SAN DIEGO—The San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF), in collaboration with the Downtown San Diego Partnership, will hold its first Open House San Diego architecture and urban design event on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at forty-one locations in Downtown San Diego and Barrio Logan.

“With the debut of Open House San Diego (OHSD), San Diegans will have a brand new, and free, opportunity to learn and interact with our city through rare, behind-the-scenes access to a large number of outstanding buildings and sites,” said Maxine Ward, chair, OHSD 2015.

“By joining with New York and Chicago, San Diego proudly becomes only the third city in the United States to be designated an official Open House Worldwide City,” said Susanne Friestedt, founder, OHSD.

Open House Worldwide (OHWW), headquartered in London, is the world's largest organization showcasing the best in urban design, and architecture, while highlighting challenges facing our cities: rapid population growth, density, transportation, and the environment. Over one million people attend OHWW programs in 28 cities yearly.

All San Diegans are invited to attend OHSD, including families, and students -- our future architects and urban designers.

Most buildings will have open access from 10 am - 4 pm. Some will offer scheduled talks and guided tours on a first-come, first-served basis. Others will require reservations.

The list of OHSD 2015 sites, event details, and advance reservations link, will be available at: www.sdarchitecture.org

Each OHSD building and site was selected for its unique contribution to the fabric of Downtown San Diego and Barrio Logan, the focus areas for the first OHSD: architectural design, historic or cultural value, innovative use of materials, repurposing of space, environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, or unique use of public areas. This year, such spaces as: architecture, landscape, and design studios, museums, schools, hotels, and high-rises will be featured.

“The Downtown San Diego Partnership is thrilled to co-sponsor the inaugural OHSD event and looks forward to its continued success for years to come,” commented Kris Michell, president and CEO, Downtown San Diego Partnership.

The Open House program is an economic engine. During the event, about $5 to $32 per person is invested in local businesses and restaurants. 'Cultural tourism' attendees from out-of-town spend even more on hotels and entertainment.

“In the future, OHSD plans to expand to San Diego's other vibrant neighborhoods, and include children's activities, a photography competition, and much more,” concluded Ward.

SDAF is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization.