Design and Architecture

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Bridges and Walls: Invisible Walls Mar 13, 2018

Show notes

There are walls that impact the communities they contain, but are naked to the eye. On today’s “Bridges and Walls” episode we explore three examples of invisible walls: the boundaries that mark gang territories; zoning codes that divide communities; and the West LA eruv, a ritualistic fence that allows Orthodox Jews to perform certain tasks on Shabbat, the traditional day of rest.

Dying mall Westside Pavilion to have new life as offices Mar 07, 2018

Show notes

It’s happening all over the US -- a phenomenon known as dead mall syndrome. A mix of overbuilding of malls in recent decades coupled with dramatic changes in retail habits has caused the demise of many malls. Some however are getting a new lease of life, as something else. And that’s what’s happening to the Westside Pavilion on Pico at Overland in West LA.

Bridges and Walls: LA River, part 2 Mar 06, 2018

Show notes

The Los Angeles River in downtown is getting new bridges and parks. But with the greening of the river may come “green gentrification.” DnA tours a disused railyard that will be turned into a park, hears about dreams for changes in the Lower LA River and talks to architect Frank Gehry and other stakeholders about LA County’s updated masterplan for the entire 51 miles of flood channel.

Visual design in this year's Oscar nominees Feb 28, 2018

Show notes

It’s the Oscars this weekend, and most of the buzz is about the acting honors and the horse race for best picture. But there’s a whole community in LA that will be watching for winners in the below-the-line categories whose creative talents do not typically become household names. That includes sound, editing, and the production and set design that can make or break a movie.

Bridges and Walls: LA River, part 1 Feb 27, 2018

Show notes

Eighty years ago this week, rain poured down on Los Angeles. Floods washed out roads, bridges and thousands of homes. The devastation led to total channelization that would forever shape -- and divide -- Los Angeles. Now efforts are underway to build new bridges, bring back wildlife and forge new connections at the LA River. But with those efforts come anxiety about change.

Orange bridge over trickling water Feb 21, 2018

Show notes

The LA City Council approved a new bridge this week to cross the Los Angeles River. It would connect Frogtown, otherwise known as Elysian Valley, to Taylor Yard, a former railway site in Cypress Park. And it would be for pedestrian and cyclists only. No cars allowed. Its bright orange color is eye catching, but the price may also take your breath away. And it’s just one of three bridges now being planned to span the river.

Bridges and Walls: Wildlife Crossing Feb 20, 2018

Show notes

Wild animals need to roam, but our freeways are in the way. Now a proposed bridge over the 101 would allow mountain lions and other wildlife to cross safely over the freeway and improve their access to food and mates. But can humans and predatory animals coexist in the city?

Bridges and Walls: High Speed Rail Feb 13, 2018

Show notes

California’s biggest infrastructure project is a high-speed rail network that would connect San Francisco, the Central Valley and Los Angeles, bridging communities cut off by the state's difficult geography. However, farmers see the train as driving a wall through their land. Despite widespread criticism, parts of the route are being built in Fresno, opening up new opportunities in the Central Valley.

Bridges and Walls: The Border Wall Feb 06, 2018

Show notes

Can a wall also act as a bridge? The U.S.-Mexico border wall stretches along 700 miles. It divides two nations that are strategic allies and trading partners, and continues to divide Americans along partisan lines. It also “brings people together in really remarkable and interesting ways,” and DnA tells their stories.

Rebuilding infrastructure and the border wall Jan 31, 2018

Show notes

In his State of the Union address, Trump talked about rebuilding infrastructure, but offered no specific projects and vague plans for how to pay for them. Meanwhile he said almost nothing about building the border wall, a common refrain since the early days of his campaign.

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