The Art of City Design Exhibition: The Public Realm - Dialogue 1 with David McCullough

McCullough is excited to participate in the upcoming  World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 exhibition at the popular Bread + Salt Art Gallery, titled The Art of City Design: The Work of Frank Wolden & Friends. This event aims to showcase our region as a global hub for design, innovation, arts, and culture; fostering lasting economic, social, cultural, civic, and environmental impacts. San Diego Tijuana is the first cross-border region to be designated a World Design Capital by the World Design Organization.

The public realm – Dialogue 1 by David McCullough

The public realm encompasses most of the built environment that is not reserved for private use. It defines the urban experience, serving as the backdrop for daily life. Through the centuries, this space was, in large part, what’s left over after everything else was claimed by someone as "theirs".  However, with the rise of democratic societies and 20th century urbanists like Jane Jacobs, combined with the accelerated emphasis on the diversity, equity, and inclusion movement, the quality of the public realm is becoming scrutinized and evaluated at new levels. 

For this exhibition, we are bringing together local professionals who specialize in public realm design with insights on what constitutes a successful or unsuccessful public space, lessons we can draw from historical precedents, and the aspirations San Diego should aim for. Our goal is to explore how San Diego can evolve from "America's Finest City" to a truly world-class city with an exceptional public realm.

Reimagining the Public Realm: David's Perspective

Most people think of the public realm as streets for cars, parks for recreation, and plazas for commercial activities. Beyond these purposes, the significance of public spaces is often overlooked. However, if the public realm is the only remaining space accessible to everyone, we need to think beyond traditional uses and plan ways to meet the needs of a dense urban society.

For example, streets can and should be places for social activity and events. How can we reimagine a space to be more than its original purpose? Streets, parks, and plazas are the only places left that can offer inclusivity and diversity. These spaces need thoughtful planning to be accessible and free for everyone, but how do we accommodate everyone?

In San Diego, parks have historically followed a 20th-century formula. It's time to adopt a 21st-century mindset, activating parks with vendors such as coffee shops, skate parks, public art. This approach brings private interests into parks, alleviating the burden on city staff. Parks should cater to diverse uses and stakeholders. For instance, Balboa Park, with its several museums, exemplifies a successful public space. Also, Plaza de Panama was transformed from a parking lot to a vibrant space with the addition of Panama 66 restaurant. This is the direction we need to take with our parks—embracing diverse uses and active community involvement.

Joining David in this dialogue will be Urban Planner, Bill Anderson; Architect, Rob Quigley; UCSD Professor, Larry Herzog; Interim Co-CEO of Forever Balboa Park, Jackie Higgins, and more. Together, they will explore innovative ways to reimagine and enhance the public realm in San Diego.

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Zeek Magallanes' Article Featured in Green Building & Design Magazine

The article, "Why Biodiverse Landscape Design is a Must," highlights the significance of a climate-conscious approach to locally adapted landscape design, while exploring how the work on the San Diego State University campus serves as a microcosm for addressing global challenges.

Read the article on gb+d here.

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McCullough is excited to welcome Tianchi Zhang to the Los Angeles office!

Tianchi Zhang, a seasoned landscape designer grew up in Wenzhou, China, a small city south of Shanghai. Inspired by his father who is an architect, Tianchi developed a passion for designing environments by drawing sketches and plans from a young age. He pursued his education in landscape architecture, earning a bachelor’s degree in China in 2015 and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University in 2019.

With five years of diverse experience, Tianchi has honed his skills in preliminary design, construction documentation, construction administration, and project management. His portfolio includes single-family and multi-family residential projects, mixed-use developments, civil works, urban spaces, public parks, as well as educational campuses from K-12 and universities. His career has taken him across various locations in the US, including Columbus, Pittsburgh, Stuart, Durham, Los Angeles, and now San Diego. As an Associate at McCullough, Tianchi will work as a project manager to expand the team in Los Angeles while also collaborating with the San Diego and Oakland office on projects. He will assist in the company’s business development efforts for the Greater Los Angeles area.

In his personal time, Tianchi enjoys listening and singing to all kinds of music, playing board games, practicing basketball, and training kickboxing. He also loves exploring delicious Chinese cuisines and tasty Japanese restaurants with his wife, and walking their Bichon, Jojo. A fun fact about Tianchi is that he takes it seriously in covering songs by his favorite bands, Coldplay and One Republic, and his stage name is Johnny!

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Client of the Month: RDC

McCullough is honored to feature RDC as our Client of the Month, a longtime collaborator and dynamic architecture firm, who has been dedicated to shaping spaces since 1979. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, RDC has earned recognition for its innovative designs and commitment to community engagement. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Sean Slater, AIA, Senior Principal at RDC, for an in-depth conversation about the firm's evolution, notable projects, community involvement, RDC’s shared vision with McCullough and more.

Firm Evolution

Founded as a thriving retail architecture firm amidst Southern California's retail boom in the 80s and 90s, RDC initially carved its path through strip centers, power centers, and bustling shopping complexes. As the founders neared retirement, a strategic transition unfolded, marking the birth of "Retail Design Collaborative" (RDC) in 2016. Sean joined during this rebranding initiative, which aimed to emphasize retail and adopt a collaborative approach to diversify into new areas. His previous experience primarily involved large-scale projects with multiple uses, which complemented the firm's focus on retail within master planned communities and mixed-use buildings.

A collaboration between Liberty National, the design team of RDC, McCullough, and a variety of other disciplines, 10th & B proposes a mixed-use residential building located near major transit hubs and within walking proximity to the Gaslamp District and Balboa Park in San Diego, CA.

In 2018, RDC recognized the prevailing narrative of the "retail apocalypse," prompting a rebrand to simply “RDC” to broaden its focus beyond retail. While the firm's heritage lies in retail architecture, its current portfolio encompasses diverse projects ranging from 40-story towers to mid-rise residential developments and entertainment complexes across the nation. Notably, RDC is involved in a large mixed-use project in Florida and is overseeing ground-level retail within an innovative biomed R&D facility in Houston, TX. The firm's engagement with iconic projects like Horton Plaza in Downtown San Diego catalyzed the establishment of its San Diego office nearly four years ago under the leadership of Sean. Initially operating from a coworking space near Horton Plaza, RDC integrated into the Design Center three years ago, strategically positioning itself to leverage the vibrant market and abundant talent in San Diego for future growth.

Community Integration and Forward-Thinking Design Initiatives

RDC’s Urban Office in Long Beach, CA. Repurposing a former Nordstrom Rack, RDC designed their new office to create an invigorating yet functional environment that befits the firm’s culture.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, RDC's headquarters in Long Beach underwent a notable transformation. With the office temporarily vacant, the firm decided to embrace the spirit of community by welcoming firms as subletters or co-tenants. Central to RDC's ethos is the idea of openness, exemplified by the placement of the main conference room and break room facing the street. This intentional design invites engagement with the broader community. Regularly, RDC's doors are wide open to host gatherings for organizations such as AIA, ULI, and various other nonprofits in Long Beach. This commitment to community extends beyond mere hosting; it involves active participation and volunteerism, reflecting RDC's dedication to the neighborhoods it inhabits.

Seeking to replicate this ethos in San Diego, the firm has diligently transferred its successful engagement strategies from Long Beach. Sean's involvement in multiple councils, including his upcoming role as the district chair for ULI San Diego-Tijuana, underscores RDC's approach to community integration. Additionally, RDC's initiative for Futuro Space, the current location of their San Diego office, serves as a beacon for collaboration and forward-thinking design. Sharing this space with McCullough, ULI San Diego-Tijuana, and opening it up to the community amplifies the collective commitment to shaping the future of San Diego and fostering dialogue about its evolution.

RDC's Dynamic Portfolio

The SkyDeck in San Diego is a gastronomic concept unlike any other that shifts the culinary trends of community social gathering.

RDC operates across diverse communities, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of retail and beyond. The Sky Deck Project in Del Mar stands as a testament to their customer-centric approach. The original owner envisioned unique restaurants and a bustling bar space, creating a vibrant environment that resonates with patrons. Conversely, Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego required a strategic reimagining due to its obsolete retail model. RDC, leveraging its expertise in retail architecture, revitalized the space, reconnecting it with the city fabric. This transformation aimed to integrate the Gaslamp and central business districts seamlessly, fostering inclusivity and vibrancy within the City of San Diego. Also noteworthy is RDC's engagement on the Texas Medical Center project, where demographic complexities necessitated a nuanced approach. Serving as a hub for approximately 150,000 daily commuters, the center lacks essential amenities, presenting an opportunity for inclusive development. Through thorough demographic analysis, RDC identified the center's unique position between affluent and historically disadvantaged communities. This insight guided the project's vision of inclusivity, aiming to provide accessible services for all, as Sean described as "tentacles" reaching into both communities, the project emphasizes essential services such as daycare, women's needs, gyms, groceries, and entertainment.

RDC is collaborating with Texas Medical Center (TMC) to integrate experiential retail and hospitality into the world’s largest medical campus.

Prioritizing Place Understanding

The process on most of RDC’s projects always begins with extensive research, delving into every available resource. Their goal is to maintain the fabric of families and communities, supporting them as they evolve over time. They ask critical questions: Can they retire in place? Can we provide services that cater to both commercial and residential needs, ensuring continuity and growth? This comprehensive understanding of the locale forms the foundation of RDC’s design process.

As Sean Slater emphasizes, "We need to understand everything about a place that we can before we start any real design. It's crucial to understand our clients' vision for the space and determine how to attract the intended audience by offering a diverse range of amenities and features."

RDC’s Future Vision 

Looking ahead, RDC acknowledges the pressing residential crisis in the nation, marked by affordability and supply issues. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the crisis, residential projects have seen a slowdown due to factors like interest rates and construction costs. Addressing this challenge, RDC is intensifying efforts to tackle affordable housing, particularly in San Diego. The firm is actively engaging with organizations dedicated to funding or constructing affordable housing solutions.

Geographic expansion remains a priority, with a focus on bolstering the San Diego office and local project development. RDC's recent involvement in repurposing a mall in Kansas exemplifies their strategy of revitalizing neglected spaces to serve evolving community needs. The firm recognizes the potential of transforming underutilized malls into vibrant community hubs, an endeavor they envision unfolding across the country in the coming years. As they anticipate the next 10 to 15 years, they are poised to address emerging challenges while advancing sustainable urban development initiatives.

Client-Centric Architecture

Sean Slater explains, “We work closely with our clients, emphasizing that it's not about us or them individually, but rather about understanding the needs of the people who will ultimately inhabit the space. Whether it's providing essential services, creating inviting outdoor areas, or fostering a sense of community, our designs are centered around enhancing the lives of those who will use them.” 

This ethos emphasizes their belief that every architectural decision should serve the individuals who will interact with the space, ensuring that each project reflects the community it serves. In every design decision, RDC ensures a forward-looking perspective, contemplating the impact of their structures on the communities they serve.

RDC and McCullough's Shared Vision in Design & Urban Resilience

RDC and McCullough share a vision deeply rooted in creating spaces of significance. When it comes to this fundamental aspect of design philosophy, particularly evident in projects like Circle Marina, a large retail center project, RDC’s approach is built on trust and respect. As Slater says,

“It starts with trust and respect. I personally love working with groups like McCullough that I trust and respect. We are on the same team. We must listen, trust, and believe that our consultants know more than we do.” 

RDC values the expertise of their consultants, recognizing the importance of collaboration in crafting special environments and developing placemaking opportunities.  In project collaborations, like a current retail destination, the collaboration evolved from strong initial ideas to even greater outcomes as landscape, signage, graphics, and lighting were layered onto the design.

Circle Marina in Long Beach, CA, a retail community-oriented environment. A collaboration between RDC and McCullough

Circle Marina is another example of successful collaboration, illustrating how trust and respect among team members enhance the creative process.

Located in the heart of Long Beach, Circle Marina stands as a vibrant destination center in a historically significant corridor along Highway 1. This project involves revitalizing a strip mall with unique and eclectic attractions. By introducing outdoor seating areas and expanding retail options, Circle Marina aims to transform from a car-centric space of the 20th century into a pedestrian-friendly destination where people can walk, bike, and socialize. This transition involves repurposing parking areas into inviting public spaces, reflecting contemporary trends towards more accessible and community-oriented environments.

On the Seaside Ridge project, McCullough and RDC are collaborating to create a vibrant and sustainable community that complements the new rental housing development in the City of Del Mar, providing much-needed affordable housing for the local community.

RDC's future collaborations with McCullough will be driven by a collective mission to enhance urban environments and make cities more relevant and vibrant. Sean articulates this vision, emphasizing the importance of landscape integration in urban areas and the lasting impact of buildings over time. He envisions buildings that age gracefully, evolving alongside the landscape and contributing to a sustainable urban fabric. McCullough's focus on sustainability and rewilding, particularly integrating landscape into downtown environments, aligns perfectly with this vision. Together, RDC and McCullough aim to create landscapes that thrive and buildings that stand the test of time, ensuring a better future for our cities. As Sean reflects, 

"McCullough is a great partner. I love that there is such a focus on sustainability, native plants, rewilding, and natural environments instead of overly groomed perfect corporate environments." 

This partnership is poised to plant the seeds of change, cultivating landscapes that reconnect with nature and foster healthier, more resilient urban communities. McCullough appreciates our partnership with RDC and looks forward to many more opportunities for collaboration.

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The Art of City Design Exhibition: World Design Capital 2024

McCullough is excited to participate in the upcoming  World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 exhibition at the popular Bread + Salt Art Gallery, titled The Art of City Design: The Work of Frank Wolden & Friends. This event aims to showcase our region as a global hub for design, innovation, arts, and culture; fostering lasting economic, social, cultural, civic, and environmental impacts. San Diego Tijuana is the first cross-border region to be designated a World Design Capital by the World Design Organization.

The exhibition, along with a series of dialogues, profiles the work of Frank Wolden and his collaborators. The idea for the exhibition began when Frank was encouraged to share his portfolio of sketches and drawings of early proposals for downtown San Diego's redevelopment. The exhibition starts with these drawings and continues through his present-day work, reflecting the growth of urbanism in the San Diego region. The exhibition and the discussions that follow will explore the ideas behind these projects, lessons learned, and their application to current and future designs for the region.

The exhibition will showcase Four prominent San Diego designers:

1. Frank Wolden - A designer and urbanist/architectural artist who has focused his career on integrating urban ideas into the design of buildings and spaces, creating innovative urban experiences.

   Opening - The Art of City Design: Thursday, June 13th at 5:30pm

2. David McCullough - A designer who integrates landscape and nature into the built environment, emphasizing urban exploration.

   The Public Realm - Dialogue 1: Thursday, June 27th at 5:30pm

3. Sean Slater - An architect specializing in retail and entertainment as catalysts for mixed-use urban projects.

   Activating the City - Dialogue 2: Thursday, July 11th at 5:30 pm

4. Howard Blackson - An urban designer, site designer, and regulatory “wrangler” from the contextual school of thought.

   Future of Design - Dialogue 3: Thursday, July 25th at 5:30pm

In addition to these four designers, the lectures and discussion panels will feature examples of work by other designers and invite them to participate in the dialogues.

The exhibition will be open to the public for six weeks from June 13 to July 25, 2024, subject to Bread & Salt's hours of operation.

We hope you can join us in illuminating the importance of the public realm and learning how design can contribute to the future of our city. The intention of the exhibition and dialogue is to form a think tank for creative urbanism, providing a platform for ongoing dialogue. More details to come!

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