Woodbury School of Architecture Announces the Year of Mobility
Woodbury School of Architecture is excited to announce the Year of Mobility, our annual theme for the 2024-2025 academic year. As we look toward Los Angeles’ future, the Year of Mobility is an invitation to explore the city’s dynamic and evolving landscape of transportation infrastructure. Preparations for the 2028 Olympics and significant projects such as new subway lines, expanded bike infrastructure, a possible aerial gondola system linking Union Station to Dodger Stadium, and the new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station, among several others, are propelling us toward a multi-modal transit revolution.
Historically defined by its car culture, Los Angeles is undergoing a metamorphosis. Urban theorists like Reyner Banham, Jane Jacobs, and Mike Davis have all explored the relationship between transportation systems and urban development, each highlighting the challenges that come with car dependency.
Banham’s seminal work, The Architecture of Four Ecologies, introduced the concept of “Autopia,” showcasing how LA’s extensive freeway network has uniquely shaped its development and identity. Jane Jacobs critiqued how car-centric planning separated pedestrians from dynamic street life, advocating for human-centered urban planning. Mike Davis examined the social and environmental consequences of car-dependent development, which solidified the region’s urban sprawl and further marginalized many communities.
Today, Los Angeles actively addresses these critiques by embracing more sustainable and inclusive planning solutions. We’re redefining our urban experience, from transforming post- COVID parking spaces into vibrant community hubs to initiatives like CicLAvia. These efforts demonstrate a profound shift toward creating a more robust and accessible urban environment.
The Year of Mobility is a call to critically engage with these changes. It is a time to celebrate our progress and envision the future. As an academic institution, our projects and collaborations will explore the impacts these transportation advancements have on our neighborhoods, buildings, and the environment.
In the coming year, we will host symposiums, sponsored studios, and public programming that examine the question of mobility in Los Angeles. Our academic considerations aim to engage with real-world applications and foster creative design possibilities. As we embark on this journey, we are committed to being a part of the cultural and decision-making conversations shaping the city during this critical time.
We invite our students, faculty, and collaborators to explore and contribute to this theme, individually and collectively. Together, we seek to rigorously investigate how architecture and design can play a crucial role in shaping the future of our city. Whether it’s converting existing parking structures to create new housing opportunities or developing transit-oriented communities, we are dedicated to navigating the evolving landscape of mobility, embracing the spirit of innovation and progress that has defined our school for decades. Join us in celebrating the Year of Mobility as we move forward into a vibrant, multi-modal future.
Sincerely,
Heather Flood
Dean, School of Architecture