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Design Process

THUR-FS-07: Unlocking the LA River Through Art, Design, and Engineering

Thursday, September 17, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM PT
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Field Session Departure Area (South Lobby)
SOLD OUT Extensive Walking
3.00 PDH, LA CES/HSW, AICP, FL
Ticket Price: $105 per person

Metabolic Studio

LA River/ Metabolic Studio


A journey along the LA River explores how artists and landscape architects are innovating how we create community-centered projects within flood infrastructure. Participants visit an artist’s studio that has secured a water right, an inclusive river modeling lab, and a lived-stewardship project—each reimagining how we transform urban rivers and infrastructure.

Includes transportation. Extensive walking.

Accessibility: This session includes a mile walk along the river. While the route is not technical, the distance and slightly irregular access points may present challenges for some participants. Closed-toe shoes recommended.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Analyze how interdisciplinary collaboration among artists, engineers, and landscape architects expands possibilities within the crushing constraints of river flood management infrastructure.
  • Evaluate design methodologies that integrate advanced engineering modeling and multi-functional design and are made inclusive to the community and a broad range of stakeholders.
  • Identify methods for incorporating lived experience and storytelling into equitable river planning and stewardship.
  • Learn about how an artist’s urban river water rights/harvesting project to serve local parks is being implemented amidst overwhelming technical and bureaucratic obstacles.