
By
introduc-
ing two new boulevards on both sides of the river, where a mixed-use
there automatically.
The
booming
By
introducing
Arts District
on the
west side of the river has been improved by designing a master plan.
108
particular buildings in this area re-
en pedestrians, so
Jan Gehl’s urban played a very im-
ally disturb a further development
design principles
of the region. It was necessary to
portant role in redesigning the area
introduce an urban concept, which
around the river.
ensures not only a continuing ex-
signed street level, people prefer to
pansion, but also is a step towards
be on streets, parks or at the river
a sustainable and sufficient use of
rather than to sit in a car.
Due
to a well de-
space and resources.
In A
new introduced public transport
this master’s thesis the main fo-
cus was to create a master plan and
to new tram and bus
Technical details have been considered as well, nevertheless the next step in real-
lines as well as a use of the existing
izing the purposed plans would be
railway for passenger traffic, the
to work out the whole idea in detail.
number of motor vehicles in this new
Especially
system ensures a quick and simple connection to the surrounding districts.
Due
designed part of
Los Angeles
duced a lot.
main priority is giv-
109
The
is re-
develop an urban concept.
hydraulic engineers and
ecologists have to be consulted in case of a further development.
Annex
Bibliography
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Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015
Chapter I: Fig. 03: Fig. 04: Fig. 05:
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Chapter II: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 18: Google Earth; 2015 Fig. 19: Lane Barden; archdaily.com/533284/los-angeles-the-river-city/53d802ddc07a80d9710001cb_los-angeles-the-river-city-_lar_34_7064_metropolis-jpg Fig. 20: Gary Leonard; ladowntownnews.com/development/los-angeles-river---civic/article_ f5472310-800f-11e0-acf2-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=jqm_gal City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles River Revitaization Master Plan; 2007 Fig. 21: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 22: Openstreetmap.org; maps.latimes.com/neighborhoods/neighborhood/downtown; 2015 Fig. 23: Openstreetmap.org; maps.latimes.com/neighborhoods/neighborhood/downtown; 2015 Fig. 24: Openstreetmap.org; maps.latimes.com/neighborhoods/neighborhood/boyle-heights; 2015 Fig. 25: 113
Table of Figures
Fig. 26: Fig. 27: Fig. 28: Fig. 29: Fig. 30: Fig. 31: Fig. 32: Fig. 33: Fig. 34: Fig. 35: Fig. 36: Fig. 37: Fig. 38: Fig. 39: Fig. 40: Fig. 41: Fig. 42: Fig. 43: Fig. 44: Fig. 45: Fig. 46: Fig. 47: Fig. 48: Fig. 49: Fig. 50: Fig. 51: Fig. 52: Fig. 53:
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Chapter III: Fig. 55: Fig. 56: Fig. 57: Fig. 58: Fig. 59: Fig. 60: Fig. 61: Fig. 62: Fig. 63: Fig. 64: Fig. 65: Fig. 66: Fig. 67: Fig. 68: Fig. 69: Fig. 70: Fig. 71: Fig. 72: Fig. 73: Fig. 74: Fig. 75: Fig. 76: Fig. 77: Fig. 78: Fig. 79: 115
Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Bianca Barragan; la.curbed.com/archives/2015/03/housing_crisis_los_angeles_construction.php; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles River Revitaization Master Plan; 2007 Hengshui Baole Rubber Products Trading Co.; rubberdam.org/technology/install-inflatable-rubber-dams.html; 2014 Brad Lancaster; permaculturenews.org/2009/01/19/street-orchards-for-community-security/; original from from “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 1”; 2009 Brad Lancaster; permaculturenews.org/2009/01/19/street-orchards-for-community-security/; original from from “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 1”; 2009 Fig. 80: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 81: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 82: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Chapter IV: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 84: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 85: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 86: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 87: City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 88: River Revitaization Master Plan; Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 89: 2007 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 90: City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 91: River Revitaization Master Plan; Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 92: 2007 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 93: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 94: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 95: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 96: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Fig. 97: Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015 Dominic Lueftenegger; 2015
116
The Rebirth of the Los Angeles River I
hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the present paper has been
prepared independently by myself and without unpermitted aid.
Anything that
has been taken verbatim or paraphrased from other writings has been identified as such.
This
paper has hitherto been neither submitted to an examining
body in the same or similar form, nor published.
Vaduz, July 13th
Dominic Lueftenegger
117
The Los Angeles River is an 82 kilometer long stream which starts
San Fernando Valley and flows Pacific Ocean in Long Beach. On a big part of its length in
into the
the river flows in a huge concrete shell, which was built to protect
Los Angeles of storm water.
floods in case of
The thesis question is: How
can
Urban Design
improve a
lifeless area around a non-accessible and channeled river?
This
question is going to be an-
swered on the as an example.
Los Angeles River