The research context is based on the problematic situations of urban riparian area (Miami River & Canal). With research by design as the main method, the research aims to retransform the riparian area from an isolated line into a closely connected urban zone through designing the river & canal as urban landscape infrastructure and improving urban ecosystem services. By relieving the flooding pressure and improving water quality, it provides a healthier water system and new systematic green public space in the condition of complex riparian land use. The research supplies a framework transforming the waterline from an object into a system by organizing participation of diverse stakeholders, which has significant practical and academic relevance.