Finalists Announced in the Lexus Design Award 2017

The finalists in the Lexus Design Award 2017 have been announced, a collection of 12 projects that embrace contrasting qualities, true to the competition’s theme of “yet” .

First launched in 2013 to stimulate ideas that can help build a better future, the international design competition supports up-and-coming designers and creatives worldwide. This year the fifth award competition attracted more than 1,100 entries from 63 countries.

The “yet” concept is an inspiration for Lexus innovation, expressing the successful fusing of seemingly incompatible goals, for example the “spacious yet aerodynamic design” applied to new Lexus vehicles. By harmonising contradictory elements, opportunities for visionary and progressive design and technology can be created.

The judging panel selected the 12 finalists, including four entries of special merit that will be turned into prototypes with the support of professional design mentors.

Prototype design finalists

Having nothing and yet possessing everything (Ahran Won, South Korea): a capsule for mobile living, having nothing yet everything.

PIXEL (Hiroto Yoshizoe, Japan): a structure to experience the existence of light yet shadow.

Player’s Pflute (Jia Wu, China): vegetable yet a musical instrument that provides a fun and learning experience.

Structural Color-Static Yet Changing (Jessica Fügler, USA): Static yet changeable structure, depending on viewpoint.

Panel finalists

Buoyant Measuring Spoon for the Blind (Eunjin Park, South Korea): a measuring spoon with unseen yet visualised tactile gradations for the blind.

The Landscape of Paper (Kuniko Maeda, Japan): disposable yet upcycled material using traditional and modern technology.

Mass Production to Unique Items (Takehanake-Bungorogama, Japan): mass-produced yet one-of-a-kind ceramics, created using a portable kiln.

Paper Kettle (Ryo Katayama, Japan): a combustible yet fire-resistant paper kettle.

Platanaceae (Paula Cermeño, Peru): banana leaf bandages that outperform synthetic types yet are biodegradable and soothing.

POD (MODlab, USA): temporary shelter for displaced populations, homeless yet home.

Retrospection Project/Timetune Radio (Takuro Sanda, Japan): hi-tech yet retro radio tunes in programmes from past and present.

Traffic Light System (Evgeny Arinin, Russia): simple yet sophisticated traffic light.

Four mentors will provide guidance for the four finalists selected to progress their designs to a prototype: architects and interdisciplinary designers Neri & Hu, designer Max Lamb, designer/architect Elena Manferdini and artist/architect Snarkitecture. Each also served as a mentor in the 2016 award programme.

The completed prototypes will be featured as part of the Lexus presentation at this year’s Milan Design Week, together with presentation boards introducing the designs of the other eight finalists. The finalists will present their work to the judges and international media on 3 April, after which the Grand Prix winner will be announced to mark the climax of the Lexus Design Award 2017. The exhibits will remain on public view through to 9 April.

Further details about Lexus’s involvement in the 2017 Milan Design Week will be announced in mid-February.

Note to editors: –

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