The EXCHANGE Pavilion has become a symbol of design and collaboration in the San Diego-Tijuana region, serving as a temporary structure that celebrated World Design Capital 2024.
Constructed with $300,000 in funding from the city of San Diego, the pavilion was established to represent not just architectural prowess but also the spirit of cross-border partnership.
Architect Barbara Leon, founder of Heleo Architecture + Design, expressed the team’s dedication, stating, “We put all our hearts and souls and minds into it.”
However, the pavilion’s journey has left its designers grappling with a mix of emotions, particularly after the structure’s relocation to Tijuana following its removal from Balboa Park over seven months ago.
While the design team is grateful for the new location at Esperanto Park, they have faced significant challenges, including unpaid bills to suppliers.
At the pavilion’s inauguration earlier this month, Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Avila did acknowledge the designers and mentioned the World Design Capital, yet the newly installed state government plaque does not credit them, leading to feelings of exclusion.
Daniel Ruanova, an artist from Tijuana and part of the design team, conveyed concern that the pavilion’s narrative and purpose might be overlooked, saying, “One of the things that concerns me is that the story of why this pavilion exists does not get told.”
The origins of this project trace back to 2021 when San Diego-Tijuana won the prestigious World Design Capital designation from the World Design Organization, marking it as the first cross-border region to achieve this title.
The initiative was driven by a coalition of local organizations, including the UCSD Design Lab and the Burnham Center for Community Advancement, along with the cities of San Diego and Tijuana.
Councilmember Raul Campillo highlighted the long-term benefits of the project, stating, “This project will not just bring jobs and investment to San Diego now; it will leave lasting impacts for years to come.”
To manage the extensive calendar of related activities for World Design Capital 2024, a nonprofit called World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 was established, with San Diego contributing a significant $3 million towards efforts that included programming and production, as well as funding designated specifically for the pavilion.
When proposals were sought for the pavilion, it was crucial for teams to include a collaborator from Tijuana, helping ensure inclusivity in the design process.
The Heleo-Ruanova team, among three finalists, was ultimately selected to create the EXCHANGE Pavilion.
With an emphasis on mobility, the pavilion was designed in eight separable pieces made of steel and translucent polycarbonate, with a focus on cost-effectiveness that led the team to engage contractors in Tijuana.
At its unveiling in Balboa Park last August, Leon and her partner Carlos Hernandez received warm applause, though they were concurrently facing financial difficulties in settling with suppliers, with reports indicating project costs had risen to $384,000.
Leon explained the challenging process: “This was a bid that was awarded based on very, very schematic drawings and estimates that were put together in less than three weeks. We tried to get under as much as we could. We had to slash our own fee. It was very difficult to get to work financially.”
The complexities and financial hurdles tied to World Design Capital 2024 reflect broader issues, with a recent review revealing that projected revenues had dropped significantly from $10.9 million to $5.3 million.
San Diego’s contribution was crucial, comprising approximately 43 percent of the nonprofit’s overall funding.
There was a vision for the pavilion to transition into Tijuana after its temporary placement in San Diego, but plans to set it outside Tijuana City Hall were stymied by a lack of funds.
Leon expressed no regret in pursuing the project and noted that there are lessons learned regarding protecting themselves financially for future endeavors.
Reflecting on the experience, she stated, “We feel a little bit let down. I guess it speaks to how little sometimes our work is valued in general.”
In her comments, Joanna Salazar Harris, the chief operations officer for World Design Capital 2024, stated that while the design team received additional support to help with cost overruns, Heleo remained liable for covering outstanding expenses.
A visit I made to the pavilion in its new location revealed a serene environment within Esperanto Park, where families gathered amid the sounds of children playing and music in the air.
Despite the lively atmosphere around the pavilion, it remained notably quiet, with minimal foot traffic as families strolled by.
Although the pavilion’s presence is appreciated, it was clear that some components, such as plastic benches and an LED display, were still absent.
The ownership of the pavilion is a point of contention; while San Diego city funds paid for its construction, World Design Capital initially owned it but later chose to sell.
Leon revealed that although established preference was to retain the pavilion within Tijuana, a proposal for acquiring it fell through due to financial constraints.
Eventually, a group of anonymous donors stepped in to finance its relocation, with Salazar Harris confirming that the purchase price remains undisclosed at the request of the donors.
At the inauguration event, Governor Avila lauded the families who contributed to the move, though Jose Galicot clarified later that their donation only covered the moving and reassembly costs.
Plans are in the works for a large public ceremony in October to relaunch the pavilion, which will feature a new plaque identifying the design team.
Galicot expressed aspirations for the pavilion to foster a sense of contemplation and discussion within the park, saying, “We want it to be an area of meditation, an area of discussion and study, something that would little by little give a different dimension to the park.”
Despite past concerns, Ruanova expressed satisfaction seeing the pavilion in a functional community space, remarking, “What can be better than to see it in a place where people will use it?”
He had initially worried the pavilion would serve merely as an overhead structure for an outdoor street market.
As the next chapter unfolds for the EXCHANGE Pavilion in Tijuana, the design team remains hopeful for recognition and continued community engagement.
image source from：voiceofsandiego
