Finalists Selected for the 2018 Lexus Design Award
Twelve finalists have been selected for the prestigious Lexus Design Award 2018, representing a wide spectrum of creative thinking from around the world.
Now in its sixth year, Lexus’ distinguished international design competition invites young designers to present ideas based on a specific theme – this year the concept of “Co-“ derived from the Latin prefix meaning “with” or “together in harmony”. “Co-“ has encouraged exploration of how design can find solutions and overcome barriers for a range of challenges, through harmonious integration of nature and society.”
There was an unprecedented response to this year’s award, with more than 1,300 entries from 68 countries.
Sir David Adjaye, world-renowned architect and member of the judging panel, said: “It has been thrilling to gain insight into how the next generation of designers translates new concepts and philosophies into innovative solutions to the fundamental concerns of today.
The finalists were chosen following considerable deliberation by the judges, which, as well as Sir David, included for the first time the celebrated Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. Among the 12 selected, four (listed below) will be supported to further develop their designs to prototype stage, with mentorship from a team of elite designers of international repute: Lindsey Adelman, Jessica Walsh. Sou Fujimoto and Formafantasma.
CO-RKs
CO-RKs is the work of DIGITALAB, a young multidisciplinary and experimental architecture, design and research studio in Portugal. Developed by Brimet Fernandes da Silva and Ana Trindade Fonseca, CO-RKs is a system of three-dimensional design pieces made from cork thread, formed into shapes created using mathematical algorithms. These demonstrate the potential of the thread as an innovative material that is non-fibrous, highly durable and wholly natural. Lindsey Adelman will provide mentor support for the concept.
For more images click here.
HONEST EGG
Paul Yong Rit and Jaihar Jailani Bin Ismail, co-founders of the Malaysian industrial design group aesthetid have produced an intuitive and simple indicator system to show when an egg has reached its recommended “use by” date. Honest Egg, prints the eggs with an intelligent ink pigment that changes colour over a set period of time. The ink can react to sudden changes in air quality or temperature, or damage to the egg, adjusting the date period. The eggs are contained in a bespoke container that makes their condition easy to check at a glance. The design idea will be developed with mentor Jessica Walsh.
For more images click here.
RECYCLED FIBRE PLANTER
Eriko Yokoi has responded to the low recycling rate of textiles in Japan by using old polyester clothes to make fibre soil, a soil substitute created by layering recycled fabric. The material is formed through compression, so that it holds adequate air and moisture for growing plants. Layering thin sheets of material of different colours creates an attractive effect. Yokoi, from Japan, will be mentored in her work by Sou Fujimoto.
For more images click here.
TESTING HYPOTHETICALS
Christopher Woebken (Germany) and Elliott P. Montgomery (USA) are founders of Exploration Factory, a design-based research studio for participatory futures studies. Testing Hypotheticals is a proposal for a futures workshop in which people from a neighbourhood can envision spaces that new communities could use as test grounds for new ways of living and working. In the course of the workshop, Exploration Factory will help participants construct prototypes to bring their ideas to life, assembled to form an immersive test site. The entry will be developed with mentor support from Formafantasma.
For more images click here.
The four prototypes and presentation boards illustrating the work of the other eight finalists, will be showcased as part of the Lexus Design Event at this year’s Salon del Mobile, Milan Design Week, the world’s leading design exhibition. Following the presentation, the judges will select an ultimate Grand Prix Winner.
More images from all 12 finalists can be downloaded from here.
ENDS
Notes to editors
More information and high-resolution pictures can be found on:
Lexus Design Award website: www.lexusdesignaward.com
Official hashtags: #LexusDesignAward; #MilanDesignWeek;
Further details on the Lexus presence at 2018 Milan Design Week* will be announced in mid-February on the Lexus Design Event website.
