The issue is looked at in utter isolation. This is the case with the Los Angeles River . With 3 million barrels of concrete, the river is looked at solely as a flood control device. It is unfortunate that mankind in its ignorant and selfish standalone attitude, totally abused this resource and even today turns a blind and ignorant eye at the multiple levels the river did and can connect to our lives. Much of the river edge has railway tracks and warehouses.
Residential areas use it as a backyard.
Railway tracks use it insensitively as a convenient right of way. Freeways trample over freely. And many use it as a dumpyard. In terms of water drainage, it is viewed as the sole variable in the entire process. This isolated perception has produced the obvious-an isolated outcome, denying it and the city, rich inputs that interaction can offer.