San Diego, CA
From Borderlines to Blurred Boundaries: San Diego-Tijuana as the World Design Capital 2024
When drawing, lines are fundamental elements of composition. They delineate space, outline structures, and define boundaries. When it comes to maps and borders, the line acquires a particular meaning, as this “simple” graphic expression marks a powerful division between regions, setting the beginning or the end of a territory. This line has a profound meaning at the limit between Mexico and the United States, where it constantly blurs and questions the border. In these places, multiculturalism is a daily occurrence, with a continuous negotiation of boundaries present in all aspects of life. The dynamic of these borders involves design and the generation of a complex network of interactions and collaborations.
Rather than being divided into Tijuanenses on one side and San Diegans on the other, this particular region stands out as a community whose essence harmonizes with a deep legacy of cross-border collaboration, rather than being seen as cities separated by a line. As the first binational designation in the history of the World Design Capital (WDC) program, the Tijuana-San Diego region shares a common interest in addressing urban, social, and economic issues through design. Thus, via conferences, policy summits, and workshops, the region seeks to enhance the catalyzation of ideas through its designation.
The region’s connection is visible from its urban layout, which, seen on a map, shows the continuity of roads and bodies of water—such as the Tijuana River—, to architecture developed on both sides of the border. In addition, being the busiest border corridor in the world, some people who constantly move between these two cities live through a concept that we could aptly call a “third nation.” Geographic proximity and continuous interaction have resulted in a hybrid, collaborative, and binational culture, of which several facets stand out.
Several examples illustrate the collaborative spirit that has historically existed in the region, illustrating the concept of the third nation. One notable example is Friendship Park, a small stretch of shared land split by a single fence. Projects like “La Linea Borrosa” (The Blurred Line) also emphasize this ideal, showcasing how borders can serve to connect rather than divide. Many of these initiatives, along with numerous other instances of cross-border collaboration, are now integrated into the program’s venues or serve as references in its conferences, which we will discuss below.
The Salk Institute: A Collaboration Between Louis Kahn and Luis Barragán
A notable aspect of this project is its history of cooperation, particularly between Luis Barragán and Louis Kahn, marking one of the first modern examples of cross-border collaboration. In the 1960s, through letters and phone calls, the two architects established a communication that culminated in Kahn’s visit to Mexico and Barragán’s visit to the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California.
During Barragán’s visit, the courtyard’s design was still evolving. Despite Kahn having proposed several ideas, none had been compelling until that point. It was during this visit that significant interactions were sparked between Salk, Kahn, and Barragán, particularly when considering the central space among the laboratories. This reflection had a profound impact on the project. Although each had always developed an architectural language of its own, subtle but significant points of connection can be perceived in the Salk Institute, particularly in the appreciation of pure forms and water, an element shared between the research center and Barragán’s work.
Explorations of the San Diego-Tijuana Region
One example of the region’s common vision is the research project “Temporary Paradise: A Look at the Special Landscape of the San Diego Region,” a report prepared in 1974 for the city of San Diego by Donald Appleyard and Kevin Lynch. This study promotes a unified approach for shared development and culture between San Diego and Tijuana. This work has been continued by Dr. Bruce Appleyard (son of Donald Appleyard), who reinforces the joint approach between the two cities. Therefore, one cannot discuss San Diego without mentioning Tijuana, and vice versa.
Exploring the cross-border relationship, the project analyzes and presents potential opportunities for developing the area while preserving the common natural landscape. It proposes a human-scale approach, aiming to slow and redirect urban development. This plan ranges from highways and improved transportation systems to pedestrian walkways and bike lanes, and even the construction of a binational airport on the border with Mexico, something that to some extent is already a reality with Tijuana’s international airport.
Cross-Border Exchange: Tijuana Cultural Center and Balboa Park
The establishment of cultural venues in the region is vital not just to enhance Tijuana’s and San Diego’s urban landscape, but also to serve as hubs for exchange and connectivity between Mexico and the United States. As part of the WDC agenda, the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) hosted several events of the World Design Festival powered by Tijuana Design Week. This building, designed by Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, not only symbolizes a fraction of the city’s identity but also serves as a cultural center, hosting a wide range of activities including exhibition halls, conferences, and a museum.
Similarly, Balboa Park reflects this spirit as the heart of recreation and community life in San Diego. This space is the largest urban park in the United States and is home to the San Diego Art Institute, and the Museum of Photographic Arts, among others. It also hosts a series of itinerant events that extend throughout the park. In both CECUT and Balboa Park, the theme of borders is recurrent and enriches the cultural life of both places.
To further strengthen this bond and advance the connection between the cities, the Exchange Pavilion will be installed in both Tijuana and San Diego. In Tijuana, it will be located at Plaza Independencia (near CECUT), while in San Diego, it will be situated at Plaza de Panama at Balboa Park. Reflecting the importance of the WDC to the region, the temporary installation will act as a bridge connecting people from diverse backgrounds, inspiring conversations, and fostering a sense of unity.
What’s Next in the World Design Capital (WDC) Program?
As a biannual designation, rather than a stand-alone event, the WDC program will continue to expand through other events such as the World Design Experience and the World Design Network of Cities Meeting. These activities will culminate in the Convocation Ceremony, a symbolic event marking the official “handover” of the WDC recognition from San Diego-Tijuana to the region of Frankfurt RheinMain (Germany), the next host city.
As this transition arrives, the WDC 2024 program celebrates the San Diego-Tijuana region, highlighting collective achievements across diverse design expressions and inspiring collaborative action to address community challenges. The goal is to equip both cities with new tools to apply design thoughtfully, achieving positive transformations in their context.
San Diego, CA
The gun violence that has taken place in the last two days is prompting San Diego community members to take action.
As local members of the Jewish community celebrated the first day of Hanukkah, they joined in solidarity with those impacted by the tragedy in Australia.
Meanwhile, other members of the community honored the lives lost to gun violence.
Despite the somber and tragic events that have unfolded in the last two days, the community is holding strong.
San Diegans are choosing to focus on the light rather than the darkness.
“Our job is not just to spread light with words, but with actions,” Rabbi Yossi Tiefenbrun, Director of Chabad of Pacific Beach said.
As members of the Jewish community gathered at Liberty Station Sunday night to kick off the first day of Hannukah by the lighting of the menorah, their hearts are with their brothers and sisters in Bondi, Australia, where two attackers killed at least 15 people in a shooting during the Jewish holiday celebration.
“Personally, it’s been a very difficult day. The Rabbi in the city of Australia was a classmate of mine. We grew up together in London, England. So waking up to that kind of news was devastating,” Rabbi Yossi Tiefenbrun said.
The tragedy in Australia comes just hours after a gunman opened fire at Brown University, killing two and injuring at least nine others.
“For every shooting, for every death, there’s a family behind that. There are friends, there are loved ones,” Carol Landale said.
Sunday also marks 13 years since a gunman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton, Connecticut, killing 20-first graders and 6 staff members.
“When will this stop… When will the powers of this world say enough?” Rev. Penny Bridges, Dean, St. Paul Cathedral said.
The annual vigil of remembrance for the victims of gun violence was held Sunday night at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
“In this festive time of advent and festive season of Hanukkah, we call on our loving and living God to bring peace to our world, to end the evil of Gun violence,” Rev. Penny Bridges said.
With violence erupting on the first day of Hanukkah, the head of security for the Jewish Federation said they are working with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of everyone in the community.
“I think it’s important for everyone to know that there are no articulated threats in our area we just have to be situationally aware,” Bill Ganley, Community Security Director for the Jewish Federation said.
San Diegans are standing strong in solidarity for one another, hoping for a brighter future ahead.
“We will fight with light whenever there is darkness,” Michael Sclar, who attended the menorah lighting said.
In a statement to NBC 7, The American Jewish Committee of San Diego said in part, “Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, and while we are horrified and devastated, we are not surprised…Hanukkah is time for joy and light and this year, we hope others will join us as we light our candles in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community. Because antisemitism is a threat to all of society and if we fail to push back against this evil hatred, everyone is at risk.
PACIFIC BEACH (CNS) – Two San Diego police officers who were on foot in a Pacific Beach intersection were struck tonight by a car operated by a wrong-way driver who was believed intoxicated.
The crash occurred at 8:25 p.m. Saturday in the intersection of Thomas Avenue and Mission Boulevard, San Diego Police Department Officer Anthony Carrosco told City News Service.
The suspect’s Honda Civic was eastbound in westbound lanes when it struck the on-duty officers, Carrosco said. It was unclear what the officers were doing in the roadway.
One officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to a trauma center, he said. The other officer was not injured.
The man driving the Honda was arrested for suspicion of felony DUI, Carrosco said. The man’s name and age were not immediately released.
The intersection was closed for the investigation, he said.
Copyright 2025, City News Service, Inc.
Sez Me …
We should have known better. I’m an idiot for not guessing that making sense out of the College Football Playoffs would be about as pleasurable as getting a colonoscopy with a rusted rake left out in the snow.
As far back as I can remember — and those of us over 50 know this Unsocial Media’s Generation’s memory goes back a week — I’ve been shouting from the rooftops that we must have a college football playoff.
(Although I will admit to not spending much time on rooftops lately, now that TV antennas have gone the way of the carburetor.)
A four-team tournament was a good start, but obviously not large enough. When it went to 12, it appeared to be the ideal number. Those who bitched over not making the final four now were going to get a chance to prove themselves on the field of play.
The big deal today is Notre Dame being left out of the top 12, with James Madison and Tulane getting in because the system allows conference champions. Notre Dame is independent, thus no conference — in football only.
This is a real shame.
As you know, I’m no fan of the Irish. Up to this minute, they’ve been privileged beyond belief. Both ND and Miami finished with 10-2 records, but the Irish lost to the Hurricanes in the opener, and by the time the selection committee made its final list, it took head-to-head into account. Which is the way it should be, when both teams finish with the same records.
Pouting Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, whose school has chosen not to appear in a menial (for them) bowl game, says few schools ever have had a more successful run than ND.
The programs the Irish beat in that 10-game span had an overall record of 55-65. Historic.
Despite all that, ND was one of the few teams that seemed capable of winning the national title. It certainly belonged in over Alabama, but the SEC has special powers.
The Irish will be in it soon enough. I suspect the tournament will balloon to 16 teams. The problem now is that with NIL and rampant portal transferring, we have parity as we’ve never had it before. And that’s not a good thing. It will be much harder for the James Madisons of the world to make it.
But this isn’t basketball. It doesn’t deserve to be in.
The Dukes lost 28-14 to Louisville, their only power conference opponent (and not a good one). And they’re a three-touchdown underdog to Oregon in the tournament. Notre Dame and Oregon would be close.
But that’s just too damn bad. …
Indiana’s Curt Cignetti is the most dour head football coach at any level I’ve seen. You can sit this guy down in front of “Blazing Saddles” and he’s watching “Camille.” …
Curt isn’t winning the national title, but he’s done a helluva job at Bob Knight’s school. Come to think of it, he’s Bob without the chair. …
The Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, who is leaning at the tape as the worst head coach to win a Super Bowl, worked all week with the Philly offense. Jalen Hurts had a 31.2 passer rating vs. the NFL Team That Used To Be Here on Monday night. Smokey Gaines, where are you? That’s 31.2 more than a dead man. …
Daiyan Henley tackling Tony Jefferson after his overtime pick vs. the Eagles was wise. But because it was OT, even if Jefferson had fumbled it away and Philly recovered, the game would have been over. No extra possessions allowed in OT. …
Philip Rivers, 44, who last played football in 2020, should stay as far away from the NFL as humanly possible, perhaps have another child. Alas, he can’t help himself. …
Philip has been signed by the Colts, moving his Hall of Fame eligibility up five more years — which could mean a few more kids. …
But he’s going to play. Probably Sunday. You know that. …
In fact, I’m certain Philip eventually will become the first great-grandfather to play in The League. …
Philip has to be in better shape than Justin Herbert, no? …
Jim Harbaugh is right. Herbert is a superhero. …
Patrick Mahomes is a great quarterback. But he is a lousy quarterback under pressure. Always has been. Except there’s more pressure now. Still, if the Judases give him time to throw Sunday, adios J’s. …
With that offensive line protecting Herbert the way Sarajevo cops guarded Archduke Franz Ferdinand, it remains a wonder the Judases can win a game. But it’s December, when defense matters. …
Told you. Joe Burrow is Andrew Luck waiting to happen. …
The only games the NFL should play on Christmas Day are the ones the athletes and coaches bought for the kids to open. …
Todd Bowles, we know you can cuss. Try coaching better before driving the bus over your players. …
Bill Johnston, for 39 years publicist for the NFL Team That Used To Be Here, and serving for the last nine with the Padres, is retiring. He learned from the best, Rick Smith, a bulldog, and Bill had that attitude as he battled relentlessly beside wife Ramona through her two-decade battle with Huntington’s Disease. One of the finest men I’ve known. …
Sherrone Moore has been fired as Michigan’s football coach because of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Sherrone then lost it and got thrown in stir for stalking and home invasion. Lane Kiffin still has time to change his mind and go to Ann Arbor. …
The Michigan job is near the top. Great history. Unlimited resources. …
USC’s Makai Lemon was the best receiver I saw all year. So he won the Biletnikoff Award. Amazing. Others agreed with me. …
The Padres have signed reliever Daison Acosta. Now there’s one with some teeth. …
The Padres and Diamondbacks will meet in Mexico City April 25 and 26? Why? Plenty of Mexican food here, and Richardson’s in Phoenix is the best Mexican in America. OK, international games are stupid. …
Now in his second year in the Fox booth, Tom Brady is getting better as he tries to earn all of that 10-year, $375 million salary. It’s what happens when Bill Belichick tells him what to say. …
Happens every week. During Steelers-Ravens, the officials screwed the Ravens into Fort McHenry. …
Officials finally got something right. They called 19 accepted penalties on the pathetic Falcons Thursday night vs. the Bucs. Atlanta still won. …
Hey, Bicycle Mayor and His Ham & Eggers: Have you taken a ride south on Kettner toward the I-5 South onramp, featuring the Rick Schloss bump? Hope you have four-wheel drive. What a disgrace. Welcome to San Diego, rental car users. …
Jeff Kent was a good baseball player. I never considered him a Hall of Famer. Still don’t. …
Army-Navy. Fastest game. As though Randy Jones were pitching. …
I was at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, which, I believe, makes me eligible for the FIFA Peace Prize. …
How can whistles be that clean?
Scarlett Johansson and June Squibb bonded on ‘Eleanor the Great.’ Well, except that one scene
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99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
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