At the latest edition of Dwell on Design, which took place in Los Angeles from June 21 – 23, Dwell Media introduced a new editorial award to honor design visionaries who are moving modern design forward.

The Dwell Vision Award recognizes an architect or designer who is redefining how we live in the modern world. Special emphasis is given to projects that seek to galvanize the public to affect change on a large scale, initiatives that encompass several design disciplines, the use of sustainable materials and methodologies, and work that demonstrates a dedication to helping people through good design.

“With this award, we are thrilled to salute architecture and design professionals who are harnessing their creative imaginations to make the world a better place,” said Amanda Dameron, editor-in-chief of Dwell. “We believe true vision is only possible when it encompasses lessons from the past, acknowledges the realities of the present, and effectively alters the intellectual landscape for the future ahead.”

The jury will be led by Dameron and will also feature Brian Smith, general design manager of Big Ass Fans Company, who is partnering with Dwell on the award.

Dwell is accepting submissions until August 30 for projects completed in 2012. Three finalists will be chosen this fall and the winner will be honored in New York on November 7, and will also be featured in Dwell magazine.

Video Highlights from this year's Dwell on Design

Other highlights from Dwell on Design included:

• A keynote by architect and product designer, Michael Graves, who shared his insights on universal design and design’s direct influence on the quality of life.

• Presentations by Bryan Cranston, whose sustainable home is featured in the most recent issue of Dwell; AirBnB Co-Founder Joe Gebbia; and Life Edited founder Graham Hill. Google Glass also gave a demonstration of their new wearable device. Interior designer and reality TV star Jeff Lewis was on-hand promoting his new paint line and filming the next season of Bravo TV’s Flipping Out.

• Dwell Outdoor took center stage this year, transforming an entire “block” of the convention center floor into a veritable neighborhood. The exhibition showcased full-scale prefab structures from Sett Studio, pieceHomes, LivingHomes, iT House, and Sustain Design’s miniHome, along with the Blu Homes Lounge Oasis and a prefab designed by Method Homes, outfitted with colorful products from jc penney’s designer collections by Michael Graves, Sir Terence Conrad and Jonathan Adler. State-of-the-art spas, shelters, space age planters, and other ingenious outdoor living products punctuated the space between.

• First-ever Artist-in-Residence Tanya Aguiñiga ran interactive workshops and created 72 “Move-In Kits” consisting of handmade knitted blankets, art and furniture to be donated Los Angeles shelters, to help homeless transitioning into new homes.

• The Dwell on Design Awards were announced, recognizing exhibitors in each category for outstanding showing. Winners included Franz Viegener (Kitchen and Bath), Nourishmat (Design Materials), Clei distributed by Resource Furniture (Furniture), Playforms (New Product), Miele (Modern Lifestyle), La Cava (Sustainability), David Trubridge (Lighting), Shades of Green (Outdoor), Brizo (Best Booth), and Emeco (Best in Show). The jurors included: Zahid Sardar (Dwell contributing writer and author), Rachelle Schoessler Lynn (ASID National, President-Elect), 
Kat Fern (ASID LA Chapter President), Donald Strum (principal, Michael Graves Design Group), and Erika Heet (Dwell contributing editor, Dwell on Design Editorial Director).

• The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) held its annual Chapter Leadership Conference in conjunction with Dwell on Design, welcoming over 500 trade professionals, chapter leaders, and board members from across the nation for three days of lectures, CEU classes, and tours.

• AIA Los Angeles announced the winners of the 9th Annual Restaurant Design Awards. Jury winners included Belcampo Meat Co. by BCV Architects, Nobu Malibu by Montalba Architects, Inc. and Studio PCH, Superba Snack Bar by Reed Architectural Group & Design and Design, Bitches, Beer Belly by MAKE Architecture, Northern Lights Bar by minarc, Chambers Eat+Drink by SPARC and Mr. Important Design, and SHOREbar by Built. Best new concept award went to Belcampo Meat Co. by BCV Architects. The People’s Choice Awards went to Outliers Eatery by Remi Designs, Northern Lights Bar by minarc, and SHOREbar by Built.

“Dwell on Design is truly a design incubator,” said Dwell President Michela O’Connor Abrams. “The show is a live embodiment of the modern lifestyle and continues to flourish as platform where designers and brands can share ideas and products that will ultimately shape the way in which we live.”

The next Dwell on Design is set to be held from June 22 - 24, 2014.