San Diego’s Design and Architecture Scene

The Finest City

This week features a conversation between C-3 Board member Francesca Redetzke and architect, designer, and San Diego State University lecturer Jim Brown. They speak about Jim’s approach to design, how architecture has changed in recent decades, and insights into the San Diego design and architecture scene. They also explore Friendship Park and the shared art and design culture of San Diego and Tijuana, which is featured prominently in Jim’s Logan Heights Artists’ Workspace Bread & Salt.

Timestamps:

[1:19] Francesca introduces architect, designer, and San Diego State University lecturer Jim Brown, who recounts the Romeo and Juliet project that he worked on with Peter Eisenman.

[5:56] Workflow differences between riffing on 3D and physical models may not be that significant after all.

[8:35] The meditative process that comes with physically creating a model opens up possibilities for the next discoveries to be made.

[12:13] Jim’s “disaster” experience with entering the field of architecture was set right with good mentors.

[14:57] The value systems in San Diego are illustrated in Ted Smith’s GoHome project and Jim’s early career endeavors.

[20:48] Jim met his wife while working as a furniture maker, and paid her for some extra materials by taking her out to dinner.

[24:05] The warm and authentic trademark of Jim’s style makes it easy to spot throughout San Diego. He reflects on his inspiration from Ted Smith, Peter Eisenman, Rob Quigley and the transformation of his design thought processes.

[32:16] The essential role of collaboration and design in creating a sense of community starts with relinquishing a measure of control to the unknown.

[38:10] Early projects helped Jim develop the tools — and social skills — that allow him to now freely accept suggestions from outside influences.

[40:07] Bread & Salt illustrates the ways that architecture can be used as a form of art that serves and develops communities.

[47:21] The future of San Diego is not in parking lots, it’s in creating places for people to gather. Jim isn’t afraid to say that he is helping to create the need for public transportation throughout the city.

[49:47] San Diego serves as a bi-national area with Tijuana and the art of 100 local artists is on display at Balboa Park and Bread & Salt.

[52:45] The Bread & Salt artist and residency program serves four galleries and they have a full year of exhibitions ahead.

[53:41] Jim shares his work with and vision for Friendship Park and the upcoming exhibitions that will support the mission of the park. He argues that the best security we can possibly have with Mexico is to be good neighbors.

About C-3

In its 60 years of existence, Citizens Coordinate for Century 3 (C-3) has brought together local thought leaders from planning, design, policy, academia, community development, and more to address our region’s distinctive and pressing land use challenges. In founding C-3 almost 60 years ago, architect Lloyd Ruocco’s vision was to bring together our region’s most creative minds from the arts, sciences, academia, and government to share ideas, learn new perspectives, and build fellowship around the idea of creating livable communities.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Engagement:

C3sandiego.org

Bread & Salt

Bread & Salt Podcast

The Red Office

GoHome

Mujeres Brew House

Friendship Park