Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Events

Place It! w/James Rojas in Downtown Los Angeles

 Let your imaginations run wild, while problem-solving, planning, designing, cooperating, and collaborating to build a 3-D interactive map/model of a city of your dreams in this critically-acclaimed workshop with MIT-graduate and city planner James Rojas!
Rojas will discuss key elements of the logistics, creativity, empathy and design used in shaping how we live using colorful found objects in order to build a city which provides a harmonious and efficient space for its citizens. The workshop will then let you put these concepts into action, giving attendees the opportunity to use their own creative interpretation of an “empire” of urban awesomeness: placing residential and commercial buildings, open spaces, street-mapping, and utilities into a sustainable mosaic.   Workshop denizens will then break into groups to show-and-tell their cities, followed by a session where various cities are made by a larger group synthesis, and culminating in group presentations on their designed cities.
This event is for ages 18 and under, with participants under 13 needing to be accompanied by an adult.   Adults: DON'T WORRY! You can participate, too! We'll assign you separate tables so you can come up with your versions and present them. The dialogue from different perspectives will make for delicious brain food.
James Rojas: Conceived by urban planner and SA+P alumnus James Rojas (MCP, SMArchS ’91), this interactive exercise breaks down planning barriers by using a 3- dimensional map to help people visualize and think through the planning process. Playing and visualizing with the 3-dimensional forms engages participants of all ages as well as creates a platform for diverse voices. The installation constantly changes as previous work builds upon the contributions of others. Rojas has taken these workshops across the world and in variations large (500 people) and small (10 people) to universities, corporations, individuals, nonprofits and more. FOr more, view the gallery: http://www.placeit.org/gallery.html

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Friday’s Headlines

ICE, WeHo K Line, HUD housing, clean-ups, bikes on stairs, BBB, Long Beach, Irvine, car-nage and more

February 13, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines

ICE, Vision Zero, Santa Monica bikeway, LADOT surveys, Mobility Plan, Westwood VA, Glendale-Hyperion Bridge, car-nage, and more

February 12, 2026

L.A. Seeks Input on Proposed Speed Camera Locations

L.A. is planning 125 speed camera systems citywide - location criteria includes histories of speeding/crashes/racing, areas with concentrated vulnerable populations, etc.

February 11, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

LAPD, ICE staging, L.A. Mayor's race, AI camera bus lane enforcement, L.A. is not Amsterdam, housing, car-nage, and more

February 11, 2026

Eyes on the Path: L.A. City Adding New Access Points to Chandler Path

New accessible ramp under construction at Strohm Avenue

February 10, 2026

This Week In Livable Streets

Alissa Walker, Florence bus lanes, Baldwin Park Greenway opening, ESFV rail, Santa Monica first/last mile connections, and more

February 10, 2026
See all posts