The Partnership
PX is partnering with the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA) to reimagine the L.A. River. MRCA is a key steward of the Taylor Yard section of the river, and is supporting the transformation of land into a vibrant hub for nature and community. Together, we’re using innovative, community-driven design tools to create a vision that goes beyond flood control—one that enhances green spaces, nurtures ecosystems, and fosters a healthier, more resilient Los Angeles.
The Project
In fall 2024, the LA River team kicked off a project that will produce new design options that will help MRCA reach their goals for Taylor Yard. To do this, the project team will create:
- An augmented reality map: Visualizing Taylor Yard in augmented reality (AR) allows engineers and urban planners to see the opportunities and constraints of new designs. For example, Taylor Yard was historically a railyard, and turntables used to change the directions of freight trains still remain. Other challenges include electricity transmission towers throughout the site, as well as contaminated soil from prior industrial uses.
- An interactive computer model: Numerical modeling is a type of computer modeling that shows how changes to the river design impact the flow of water, in areas upstream and downstream of the design change. Understanding the flow of water and flood risk in this climate-stressed section of the river is critical to protecting the surrounding communities.
- Landscaping recommendations: Landscaping recommendations, building on this already verdant section of the LA River, can further revitalize the ecosystem and create more habitat for wildlife to thrive. While planting in the river could exacerbate flooding risk, placing vegetation strategically might actually reduce the risk in certain places.
- Illustrative designs: Informed by the previous activities and supported through collaborative stakeholder design, the research team will produce creative schematic design options that help meet the flood protection and habitat restoration goals of the site.
