ELECTRODUCT . LOS ANGELES
Will the Los Angeles River forever remain a concrete ditch, or is it realistic to believe it can be restored as a natural waterway? Imagine that a brand new ecosystem could be created with the introduction of even more infrastructure. What if the development of land actually led to the preservation of nature and more sustainable living conditions for all? Just as a beaver shapes the environment with every twig he moves, humans can do the same in a concrete jungle.
The Electroduct is a multidimensional structure that adapts to the seasonal character of the river it transverses. Beyond its primary function as a link between two developing areas, the bridge will control the flow of the river and generate its own electricity.
Built into the bridge is a hydrodynamic dam. When open, the bridge is resilient to periods of heavy flash floods. However, a majority of the year the water level is low. During this time the dam will be closed. As water reaches the edge of the river, several basins will be formed that can be enjoyed as public recreational areas. As these pools of water branch out further, the relation ship between the Strip and the river itself improves dramatically.
An ancillary benefit of the dam is the ability to generate hydroelectricity with its built-in water turbines. However, with the Electroduct electricity is generated not only by the water that flows beneath it, but also by the people who walk across it. Using the principles of piezoelectricity, a small amount of energy is generated and captured every time pressure is applied. One person walking for an hour can create 50 watts of electricity.
***Laguna fields
***Pocket Islands
