World Design Capital Exchange Pavilion opens in Balboa Park

 by Patricia Frischer

Wow, what a sight! The unmissable yellow/orange plastic corrugated structure glows in the summer light . The white steel infrastructure gives the abstracted “X” of the two wings meeting in the center, a solidity that speaks of its purpose. This is not only a gathering place for cross-border meetings, but a symbol of a community joined together in a common purpose. This pavilion for the World Design Capital, SD/TJ 2024 will host a whole series of events and performances to celebrate this designation. This is as far away from a wall  as you can get and still span a large space….yes, it almost reads like a bridge.  

Included on the outside edge of the pavilion is an electronic LED tape displaying poetry. There are ingenious cube seats that look made from recycled materials and held in place by clear plastic panels. Bring your stadium seat pillows if you plan to sit for long. A cement floor is outlined with soft faux grass.

After a  design and selection process Heleo, a San Diego-based full-service architecture and design practice. in collaboration with Daniel Ruanova, were chosen for their radical structure which is a lightweight, movable structure.  It will be up at least until the middle of November and then possibly moved to a cross-border location.

Structural Engineering: MDEP Structures
Lighting Design: Elluminet
Lighting Fixture & Controls Rep: SDLA
Electrical Engineering: ELEN Consulting
Steel Fabrication & Installation: EMP Steel Solutions, Inc
Digital LED Displays: Fuse Technical Group
Modular Recycled Seating: ByBlock

High fives all around!

Join the World DesignExperience powered by San Diego Design Week and celebrate a week-long regional design showcase at the World Design Capital EXCHANGE Pavilion, in Plaza de Panama,. they are hosting free design-related events from August to November.  On September 19th from 6 to 9pm, connect and celebrate with industry leaders, enjoy live music, experience AIGA SDTJ — Projecting Futures, and eat and drink at Panama 66.