Urban Planner Creates Bicycle-Pedestrian Fantasy Model for Santa Monica

The Latino Urban Forum's James Rojas has made a name for himself by designing interactive planning models for some of the LA area's most famous neighborhoods. Recently, he took a crack at creating a more sustainable Santa Monica.

1 minute read

February 11, 2009, 5:00 AM PST

By thedaymen


"Urban planner James Rojas, who's gained notoriety for his pedestrian-friendly visions, interactive models and passionate defense of Latino cultural icons such as the Taco Truck, has applied his vision to Santa Monica as part of an art show known entitled Shangri L.A."

"Using over, 2000 plus recycled knickknacks such Jenga pieces, Scrabble tiles, bottle caps, peppershakers, a translucent Boeing corporate paperweight and the like; Rojas creates a model for a future Santa Monica that is a pedestrian and bike paradise, designed to move residents and tourists from major transit hubs that will be created when the Subway to the Sea and Expo Light Rail lines are completed; the new design has circular streets that would slow down traffic and allow greater mobility for human-powered transportation."

"Rojas posits that the future of transportation in Southern California isn't going to resemble the Blade Runner vision of the movies, but rather it's polar opposite. Instead of a culture obsessed with using as much power as possible, future urban designs will accentuate, Streets for Human Powered Mobility, Places for Social Interaction, and Pedestrian Friendly Architecture ."

Thanks to Damien Newton

Monday, February 9, 2009 in Los Angeles Streetsblog

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing