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Open House Lego Building Competition — Friday, August 14, 5pm–7pm

Living in San Diego

NewSchool of Architecture & Design’s downtown San Diego location is a prime spot to inspire learning, curiosity, and innovation. Students and instructors alike benefit from the beauty and passion that surrounds them while living in America’s Finest City.
  • The B Street Arts District: The downtown campus is not just a location, but as an extension of the classroom. Students step directly into a hub of modern architecture, adaptive reuse, and urban design.
  • Walkability & Convenience: Downtown San Diego is incredibly walkable, putting groceries, art supplies, and daily essentials within blocks of the studios.
  • Local Culture: The proximity to vibrant districts like the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and Little Italy, which offer endless inspiration and downtime activities.
San Diego
  • The MTS Trolley: The trolley line runs directly through the NewSchool campus area.
  • Alternative Transit: The city has bike-friendly routes and a robust bus system.
  • Travel Access: The San Diego International Airport is less than four miles away from downtown, making visits and holiday travel seamless.
Trolley
  • Balboa Park: Just minutes away, it is the nation's largest urban cultural park, boasting 19 museums, diverse architecture, and botanical gardens.
  • A City of Innovation: San Diego is a major economic hub with a thriving design, real estate, and tech industry that serves well for networking, internship, and post-graduation career opportunities.
Design Inspiration
  • Ideal Climate: San Diego averages 267 days of sunshine a year with mild daily temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. It provides a year-round "outdoor studio" environment.
  • Beaches & Recreation: The easy access to 50 miles of coastline (like La Jolla and Coronado) and nearby hiking trails offers students a healthy way to decompress after long hours in the design studio.
Weather and Outdoor Studio
  • Fueling Studio Time: There is an abundance of independent downtown coffee shops—a crucial amenity for architecture and design students.
  • Culinary Diversity: There is an incredible local food scene, from authentic farm-to-table California cuisine and Mexican food to the bustling Little Italy farmers market.
  • State-of-the-Art Access: NewSchool has a 3,000-square-foot Materials Lab and digital facilities and they are secure and accessible 7 days a week.
  • Community Integration: There is a close-knit nature of the NewSchool community within the broader, bustling city, ensuring students have a focused support system while exploring their independence.
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