Talk or Interview Design, Dim Sum and District Pride
Talk or Interview Design, Dim Sum and District Pride
For the first time in the City of San Diego, California’s history, a landmark Asian-themed sign project was approved to be designed, built and located in the bold and vibrant epicenter of San Diego’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community known as the Convoy District.
The landmark sign proudly illuminates one of the largest Pan-Asian business districts in the USA. It represents the rich traditions, eclectic flavors, and diverse experiences that shape the AAPI diaspora, and aspires to create a sense of belonging.
Erected in September 2024, the Convoy Sign culminates decades of resilience and determination by immigrant communities who persevered in transforming Convoy into a hub of cultural exchange and innovation.
Building consensus on the design for the once-in-a-lifetime landmark sign required enormous community engagement involving many stakeholder groups in order to inspire both agreement and enthusiasm for the project.
All of the engagement culminated in the big “reveal” presentation to the 500 community and civic leaders at an annual AAPI gala. See that stage presentation in full glitter here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wWGAXlEz0c
The attendee takeaways will include:
• How to successfully involve community stakeholder groups in a landmark design process.
• How to tell a civic story that honors the heritage of a place and engages the present while embracing the future, so that it can become an intrinsic part of a community’s culture and identity.
• How to authentically give voice through “district branding” to immigrant cultures whose presence has historically been unseen.
See ConvoySign.com for videos and more information.
About the Host
SEGD San Diego; AIGA San Diego/Tijuana; and Asian Business Association of San Diego; Bennett Peji
This event is a collaboration between the speaker Bennett Peji and 3 amazing organizations: SEGD San Diego Chapter, AIGA San Diego Tijuana and the Asian Business Association of San Diego. Please see their respective websites.
About SEGD San Diego
The Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) is a global, multidisciplinary community of professionals creating experiences that connect people to place. We are an association of design professionals, industry experts, educators, and artists whose work creates a sense of place, helps people find their way, and fuels a dialogue between users and the spaces they inhabit. Locally our events aim to engage and encourage professionals across many disciplines to come together to inspire, educate, and connect.
About AIGA San Diego/Tijuana
The San Diego/Tijuana chapter of AIGA, the professional organization for design, has been a dynamic contributor to the local design community since 1987. HOW and Print magazines have cited AIGA San Diego as “one of the hottest communities for design in the nation.” Our events provide educational, career enhancement and social opportunities for students and working professionals in creative fields including graphic design, photographers, illustrators and web developers.
About Asian Business Association
Founded in 1990, Asian Business Association of San Diego (ABASD) represents the interests of over 30,000 Asian Pacific Islander (API) owned businesses throughout San Diego County. ABASD believes in building sustainable communities through inclusive economic development and a qualified diverse workforce.
About Bennett Peji
See BennettPeji.com
