NewSchool collaborates with industry consultants to revitalize San Diego’s National City

NewSchool of Architecture & Design announced Nov. 16 its collaboration with several architecture, engineering, design and realty consultants in San Diego to design a new, sustainable neighborhood in the National City Downtown area.

More than 70 undergraduate architecture students as well as NewSchool faculty members will work with the following firms and organizations: American Institute of Architects, Glumac Engineers, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Mackenzie Inc., Sillman Wright Architects, San Diego State University Civil Engineering Department, University of California San Diego Structural Engineering Department and Malik Infill Development.

According to leading faculty member Daniela Deutsch, the students will also interact with various officials and developers of National City.

Now in its fifth year, NewSchool’s Integrated Design Studio has already proposed new, sustainable designs to other cities like Portland, Seattle and Austin. For National City, the studio’s main focus is to create designs for development of the National City Downtown area based on the city’s existing master plan. Each student will design a city block featuring the neighborhood and adjacent area.

“We are proud to work in our own local community this year and have a positive impact on such an important city in San Diego County,” said Marvin Malecha, president and chief academic officer of NewSchool.

Additionally, students must design a neighborhood that meets the city’s goal which was shared by Brad Raulston, deputy city manager and planning director of National City. He said the city aims to become “a sustainable community that reduces its impact on the environment, maintains economic health, and promotes a high quality of life for all.”

The program will run over two quarters, from October to December 2017 and January to March 2018. Only fourth-year architecture students can participate in the studio’s lectures, workshops and studio work.