This project imagines a possibility for the San Diego/Tijuana region 100 years from now where the region’s identity is not reliant on a border separating two countries but rather by an opportunity zone outlined by a shared resource—the Tijuana River Watershed.
In 2024, the watershed is severely contaminated due to untreated wastewater flows, polluted sediment loads and trash which have created an environmental and public health crisis on both sides of the border. Binational efforts are currently underway to address the issue and clean up the river.
Rio de Oportunidades is a vision for an interconnected, prosperous and resilient future for the region, focused on the potential outcomes of full ecological restoration of the watershed, innovative technologies and community stewardship.
2024 In the heart of the region, the Tijuana River weaves a thread through two countries. The river was once murky and heavily polluted, suffering from years of neglect. | En el corazón de la región, el Río Tijuana es el hilo que teje juntos a dos países. En el pasado el río estuvo gravemente contaminado debido a años de negligencia.
2074 Through bi-national efforts, the once-dying waters sparkle with renewed clarity and the Tijuana River Watershed flourishes with native flora and fauna, creating opportunities for growth and innovation. | Gracias a esfuerzos binacionales, las aguas resplandecieron con claridady la cuenca del río Tijuana prosperó con flora y fauna. Este, desató oportunidades para el crecimiento e innovación.
BEYOND A wave of prosperity spreads across the San Diego/Tijuana region, now a beacon of resources and a symbol of successful collaboration. | Una ola de prosperidad se extiende por la región de San Diego/Tijuana. Hoy en día, destaca como un centro de recursos y un símbolo de colaboraciones exitosas.
The region’s identity is no longer defined by a hard border separating San Diego and Tijuana, rather by the natural geography of the Tijuana River Watershed, weaving together an interconnected network of community, ecology and abundant supply. It is an opportunity zone for industry, economy and housing. The region thrives on San Diego and Tijuana residents collectively tending to these shared resources.
Capturing the abundant sun throughout the region provides a clean source of power throughout the year. The harnessed solar energy powers desalination plants, public transportation, industry and housing throughout the region. Power is stored for later use in gravity batteries to provide carbon free power at all times.
Settlement within the watershed is defined by community hubs, where housing and cultural exchange are symbiotic processes. These hubs are defined by a regenerative architecture that sits lightly on the land and is connected by an elevated transportation network across the watershed.
Expanding on early efforts to clean the Tijuana river, it’s watershed and to restore the ocean beyond, has laid the groundwork for the continued revitalization of the San Diego/Tijuana region. Expansion of joint use water treatment plants recapture water and treat it for human consumption and agricultural uses. A solar powered desalination plant produces potable water from the Pacific Ocean.
The Tijuana River, now a lifeline of crystal-clear water, had undergone a remarkable rewilding, restoring its natural flow and revitalizing the surrounding ecosystems. The riverbanks are lined with vibrant vegetation and native flora, creating habitats for local wildlife while stabilizing the soil. This transformation has turned the surroundings into lush, green expanses where farmers nurture the rich soil and grow crops to support the a growing local food movement.