The Colorful and Welcoming Nature of Tijuana and Diversity of Urban Planning featuring René Peralta

The Finest City

This week, Kate introduces a conversation from June 22, 2020, between C3 Board Director and Interior Design Professional Kim Nadel and architect and professor René Peralta. Kim and René speak about the cultural, architectural, and urban conditions that define Tijuana and San Diego. Rene shares his perspective on culture exchange between the two destinations, and how we can support our neighbors to the South by visiting and appreciating the artistry and diversity.

Timestamps:

[1:26] René discusses the two different viewpoints about San Diego and Mexico’s relationship. One is that we are interrelated, and the other is that we are quite separate. He talks about how in 1846, the two cities had to reinvent their own realities, and then in the 1970s, the manufacturing boom brought a wave of migration to Tijuana.

[5:46] Despite any separateness and difference in planning attitudes, the one thing that ties us together is the environment.

[6:54] Tijuana is a collection of ideas and backgrounds, and it shows in the architecture and homes. Instead of one style, there is an accumulation of textures, colors, and even function. This hybrid style makes the city interesting and has spawned diverse artistry native to the region.

[9:00] What can San Diegans do to support? René has one answer: come to Tijuana. Come and see the city, don’t just imagine it. The people of Tijuana welcome people from other places.

[13:33] When you do come to visit, René highly advises seeing as many sides to the city as possible. We shouldn’t just define Tijuana by downtown, there is much more to it.

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

Sdchamber.org

Kim Nadel

René Peralta

Kinsee Morlan

Smart Border Coalition

Temporary Paradise