After 15 years of planning and five years of construction, the Prairie Creek Floodplain Restoration Project at ‘O Rew is complete. This 125-acre floodplain in Humboldt County—a stone’s throw from the Pacific—is now the last best chance for young salmon and steelhead in the Redwood Creek watershed. Where a mill once stood, wetlands now pulse with life, giving fish the space they need to grow strong before the ocean calls them home. This project does more than restore habitat—it reconnects waterways, people, and place, creating a living legacy for fish and the communities who depend on them.
Save the Redwoods League’s podcast, ‘I’ll Go If You Go,’ features Daniela Peña Corvillón in its fourth episode. Host Emily Harwitz explores Daniela’s innovative concept of ‘water architecture,’ a term she developed during her landscape architecture studies to emphasize water’s fundamental role in shaping life and landscapes.
Daniela shares insights from her work, including the ‘O Rew Redwoods Gateway project, illustrating how water’s flow nurtures life, particularly in redwood ecosystems. Through Daniela’s unique blend of artistic vision, design philosophy, and ecological understanding, listeners gain a fresh perspective on landscapes and a deeper appreciation for water’s pervasive influence on our world.
La arquitecta Daniela Peña Corvillón impartió la segunda sesión del ciclo de clases abiertas del curso optativo MAPA “Visualización y Representación de Paisajes”, dirigido por la profesora Consuelo Roldán en la Facultad de Arquitectura de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Bajo el título “El detalle constructivo en la naturaleza o la naturaleza en el detalle constructivo”, Daniela abordó el papel crucial del detalle constructivo en el acceso a áreas naturales y en la restauración ecológica. La presentación se basó en dos proyectos desarrollados en California, ilustrando la aplicación práctica de estos conceptos.
Changing the Commons: Stories about Placemaking” by John Northmore Roberts, published by ORO Editors, explores the transformation of iconic California landscapes like Yosemite Valley and Muir Woods. Daniela Peña Corvillón contributed to the book’s design and content direction.
The publication examines how these environments have been modified to balance built and natural elements, enhancing ecological integrity and public enjoyment. It serves as a resource for landscape architecture and conservation professionals, showcasing sustainable design’s impact on our shared natural heritage.
The 4th Street Paseo project, was honored with the prestigious 2018 Award for Design Excellence by Berkeley Design Advocates (BDA). This recognition came as part of the 2017-2018 biennial BDA Design Awards, a program that celebrates outstanding contributions to Berkeley’s urban landscape.
The project stood out among numerous nominations submitted by sponsors and architects across the city. BDA distinguishes base on excellence in urban planning and architecture, innovative and creative design solutions, as well that preservation of historic structures.
A short documentary by Cuban filmmaker Carlos Betancourt showcases an innovative clean water project in Palma Soriano, Eastern Cuba. This initiative, developed over a decade ago by river restoration experts from the University of California at Berkeley, demonstrates the power of community-driven environmental solutions.
Daniela Peña Corvillón played a crucial role as a clean water expert, implementing a low-tech, low-cost, and locally built water treatment system. The project transforms raw sewage, previously discharged into the Cauto River, into clean water through a series of ponds filled with plant and animal life that naturally remove toxins and sediment. This documentary not only highlights the technical aspects of the water treatment system but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Palma Soriano and the community’s active participation in environmental stewardship.
