Lexus Reveals Installation at Design Miami/ 2021 for an Electrified, Carbon-Neutral Future

Lexus unveils ON/  – an installation at Design Miami/ from 30 November to 5 December, that projects a vision for an electrified, carbon-neutral and human-centred future. The installation was produced by architect, designer and Assistant Professor, Germane Barnes, and his team at the University of Miami. ON/ is inspired by the Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept and reflects the Lexus brand’s commitment to luxury that feels personal and engaging, with intuitive technology, passionate enthusiasm, and the use of electrification.  

The title of the installation refers to an on/off switch as a vision of a carbon-neutral future powered by electric technology. ON/ creates an environment that is designed to engage viewers of all ages, providing an experience that is both visually dynamic and interactive, while offering an inviting space to recharge and reflect.

The installation is centered around a three-dimensional sculptural rendition of the LF-Z Electrified Concept car, rendered in steel and illuminated with embedded LED lighting. The frame of the car glows and is suspended just above the ground, a vision of a more sustainable future coming into focus. Two swings anchor the display, each suspended within illuminated arches in reference to the classical architecture that is both a foundation to the design of civic infrastructure and central to the University of Miami’s curriculum, alluding to a gateway between our present and future. 

This arch is echoed in furniture with embedded LED lighting designed by Barnes and his team specifically for the installation, providing discrete areas for rest and recharging — reflecting the Lexus brand’s commitment to the principle of omotenashi (exceptional hospitality).

The entire installation is unified by a unique lighting scheme, designed to enable global engagement via an interactive virtual online model, unveiled alongside the physical display, which can be accessed here: https://lexuscolorcreation.com/.

Participants are invited to create their own lighting designs for the display, altering the colour of various features, including the walls, car, swings, and furniture. Barnes and his team will select a series of the user-generated designs to showcase onsite, highlighting the creative vision of entries from around the world.

Germane Barnes, Assistant Professor at the University of Miami School of Architecture commented. “As a global brand with commitment to the Japanese design principles of takumi (expert craftsmanship) and omotenashi (exceptional hospitality) and a mission to build towards a carbon-neutral future, Lexus embodies elements that are essential markers of high-quality design for today, while also echoing my personal values.  Designing for a future that is collaborative, sustainable, equitable, and prioritises the unique experiences of individuals is both a driving force of my practice and my work with students here at the University of Miami.  As Design Miami/ opens, we’re excited to see how the public engages with the installation, both in-person and online, and makes our vision for the future their own,”

“We’re thrilled to bring this incredible project from Germane Barnes and the University of Miami to Design Miami/ in our fourth year of partnership with the fair,” commented Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing. “As we look towards next generation design, this project has given us a chance to highlight Lexus’ commitment to electrification while working closely with the students at UMiami who are incredibly talented and truly represent the future of design and innovation.”

ENDS