The Piggyback Yard Conceptual Master Plan has been conceived with the goal of helping to transform Los Angeles for the symbiotic betterment of its community and its ecology, creating a significant opportunity for meaningful interaction between people and nature.

At its core is the specific goal of providing extensive public access to the Los Angeles River, populating, revitalizing its banks, and creating thriving possibilities surrounding its presence, the availability of land, connectivity to multiple transportation modes, and the strategic location of the Piggyback Yard at the heart of the city.

Our effort is also aimed at initiating a demonstration of how diverse groups can collaborate to realize a truly ambitious and transformative project. The Piggyback Yard Conceptual Master Plan is the fruit of a sincere collaboration between architects, landscape architects and urban planners working pro bono to propose a vision for this important site on behalf of Friends of the Los Angeles River. The future transformation of the Piggyback Yard will require that owners, public agencies, private developers and various interest groups work together to seize the numerous opportunities the site offers while balancing the various needs its redevelopment may fulfill. The creation of a truly democratic setting at the heart of Los Angeles will also demand that the citizens of this city care deeply about its future and get involved in the process.

PRINCIPLES

After studying the Piggyback Yard and its context, and after meeting with numerous groups, public agencies and experts, our collaborative design team formed the following principles to guide the master planning and design process.

Water

The Piggyback Yard Conceptual Master Plan must help revitalize and restore the Los Angeles River while promoting sustainable water management, including flood control, aquifer recharge and biofiltration, and must offer people generous access to a unique, urban, riparian landscape.

Open Space

The PBy Proposal must create significant, multivalent, universally accessible, public open space to allow recreation, promote physical activity, improve air quality, nurture human interaction and enable a closer relationship with nature.

Connectivity

The PBy Proposal must establish convenient access to the site for a broad population, and use the universal appeal of a transformed Piggyback Yard to help bridge between east and west, while maintaining all major existing railroads.

Community

The PBy Proposal must help build a vibrant neighborhood where a diverse community can live, work, learn and play, while responding to growing housing needs, preserving and creating good jobs, as well as encouraging the continued and future development of local activities such as biomedical research at the USC Medical Center and the creation of art at the Brewery.