Borders as Civic Infrastructure

15:45 - 16:15

La Centrale, Nuvola Lavazza

An architect and a political theorist push the boundaries between academia and activism, working on a new cross-border urbanism.

Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman is a San Diego–based research-driven practice that challenges traditional boundaries between disciplines, cities, and citizens. Working at the intersection of architecture, political theory, and urban policy, the studio reimagines civic infrastructure through a lens of equity, informality, and cross-border collaboration—particularly between San Diego and Tijuana.

Their work focuses on informal urbanization, public space, and social justice, often using the border as both a literal site and a metaphor for global inequalities. Rather than designing for passive consumption, Cruz and Forman design civic processes, creating platforms where communities can co-produce knowledge, policy, and space.

The studio’s most visible projects include the UCSD Community Stations, a network of research and teaching hubs embedded in underserved neighborhoods. These spaces bridge university and community, linking academic inquiry with real-world challenges in housing, mobility, migration, and climate resilience. From advising the City of San Diego on civic innovation to curating global forums on urban equity, Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman operates as a civic catalyst for rethinking how cities grow, govern, and share.

San Diego

Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman Founders

Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman

Teddy Cruz is an architect and urban theorist; Fonna Forman is a political theorist specializing in ethics and global justice. Together, they co-lead Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman, where they blur boundaries between academia and activism. Based at UC San Diego, they are known for pioneering work on civic infrastructure, public culture, and cross-border urbanism.

How to join this event

Next events