World design capital / Exchange Pavilion in balboa park /  by Barbara Leon

photo by Ian Patzke

After a successful installation and ribbon-cutting inauguration with Mayor Todd Gloria in Balboa Park’s Panama Plaza mid-August, the Exchange Pavilion / Pabellon Intercambio has had an exciting run of programming that has breathed new life into a seldom used open space within the park. The pavilion draws visitors in during all times of the day even when no events are taking place, from families with small children, to impromptu dance sessions, to people laying down on the turf to rest and read the ticker tape.

World Design Experience and San Diego Design Week saw an intense flurry of activity over 7 days of events such as live community discussions, music, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, films and podcasts from all disciplines of design, with many of these taking place within the Pavilion.

Photo by Paco Alvarez

photo by Ian Patzke

photo by Ian Patzke

Earlier this month, principals Carlos Hernandez and Barbara Leon were interviewed along with Daniel Ruanova to feature the pavilion in an episode of America ByDesign: Architecture on CBS, focusing on San Diego’s architecture and design scene. In partnership with the American Institute of Architects, the series aims to showcase the immense value of architecture and bring the work of AIA members to a national mainstream audience.

Of equal ecxitement, a story on the pavilion was published on September 20th on Dezeen, the internationally renowned magazine and website that covers architecture, interiors, and design. Read the story below by Ben Dreith!


Once again, hats off to our incredible partners and design team that has made the pavilion possible: Check out the pavilion installation before Thanksgiving, when it will be deinstalled and relocated to its next location…stay tuned!

Structural Engineering: MDEP Structures

Lighting Design: Elluminet

Lighting Fixture & Controls Rep: SDLA

Electrical Engineering: ELEN Consulting

Electrical Subcontractor: Performance Electric

Steel Fabrication & Installation: EMP Steel Solutions, Inc

Digital LED Displays: Fuse Technical Group

Modular Recycled Seating: ByBlock



Practice / Practica: HELEO TO BE HIGHLIGHTED AT CITY COLLEGE GALLERY /  by Barbara Leon

March 22- May 2
Opening Thursday, March 21st, 5-8pm

City Gallery, AH314, 1508 C St, San Diego, CA 92101

Curated by Terri Hughes-Oelrich and Lori Lipsman with Daniel Lopez-Perez

A Community Initiative Project for World Design Capital San Diego/Tijuana.

In celebration of the San Diego / Tijuana World Design Capital (2024), the exhibition Practice/Practica highlights local practitioners whose design work synthesizes the material and social dimensions always present in architecture. Practice/Practica points to intersections across material, social, cultural, and political factors that can reimagine the built environment. 

We are honored to have our winning binational proposal for the EXCHANGE PAVILION/PABELLON INTERCAMBIO in celebration of World Design Capital 2024, highlighted in the exhibit along with selected works from some of our most iconic and talented local architecture firms. Don’t miss the opening reception this March 22 at 5 pm at City Gallery.

World Design Capital 2024 San Diego/Tijuana /  by Barbara Leon

EXCHANGE PAVILION/PABELLON INTERCAMBIO

We are delighted and honored to announce that after a rigorous design and selection process, our team, in collaboration with Daniel Ruanova, has been chosen as the winner of the EXCHANGE PAVILION / PABELLON INTERCAMBIO by World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024! This radical structure reimagines the walls of the literal "no-man's-land" at our border, transforming it into a bridge—a new space that sparks dialogue, creativity, human connections, and the exchange of our collective experiences, mirroring the interconnected industries and culture of our region.

The Exchange Pavilion is a lightweight, movable structure meant to act as a canvas for various interactive displays, lighting, and graphic visuals and as a public space for lectures, performances, workshops, and gatherings that invite visitors to explore, learn, and engage—actively participating in the ‘exchange’ of ideas, culture, and experiences. As a pavilion structure that is meant to showcase San Diego/Tijuana as the first cross-border World Design Capital, It will first be installed at a site in Tijuana to be on display in May, then de-installed and relocated to San Diego in July for the remainder of 2024.

“EXCHANGE,” The manifestation of the interconnectedness, embracing the fluidity of cultural exchange and trade within an ever-evolving social landscape.

Last November, the World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 (WDC 2024) called for designers, artists, architects, and creative teams to create a temporary art installation or structure known as the Pavilion. The Pavilion will be a physical representation and hallmark for WDC 2024, symbolizing the first cross-border World Design Capital.

Our winning team was announced by councilmember Raul Campillo at a special press conference on January 31st at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in Downtown, where the agenda for the year’s events were unveiled and addressed by city leaders on both sides of the border, including San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero.

Click to read more about the unveiling of the WDC 2024 events and Pavilion unveiling

with Mayor Todd Gloria

Announcement by Raul Campillo

With Christine Jones and Jonathan Glus, City of San Diego Arts & Culture

community celebration to kick off wdc 2024 at cecut, tijuana

Photo courtesy: World Design Organization

The World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 (WDC 2024) launched its first of six signature events with a vibrant Community Celebration at the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT), marking a significant moment as the first cross-border designation in World Design Capital history. San Diego and Tijuana's unique collaboration received spotlight, emphasizing the region's unity, resilience, and cooperative spirit. Esteemed speakers, including Thomas Garvey of the World Design Organization and local leaders, delivered inspiring speeches on the transformative power of design. This event kickstarts a year of over 300 community initiatives and programming aimed at celebrating design's impact on quality of life and fostering cross-community engagement through design-driven projects.

Click to read more detail on the Community Celebration event

Photo courtesy: Enigma Creative

Photo courtesy: Enigma Creative

Photo courtesy: Enigma Creative

Event speakers & presenters:

We are excited to bring you along on our journey and process. Stay connected with us by subscribing to our email list for updates on the pavilion's latest developments.

Exploring the Future: 3D Printing in Construction /  by Barbara Leon

Photo courtesy of ICON

The Current State and Future Prospects of 3D Printing in Construction

The construction industry is undergoing a revolutionary transformation fueled by the advent of 3D printing technology. What was once relegated to the realm of science fiction is now a tangible force reshaping the way we build. The current state of 3D printing is reshaping the industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for creativity, efficiency, and sustainability. From reducing construction waste to enabling complex and beautiful designs, 3D printing is revolutionizing how we build the spaces we inhabit.

Efficiency and Speed:

Automation is a key feature of 3D printing in construction; contributing to increased efficiency, faster construction times, and cost-effectiveness. Traditional construction often involves cutting and shaping materials on-site, leading to significant waste. In contrast, 3D printing optimizes material usage by depositing materials layer by layer, minimizing waste and reducing the environmental impact.

Robotic arms or gantry systems carry out the printing process, reducing the reliance on manual labor and enabling precise and accurate layering of materials, reducing the margin of error associated with traditional construction methods. Layer-by-layer 3D printing allows for continuous construction without the need for time-consuming processes like formwork, curing, or drying. The speed of on-site printing is particularly advantageous in emergency situations or when rapid construction is essential and can be done directly on-site, eliminating the need for transporting pre-fabricated components. This localized approach contributes to quicker project completion.

Cost-Effectiveness:

One of the significant contributors to the affordability of 3D-printed houses is the reduction in labor costs. The automation and precision of 3D printing significantly decrease the need for extensive manual labor, leading to quick turnaround time for faster project completion and saving time and labor expenses.

With on-site 3D printing, there is a reduction in the need to transport heavy construction materials to the construction site. This localized construction approach minimizes transportation costs, especially in remote or challenging-to-reach locations. Using innovative and cost-effective materials, such as recycled plastics or locally sourced materials, can reduce overall construction costs. Additionally, 3D printing allows for flexibility in material choices, enabling builders to select options that align with budgetary constraints and reducing the need for excess materials to compensate for structural requirements.

Gif by ATXtoday

Sustainability:

As the world grapples with environmental concerns, 3D printing in construction emerges as a beacon of sustainability. The optimized material usage, reduced waste, and potential for utilizing eco-friendly materials position 3D printing as a critical player in the construction industry's commitment to environmentally conscious practices.

3D printing generally requires less energy compared to traditional construction methods. The automated and streamlined process of layering materials using 3D printing technology can lower energy consumption during the construction phase. Conventional construction methods often result in significant material waste due to the need to cut and shape materials on-site. The additive nature of 3D printing ensures materials are used efficiently, reducing the environmental impact associated with excess construction material disposal and further contributing to cut down on the overall environmental footprint of the construction process.

Many 3D printing applications in construction allow sustainable and eco-friendly materials to be used, includes recycled plastics, biodegradable materials, and even innovative materials derived from natural sources. By incorporating these materials into constructing 3D-printed houses, the industry can move towards more sustainable practices, reducing dependence on traditional, resource-intensive building materials.

Architectural Freedom and Customization:

Unlike traditional construction methods, 3D printing allows for realizing intricate and complex designs that may be challenging or impossible with conventional methods. The flexibility of the technology allows for experimentation and innovation in design, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in construction. The additive nature of the technology enables the creation of structures with unconventional geometries, curves, and details, providing architects with unparalleled freedom to design intricate and complex structures and can adapt to various architectural styles and designs, from organic and curvilinear forms to more traditional shapes. This level of customization fosters a unique aesthetic identity and allows buildings to be tailored to specific functional requirements, ultimately reshaping the architectural design landscape.

Conclusion:

The current state of 3D printing in construction represents a transformative leap forward in the industry. As technology advances, we can anticipate a future where structure is efficient, sustainable, and characterized by architectural marvels that were once deemed impossible. As 3D printing continues to evolve, it not only reshapes the physical landscape of construction but also holds the promise of a more accessible, sustainable, and architecturally diverse future.

Heleo Architecture and Design Featured Publication in San Diego Union-Tribune /  by Barbara Leon

Explore the exclusive San Diego Union-Tribune interview published in the Sunday, November 19th issue for an insider's perspective on our team's journey, distinct design philosophy, and the exciting projects influencing the architectural landscape. The article provides:

  • Highlights on our versatility with the wide range of projects in development this year.

  • Insights into our background and approach to architecture.

  • A fascinating glimpse into the challenges and advantages of working on both sides of the border.

Our award-winning projects, from Sage & Fire, awarded by the American Institute of Architects, to Insurgente Brewery in Tijuana, are also showcased.

We are beyond honored as a team for this opportunity to share our story and passion for creating spaces that foster meaningful engagement and connections with the communities they serve. Head to the San Diego Union-Tribune for the complete feature and to discover how our team at Heleo is influencing the future of design, along with a preview of our completed and upcoming works - you won't want to miss it!

Read the Article here:

San Diego Cityscape: Heleo Architecture & Design making an impact in San Diego and Tijuana


Heleo wins AIA Honor Award for Insurgente Brewery /  by Barbara Leon

We were beyond thrilled to have accepted an Honor Award for Insurgente Brewery from the @aiasandiego American Institute of Architects San Diego chapter this June 21st! Via the Tijuana project category, we are excited to see how this region can continue to contribute to excellent design in San Diego and Tijuana.

Insurgente Brewery now stands as a testament to the power of design in uniting people and fostering memorable experiences. As we look ahead, we even more inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of design and innovation within architecture. This has been an exciting journey from the inception of this project and are extremely thankful to our client, Insurgente Brewery and our team to helping make this space that brings together people a reality.