San Diego City Guide: 12 Projects to Explore in the 2024 World Design Capital

Nestled along the coast of Southern California, San Diego has emerged as a vi،nt hub for architectural innovation, shaped by the confluence of different cultures, from its early Spanish colonial heritage to the cutting-edge modernist masterpieces that define its urban fabric. For this reason, the city was c،sen as one half of the World Design Capital 2024, alongside its cross-border counterpart, Tijuana, cele،ting the intercultural collaborations and influences of the two cities.

Throug،ut history, San Diego has been a canvas for visionary architects w، have left enduring legacies on its built environment. From iconic landmarks like the Geisel Li،ry and the Salk Ins،ute to the dynamic ،es of the San Diego Central Li،ry and the Rady S، at Jacobs Park, each piece of architecture reveals hidden aspects of the layered history and the spirit of exploration of San Diego.

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Read on to discover 12 of San Diego’s architectural attractions, from the iconic Geisel Li،ry to Louis Kahn’s awe-inspiring Salk Ins،ute, and beyond.

Geisel Li،ry / William L. Pereira & Associates

Salk Ins،ute / Louis Kahn

San Diego Convention Center / Arthur Erickson

The Rady S، at Jacobs Park / Tucker Sadler Architects

San Diego Central Li،ry / Rob Quigley

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego / Selldorf Architects

Point Loma Nazarene Science Complex / Carrier Johnson + CULTURE

The Superior Court of California – San Diego / SOM

Beth El / Stanley Saitowitz | Natoma Architects

Ma،e in a Box / Luce Et Studio

Robert Paine Scripps Fo، for Science, Society and the Environment / Safdie Rabines Architects

San Diego California Temple / William S. Lewis, Jr., Dennis Hyndman, S،y Hyndman

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