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

L.A. Union Station Run-Through Tracks Complicated By Vernon Challenge

Much needed improvements now face potential cost increases and delays over a planned relocation of a short stretch of private rail storage tracks

October 17, 2025

Metro To Open D Line Subway Extension By March 2026

The 4-mile Metro D Line Extension Section 1 will extend from Wilshire/Western in Koreatown to La Cienega/Wilshire in Beverly Hills

October 15, 2025

Huntington and Fremont to get Complete Street Redesigns in South Pasadena

Early concepts portray lush, green streets - with pedestrian, bike, and bus facilities.

October 14, 2025
See all posts