Reimagining urban rivers

Using breakthrough visual tools and environmental data to redesign the L.A. River—so that it meets the demands of a 21st-century climate and serves those who live on its banks.

USC Launched 2022

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Innovative Design at Taylor Yard

We’re working with the 100 Acre Partnership to explore how water from the L.A. River could be reconnected to its historic floodplain at Taylor Yard. Restoring this natural floodplain could bring back vital river habitat that disappeared when the channel was built in 1938.

Photo source: Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

Data collection efforts

Augmented reality

We’re using AR to visualize Taylor Yard’s opportunities and constraints—from old railyard turntables to power lines and soil contamination—so planners can see the site’s full story before redesign begins and so that communities can understand why certain decisions are being made.

Interactive modeling

We’re creating computer models to show how design changes affect river flow upstream and downstream, which helps inform how a changing river could impact ecosystems and nearby communities.

Landscaping strategy

We’re identifying the impact of plants and trees on flood risk to strategically expand habitat, so we can support wildlife and make this stretch of the river more climate resilient at the same time.

Illustrative design

Real time data from the river—including flows, temperature, sediment, etc.—will become available in late 2024. This data will help support planning and monitoring of river restoration efforts.