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Visitors, businesses owners and residents in Downtown for the upcoming Open House 2008 weekend, here’s something else to fit into your self-guided tour.

The third annual Dwell on Design Conference — the largest modern design show in the West — is being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 5-8.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Dwell on Design to Los Angeles in the midst of the current modern architecture and design movement happening Downtown,” said Michaela O’Connor Abrams, president and publisher of Dwell magazine.

Dwell on Design’s Home Tour will feature Downtown Urban Living on Sunday, June 8 — an event exhibiting some unique residences in our re-awakened Downtown. Home tours will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday and are self-drive home tours.

Also, the previously announced residential open houses (part of the Open House 2008) will run concurrently from 10:00am to 5:00pm on the same days.

“This is the perfect merger of two great events showcasing the urban renaissance underway in Downtown Los Angeles. Downtown is the new design incubator of Los Angeles and these events will further this design revolution,” said Carol E. Schatz, President and CEO, Downtown Center Business Improvement District.

Dwell on Design Conference + Expo

With over 50 speakers, the conference will offer diverse subject matter related to modern design living in Los Angeles.

Moderated by Dwell editors, the event opens with conversation specifically devoted to the future of Los Angeles, with panels including: LA Grows Up: Dealing With Density, and Los Angeles LEEDs the Way?, which explores what a mandated LEED program means for the city.

The conference begins Thursday, June 5 from 9:30am to 5:00pm with a reception from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and Friday, June 6 from 9:30am to 1:00pm.

Friday’s activities will be followed by a preview and free weekend pass to the exhibition: 55,000 square feet of ideas including a neighborhood of prefabs complete with landscaping and outdoor inspiration by Dwell Outdoor.

To register for Dwell on Design, go to www.dwellondesign.com.

-‘open house 2008’ pushes downtown exploration

Photograph courtesy of flickr user moacirdsp (short vacation).