San Diego + Tijuana: Cross-Border Connections Through Design
The San Diego-Tijuana region has made cultural waves as an epicenter of design. The bi-national collaboration on architecture, visual arts, culinary, and historical preservation all go to show why the region was named a finalist for World Design Capital in 2024.
This year, San Diego Design Week kicks off on September 8 with a host of programs (even an entire category!) from regional designers based in Mexico and the U.S. aimed at highlighting the region’s unique creativity, connection and synergy. Check out a few of our favorite upcoming programs honoring this special part of our region’s design-focused innovation and community.
Honoring Tijuana’s History
‘Pasajes’ is an article by Carolina Gómez Bernal that offers an introduction to the eight existing passages (pasajes) on the famous Avenida Revolución, to remind readers of their history and present-day value. Similarly, “In Memory of the Fallen” is a panel discussion hosted by Sharlinee Ceniceros Toscano and Se Hace Arquitectura to highlight the losses in Tijuana’s urban memory, historical heritage, and built identity, and aims to explore opportunities to recover it.
Uplifting Today’s Culture
In addition to the mentioned presenting and designers (and community designers and members) who make San Diego-Tijuana’s culture so great, watch Natural Urbano’s short film on the studio’s contemporary lighting and furniture design process. You can also join CreativeMornings Tijuana host Alejandro Cartagena to connect with the creative community as they explore the theme “Dare.” For Design Week attendees who want to explore Mexico’s cultural flavor across the region, check out this panel on Mexican natural wine, or this virtual presentation by Mexico Curated.
Designing for the Future
To learn how designers are working to preserve the region’s culture while dreaming for the future, view this virtual presentation of Rancho L86 – a boutique hotel and property in the Valle de Guadalupe region and the architectural transformation of a small brick factory in San Antonio de las Minas called Ladritec L86. Additionally, Build That Park! will take attendees on a tour of the vision for a new and improved Friendship Park on its 50th anniversary.