Dwell
on Design
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by Sarah Amandolare
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For nearly a decade, Dwell on Design has brought together some of the world's most compelling designers, archi-
tects, and thinkers for an annual whirlwind of modern inspiration. This year's show, happening June 20–22 at the
South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center, features an array of speakers, exhibitors, and displays capturing
of-the-moment sustainability initiatives, technology, and progressive design.
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As we grow increasingly interested in how and where our products are made, designers with intimate knowledge of
the manufacturing process will lead us forward. The show’s keynote speaker, Stephen Burks, an American industrial
designer and founder of the studio Readymade Projects, is one such designer.
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Few marry opposing ideas as compellingly as Burks, whose creations toe the line between industrial and handcraft-
ed, and whose international brand collaborators include Dedon, Calligaris, Missoni, and Harry Winston. But Burks’
design instincts transcend commerce. He has been a design consultant for Aid to Artisans, which has been devel-
oping economic opportunities for craft artisans in the developing world since 1976, and participated in The Nature
Conservancy's Design for a Living World exhibition, creating a native wood tool to help the Australian Noongar peo-
ple make and package their line of organic cosmetics.
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In his talk with Dwell Editor-in-Chief Amanda Dameron, Burks will discuss his passion for craft and modernism’s
range of influences. Also featured in the show are new pieces that Burks is introducing for 2014, such as his mixed-
metal Anwar chandeliers for Parachilna.
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With design driving the cultural revival of downtown Los Angeles, the rapidly evolving neighborhood is an ideal set-
ting for Dwell on Design. Much of the buzz centers around the new Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, set inside the
restored Spanish Gothic–style United Artists tower originally built for Maverick studios in 1927. Partners from the
interdisciplinary firm Commune Design, which created the hotel's interior, will be onstage to lend insights into their
work and discuss how it fits into a revitalized Los Angeles.
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The city's transformation extends outside, as well, to parks and green spaces that are revolutionizing urban public-
use development. Architecture and design firm Rios Clementi Hale, which led the overhaul of Grand Park, will shed
light on the project in an onstage talk featuring principal Mark Rios, landscape designer Tony Paradowski, and lead
architect Greg Kochanowski. With its restored historic fountain and series of terraces, the new Grand Park presents
the city’s multicultural community with diverse outdoor meeting places.
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Likewise, the recently completed Spring Street Park in the historic Old Bank District offers intimacy within open
space. Designed by Michael Lehrer, founder and president of Lehrer Architects, the park features a bold red con-
crete path that bisects an elliptical great lawn, the result of a partnership with the Los Angeles Bureau of Engineer-
ing. Lehrer will be onhand to reveal his inspirations and plans for the park.
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Dwell Outdoor also gives attendees a verdant reprieve. This year, a 23,000-square-foot space will be transformed
into an oasis of greenery—with plenty of refreshments, thanks to the show’s first-ever beer garden. Show veterans
Cassy Aoyagi of FormLA Landscape Design and Ive Haugeland, principal of the Sausalito, California–based firm