A place for the exchange of human experiences.
In collaboration with renowned visual artist Daniel Ruanova Studio
Transforming a “no-man’s-land” into a vibrant nexus, surrounded by socio-political constructs guiding lifelines through channeled streams of perpetual trade and cultural evolution, the “EXCHANGE” embodies a unique spatial metaphor. It achieves this by breaking down walls, facilitating unimpeded movement for all inhabitants of this uninhabitable space—an environment designed to host a diverse spectrum of collective experiences.
Purposefully constructed for seamless visibility from both inside and out, the “EXCHANGE” serves as a conduit for continuous data transmission during every encounter. Its design aims to inspire and encapsulate the essence of the crossroads it establishes, with a skeletal structure commanding both physical and visual presence. Meanwhile, a dynamic digital skin envelops its form, streaming a ceaseless flow of language.
In essence, the “EXCHANGE” stands as a temporary and mobile milestone, illustrating the region’s commitment to human-centered design. It is a manifestation of interconnectedness, embracing the fluidity of cultural exchange and trade within an ever-evolving social landscape.
As an initiative of the World Design Capital 2024 / San Diego - Tijuana, the Exchange Pavilion is a lightweight, movable structure meant to act as a canvas for various interactive displays, lighting, graphic visuals and as an assembly space for lectures, performances, workshops, and more. 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 in Balboa Park in San Diego in summer of 2024, then de-installed and relocated to Tijuana in the fall for the remainder of 2024 and possibly into 2025.
The structure is made up of an exoskeleton steel armature, comprising 8 individual subframes that will facilitate its transportation through customs at the US/Mexico border. The frames, when assembled together, are joined to create a splayed X in plan with four supporting corners, providing shade and a framework on which to install a translucent skin, lighting, electrical components, LED screens, ticker text displays and more.
The pavilion is made possible by our talented design and fabrication team:
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