What will LA look like in 2030?

Rending: Michael Maltzan Architecture

Given constrained natural resources and accelerating ecological degradation, environmental sustainability is imperative but has yet to present itself on the urban landscape as a principle element affecting the de-centered growth of contemporary cities like Los Angeles. Nevertheless, in the absence of national leadership, cities are trailblazing new multi-scalar sustainability initiatives and greenhouse gas reduction strategies in order to stave off environmental disaster. The influence of these efforts on urban form is yet to be seen but some of ideas proposed by cityLAB-UCLA, Gensler and Michael Maltzan Architecture for what Los Angeles will look like in 2030 give us a glimpse of what a more socially and environmentally conscious urbanism may look like. Their proposals are part of Newsweek Magazine's series about the Future of Work.

Each of the three entrants framed their discussion of the future of LA around four parameters: home, work, commute and recreation. Each offering differing perspectives and intriguing renderings of a possible but as yet unrealized future. The dynamic interaction of natural systems, infrastructure, housing and people holds tremendous promise for the future of Los Angeles. Clearly there doesn't seem to be any shortage of good ideas. The key at this point is trying to figure out how we get from here to there.