Lexus reveals design finalists

Lexus has revealed the refined prototype designs created by the six finalists in the Lexus Design Award 2021. The works have been produced with support from world class creators as mentors: Joe Doucet, Sabine Marcelis, Mariam Kamara, and Sputniko!

Following the judging of the entries by a jury of renowned design leaders, Paola Antonelli, Dong Gong, Greg Lynn and Simon Humphries, one design will be announced as the Grand Prix winner on 27 April.

The Lexus Design Award is a global competition that nurtures the next generation of creatives by challenging them to come up with designs for a better tomorrow. This year’s finalists were chosen from 2,079 submissions from 66 countries, using judging criteria based on the three Lexus design principles: Anticipate, Innovate and Captivate.

Mentorship is a core element of the Lexus Design Award. The six finalists were given the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being supported directly by creative experts who provided diverse perspectives and helped them refine their ideas over a three-month period.

Mariam Kamara said: “I’m impressed by the amount of work the finalists have been able to do in such a short time. They have really taken the advice and feedback we have given them in their stride and shown a lot of passion and dedication in pushing their ideas to be all that they can be. It is obvious they care about the effect and impact their works can have. The deep level of compassion they all show is absolutely commendable. I’m really staggered by everything they’ve been able to achieve.”

 

Lexus Design Award 2021 finalists

CY-BO by Kenji Abe (Japan)
Sustainable, reusable packaging material that can be assembled like cells.

Heartfelt by Gayle Lee and Jessica Vea (New Zealand & Tonga, based in New Zealand)
A device that enables virtual hugs.

InTempo by Alina Holovatiuk (Ukraine)
Mitts that may help distract from stressful situations by novel usage of rhythm and music.

KnitX by Irmandy Wicaksono (Indonesia, based in USA)
Digital 3D knitting of functional, electronic textiles for multi-modal visual, auditory, and tactile material interaction.

Solar Desalination Skylight by Henry Glogau (Dual New Zealand & Austria, based in Denmark)
Device that uses seawater to create natural diffused light, drinking water, and leftover salt for energy creation.

Terracotta Valley Wind by Intsui Design (China, based in Japan)
A terracotta evaporative cooling system for subway stations utilizing train-induced wind to function.