The Los Angeles River at Long Beach, 2000
Photograph by author
ABOUT THIS EXHIBIT
As the title "Past, Present, and Possibilities" implies, this exhibit explores the history and potential futures of the Los Angeles River. However, since the agenda of this exploration is to suggest regional urban design strategies, the research documented here examines not just the river bed but the entire river basin. The larger perspective provided by the watershed illuminates problems and leads to conclusions that cannot be addressed if one remains at the riverbank. In the process of this examination, the exhibit creates a point of intersection for the various organizations interested in the river's future, agencies responsible for watershed management, and the sources of on-line information necessary to understand the river's condition and evaluate different possibilities for its development. By providing a public clearinghouse of information on the river, the exhibit aims to create an informed citizenry and expand the current discussion surrounding the future of the Los Angeles River as an urban place.
The exhibit itself is designed to be accessed both as a logical narrative and as a non-linear database. The narrative begins at the INTRODUCTION, which establishes the purpose behind the research and briefly explains its analytical methodology. The analysis begins in the PAST, reviewing the history of floods; this of course concludes with the PRESENT condition. Projecting various scenarios into the future, POSSIBILITIES tentatively illustrates different urban design strategies suggested by the analysis of the river basin. Footnotes linking to the various organizations and agencies that monitor and disseminate information required to conduct this research are consolidated in SOURCES / LINKS. Throughout the website, text in white links to other sections, allowing the visitor to either bypass entire areas or enter specific points of the exhibit. Otherwise, follow "Next," which leads progressively through the entire exhibit. WHAT'S NEW records additions to the site since it was first posted in January 2000.
This exhibit is an abbreivation of research conducted to fulfill the thesis requirements for a graduate degree at the Southern California Institute of Architecture, and publicly presented in January of 2000. It would not be possible without the following individuals, whom I would like to thank: John Kaliski, who served as my thesis advisor; Jennifer Cosgrove and Yuval Yasky, who offered emotional and intellectual support at critical moments; and Vinayak Bharne, Juan Gomez-Novy, Stacey Lomer and Erika Tapp, who helped make the presentation a reality by assisting at the eleventh hour.
Comments may be directed to me at alanloomis@earthlink.net
Alan A Loomis, January 2000
COPYRIGHT: Maps and photographs credited to me may be used for academic and non-profit reports and presentations without prior approval.