“Design is so simple. That’s why it’s so complicated.” –Paul Rand
Before the awards presentation, Dwell president Michela O’Connor Abrams (sporting her Google Glass) announced the Dwell Vision Award, a collaboration between Dwell and Big Ass Fans. Photo by: Mimi Teller Rosicky.
Our Kitchen and Bath award went to relative newcomer Franz Viegener for its innovative designs. Photo by: Alejandro Chavetta
The Modern Lifestyle award winner was Miele, which this year encompassed an overall lifestyle vision at the show. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.
Nourishmat by Earth Starter allows city dwellers to grow their own food in small spaces, and for that it snagged our Design Materials award. Photo by: Alejandro Chavetta
Emeco’s combination of eco-friendly design philosophy and show-stopping bright white booth ensured their place as the winner of Best in Show at Dwell on Design. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.
Playforms by North Forty Design grabbed our New Product award for their simple, imagination-driven kids’ playhouses. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.
After transforming Dwell Outdoor into a verdant paradise, landscape architecture firm Shades of Green was awarded for Outdoor this year. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.
Our Furniture category went to Clei for Resource Furniture, whose convertible beds especially piqued the judges’ interests. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.
For his oversize Manuka light, New Zealand–based designer David Trubridge captured the award for Lighting. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.
With its multi-tiered fountain, trio of modern structures, and wall of fixtures, Brizo captivated the jury and brought home the award for best Booth. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.
The awards were a custom collaborative design by Dwell creative director Alejandro Chavetta and the San Francisco design firm Ohio. Photo by: Mimi Teller Rosicky
In the Sustainability category, Lacava garnered the award, for showing that responsible design can be beautiful. Photo by Alejandro Chavetta.
Haand, Booth MH 29
Artisanal design studio Haand trekked to Dwell on Design all the way from Durham, North Carolina, and brought a selection of handmade asymmetrical dinnerware (from $33–$350).
Keynote Speaker Michael Graves JCPenney (now known as JCP) launched several collaborative home collections from renowned designers. We sat down with architect Michael Graves to chat about designing for large retailers, Habitat for Humanity housing, and his upcoming Dwell on Design appearance.
Here's Michael Graves (front) along with Donald Strum (back right) in one of the jcpenney shops-within-a-shop dedicated to the Graves line.
This "local prefab" home on the Isle of Skye is made mostly from materials sourced in northern Scotland. The timber-framed model, meant to evoke the simple agrarian barns of the area, can be constructed on-site in as little as a day and is designed for affordability.
Peace Industry, Booth 1621
Spy San Francisco–based Peace Industry's hand-felted 100-percent wool rugs in Booth 1621.
Brave Space Design, Booth 1420
Florida–based Brave Space Design is selling its wire-framed, wood topped stools for $475–495.
Attached to each blanket is a tag that says “Welcome to your new home,” and in some cases, a personal note from the maker.
“The blankets add a touch of warmth and home,” says Aguiñiga.
Paint was available for Dwell on Design attendees to use for the artworks. “Residents ask for art for their walls to brighten up their spaces,” says Aguiñiga.
The drying rack awaits more artworks.
An artist finishes the ends of a blanket.
Attendees receive a quick lesson on knitting.
Aguiñiga’s fellow artists prepare the crocheted blankets sent in by knitters from all over the country.
The kits sit ready to be distributed to people via PATH this week.
Many blankets included a personal note from the maker. This one reads: “Welcome Home! Made from acrylic yarn. Hope you enjoy this for many wonderful years! Love! Joy! Health! Happiness! Peace!”
Aguiñiga shows off one of the handmade checkerboard mini canvas tablecloths. “We created these because homeless-aid organizations have constant requests for them because the residents want companionship and recreational activities,” she notes.
The wood planks, before they became part of the stools and tables.
The knitting machine in action.
Rolls of yarn for use with the knitting machine.
The hands-on, DIY process included bolting the tables and stools together.
Volunteers smooth the sides of the wood squares to prep them for the next steps.
A pair of volunteers puts a table together.
Metal framing was used to bind the tables and stools.
The finished kits, including a table, stool, artwork, checkered tablecloth, and a blanket.