2019 Lexus Design Award Finalists Named
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Six Transformative Solutions Harness the Power of Design Innovation to Build a Better Tomorrow
- Six finalists were selected from a total of 1,548 entries and will now enter the prototype creation stage with continued support from Lexus.
- In preparation for prototype creation, a Lexus-sponsored mentoring workshop was held at the newly-opened Intersect by Lexus in New York City, where finalists received hands-on guidance with four globally acclaimed creators: Jessica Rosenkrantz, Shohei Shigematsu, Sebastian Wrong and Jaime Hayon.
- Finalists will introduce their prototypes to a global audience for the first time ever this April at Milan Design Week 2019, after which the Grand Prix winner will be selected.
TOKYO, Jan, 30 2019 - (JCN Newswire) - Lexus announced today the names of the six Lexus Design Award finalists for 2019. This year's finalists employed technology in even more creative ways to spark new ideas and conceptualize transformative solutions that have the power to change lives. Most of the solution concepts below looked to address the challenges of tomorrow today including biodegradable materials, renewable energy sources and reduction of our carbon footprint.
Lexus Design Award 2019 Finalists
- Algorithmic Lace, Lisa Marks (USA); A 3D-custom lace bra for breast cancer survivors.
- Arenophile, Rezzan Hasoglu (Turkey / Country of Residence: UK); A project exploring desert sand with different binding materials to create products.
- Baluto, Jeffrey E. Dela Cruz (Philippines); A modular housing system designed to withstand earthquakes and high floods.
- Green Blast Jet Energy, Dmitriy Balashov (Russia); A turbine that collects and converts aircraft jet blast to energy during take-off.
- Hydrus, Shuzhan Yuan (China); An emergency treatment equipment offshore oil spills that increase work efficiency.
- Solgami, Prevalent (Ben Berwick) (Australia); A window blind that generates electricity and increases internal illumination.
According to technologist and 2019 LDA judge, John Maeda, "This year's submissions revealed a strong awareness of the connectedness of our world and the need for increased social consciousness." Speaking more on the transformation happening in the area of design thinking, he said, "It's clear that the fusion of classical design and computational design is now happening especially in the minds of designers looking to solve our world's biggest problems. I'm optimistic that as we continue to nurture and embrace this new generation of designers we'll see a better tomorrow."
Earlier this month, the finalists engaged in a 2-day mentoring workshop at the recently opened Intersect by Lexus brand space in the heart of New York's Meatpacking District. Here, four globally acclaimed designers: Jessica Rosenkrantz, Shohei Shigematsu, Sebastian Wrong and Jaime Hayon offered inspiration and their diverse expertise to kick-off and prepare the finalists to start creating their prototypes. Hayon, who served as a judge on the first Lexus Design Award in 2013, returns as a mentor this year, and said: "The finalist's ideas are very interesting, and some are truly breaking boundaries. Through the mentoring workshop, I myself was also inspired by interacting with a different generation who looks at technology for the 21st century from a fresh angle. Further the varied backgrounds of the mentors made the whole project richer." He added, "Milan Design Week is a big boom of ideas and a wonderful environment for an international exchange of creativity, a perfect place for the finalists to show courage and challenge this great opportunity."
Following the inspiring and highly valuable workshop, finalists will have ongoing access to each mentor as they develop their prototypes during the months leading up to Milan Design Week in April. Their prototypes will then be displayed at the Lexus event space in Milan on 8 April. Prototypes will be judge by four world-renown design leaders and select the Lexus Design Award 2019 Grand Prix winner.
For more information, visit LexusDesignAward.com.
About LEXUS
Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The grille, dynamic light treatments, and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus. For more information, please visit www.lexus-int.com and www.lexus-int.com/news/.