Architecture

Frank Gehry reportedly redeveloping Los Angeles River

Frank Gehry aims to turn the L.A. River into a system that could store and even treat storm water for use (Credit: US Army Cops of Engineers Los Angeles/Jay Field)
Frank Gehry aims to turn the L.A. River into a system that could store and even treat storm water for use (Credit: US Army Cops of Engineers Los Angeles/Jay Field)

According to the Los Angeles Times, Canadian-born architect and L.A. resident Frank Gehry is to significantly redevelop the L.A. River system. The changes will primarily focus on turning the river into a water reclamation system, in addition to increasing public access to the area.

Concreted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before the Second World War, the L.A. River currently carries storm water and treated wastewater to the Pacific Ocean.

The Los Angeles Times writes that when Gehry, who recently completed the "Brown Paper Bag," was approached to tackle the project, he only agreed on the condition that he could make water reclamation its focus. Given the severe drought in California, this was no doubt deemed attractive to city planners and the nod was duly given.

"I think we're wasting a lot of water at a time when we need it," Gehry is quoted as saying. The newspaper further reports that Gehry's office has been working on the project pro bono for a year already. Though details still somewhat lacking at present, the irreverent architect will also be landscaping the area around the river at key points to ensure the public can make better use of the area.

We can expect more details on the project to emerge as it progresses.

Source: Los Angeles Times

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4 comments
Stephen N Russell
Id add: More park benches, trees, picnic spots signage to areas, playarea for toddlers. BBQ area underground storage tanks. curvature in walls to capture rainwater into inlets. Sensor stations. CCTV security array for some areas Gates for No Bike riding after PM hours for security alone
Nelson
What a change, instead of designing uselessly ugly and dysfunctional buildings, Gehry is going to do something not for his ego.
the.other.will
Architecture troll!
the.other.will
The run-off has lots of contaminants. An artificial marsh to clean it?