Dwell on Design, the annual event focused on green, conscious, and innovative design, decor, and lifestyle, returns to the Convention Center this weekend. A multi-dimensional event, from home tours to panels and demos, to a full exhibit space with opportunities to investigate and interact, it definitely takes some planning and a do-it-yourself approach to making sure you get the most out of your time there.
Your best bet is to get a Saturday-Sunday pass and dive on into the abundance of things to see and learn. Here are our picks for what not to miss this weekend.
Before you even get there...and, better yet, while you're there, see how technology can enhance your experience and your design life with Dwell's pair-up with Pinterest. For this weekend's event, Dwell has official Pinterest-ers "pinning previews to highlights from the showfloor, as well as inspiring, creative bits and bobs from all over the www." You can store your memories if you're an iPhone user with the free Pinterest app.
Be sure to take a tour of the Ecofabulous Modern Living show house, which is always the centerpiece of the exhibit hall and a must-see. If you're truly serious about architecture and design in your own life and space, you can take advantage of the free consultations with professionals at the Architizer Design Clinic and Designer is In space.
This year's lineup of panels, demos, and speakers is as engaging as always. We've got our eye on both the Design Innovation and Sustainability stages both days for some great topics.
On the Design Innovation Stage on Saturday, we're most excited about "Dwell Kitchen: Beer Craft" (11:30 - 12:00) which explores the world of craft beer and "Architecture for Humanity X Dwell: Pecha Kucha" (4:00 - 5:00) when "designers of all stripes take the stage for short, furiously paced presentations of their work and ideas." On Sunday on the DI stage things are food-centric with a touch of DIY. We suggest you check out "Home Work: How-to Printmaking" (12:00 - 12:30); "LA Magazine Presents: Meet the Future of Modern Cuisine" (12:30 - 1:25); "LA Magazine Presents: Thirty Years of the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market" (3:00 - 3:30); and "LA Magazine Presents: Test Kitchen and the Pop-Up Phenomenon" (3:30 - 3:55).
Of course, some times you need a clone to do everything at once, and, when it comes to DOD, that clone needs to be at one stage while you're at the other. Over at the Sustainability Stage on Saturday, "Edible Yards" (12:00 - 12:30) and "Marketplace: The Sustainable Consumer" (1:00 - 1:30) are on our short list. Sunday, "Are Two Wheels Greater Than Four?" (11:30 - 12:00) examines bicycling plans in our city, plus there's much to learn about "How to Grow a School Garden" (12:00 - 12:30), followed by Ed Begley Jr's talk on "How to Live a Sustainable Life" (1:00 - 1:55).
You'll definitely want to spend your between-panel time wandering the show floor and checking out all the innovative and engaging indoor and outdoor design exhibitors..
Inspired to learn more, or if you liked what you saw, you'll want to stop by the Dwell on Design cash and carry retail store on site to get a few treasures to take home with you. They always bring a phenomenal trove of design, architecture, and locally-focused books that are definitely worth browsing...and buying. Plus, save time to peruse the Remodelista - Dwell Local Los Angeles Market for its "a curated selection of housewares and handcrafted artisanal goods from several LA and West Coast-based vendors," located by the entrance to the exhibit hall.
