This Week on DnA: New Rules for CA Buildings and Plastic Bags, Activating Malibu Beaches and the LA River Through Play

Did you know that California is on a par with Europe when it comes to energy-efficiency in its buildings? That’s the view of Buro Happold‘s Julian Parsley, who explains the state’s new California Building Energy Efficiency standards. . . and why designers and their clients rushed to file projects with planning departments before the rules take effect.

LA.’s river and many of its Malibu beaches have been closed off for years to the public. But designers and activists are trying to change that. Jenny Price talks about activating these two “great public spaces” through play. Mia Lehrer shares her vision for a river’s edge for cyclists, pedestrians and outdoor eateries; and Caroline Chamberlain goes camping on concrete along with Kat Superfisky, Lewis Macadams and other “river sisters” and brothers.

Also coming up, who killed the plastic bag? On Everything Talks, a paper and a reusable bag fight for credit as new rules mean mom-and-pop grocery stores are now subject to the same plastic bag ban as the large chains. But in this satire penned and performed by Tom Saunders for DnA, the plastic bag makes a shocking comeback.