San Diego
圣地亚哥

A High-Tech Center for Design Innovation
设计“高”地

Abstract

San Diego’s design industry has evolved into an innovative epic, transitioning from technology-driven growth to cross-disciplinary integration. As a key city on the U.S. West Coast, it has built a strong foundation for its design industry through technological and educational strengths. Institutions like UC San Diego have nurtured a pool of design and technology professionals, enabling rapid integration with emerging felds such as biotechnology, medical devices, and mobile technology, establishing a unique technology-driven design advantage.

In recent years, San Diego’s design industry has expanded beyond technological products to encompass cultural, social, and public sectors. The city has also carved out a unique path in fostering cross-border collaboration and globalization. In 2024, San Diego and Tijuana jointly became the ‘World Design Capital’ (WDC 2024), marking the first-ever cross-border city partnership. This milestone underscores San Diego’s strategic vision in international collaboration and its growing infuence as a global design innovation hub. Through WDC 2024, both cities explored how design can transcend borders, drive systemic social change, and inspire community innovation, offering valuable insights to the global design industry.

San Diego’s design industry is characterized by diversity and innovation. While technological design remains a core strength, particularly in semiconductors and mobile technology, the city’s design ecosystem has expanded into architecture, art, and public spaces. The ‘EXCHANGE Pavilion’, a temporary art installation during WDC 2024, symbolizes the cultural and creative fusion between San Diego and Tijuana.

Policy support has played a crucial role in driving the industry’s growth. The local government has funded public art, fostered cross-departmental collaboration, and provided substantial backing for WDC 2024, with investments from organizations like the San Diego Tourism Authority. These efforts have strengthened the industry while enhancing the city’s international visibility and economic benefts.

San Diego’s design industry thrives on innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and deep community engagement. WDC 2024 has not only showcased its design strength but also positioned design as a tool for regional sustainability and global cooperation.

摘要

圣地亚哥的设计产业发展历程是一部从科技驱动到跨界融合的创新史诗。作为美国西海岸的重要城市，圣地亚哥凭借其强大的科技与教育基础，逐步奠定了设计产业的基石。以加州大学圣地亚哥分校（UC San Diego，简称UCSD）为代表的高等教育机构，为城市输送了大量设计与科技复合型人才，使得设计产业能够快速与新兴科技相结合，尤其是在生物技术、医疗器械、移动技术等领域，形成了独特的技术驱动设计优势。

近年来，圣地亚哥的设计产业不仅仅局限于科技产品设计，逐步拓展到更广泛的文化、社会与公共领域，且在推动跨境合作和全球化发展中找到了自己的独特路径。2024年，圣地亚哥与蒂华纳联合成为世界设计之都（WDC 2024），这是历史上首次跨国界的城市联合申办，标志着圣地亚哥设计产业的国际化与多元化的加速。这一联合申办体现了圣地亚哥在跨境合作中的战略眼光，也展示了其作为全球设计创新中心的影响力。通过WDC 2024，圣地亚哥与蒂华纳共同探索设计如何跨越国界、推动系统性社会变革以及激发社区创新，为全球设计行业带来了深刻的启示。

圣地亚哥的设计产业现状呈现出多元化与创新性的特点。一方面，科技设计依然是其核心优势，特别是在半导体、移动技术等领域，圣地亚哥的设计企业通过技术创新推动了全球科技产业的发展。另一方面，城市的设计生态也在不断丰富，涵盖了建筑、艺术、公共空间等多领域。例如，WDC 2024期间推出的“EXCHANGE Pavilion”临时艺术装置，象征着圣地亚哥与蒂华纳之间的文化与创意融合。

政策支持是圣地亚哥设计产业发展的关键推动力。圣地亚哥市政府通过资助公共艺术项目、推动跨部门合作等方式，为设计产业提供了坚实的基础。此外，WDC 2024还获得了来自市政府、企业和社会组织的广泛支持，包括圣地亚哥旅游局的资金投入和社区项目的扶持。这些政策与资金支持不仅推动了设计产业的发展，也为城市带来了更多的国际关注和经济收益。

圣地亚哥的设计产业在发展历程中展现了强大的创新能力和跨界合作精神。其政策支持为产业的持续发展提供了坚实基础，而其特色则在于对社区的深度参与和跨境合作的积极探索。通过WDC 2024，圣地亚哥不仅向世界展示了其设计实力，更通过设计推动了区域的可持续发展和全球合作。