Lexus has unveiled a collection of new installations at Milan Design Week 2025, the world’s largest showcase event for international design. Its exhibition at Superstudio Piu’s Daylight Space will feature “A-Un”, an immersive installation created in collaboration with Japanese creatives SIX and STUDEO, and “Discover Together”, an interactive collection produced by next generation designers in a legacy project from the Lexus Design Award.

The exhibition is open to the public at Superstudio Più in Tortona, Milan’s creative district, from April 8 to 13.

Simon Humphries, Lexus Chief Branding Officer, said: “Since the founding of our brand, Lexus has constantly challenged the conventions of the luxury automotive world, pushing the boundaries of mobility to create unique and extraordinary experiences that surpass expectations rather than simply meeting them. Today, as technology advances and transforms the way we perceive time spent in motion, we find ourselves reflecting on how these shifts can lead to profound new forms of engagement and interaction.

“At Milan Design Week, we seek to express this convergence of technology and humanity, exploring moments in which they intersect and how reimagining time itself can be a catalyst for new experiences. Additionally, through ‘Discover Together’, we have collaborated with three visionary creative units who explore the interplay between individuals with society through the lens of the Black Butterfly, offering new perspectives.”

The new immersive installations have taken inspiration from the “Black Butterfly”, the name given to a dual-interface control device featured in the cockpit of Lexus’ LF-ZC concept car. Each explores how future technologies will bring man, machine and mobility closer together.

The exhibition’s official opening today (April 7) will be hosted by Pascal Ruch, Toyota Motor Europe Vice President Lexus and Value Chain. He will introduce speakers including Lexus International President Takashi Watanabe and Lexus Design Division General Manager Koichi Suga. Together with Takeshi Nozoe of SIX., Tatsuki Ikezawa of STUDEO and representatives from Bascule Inc., Northeastern University and Lexus’ in-house designers, they will provide insights into the groundbreaking installations and the future of mobility and design.

A-Un installation

Across the two decades since its first appearance at Milan Design Week in 2005, Lexus has collaborated with world-renowned artists and designers – including Philippe Nigro, Neri Oxman, Sou Fujimoto and Rhizomatiks – to create immersive experiences that embody the brand’s vision and values.

This year it has teamed up with the Tokyo-based creative agency SIX and design studio STUDEO to present “A-Un”, an installation inspired by the Japanese concept of A-Un no Kokyū (harmonised breath), a traditional concept where two bodies or entities instinctively synchronise their movements and emotions. Using the Black Butterfly motif as a window connecting people and society, Lexus brings its vision for the future of mobility to life in an immersive space.

A vast Black Butterfly-shaped screen suddenly emerges within the space, standing three metres high and measuring 10 metres wide and four metres deep. A testament to Lexus’ commitment to honouring traditional materials and craftsmanship, the work was meticulously crafted by hand over three months, using woven threads made from about 35 kilometres of bamboo fibre.

The structure comes to life as visitors approach, responding to their heartbeats to create a unique, immersive experience. As the heartbeat synchronises with fluctuations sampled from nature, the Black Butterfly becomes a medium for discovery. In that moment, visitors witness the seamless connection between people, society and the world – an experience shaped by the “A-Un” philosophy.

Lexus’ vision of future mobility goes beyond a car simply responding to human commands to its anticipation of human intentions. Through the Black Butterfly, people and vehicles engage in a journey of constant learning and evolution together, discovering new possibilities and one-of-a-kind moments. Vehicles will connect directly with people, creating a new experience of movement.

Discover Together installation

This year’s exhibition builds on the legacy of the Lexus Design Award which has discovered, nurtured and long supported next generation creators, challenging the boundaries of creative potential. Three visionary groups have used the Black Butterfly as a motif to explore new dimensions of personalised experiences with technology. Bascule Inc., Northeastern University and Lexus’ in-house designers present a series of interactive installations that reinterpret the Black Butterfly through distinct and unique perspectives. This encounter between Lexus and emerging talents gives rise to “Experience Amazing” which visitors are invited to discover first-hand in the exhibition.

Earthspective

Bascule Inc. (Japan)

This work explores the concept of an expanded earth perspective. The combination of “earth” and “perspective” in its title represents a shift in the way we view our world. As humans, we perceive reality from our own, limited vantage points. However, when we step back and observe the Earth from the vastness of space, we gain a new perspective – an Earthspective. From this view, we are mere travellers on the planet. The words you speak become imprints on the future, etched into the ever-expanding universe.

Our Energy Nexus

Northeastern University (USA)

This installation explores the theme of reducing air pollution, using real-time interaction to visualise the power of community and collective action.

Visitors engage with real-time pollution levels and Milan’s global air quality index data, channelling their warmth through the Black Butterfly as symbolic release of energy. Each contribution is transformed into a glowing star; as the air clears, these stars shine brighter, reinforcing the connection between personal action and environmental change. Together our energy converges to shape a cleaner, brighter future.

Discover your Butterfly – Lexus in-house designers (Japan)

The butterfly is a symbol of your unknown potential to make an impact on the world

Inspired by the Butterfly Effect, this installation captures the transformative power of small actions.

It envisions a world where countless butterflies converge, each one unique in its motion, coming together to create a dynamic and evolving reality. With the Black Butterfly as a window for unleashing your unknown potential, visitors release their own butterfly, influencing the world around them while discovering new aspects of themselves. Each small flutter contributes to a ripple of beauty and change, proving that even the smallest actions can shape the future in powerful ways.

The Lexus Design Award – Discover Together

Since 2013, Lexus has hosted the Lexus Design Award, an international competition dedicated to fostering and supporting next generation creators through dialogue and co-creation. To deepen this collaboration and further its commitment to emerging design talent, the programme is being updated as the “Lexus Design Award – Discover Together”. It will be officially relaunched this summer with a showcase event scheduled to take place at Milan Design Week in April 2026. Look out for further details of this exciting new chapter in design.

Exhibition information

“A-Un” creator profiles

Takeshi Nozoe (SIX Inc.)

Takeshi Nozoe founded the creative company SIX Inc. in 2013. As creative director, Nozoe takes on the challenge of creating new forms of communication and real-world experiences with brands both in Japan and overseas, including Toyota GR and Lexus. He has worked on a number of projects that have expanded the boundaries of expression through the fusion of technology, including spatial expression using 1,000 drones; the music video “Obsession for Smoothness”, created in collaboration with OK Go; and the Space Balloon Project, a real-time interaction with the stratosphere. To date, he has received more than 100 international creative awards, including a Cannes Lions Gold Award and a New York Festival Gold Award. SIX’s original product, the COTODAMA Lyric speaker, is sold in 44 countries worldwide, demonstrating high recognition for its innovation in product development.

https://sixinc.jp/

Tatsuki Ikezawa (STUDEO)

A graduate of the Department of Design Informatics at Musashino Art University, Ikezawa founded the creative studio, STUDEO in 2020. Approaching brand strategy from the perspective of art direction, he seamlessly integrates concept development, product design including packaging and logo design, and the planning of communication tools such as commercials, graphics, and spatial design to create a cohesive brand world. In 2018, Ikezawa held a solo exhibition BEYOND THE CRAFT in New York and, in 2024, participated as a designer in The Trio Asia Posters at the Mexico International Poster Biennial.

His works have been recognised with numerous awards, including the Tokyo ADC Award, JAGDA New Designer Award, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, ONE SHOW, and New York ADC. He is a member of the Tokyo Art Directors Club and the Japan Graphic Designers Association.

https://www.studeo.co.jp/

“Discover Together” creator profiles

Bascule Inc. (Japan)

Members pictured (from left) Tomoyuki Iwabuchi, Masayoshi Boku, Sakiko Osawa

Bascule Inc. is a creative team based in Tokyo, known for extracting reality and stories hidden in various data to create emotional experiences. Centred on their unique approach called DATA-TAINMENT, they engage in a wide array of fields including advertising, events, sports, art, urban development, and outer space, aiming to create new experiential values in which everyone can participate.

https://bascule.co.jp/

Northeastern University (USA)

Members pictured (from left) Chloe Prock, Paolo Ciuccarelli, Jasmine Yiming Sun, Elizabeth McCaffrey

Under the direction of Paolo Ciuccarelli, head of Northeastern University’s Center for Design, Chloe Prock, Jasmine Yiming Sun, and Elizabeth McCaffrey form a team of designers and researchers exploring the wide intersections of data visualisation, experience design, and creative practice. With expertise spanning immersive media, computational data visualisation, UI/UX design, and design research, their work bridges the gaps between emerging technologies, human-centred design, and poetic computation to create engaging and thought-provoking experiences.

https://camd.northeastern.edu/center-for-design/

Lexus Design Team (Japan)

Members pictured (from left) Moto Takabatake and Yuri Tamura

Members of the Design Team at Toyota Motor Corporation have challenged new expressions and experiences by reinterpreting the Black Butterfly. As a mentor, Takabatake works as a Concept and Vision Designer, planning future visions and concepts targeting all products, including experiences for both Lexus and Toyota brands. Designer Yuri Tamura began her career as a CMF designer and now explores innovative designs that challenge existing concepts across all genres. She focuses on capturing human emotions and experiences from new perspectives, aiming to deliver inspiration to many.

The Black Butterfly, a dual-interface cockpit control system developed by Lexus for its LF-ZC concept car, has provided inspiration for international creators to develop immersive new installations at the cutting edge of art and design.

These exciting interpretations of how future technologies will bring man, machine and mobility closer together will be showcased by Lexus at Milan Design Week 2025, one of the world’s premiere events for global creatives. The exhibits will be on public view at the Superstudio Più, from April 8 to 13.

 “A-Un” is an interactive installation that connects intuitively with the viewer, combining the principles of the Black Butterfly with the traditional Japanese concept of Aun no kokyo – breathing in harmony. It has been developed by Lexus in collaboration with the Tokyo-based creative agency SIX and the STUDEO design studio. It presents a new dimension in seamless communication between humans and mobility and captures a spirit of mutual understanding through perfectly synchronised interactions.

Lexus’ Milan Design Week presence also includes “Discover Together”, produced by up-and-coming creative talents from Bascule Inc. in Japan, Northeastern University in the USA and the Lexus Designer Team, from Japan. For more than a decade, Lexus has supported innovative creators striving to help shape a better future world and society through the Lexus Design Award. Building on this legacy, Lexus has launched the “Discover Together” initiative. This project emphasises co-creation and reinterprets and expresses the new possibilities presented by the Black Butterfly cockpit control interfaces.  Through their original works, the creators demonstrate the different chemistry and experience that can occur when humans interact with the Black Butterfly.

Lexus has been an active participant in Milan Design Week over many years, using the opportunity to demonstrate its challenge to the status quo in the luxury automotive space, pushing boundaries in both products and services to create amazing experiences for its customers.

Exhibition information

“A-Un” creator profiles

Takeshi Nozoe (SIX Inc.)

Takeshi Nozoe founded the creative company SIX Inc. in 2013. As creative director, Nozoe takes on the challenge of creating new forms of communication and real-world experiences with brands both in Japan and overseas, including Toyota GR and Lexus. He has worked on a number of projects that have expanded the boundaries of expression through the fusion of technology, including spatial expression using 1,000 drones; the music video “Obsession for Smoothness”, created in collaboration with OK Go; and the Space Balloon Project, a real-time interaction with the stratosphere. To date, he has received more than 100 international creative awards, including a Cannes Lions Gold Award and a New York Festival Gold Awards. SIX’s original product, the COTODAMA Lyric speaker, is sold in 44 countries worldwide, demonstrating high recognition for its innovation in product development.

https://sixinc.jp/

Tatsuki Ikezawa (STUDEO)

A graduate of the Department of Design Informatics at Musashino Art University, Ikezawa founded the creative studio, STUDEO in 2020. Approaching brand strategy from the perspective of art direction, he seamlessly integrates concept development, product design including packaging and logo design, and the planning of communication tools such as commercials, graphics, and spatial design to create a cohesive brand world. In 2018, Ikezawa held a solo exhibition BEYOND THE CRAFT in New York and, in 2024, participated as a designer in The Trio Asia Posters at the Mexico International Poster Biennial.

His works have been recognised with numerous awards, including the Tokyo ADC Award, JAGDA New Designer Award, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, ONE SHOW, and New York ADC. He is a member of the Tokyo Art Directors Club and the Japan Graphic Designers Association.

https://www.studeo.co.jp/

“Discover Together” creator profiles

Bascule Inc. (Japan)

Members pictured (from left) Tomoyuki Iwabuchi, Masayoshi Boku, Sakiko Osawa

Bascule Inc. is a creative team based in Tokyo, known for extracting reality and stories hidden in various data to create emotional experiences. Centred on their unique approach called DATA-TAINMENT, they engage in a wide array of fields including advertising, events, sports, art, urban development, and outer space, aiming to create new experiential values in which everyone can participate.

https://bascule.co.jp/

Northeastern University (USA)

Members pictured (from left) Chloe Prock, Paolo Ciuccarelli, Jasmine Yiming Sun, Elizabeth McCaffrey

Under the direction of Paolo Ciuccarelli, head of Northeastern University’s Center for Design, Chloe Prock, Jasmine Yiming Sun, and Elizabeth McCaffrey form a team of designers and researchers exploring the wide intersections of data visualisation, experience design, and creative practice. With expertise spanning immersive media, computational data visualisation, UI/UX design, and design research, their work bridges the gaps between emerging technologies, human-centred design, and poetic computation to create engaging and thought-provoking experiences.

https://camd.northeastern.edu/center-for-design/

Lexus Designer Team (Japan)

Members pictured (from left) Moto Takabatake and Yuri Tamura

Members of the Design Team at Toyota Motor Corporation have challenged new expressions and experiences by reinterpreting the Black Butterfly. As a mentor, Takabatake works as a Concept and Vision Designer, planning future visions and concepts targeting all products, including experiences for both Lexus and Toyota brands. Designer Yuri Tamura began her career as a CMF designer and now explores innovative designs that challenge existing concepts across all genres. She focuses on capturing human emotions and experiences from new perspectives, aiming to deliver inspiration to many.

• A new multisensory installation and limited-edition capsule collection explore the material innovation, responsive technology and personalization at the core of Lexus' luxury design

Today, Lexus unveils Liminal Cycles, a multisensory and responsive installation created in collaboration with Bratislava-based research and design studio Crafting Plastics. Presented in partnership with the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami), the installation embodies Lexus’ exploration of material innovation, responsive technology and personalization, drawing inspiration from the Lexus LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero Catalyst) Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) concept car.

Coinciding with the unveiling of Liminal Cycles, Lexus officially launches its limited-edition capsule collection, featuring 26 collectible design objects by renowned designers Germane Barnes, Michael Bennett (Studio Kër), Suchi Reddy, and Tara Sakhi (T SAKHI) alongside Crafting Plastics. The capsule collection expands on the concepts explored in Liminal Cycles, inviting viewers to consider these objects as manifestations of Lexus’ core ethos of materiality, innovation, performance, sustainability, and technology.

Intended to highlight the possibilities of natural materials and reactive software, Crafting Plastics and Lexus welcome viewers of Liminal Cycles to embark on an immersive journey toward discovery. The installation, situated in the ICA Miami sculpture garden, realizes the adaptability and responsive technology that is central to the developing concept of SDVs (Software Defined Vehicles), which envisions software-enabled customization as a key element of personalized luxury design. By engaging a global art and design audience in its exploration of the SDV concept, Lexus continues to champion bold and uncompromised luxury experiences for the next generation.

Tasked with bringing the SDV concept to life, Crafting Plastics, comprised of co-founders Vlasta Kubušová, Miroslav Král and their team, employed their research practice to create a dynamic, fragmented central “car” sculpture referencing the Lexus LF-ZC at scale. The material foundation of the central sculpture is 3D-printed bioplastic Nuatan®–a bio-based material series that is biodegradable, based on 100% renewable resources and leaves no microplastics behind. Coated with a UV-responsive material skin, the sculpture reacts to environmental stimuli, such as UV radiation and a viewer’s proximity, in real time by changing colour and expanding and contracting with breath-like movements. This pulsating mimics the rhythmic movements of natural beings to symbolize the potential harmonies between nature and technology.

Liminal Cycles also features three satellite installations to complement its central sculpture, each incorporating design elements of the LF-ZC to showcase sensory reactions ranging from audio and visual to olfactory. A flower-like sculpture references the shape of the LF-ZC’s steering wheel and entices viewers to interact with its rugged, earthy texture.  It responds to human touch with fluctuations in the volume and intensity of the installation’s site-specific sound composition. A second sculpture reimagines the form of the LF-ZC’s headrest as a section of lounge seating which emanates a Lexus-inspired scent in response to visitors’ interaction. Anchoring the four-part installation is a wind-activated, lattice-like sculpture that uses UV-reactive bioplastic material to detect shifts in UV radiation, responding to this stimuli with a subtle reveal of the Lexus logo across the delicate structure. Each response discovered throughout the installation is an expression of the expansive possibilities of material innovation and software-enabled reactive design.

On view through December 15, Liminal Cycles marks Lexus’ third year partnering with ICA Miami and the brand’s ninth year participating in Miami Art & Design Week. Through their collaboration and presentation of world-class installations, Lexus and ICA Miami are committed to building inspiring experiences that encourage thoughtful dialogue centring on creativity and design.

Founded by Vlasta Kubušová and Miroslav Král, Crafting Plastics is recognized as a global advocate for the adoption of biobased materials within mainstream creative industries from fashion and product design to interior homewares. With the groundbreaking development of their proprietary Nuatan® material series, Crafting Plastics challenges a design landscape where planned obsolescence and significant environmental waste is the norm. Through this collaboration, Lexus and Crafting Plastics employ an elevated approach to responsible design that combines beauty, utility and endurance, with an emphasis on reuse and reintegration.

“This installation presents a rare opportunity to explore an ambitious creative project that demonstrates the extensive capabilities of biomaterials with minimal compromises,” says Vlasta Kubušová, co-founder of Crafting Plastics. “We are proud to showcase our vision alongside Lexus, a brand that shares the same values of sustainability and innovation in design. We hope that visitors will be inspired by the possibilities of bio-based materials and begin to view them as an asset of our shared future.”

Lexus in Design Capsule Collection

Expanding upon its dedication to the future of sensorial design and holistic luxury experience, Lexus introduces an exclusive capsule collection of 26 collectible design objects crafted by a group of leading design talents. Selected for their individual explorations of sustainability, sensory design, and material innovation, Lexus in Design collaborated with five visionary designers–Crafting Plastics, Germane Barnes, Michael Bennett (Studio Kër), Suchi Reddy, and Tara Sakhi (T SAKHI)–for this one-of-a-kind collection. For the collection, the five designers each created an edition of bespoke objects inspired by key elements of Lexus’ brand ethos–personalization, sustainability, materiality, technology, and performance. The objects serve as sensory vessels, designed to hold a specially crafted Lexus fragrance in candle or diffuser form.

Throughout the collection, the designers employ materials ranging from amber glass, gold leaf, fired clay and ceramic, to biodegradable plastic, interlocking slit paper, and recycled aluminium from a Lexus hood. The resulting collection balances innovation with heritage, the ephemeral with the collectible, and technology with human nature to transport viewers on an immersive and sensory journey.

Each designer’s creations unite Lexus’ design ethos with their existing practice.

• Crafting Plastics’ Ephemerables series marries the core ethos of personalization with their use of bioplastics in modular, customizable and biodegradable forms.
• Germane Barnes’ ceramic vessels in his series, The Beauty of Labor, echo his award-winning research to reflect the value of high-quality performance in all aspects of design.
• Tara Sakhi (T SAKHI)’s Memory series encounters sustainability as an expressive representation of material evolution, resulting in exceptional luxury design achieved through the fusion of recyclable material.
• Michael Bennett presents a series of amber glass vessels, titled Synesthesia, as an exercise in materiality and repetition inspired by Lexus’ meticulous design process.
• Suchi Reddy foregrounds the role of technology in the design process with Bloom, a tabletop centerpiece for flowers and scents, employing interlocking slit paper to explore the intersection of technology-enabled intelligent design.

Lexus in Design x dilo Candle

Alongside the capsule collection, Lexus also launches a custom scent developed in close collaboration with clean fragrance brand dilo and created specifically for integration into the capsule collection and Liminal Cycles installation. The fragrance will also be available as a limited-edition candle and features prominent top notes of blood orange and bergamot, paired with nature-inspired hints of cedar and moss and a renewing base of amber and fir. The candle’s overall olfactory profile welcomes notions of progress and renewal balanced with a grounding alignment with nature. Renowned for its innovative scents and clean formulas, dilo uses 100% US-grown soy wax, non-phthalate fragrances, and clean burning cotton wicks.

“We are honored to collaborate with some of the world’s leading designers to bring Lexus’ vision of holistic luxury and personalized experience to life through this year’s installation and launch of our capsule collection,” says Heather Updegraff, ​​General Manager of Lexus International Strategic Communications. “These works embody the potential of responsive technology, sustainable materials, and sensory-driven design, offering a tangible glimpse into the future while inspiring viewers to contemplate these concepts in their everyday lives.”

The Lexus in Design capsule collection will be on view at ICA Miami and Alcova Miami during Miami Art & Design Week 2024. Pieces from the collection will be available for purchase at the ICA Miami gift shop and online at HBX.com, with sales profits going toward the support of ICA Miami’s sustainability initiatives.

Once again, in the ICA Miami sculpture garden, Lexus will present Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation Talks with Whitewall alongside the Liminal Cycles installation. On Wednesday, December 4, two panels will engage the public in inspiring discussions centering on materiality and sustainability in luxury and automotive design. Moderators, Katy Donoghue (Whitewall Editor-in-Chief) and Tamara Warren (Co-founder & CEO of LE CAR) will be joined on stage by designers Vlasta Kubušová (Crafting Plastics), Suchi Reddy, Germane Barnes, Michael Bennett (Studio Kër) and Tara Sakhi (T SAKHI) as well as Sellene Lee, Chief Designer at Calty Design Research.

ABOUT LEXUS

Lexus launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus RX. The luxury hybrid sales leader, Lexus delivered the world’s first luxury hybrid and has since sold over 2.33 million electrified vehicles including HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs.

A global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its line-up to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests and is currently available in over 90 countries/regions worldwide.

Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus, and that excite and change the world.

ABOUT CRAFTING PLASTICS

Crafting Plastics is an award-winning interdisciplinary design and research studio founded by Vlasta Kubušová and Miroslav Král in 2016. The studio’s practice focuses on the research, development and implementation of a new generation of advanced ecological bio-based materials, both currently and in the future. Operating at the intersection of science and design, Crafting Plastics revolutionizes the properties and aesthetics of ephemeral materials, such as naturally-derived bioplastics, to offer durable design solutions across diverse industries. At the forefront of its practice, Crafting Plastics works to develop natural and scalable bioplastics to elevate the application and uses of the material within design and architecture. Nuatan®, the material brand developed by Crafting Plastics, is an ecological alternative to fossil-fuel-based plastic, created using 100% biobased and biodegradable biopolymer blends. Additionally, the studio is conducting innovative research on advanced environmentally responsive materials that act as sensing systems and enhance the relationship between humans and nature.

Crafting Plastics has worked with renowned brands such as Dior, Nike and Lexus, and presented projects at distinguished institutions worldwide, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, ALCOVA, MAK Vienna and Salon de Mobile. The studio has earned international acclaim, receiving nominations for the Slovak National Design Award, German Design Award (2018, 2021) and Beazley Designs of the Year at the London Design Museum. In 2022 Crafting Plastics was recognized by Dezeen as one of the world’s top emerging studios and in 2018 co-founder Vlasta Kubušová was featured in Forbes Slovakia’s 30 Under 30 List, underscoring Crafting Plastic’s pioneering role in circular design and sustainable material innovation.

ABOUT DILO

Founded in 2017 in Philadelphia, dilo launched as a product designer and manufacturer of comfort goods - candles, room sprays, reed diffusers - all that tell a story beyond their typical use. In the years to follow dilo filled out collections with Eau de Parfum, Apparel, Incense, and other home and personal care products, all designed and created carefully to ensure that they are of the cleanest in the industry. Largely picked up by independent retailers, dilo can be found in all 50 States and in several countries within Europe, Asia, and Australia.

• Lexus congratulates the winners of the 81^st Venice International Film Festival – La Biennale de Venezia – which concluded yesterday
• Lexus has proudly fulfilled its role in the international celebration of cinema as the official car of the festival for an eighth consecutive year
• The luxury car maker’s electrified models brought actors, directors, celebrities and officials to and from festival red carpet events
• Lexus put its future in the festival spotlight, presenting its LF-ZC concept for a future electric performance sedan in a special installation

The 81^st Venice International Film Festival – La Biennale di Venezia – drew to a close yesterday with Lexus joining the international world of cinema to celebrate the event’s success and the winners of its prestigious Golden Lion awards. This year the leading honour was bestowed on “The Room Next Door,” a film by Pedro Almodóvar.

This was the eighth consecutive year for Lexus as the official car of the festival, where it proudly provided luxury transport to red carpet events and screenings for such respected and famous figures as Sveva Alviti, Isabelle Huppert, Willem Dafoe, Michael Keaton, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix and Kevin Costner. Its fleet numbered 35 cars and featured all its principal electrified models, including the LBX Self-charging Hybrid, NX Plug-in Hybrid, RX Performance Hybrid and the all-electric RZ.

Together, these provided a powerful expression of the luxury brand’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Going further, the festival also turned the spotlight on Lexus’ visionary nature and its commitment to achieving a green transition in the premium car sector, with an installation on the Venice Lido dedicated to the LF-ZC – Lexus Future Zero Catalyst.

Signalling a future production model that could appear as soon as 2026, the LF-ZC is a powerfully styled concept, designed for mobility without compromise. It stands as an emblem of Lexus’ desire to embrace a future of sustainable mobility, applying cutting-edge technologies that not only respect the environment but also raise the driving experience to new heights.

This message was reinforced at the festival by Italian actor and Lexus Ambassador Stefano De Martino. He said: “It was exciting as always to be in Venice with Lexus for the festival again and a source of pride. When I enter a theatre to watch a film, I know that it will stir emotions, and it’s a similar experience when I get into my Lexus. It’s something unique, combining beauty, technology, innovation and sustainability. It’s a vision in the present but which looks ahead towards the future of mobility.

“The Venice Film Festival and Lexus both stand as an undisputed point of reference for excellence in their respective fields.”

The bond between Lexus and Venice has deep roots, they share the same vision and values, for people and sustainability. This has inspired Lexus in its support for the world of entertainment and the shared desire to create magical experiences that stir the emotions.

• Lexus is the official car of the 81st Venice International Film Festival – La Biennale di Venezia 
• A fleet of Lexus electrified cars is providing luxury transport for actors, directors and delegates to red carpet events at festival venues 
• Lexus’ eighth year of official support for the festival reflects the values of craftsmanship, innovation and the desire to deliver amazing experiences the brand shares with the world of film 
• A special installation on the Venice Lido is showcasing the exciting LF-ZC concept for a future electric performance sedan 

The 81^st Venice International Film Festival – La Biennale di Venezia – just opened, with Lexus returning as the official car of the festival for an eighth consecutive year. The event, one of the world’s most celebrated and significant celebrations of cinematic art and achievement, provides Lexus with a perfect opportunity to present the style, comfort and driving rewards of its luxury models.

As in previous years, a fleet of Lexus electrified vehicles will provide transport for actors, directors, VIP guests and officials to and from red carpet events. The celebrities enjoying the Lexus experience include Sveva Alviti, this year’s festival “godmother”. The line-up of cars features the LBX Self-Charging Hybrid – which made a high-profile debut at last year’s festival – the NX Plug-In Hybrid, the RX Performance Hybrid and the all-electric RZ. Together they demonstrate Lexus design and innovation excellence, embracing different options for electrified driving.

Lexus joined the red carpet for last evening’s opening ceremony and the premiere screening of the new Tim Burton feature “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, starring Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci and Sveva Alviti. The occasion also marked the first festival engagement for Italian actress Miriam Leone in her role as an official Lexus ambassador. Leone’s talent, charisma, and versatility make her an ideal match for the brand and highlights Lexus’ strong bond with the world of cinema.

“I am thrilled to take part in the 81st Venice Film Festival with Lexus, a brand that perfectly reflects my own dedication to excellence in every detail,” said Miriam Leone. “I have a strong affinity with brand and its passion for creating unique and unforgettable experiences, always putting people at the centre of everything. I can’t wait to explore the ways in which the ‘extraordinary’ will be presented in Venice, experiencing the magic of cinema and Lexus’ visionary quality.”

Just as film has its “auteurs”, Lexus pursues a similar desire to create new experiences through meticulous attention to detail, innovative solutions and exceptional craftsmanship – values that for years have linked the brand and the world of cinema. Both place people at the centre of what they do, using their vision and talents to convey authentic, unique and memorable emotions.

“We are honoured to once again be part of La Biennale,” said Paolo Moroni, Director of Lexus Italy. “Cinema is the ultimate representation of emotion, innovation and talent. It stirs the imagination and provokes passion. For us at Lexus this is an opportunity to do something disruptive. We are here with a range of electrified cars that are of the moment, but we are also giving a glimpse of the future, with new concepts and a vision for even more sustainable mobility, true to our desire to amaze, innovate and dream.”

The visionary aspect of Lexus is reflected in an installation – for the first time on the Venice Lido – dedicated to the LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero Emission Catalyst). Against the evocative backdrop of the Venice Lagoon, this concept study provides a first taste of a future flagship for the brand, demonstrating Lexus’ wish to maximise the potential offered by electrification and giving shape to its ideas for a new era in mobility.
 

Lexus has today unveiled its new exhibition ‘Time’ at Milan Design Week, the world’s largest international design event. The show, featuring original installations by international artists, is on public view until April 21 in the Art Point and Art Garden at Superstudio Più in Tortona, Milan’s world-respected creative district.

‘Time’ captures Lexus’ vision of how the application of software and energy innovations will help the cars of the future deliver new possibilities for customers and enable luxury to co-exist with carbon neutrality.

The exhibition features work by two designers inspired by the Lexus LF-ZC, a concept model that explores the possibilities for a next generation battery electric vehicle (BEV). ‘Beyond the Horizon’ by Hideki Yoshimoto and his Tangent studio captures a world of future mobility that evolves through software innovation. Produced in collaboration with musician and composer Keiichiro Shibuya, the piece immerses the visitor in light and sound. ‘8 Minutes and 20 Seconds’ is a new work by Marjan van Aubel which incorporates solar design and technology in pursuit of a carbon-neutral future.

Simon Humphries, Lexus Chief Branding Officer, said: “Lexus has always challenged the conventions of automotive luxury, working to expand the horizons of its products and services to create experiences that surpass its customers’ expectations. ’Time’ comes from our belief that experience and time are inseparable concepts. Time is not something that simply passes; it’s the starting point of all special experiences. Lexus has a firmly human-centred philosophy, and we believe that providing people with unique experiences in an age when technology will allow cars to anticipate and evolve with the customer begins with exploring the relationship between people and time itself.”

Installation ‘Beyond the Horizon’

‘Beyond the Horizon’ is an interactive installation inspired by a future where the personal experiential value of mobility can be tailored to the individual, by constantly updating a vehicle’s software so that it transcends its traditional role as a means of transportation through a digital dialogue with the user.

The immersive installation features a line of two-metre-high sculptures. Although these seem uniform in appearance, each one emits unique lighting effects to create different atmospheres. The LF-ZC is positioned at the centre of the work, symbolising innovation and future mobility.

Designer Hideki Yoshimoto blends state-of-the-art technology with time-honoured Japanese craftsmanship in a giant (four metres high by 30 metres wide) projection screen showing ever-changing vistas of the horizon. Its material draws on the 1,500-year heritage of Echizen ‘washi’ paper, familiar from the screens found in traditional Japanese homes. Here, it is made using bamboo fibres, referencing how this sustainable material is featured in the LF-ZC’s interior and also Lexus’ famous respect for and application of master craftsmanship skills.

Keiichiro Shibuya has composed an original sound installation, ‘Abstract Music’, to complement the exhibition concept. Sound images are generated in real time through programming a vast amount of sound data, moved around 31 speakers installed throughout the venue. No two moments are the same, as the sounds endlessly evolve. The changing of the horizon from dawn to dusk, with the LF-ZC as the guide to the future, combines with the sculptures and music to create a personalised and immersive experience.

Installation ‘8 Minutes and 20 Seconds’

This work expresses Lexus’ commitment to advancing innovation in mobility by celebrating the potential of energy and software  together with the aim for carbon neutrality and luxury to co-exist. The installation features a to-scale representation of the LF-ZC concept and uses solar power captured by organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells and stored in built-in batteries. The aim is to reflect our potential synergy with the natural environment, making the visitor an active participant in this vision of the future.

Named for the time it takes light to reach the earth from the sun, ‘8 Minutes and 20 Seconds’ imagines the car positioned among holographic trees and a reflective seating area, set against the backdrop of an interactive sun. Created with a circle of 16 of van Aubel’s Sunne solar lamps, this sun changes colour when visitors touch a sensor made from a new bamboo fabric developed by Lexus. The sensor sends a signal that triggers a personal sunrise for each person.

The installation also features natural sounds such as the rustling of bamboo – another reference to the material used in the interior of the LF-ZC, the inspiration for this work.

Exhibition information

Dates and times:

-       Press Day April 15, 3pm to 8pm

-       Public Days April 16 to 20, 11am to 9pm; April 21, 11am to 6pm

Venue: Art Point and Art Garden, Superstudio Più, Via Tortona 27, 20144 - Milan, Italy 

Exhibits:

-       Installation ’Beyond the Horizon’ by Hideki Yoshimoto/Tangent (Art Point)

-       Installation ‘8 Minutes and 20 Seconds’ by Marjan van Aubel (Art Garden)

‘BEYOND THE HORIZON’ designer profile – Hideki Yoshimoto /Tangent

Hideki Yoshimoto is a designer, creative director and Project Associate Professor at the Research Center for Advanced Scient and Technology at the University of Tokyo. Born in Wakayama Prefecture in 1985, he completed a master’s programme in aerospace engineering at the University of Tokyo’s graduate school in 2010, followed by a doctorate in design engineering at the Royal College of Art in London in 2016.

Yoshimoto founded the design studio Tangent in London in 2015. In 2020 he co-founded the field of Advanced Art and Design at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo, while further expanding his work in London and Tokyo. He specialises in the progressive integration of design and engineering and has provided numerous designs and concepts for world-famous luxury brands, as well as engaging in a wide range of fields from the development of new businesses based on technology to urban development.

His recently founded international initiative Craft x Tech connects traditional Japanese crafts with cutting-edge technology. He actively presents artworks through collaborations with traditional crafts, working on the evolution and passing-on of Japanese culture.

Yoshimoto’s notable works include the giant wall art ‘Orb’ (2023) for the Tanegashima Space Art Festival; ‘Dawn’ (2023), which fuses traditional ‘Kanazawa’ gold leaf with state-of-the-art laser processing technology; the installation ‘Here’ (2019) for the Hermès pavilion at the international fine watch salon SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie); the glass sculpture ‘Rise’, released from Wonderglass; the animation ‘Ascension’ (2016)  for the façade of the world’s tallest tower, the Burj al Khalifa; and ‘Inaho’ (2013), a lighting concept inspired by swaying rice plants that was the winner of the first Lexus Design Award.

He has received many awards in the fields of design and engineering, including the Excellence Award from the Artificial Intelligence Society of Japan; Super Creator certification from the IPA Unexplored Software Project; the Wakayama Prefectural Culture Encouragement Award; the Lexus Design Award; and the Reddot Design Concept Best of the Best award.

https://www.tngnt.uk/   

Musician/composer profile – Keiichiro Shibuya / ATAK

Musician and composer Keiichiro Shibuya graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a degree in composition and today works internationally with bases in Tokyo and Paris. His work spans a wide range from cutting-edge electronic music to piano solos, operas, film scores and sound installations. In 2012 he presented the first Vocaloid opera ‘THE END’ which received its premiere production at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, starring Hatsune Miku and with costumes designed by Marc Jacobs, then a designer for Louis Vuitton. In 2018, Shibuya presented the Android Opera^® ‘Scary Beauty’, featuring a humanoid android equipped with AI that conducted an orchestra while singing. In 2021, his opera ‘Super Angels’ was given its premiere performance at the New National Theatre in Tokyo. The following year, he presented the Android Opera ‘MIRROR’ for the Dubai Expo; a full 70-minute version of this work was given its premiere at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris in 2023.

Shibuya has also worked on numerous film scores: in 2020 he received the Music Award at the 75^th Mainichi film Awards was honoured at the 30^th Japan Film Critics’ Awards for the movie ‘Midnight Swan’. Through his work, he questions the boundaries between technology, life and death.

http://atak.jp/en/

‘8 Minutes and 20 Seconds’ designer profile – Marjan van Aubel

Marjan van Aubel is a solar designer from the Netherlands whose work explores innovations that combine sunlight and technology for a sustainable future. The Marjan van Aubel Studio engages in creative activities to incorporate solar energy into daily life and has received numerous awards. Van Aubel’s vision is to create a future that fuses sustainability, design, and solar technology. Through solar design, she aims to bring about lasting change, incorporating solar power generation into people’s lives through buildings and objects, making it more accessible.

Her passion aligns with Lexus’ story and its aim for battery electric vehicles to deliver experiential value as familiar elements in people’s lives, leading to an eventually carbon neutral society.

Her notable works include ‘Sunne’, ‘Current Table’, ‘Power Plant’ and the roof design for the Netherlands Pavilion at the 2020 Dubai Expo.

Van Aubel graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2012 with a Master’s degree in Product Design and holds a Bachelor’s degree (2009) from the DesignLAB at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy. Her leading brand collaborations include COS, Timberland and Swarovski to help accelerate the transition to solar energy globally.

https://www.marjanvanaubel.com/

Lexus returns to Milan Design Week this spring, exhibiting “Time”, a pair of interactive installations featuring new and original work by two leading global designers – both aimed at illuminating the future of human-centred design from the canvas of the world’s largest design event.

Since its founding 35 years ago, Lexus has continuously challenged the status quo in the luxury automotive space, pushing boundaries in both products and services to create new experiences that respect every moment of a customer’s time.

Building on this mindset, “Time” explores how the era of software-defined hardware will infinitely expand the possibilities for personally tailored experiences, allowing future design to seamlessly anticipate and evolve with each individual.

The exhibition is divided between two installations within the same site. The indoor exhibit "BEYOND THE HORIZON" by Hideki Yoshimoto/Tangent expresses a world of next-generation mobility that continues to evolve in limitless ways through software, complemented by the music of Keiichiro Shibuya that further invites visitors into an immersive space.

"8 Minutes 20 Seconds" by Marjan van Aubel will be exhibited outside, expressing the investment she shares with Lexus in pioneering new approaches to design and technology toward a carbon-neutral future.

Both exhibitions incorporate the next-generation Lexus electric vehicle LF-ZC, a concept that represents how the synergy of hardware and software can redefine the automotive experience.

Lexus has been a regular exhibitor at Milan Design Week for almost 20 years, collaborating with many leading designers and artists to create immersive experiences for visitors. The roll call of talent includes such internationally respected names as Philippe Nigro, Sou Fujimoto, Rhizomatiks, Germane Barnes and Suchi Reddy.

“Time” will be on public view in the Art Point and Art Garden at Superstudio Pìu in Milan’s famous Tortona design district from April 16 to 21.

Notes to editors:

Event details 
Dates: Press Day April 15, 10am to 8pm; Public Days April 16 to 21, 10am to 9pm 
Venue: Art Point and Art Garden, Superstudio Più, Via Tortona 27, 20144 - Milan, Italy 
Exhibition: 
- Installation “BEYOND THE HORIZON” by Hideki Yoshimoto/Tangent (Art Point) 
- Installation “8 Minutes 20 Seconds” by Marjan van Aubel (Art Garden) 

Designer profile –Hideki Yoshimoto /Tangent

Hideki Yoshimoto, founder of the international Tangent design and innovation brand, was the winner of the first Lexus Design Award in 2013, while still a student at the Royal College of Art in London. His winning lighting design “INAHO” was invited to participate in exhibitions around the world and went on to be developed as a commercial product. 

Yoshimoto specialises in the progressive fusion of design and engineering. In addition to providing global luxury brands such as Hermès with designs and concepts, he is active in a wide range of fields, from technology-based new business development to urban schemes.  In recent years, he has been involved in the evolution and transmission of Japanese culture, including the founding of Craft x Tech, an international initiative to connect traditional Japanese crafts and leading-edge technology.

Tangent is a design studio that aims to express the idea of “bringing technology closer to people’s lives and time, rather than thrusting it on them”. Its collaboration approach resonates with the relationship that Lexus aims to build between its customers and mobility.

https://www.tngnt.uk/   

Designer profile –Marjan van Aubel / Marjan van Aubel Studio

Marjan van Aubel is a solar designer from the Netherlands whose work explores innovations that combine sunlight and technology for a sustainable future. She is the director of the Marjan van Aubel Studio, which has produced award-winning creative activities aimed at incorporating solar energy into daily life. 

Explaining her studio’s creative ethos, she says: “We will continue to create a future that combines sustainability, design, and solar technology, create lasting change through solar design, and bring solar power closer to life by incorporating it into our lives through buildings and objects. That's what I'm aiming for.”

This idea connects with Lexus’ design vision and its aim for battery electric vehicles to deliver experiential value that is human-centred.

Van Aubel graduated from the Royal College of Art with a Master’s degree in Product Design and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Rietveld Academy Design Lab. Leading brand collaborations include COS, Timberland and Swarovski to help accelerate the transition to solar energy globally. Her notable works include “Sunne,” “Current Table,” “Power Plant” and the roof design for the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.

https://www.marjanvanaubel.com/

Composer profile–Keiichiro Shibuya

A Japanese composer, musician, and artist based in Tokyo and Paris. Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts' Department of Composition. His work encompasses cutting-edge electronic music, piano solos, operas, film scores, and sound installations.

In 2012, Shibuya created the vocaloid opera The End, starring Hatsune Miku. The opera premiered at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, with costumes designed by Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs and since then has toured worldwide. In 2018, Shibuya premiered another opera called “Android Opera”. The opera features an AI-equipped android, which sings while conducting an orchestra. In 2021, Shibuya received a commission to create the opera Super Angels by the New National Theatre, Tokyo. In 2022, he performed the Android Opera MIRROR for Expo 2020 Dubai. The full 70-minute version of this opera was premiered at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Shibuya has also received recognition for his film scores. In 2020 and 2021, he was recognized at the 75th Mainichi Film Awards and received the 30th Japan Movie Critics Award for the film Midnight Swan.

Through his works, Shibuya continues to push the boundaries of technology, life, and death.

http://atak.jp/en/

 ABOUT LEXUS

Lexus launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus RX. The luxury hybrid sales leader, Lexus delivered the world’s first luxury hybrid and has since sold over 2.33 million electrified vehicles including HEVs, PHEVs, and BEVs.

A global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests and is currently available in over 90 countries/regions worldwide.

Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus, and that excite and change the world.
 

Lexus unveiled “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds”, an installation by Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel, which is now on view within the sculpture garden at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami). Brimming with life and colour, the striking solar sculpture reimagines the Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst (LF-ZC) concept car as an interactive experience through van Aubel’s trademark use of solar cells. “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” marks van Aubel’s first public project in Miami and has been realized through design development by spatial and experience design firm Random Studio. 

Named in reference to the time it takes sunlight to reach the earth, “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” uses Organic Photovoltaics (OPV), third-generation solar cells that are both transparent and rich with colour, to translate the LF-ZC into a graphic pattern design, in a true-to-size representation of the concept car. 

“8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” awakens to the presence of viewers as they move around it and explore different perspectives. Four individual motion sensors spark light to bounce and ripple like water across the installation’s base, which represents the car’s EV platform. At unexpected intervals, the installation springs to life in an ephemeral spectacle—light cascades across it as a melody crescendo, mirroring the dynamics of the car in motion and offering a sensory glimpse into the energy of driving. As the day progresses, the warm, sunrise hues reflecting throughout the OPV sheets give way to cooler tones. 

Throughout the day, the sculpture harnesses solar power, drawing energy from the OPV sheets. These solar cells accumulate energy into batteries discreetly nestled within the sculpture's base. Slowly but surely, this continual absorption culminates, storing a reservoir of solar-derived power to help sustain the sculpture's captivating displays and features. 

The installation emanates an ambient melody, weaving together warm string instruments, soft piano and chimes that harmonize with the surrounding environment. Intermittently, the melody is embellished with birdsong and other sound effects. At times, the composition introduces woody bamboo notes, a subtle nod to the original car's interior bamboo material, integrating its essence into the auditory experience. 

On view through December 17th, “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” marks Lexus’ second year partnering with ICA Miami and the brand’s sixth immersive experience during Miami Art & Design Week. Through collaboration and presenting world-class installations, Lexus and ICA Miami are committed to building experiences that inspire visitors to ponder the immense potential of creative design. 

Globally recognized as an advocate for sustainability in art and design, van Aubel is a natural partner to Lexus’s forward-thinking design ethos. Championed for her furniture and lighting design as well as public installations, her work bridges solar technology with aesthetic design solutions. Her work is held in the collections of prestigious institutions such as the MoMA, Vitra Design Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. 

“It’s been a joy to bring the LF-ZC concept car to life! Lexus’s ethos towards innovation, craftsmanship, and new material use resonates with my design practice. This installation invites people to interact with light and colour and engages them to imagine a more sustainable, positive future. Through this partnership, I could tell a new narrative of generating energy beautifully,” said Marjan van Aubel 

“We are honoured to work with a solar design pioneer as esteemed as Marjan van Aubel. Her singular vision and expertise have built a remarkable installation that illuminates the design essence of the LF-ZC concept and her dedication to human-first, sustainable design is something we share and value dearly. It’s thrilling to see this sculpture come alive in the garden at ICA Miami," said Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing. 

“Environmental sustainability is a priority for ICA Miami as we have made a year-round commitment to minimizing and offsetting our carbon footprint. Marjan van Aubel’s powerful work with Lexus represents significant advances in innovative sustainable design and represents how global ecological concern drives contemporary solutions. We are delighted to provide an important platform for Marjan van Aubel and their powerful work during Miami Art Week,” said Alex Gartenfeld, Irma and Norman Braman Artistic Director at ICA Miami. 

ABOUT MARJAN VAN AUBEL 
Marjan van Aubel Studio is an award-winning innovative solar design practice that brings solar energy into daily life. Designing for a positive future through combining the fields of sustainability, design and technology, the studio is creating lasting change through solar design, integrating solar power seamlessly into our environments such as in buildings and objects. With the goal to make solar power more accessible for everyone. Most notable works are Sunne, Current Table, Power Plant and the roof of the Netherlands Pavilion at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. 

Marjan has collaborated with global brands such as Cos, Timberland, Swarovski with the aim of accelerating the global energy transition to solar. She graduated from the Royal College of Art (Design Products MA) in 2012 and the Rietveld Academy DesignLAB (BA) in 2009. 

ABOUT INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART MIAMI 
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) is dedicated to promoting continuous experimentation in contemporary art, advancing new scholarship, and fostering the exchange of art and ideas throughout the Miami region and internationally. Through an energetic calendar of exhibitions and programs, and its collection, ICA Miami provides an important international platform for the work of local, emerging, and under-recognized artists, and advances the public appreciation and understanding of the most innovative art of our time. Launched in 2014, ICA Miami opened its new permanent home in Miami’s Design District on December 1, 2017. The museum’s central location positions it as a cultural anchor within the community and enhances its role in developing cultural literacy throughout the Miami region. The museum offers free admission, providing audiences with open, public access to artistic excellence year round. 

ABOUT RANDOM STUDIO 
Random is a spatial experience design studio and B-corporation based in Amsterdam and Paris. The studio focuses on creating spaces that change and evolve based on their interaction with people, architecture, nature and technology. 

Lexus has set out its strategy for a new generation of all-electric vehicles, applying design principles and new technologies that will change the future of cars. At its annual Kenshiki forum in Brussels, the company gave a deeper insight into its roadmap for becoming a 100% battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand globally by 2035, and even earlier in Europe, by 2030 if market conditions allow.

Pascal Ruch, Vice-President, Lexus Europe and Value Chain, said: “Lexus has been a technology pioneer ever since the brand was founded in 1989. It has a proud heritage of challenging the conventions of the luxury car market and consistently delivering new value to customers. When it comes to electrification, we will again push boundaries in the premium automotive world. We will develop a new modular vehicle structure and new-generation batteries, not only to improve the performance of our BEVs but also, and perhaps most importantly, to reinvent driving pleasure.

“There will be a revolution in software too, which will allow us to design vehicles with the highest degree of personalisation, truly making luxury personal for each of our customers.”

The next generation of Lexus BEVs will use the opportunities of downsizing and weight reductions in structural parts to offer more versatile packaging. Advances in electrification technologies will enable further evolution of the Lexus Driving Signature – a constant, rewarding connection between driver and car that gives comfort, confidence and control at all times.

LF-ZL and LF-ZC concepts signal future model thinking

The recently unveiled Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL concept cars demonstrate how Lexus intends to maximise the potential offered by electrification and innovative technologies to deliver new mobility experiences.

The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst), which made its European debut at the Kenshiki event, previews a new Lexus production sedan scheduled for launch in 2026. It reaps the benefits of Lexus’ electrification experience, with sleek proportions, a low centre of gravity, spacious cabin and a design that blends functionality with pleasing aesthetics.

The LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury) is a study for a flagship battery electric SUV that enables seamless connection between people, mobility and society. The driving experience can be tailored to each individual user’s preferences and interaction with the vehicle will reach a higher level with the car making personalised suggestions, based on the driver’s style and habits. The use of bamboo as the signature material in the cabin references Japanese tradition, but also reflects a sustainable approach – industrial use of this fast-growing plant is essential to prevent over-growing and protect nature.

Both concepts combine functionality with beauty with a new “provocative simplicity” design theme. This evolves the Lexus identity, using refined, simple design to create a striking presence. 

The fully digital intelligent cockpit gives the driver quick access to controls in an immersive environment. The central feature is a steering yoke to operate Lexus’ exclusive One Motion Grip steer-by-wire technology. Functions are consolidated on small digital screens either side of the driver.  Operational controls such as shifts, safety and driver assistance (ADAS) systems and drive mode selection are located on the left-hand pad, while convenience features such as audio, climate control phone and AI functions are grouped on the right. The concepts are also fitted with digital rear-view and side mirrors and an ultra-wide monitor on the front passenger side for accessing entertainment and mobility apps.

Arene operating system

Lexus’ new Arene Operating System will open new entertainment and connectivity possibilities. Using AI (artificial intelligence), the voice recognition system will provide swift response to commands and be able to make personalised, flexible suggestions – comparable to having a personal butler on hand.  The system will even be able to learn the driver’s routines and preferred apps and functions and activate them automatically, without having to be asked.

Driving performance

Lexus will leverage the specific performance characteristics of BEVs, such as the powerful acceleration and the smooth drive force control provided by its DIRECT4 all-wheel drive technology to enhance the pleasure of driving and make the driver feel at one with their car.

DIRECT4, already featured on the all-electric Lexus RZ and RX 500 performance hybrid, constantly balances the drive torque between the front and rear axles, according to the load on each wheel. This ensures optimal traction in all driving conditions, with more linear acceleration, improved cornering performance and a more stable vehicle posture. With a steer-by-wire system, future Lexus BEVs will offer a more intuitive steering experience, especially when driving on winding roads. 

The new Arene Operating System will change how the vehicle feels and behaves with different driving modes – luxury car or performance car, for example. Going further, the driver can raise the level of sensory experience, changing the car’s sound and vibrations. These features will be made possible with the adoption of a steer-by-wire system and over-the-air access to software options.

Modular vehicle structure

The next generation of Lexus BEVs will use a new modular structure that divides the vehicle body into three parts – front, centre and rear. This will be made possible by using gigacasting, a system that gives greater freedom in vehicle form. Reducing the number of parts – the front and rear sections of a vehicle structure currently comprise around 175 separate elements – will drastically reduce production time and give the flexibility for speedy development of different vehicle types. The front and rear modules can each be produced in less than two minutes. The modular structure will also being the benefits of higher rigidity and weight reduction, which in turn will contribute to linear, natural-feeling vehicle dynamics. Consideration will also be given to repair costs, ensuring that minor accidents do not result in high repair bills for customers.

The manufacturing process will also be transformed with cars moving autonomously through each stage of production on a self-driving assembly line.

Multi-technology approach and product developments

In the near-term, through to 2026, Lexus will continue with its multi-technology electrification approach, based on three vehicle types: models offering multiple powertrain options, such as the UX, NX and RX SUVs; BEVs using Lexus’ current global architecture platform, such as the RZ; and BEVs constructed using gigacasting on a next-generation platform, such as the future model based on the LF-ZC concept.  Over the next few years, vehicles will be introduced in each of these three categories, including BEVs, to expand and diversify the Lexus range.

They will also all benefit from powertrain enhancements and continuous improvements in battery technology. Lexus will be the first adopter of new battery technologies, including a new lithium-ion performance battery that is expected to offer a 10 to 80% recharging time of about 20 minutes and a cruising range of about 800 km (WLTP cycle). A lower-cost battery will also be made available, increasing customer choice.

In spring 2024, the RZ range will grow to include a new front-wheel drive version. Later, the option of One Motion Grip steer-by-wire will be offered for the first time. Also planned for the future is system replicating the feel and operation of a manual transmission for BEVs – another dimension in Lexus’ mission to focus on driving pleasure. From the outside, the vehicle will be as quiet as any other BEV, but at the controls the driver will experience all the sensations of a manual transmission vehicle, including engine sound and vibrations.

Lexus growth in Europe

This year, the company expects its European new car sales to reach about 74,000 units. This is an increase of about 50% on 2022’s performance, making Lexus one of the fastest-growing premium brands. It will also be a new record total for the region, excluding Russia.

This success is founded on a strong model range that has been almost completely renewed during the past two years. The line-up includes three all-new models in the critical D and E-premium SUV segments – the NX, RX and RZ – offering hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and battery electric powertrain options.

The momentum is expected to continue in 2024, propelling the company towards its future ambition of six-digit sales in Europe. Lexus has revealed two all-new models that are taking the brand into new market segments: the new flagship LM “Luxury Mover” people-carrier and the LBX, the company’s first small urban crossover. The LM takes passenger comfort to an unprecedented level while the LBX challenges the established luxury car hierarchy, proving that prestige features, quality and driving experience can be delivered in a small car package. Additionally, a new-generation GX will be introduced in eastern markets, a large SUV offering supreme luxury with exceptional off-road capabilities.

These models demonstrate Lexus’ growth ambitions and desire to continue to push boundaries with vehicles designed to engage with new consumer demographics.

Today, Lexus announced a new collaboration with acclaimed Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel to create a vibrant, sun-powered installation within the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) sculpture garden. Inspired by the LF-ZC next-generation BEV concept car recently revealed at the Japan Mobility Show and jointly realized with spatial experience design studio Random Studio, the interactive installation will elevate Lexus and van Aubel’s investment in pushing the boundaries of design and technology toward a carbon-neutral future. It will be unveiled in early December, and on view throughout Miami Art & Design Week 2023. 

Titled "8 Minutes and 20 Seconds," in reference to the time it takes light from the sun to reach the earth, this installation will showcase the incredible potential of harnessing carbon-neutral energy. It represents a sculptural interpretation of Lexus's ground-breaking new model of electrification, intricately constructed around van Aubel's unique use of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells commonly employed in solar power applications. Through the lens of van Aubel's solar design expertise, this installation not only pays homage to the sun's journey but also amplifies the ingenuity of Lexus's environmentally conscious and technologically-pioneering electrified vehicle. 

Lexus's unwavering commitment to social responsibility in mobility design and broader societal contexts guides the brand, propelling it to challenge convention and transcend limitations while maintaining a wide-reaching vision for sustainability. The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) concept is part of the forthcoming next-generation Lexus BEV line-up. As the name suggests, the model forms the catalyst for new experiences in the electric age, including elevated driving dynamics, uncompromised design, and new exclusive services―the epitome of the Lexus brand promise to craft cars that enrich the lives of discerning customers. 

The installation marks van Aubel’s first-ever public project in Miami. Lexus has brought installations to Miami Art & Design week since 2018, and this project marks the second year of their partnership with ICA Miami. Together, Lexus and ICA Miami are committed to building experiences that inspire visitors to consider the positive impact of creative design. 

To realize the installation, van Aubel’s studio is collaborating with Random Studio, the acclaimed Certified B Corporation® that creates immersive spatial experiences globally. The installation will model the LF-ZC at-scale, constructed with OPV sheets that cast colourful shadows as sunlight hits them throughout the day. Light and motion sensors within the sculpture will add to the installation’s engaging, interactive nature, creating a visual spectacle that activates the senses and embodies the inspiring possibilities of Lexus’s electric revolution. 

Marjan van Aubel has earned global recognition for bringing solar energy into everyday life through aesthetically pleasing solutions. As a passionate advocate for sustainability within the art and design sector, her practice and research has yielded award-winning furniture and lighting design, along with striking public installations. Additionally, she stands as a co-founder of the world's first Solar Biennale, and her remarkable works are displayed in prestigious institutions, including the MoMA, Vitra Design Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. 

"Lexus' dedication to innovation and craftsmanship resonates with the ethos of my own practice, which is that functional design can be both sustainable and aesthetically beautiful. With this collaboration, I hope we can bring light to the concept that sustainable design solutions are works of art," said Marjan van Aubel. 

"We are honoured that Marjan van Aubel, a pioneer in the field of solar design, is working with us to bring her expertise and brilliance to imagine the BEV Concept car. Her unwavering commitment to sustainable, human-first design is a characteristic we value strongly here at Lexus. We could not think of a better location for her installation to be unveiled than at ICA Miami, a world-class institution," said Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing. 

“Environmental sustainability is a priority for ICA Miami as we have made a year-round commitment to minimizing and offsetting our carbon footprint. Marjan van Aubel’s powerful work with Lexus represents significant advances in innovative sustainable design and represents how global ecological concern drives contemporary solutions. We are delighted to provide an important platform for Marjan van Aubel and their powerful work during Miami Art Week,” said Alex Gartenfeld, Irma and Norman Braman Artistic Director at ICA Miami. 

Coinciding with the installation, Lexus will once again host Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks with Whitewall, a program of intimate discussions and talks between Lexus ambassadors and industry leaders across the art and design worlds. Additional details will be provided in November. 

ABOUT MARJAN VAN AUBEL 
Marjan van Aubel Studio is an award-winning innovative solar design practice that brings solar energy into daily life. Designing for a positive future through combining the fields of sustainability, design and technology. The studio is creating lasting change through solar design, integrating solar power seamlessly into our environments such as in buildings and objects. With the goal to make solar power more accessible for everyone. Most notable works are Sunne, Current Table, Power Plant and the roof of the Netherlands Pavilion at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai. 

Marjan has collaborated with global brands such as Cos, Timberland, Swarovski with the aim of accelerating the global energy transition to solar. Graduating from the Royal College of Art (Design Products MA) in 2012 and the Rietveld Academy DesignLAB (BA) in 2009. 

Additionally, van Aubel was designated ambassador of Dutch Design Week 2022, amplifying the initiative and her own solar ambitions. 

ABOUT INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART MIAMI 
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) is dedicated to promoting continuous experimentation in contemporary art, advancing new scholarship, and fostering the exchange of art and ideas throughout the Miami region and internationally. Through an energetic calendar of exhibitions and programs, and its collection, ICA Miami provides an important international platform for the work of local, emerging, and under-recognized artists, and advances the public appreciation and understanding of the most innovative art of our time. Launched in 2014, ICA Miami opened its new permanent home in Miami’s Design District on December 1, 2017. The museum’s central location positions it as a cultural anchor within the community and enhances its role in developing cultural literacy throughout the Miami region. The museum offers free admission, providing audiences with open, public access to artistic excellence year round. 

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami is located at 61 NE 41st Street, Miami, Florida 33137. For more information, visit www.icamiami.org or follow the museum on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook and explore the ICA Channel for inside looks at ICA Miami exhibitions and the practices of the most exciting artists working today. 

ABOUT RANDOM STUDIO 
Random is a spatial experience design studio and B-corporation based in Amsterdam and Paris. The studio focuses on creating spaces that change and evolve based on their interaction with people, architecture, nature and technology.