One of the industry’s most respected voices on public engagement strategies, Cruz is known for his work regarding the border between Tiajuana and San Diego. Cruz – a 2011 Ford Foundation Visionary – concentrates on the adaptive style of architecture in border areas. Instead of focusing on the aesthetics of a community, he considers the lifestyles and needs which create organic communities. He will soon be embarking on a local project in Philadelphia.
For more information on Teddy Cruz and his work:
- “Learning From Tijuana: Hudson, N.Y., Considers Different Housing Model” by Nicolai Ouroussoff, The New York Times
- Ford Foundation Visionary Awards video on Teddy Cruz
- “Cruz Finding New Solutions for Border Living” by Dianna Dilworth, Architectural Record
- Political Equator event
In addition to a keynote presentation at Design in Action 2011, Teddy Cruz will also participate in the following conference breakout session (More about the conference can be found here):
Mixplace Studio
Neighborhood revitalization can come about in many ways. Mixplace Studio asks how cultural organizations, especially smaller-scale groups, can help speed positive change. This West Philadelphia partnership brings a cultural group into working connections with acclaimed designers and a respected social service provider, jointly establishing a youth mentorship initiative, along with design-related research and exhibitions for jumpstarting community discussion. A study in multi-layered partnerships and long-term commitments.
Aaron Levy, Slought Foundation
Teddy Cruz, Estudio Teddy Cruz
Kira Strong, People’s Emergency Center