Lexus has today unveiled ‘Shaped by Air,’ an installation by the acclaimed New York-based artist and architect Suchi Reddy, the founder of Reddymade Architecture and Design.  The work is being presented alongside the prototypes produced by the four winners of the Lexus Design Award 2023 in a public exhibition taking place at Milan’s Superstudio space until April 23^rd. Both the installation and the Lexus Design Award express an overarching theme of shaping the future.

The presentation is the latest in a series of compelling, immersive visitor experiences Lexus has brought to Milan Design Week, partnering with visionary creatives including Philippe Nigro, Neri Oxman, Sou Fujimoto, Rhizomatics and Germane Barnes, among others. Reddy’s ‘Shaped by Air’ maintains this tradition. Her work is inspired by the Lexus Electrified Sport, Lexus’ vision for a future all-electric sports coupe, and the quality it projects of being shaped by the air around it.

Reddy’s artwork was first presented at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami (ICA-Miami) during Miami Art & Design Week 2022. It has been reimagined for Milan Design Week as a multi-sensory experience which visitors can move through. The light and airy installation celebrates a commitment to human-centred, carbon-neutral and impeccably crafted design that is shared by both the artist and Lexus.

Brian Bolain, Lexus’ Global Head of Marketing, said: “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Suchi Reddy in Milan, a city that has inspired so much ground-breaking creativity. We hope that by placing her human-centred approach to design in dialogue with the innovation of our Lexus Design Award winners, we will inspire visitors to imagine new futures. The Lexus Electrified Sport and Reddy’s interpretation of it, together with these award-winning prototypes, represents forward-looking design and expresses our ongoing commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.”

The site-specific installation inside Superstudio invites guests to discover a to-scale interpretation of the Lexus Electrified Sport after travelling through a forest-like collection of composite shapes, suspended from the ceiling. Set at varying heights and finished in a vibrant shade of green, these subtly call to mind the cut-outs of French painter Henri Matisse. The sculptural steel and aluminium elements are made partly from recycled or re-used consumer materials. Punctuated by dappled light, they create an absorbing environment that evokes the natural world. An accompanying soundscape inspired by the wind further helps bring visitors into harmony with nature.

Suchi Reddy commented: “I am excited to partner with Lexus – a brand committed to uplifting artists and designers – on a new iteration of ‘Shaped by Air’. This immersive interpretation in Milan makes use of repetition, multi-sensory elements and three-dimensionality to create an emotional environment that envelops the body like a car.”

Reflecting Lexus’ commitment to Omotenashi––a concept that encompasses both hospitality and mindfulness––the Superstudio space invites visitors to rest in an upstairs lounge, where they can observe ‘Shaped by Air’ from a different vantage point. The lounge’s air is purified by Panasonic’s nanoe™ X, a technology that helps create a healthier in-car atmosphere in many Lexus models.

Digital audiences will be able to engage with ‘Shaped by Air’ through a partnership with Diorama, a Milan and Paris-based digital creative agency. Diorama has imagined the installation as a metaverse experience that complements the physical installation, but has a life of its own. This virtual extension is realised as a dynamic digital forest. Users can explore an abstract natural world from a completely new perspective, one that is filled with the rustling of leaves, currents of air and diffusions of light. Diorama has also produced an augmented reality journey that visitors to the Milan exhibition will be able to discover on-site, using a custom Lexus Instagram filter.

Lexus Design Award 2023 winners’ prototypes

Lexus’ exhibition also includes the final prototypes created by the winners of the Lexus Design Award 2023. The competition invited designers to submit concepts that anticipate the challenge of the future, address it with an innovative solution and captivate the imagination with exceptional design, while seamlessly enhancing the happiness of all.

The works express Lexus’ belief that design has the power to deliver positive change. Now in its 11^th year, the award celebrates up-and-coming talent from around the world. The panel of judges – Paola Antonelli, Karim Rashid and Simon Humphries, all internationally respected figures in their creative fields – selected the concepts that best represented the theme of ‘Design for a Better Tomorrow’.

Simon Humphries, Toyota Motor Corporation Chief Branding Officer, said: “We as designers have a unique responsibility to create answers to challenges, whether that is through innovative ideas, beautiful aesthetics or any other method that could offer a better future. From this point of view, the winning ideas were a clear reminder of the ‘power of design’.”

Ahead of their showcase at Milan Design Week, the winners were given a unique opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with four world-class creators who served as this year’s Lexus Design Award mentors: Marjan van Aubel, Joe Doucet, Yuri Suzuki, and Sumayya Vally. 

The winners have significantly evolved their prototypes through the mentorship process, transforming already beautiful ideas into practical, scalable and ambitious designs.

●        Pavels Hedström (Sweden, based in Denmark), designer of Fog-X, a jacket that transforms into a tent/shelter and can catch fog that turns it into drinking water.

●        Jiaming Liu (China), designer of Print Clay Humidifier, a sustainable, 3D-printed humidifier made with recycled ceramic waste.

●        Temporary Office, [Singapore (Vincent Lai) and Canada (Douglas Lee), based in USA], designers of Touch the Valley, a 3D topographic puzzle that helps visually impaired people learn about the physical environment through touch.

●        Kyeongho Park and Yejin Heo (Republic of Korea), designers of Zero Bag, a new clothing package that dissolves in water and contains a detergent that can remove chemicals from products while reducing plastic waste.

Sumayya Vally commented: “It was incredible to witness the winners’ hard work manifested in the work they presented. I believe that each of the projects is poetically and pertinently posing meaningful and urgent questions about our present world, and bringing into being a more beautiful and responsive future.”

The final prototypes are on view for the first time in Milan. Visitors are invited to explore the works and learn about how the concepts evolved through the mentorship process.

The Lexus Design Award also welcomes the public to take part in the Your Choice Award and vote for the idea they feel best represents ‘Design for a Better Tomorrow’. The voting is open to those visiting in-person and also online here.

Lexus has been at the forefront of pioneering electrification in the luxury market since 2005. With the presentation of the Lexus Electrified Sport, it continues to push the boundaries of technology and craftsmanship with an unwavering commitment to sustainability and a consideration for the evolving needs of transportation and lifestyles worldwide.  Suchi Reddy’s installation highlights the potential of electrification and, together with the work of the Lexus Design Award winners, underscores Lexus’ vision for a future that is human-centred, carbon-neutral, and focused on craftsmanship and quality.

NOTES TO EDITORS

EVENT DETAILS

Dates

Press day: April 17^th, 3 pm to 9 pm

Public days: April 18^th to 22^nd, 11 am to 9 pm and April 23^rd, 11 am to 6 pm

Venue

Superstudio Più (Day Light)

Via Tortona, 27

20144 Milan, Italy

Exhibition details

‘Shaped by Air’ installation by Suchi Reddy

Prototype works by the winners of the Lexus Design Award 2023

Online experience

‘Shaped by Air’ Metaverse Experience : https://discoverlexus.com/stories/shaped-by-air-at-milan-design-week-2023/

Shaped by Air AR Filter: https://www.instagram.com/ar/1378144106301649/ 

Lexus Design Award ‘Your Choice Award’: http://lexusdesignaward.com/vote

ABOUT SUCHI REDDY

Suchi Reddy founded Reddymade in 2002 with an approach to design that privileges the emotional quality of human engagement with space. Guided by her mantra “form follows feeling,” Reddy’s architectural and artistic practice is informed by her research at the intersection of neuroscience and the arts. Working towards a larger idea of “design justice,” she is dedicated to expanding our notions of empathy, equity, and agency—where the importance of design is recognized as an asset for the benefit of all, not just for some.

Reddy teaches at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, and Cooper Union’s Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture. She was the 2022 Walton Critic at the Catholic University of America, and the Plym Distinguished Professor at the University of Illinois School of Architecture, Champaign–Urbana in 2019, where her work focused on contemporary architectural experience through the lens of neuroaesthetics, neurophenomenology, and sensory design.

She sits on the board of the Design Trust for Public Space, Storefront for Art and Architecture, and Madame Architect; and she is a member of the Dean’s Board of Advisors at Detroit Mercy School of Architecture + Community Development.

ABOUT THE LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2023 WINNERS

Pavels Hedström　

Sweden, Based in Denmark

Pavels Hedström began his career as an architect after earning his Master of Architecture and Extreme Environments degree (architecture, design conservation) from the Royal Danish Academy. He explores how holistic approaches can be applied to existing ecosystems.

Fog-X　

Fog-X is a jacket that transforms into a tent/shelter that catches fog and turns it into drinking water. Through the mentorship programme, Fog-X has evolved significantly – both transforming from a heavy backpack to a light jacket/shelter and adding the creation of a mobile app for easy access to find fog. The idea became a solution incorporated in an everyday object.

Jiaming Liu

China

Jiaming Liu is an industrial designer who focuses on bringing fresh perspectives into people’s daily lives. He is currently exploring cross-cultural and sustainable design. He was born in China, where he completed his bachelor's degree, and recently graduated with a master's degree from Folkwang University of the Arts.

Print Clay Humidifier

Print Clay Humidifier is a 3D-printed humidifier made with recycled ceramic waste. After rounds of testing and prototyping with different materials and techniques, Jiaming landed on a 3D printing method and powdered ceramic (recycled from ceramic waste) that further improved water absorption efficiency. It is a non-electric, recycled and recyclable version of a common household device that is both functional and elegant.

Temporary Office

Vincent Lai (Singapore), Douglas Lee (Canada)

Based in USA

Temporary Office is a design team of Vincent Lai and Douglas Lee, graduates from University of California, Berkeley. They have worked on projects crossing the boundaries of architecture, public space, preservation and product design. With a strong focus on historical research and precedent, Temporary Office seeks to constructively respond to the ever-changing needs of our environment in a rational yet playful way.　

Touch the Valley

Touch the Valley is a 3D topographic puzzle that helps visually impaired people learn about the physical environment through the sense of touch. Taking feedback from user-testing, the puzzle’s playability was improved by the addition of small features, including magnet feedback, elevational grooves, and smoother edges – enabling people to enjoy immersing themselves in exploring and playing the puzzle without too much cognitive load.

Kyeongho Park & Yejin Heo　

Republic of Korea

Kyeongho Park & Yejin Heo are students majoring in industrial design at Hanyang University's ERICA campus in the Republic of Korea. They are concerned about social and environmental problems and explore user-centred solutions through design.

Zero Bag

Zero Bag is an eco-friendly packaging with paper detergent or baking soda film attached to an alginate water-soluble bag. Through the mentoring programme, Kyeongho and Yejin developed and articulated the potential use cases and target markets for this type of product. The idea for clothing packaging for the retail market evolved to include explorations for different industries, from clothes to food. The development process continues to evolve, as the designers embrace the myriad potential for their ideas.

Anticipating the future, this exhibit conveys how Lexus imagines what is yet unseen and delivers new forms of surprise and enchantment to create amazing experiences.

Brussels, Belgium -

DESIGNER

FORMAFANTASMA

Andrea Trimarchi (b1983) and Simone Farresin (b1980), Italian designers based in Amsterdam, are Formafantasma, an innovative design team with work characterized by experimental materials investigations.

Formafantasma explores the relationship between traditional and local culture, critical approaches to sustainability and the significance of objects as cultural conduits.

Bridging craft, industry, object and user, they have forged links between their research-based practice and a wider design industry, and have received commissions from a wide range of renowned fashion and retail brands.

Their work has also been published internationally and has been acquired to be in the permanent collections in major museums, including the MoMA in New York and London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

DESIGN CONCEPT

TRANSPARENCY

Taking transparency as the concept for its space and installation design, Formafantasma conveys the aesthetics behind Lexus’ forward-looking vision through subtle nuances of color, light and form.

One representation of this is the use of translucent walls inspired by Japanese shoji throughout the exhibition space. These walls or doors of paper fixed over a lattice frame of wood allow light to pass through. This reflects an age-old Japanese aesthetic and also reveals shadows or shapes of people outside the room. This allows one to ANTICIPATE a guest’s arrival and prepare to welcome them in the spirit of OMOTENASHI.

GARDEN

Lexus creates anticipation and invites guests to enter by walking beneath a series of gates like those found at some Japanese shrines before emerging in an open garden space. From the garden, two dramatic portals lead to experiences that enable visitors to be, immersed in the exhibit’s theme of Anticipation.

AREA 1: DISCOVERING CRAFTSMANSHIP

Lexus enables visitors to discover its commitment to craftsmanship and building fine cars in this area. The 16 beautiful stools positioned here are finished using the same paint process as the Lexus LF-FC flagship concept, which was introduced at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. By viewing and touching these stools, visitors are able to experience the quality and depth of the color.

The winning designs of Lexus Design Award 2016 evoke a sense of anticipation, inviting visitors to walk through and discover the next generation of creators.

FOSTERING THE FUTURE OF DESIGN

The four prototypes and eight panels are presented here within a simple yet sophisticated space. Also on display is a selection of previous Lexus Design Award winners, along with stories of their progress after being entered in prior competitions.

JUDGES & MENTORS

JUDGES

Paola Antonelli / Curator

Aric Chen / Curator

Toyo Ito / Architect

Birgit Lohmann / Chief Editor of designboom

Alice Rawsthorn / Design Commentator

Tokuo Fukuichi / President of Lexus International

MENTORS

Neri & Hu / Architects and Interdisciplinary Designers

Max Lamb / Designer

Elena Manferdini / Designer and Architect

Snarkitecture / Artists and Architects

AGAR PLASTICITY – A POTENTIAL USEFULNESS OF AGAR FOR PACKAGING AND MORE

12 FINALISTS - PROTOTYPES

AGAR PLASTICITY – A POTENTIAL USEFULNESS OF AGAR FOR PACKAGING AND MORE

AGAR PLASTICITY – A POTENTIAL USEFULNESS OF AGAR FOR PACKAGING AND MORE is a project exploring how agar, a gelatinous material obtained from marine algae, can be used as an environmentally friendly packaging material alternative to plastic.

AMAM

Kosuke Araki (JAPAN)/ Noriaki Maetani (JAPAN)/ Akira Muraoka (JAPAN)

Mentored by Max Lamb

Kosuke Araki, Noriaki Maetani and Akira Muraoka, studied at the Product Design Department, Tama Art University, during the same period and formed a design group called “AMAM” in 2015. Kosuke (Design Products) and Noriaki (Innovation Design Engineering) each acquired a Master of Arts at Royal College of Art the same year.

DADA

12 FINALISTS - 4PROTOTYPE

DADA

DADA is a natural toy blocks that anticipate children’s future and personality by looking at what blocks they pick up and how they assemble them.

Myungsik Jang (Korea)

Mentored by Neri & Hu

Myungsik Jang specializes in Industrial Design at Seoul National University of Science and Technology. He is inspired from things surrounding him like nature and animals and wants to tell stories through his work using vitality. His work is based on craft and bricolage designs.

SHAPE SHIFTERS

12 FINALISTS - PROTOTYPE

SHAPE SHIFTERS

SHAPE SHIFTERS is a special cut of garment, applying modular principles to textiles, which allows you to create different fashions as you like.

Angelene Laura Fenuta (Canada/ Italy)

Mentored by Elena Manferdini

Angelene Laura Fenuta, founded ANGELËNE in 2015, during her Masters in Material Futures at Central Saint Martins. Her practice interrogates fashion, while attempting to discover a more 'sustainable' option. ANGELËNE builds upon core female wardrobe components, while being inspired by architectural construction and 18th century aristocratic dress.

TRACE

12 FINALISTS - PROTOTYPE

TRACE

TRACE is a clock that uses a liquid with UV rays and discoloration properties allowing us to visualize the passing time.

STUDIO AYASKAN

Begum Ayaskan (Turkey)/ Bike Ayaskan (Turkey)

Mentored by Snarkitecture

Begum and Bike Ayaskan are a twin designer duo, having graduated from Royal College of Art, with a passion to explore the relation between nature, humans, and objects. Their vision is to bring people closer to nature and nature closer to design, and to create dynamic pieces that change and evolve with time.

LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2016

12 FINALISTS – PANEL

ANIKNOWN

ANIKNOWN is a creation of clothes for six types of animal, choosing the materials according to each one’s features, behavior and habitat.

Ayami Marugata (Japan)

BIO - VIDE

BIO - BIDE is a product, such as tables or envelopes, designed using fallen leaves. It is a visualization of the concept that all things return to earth.

Takuma Yamazaki (Japan)

AREA 1: LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2016

12 FINALISTS – PANEL

DROP BOX

DROP BOX utilizes aerodynamics to allow critical supplies to be airdropped safely in disaster areas without requiring a parachute.

Ding Dong & Ma Jincai & Peter Luo & Huang Junxi

-Ding Dong (China)

-Ma Jincai (China)

-Peter Luo (China)

-Huang Junxi (China)

HEXAGON

HEXAGON is an umbrella that uses magnets to connect to other umbrellas, encouraging interaction between people.

Chulin Yang (China)

AREA 1: LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2016

12 FINALISTS – PANEL

PLANTS-SKIN

PLANTS-SKIN is a planter made of a colored mortar and special ink that visualizes when plants need to be watered.

Hiroto Yoshizoe (Japan)

PROJECT PLAY

PROJECT PLAY is a first-of-its-kind lamp powered by wireless technology and realized through the creation of magnetic rubber.

Oliver Staiano (United Kingdom)

AREA 1: LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2016

12 FINALISTS – PANEL

RESOLUTION OF SOUND LOCATION

RESOLUTION OF SOUND LOCATION is a headphone device composed of super directive microphones and speakers that can determine the sound source and adjust volume.

Owls

-Takato Sasaki (Japan)

-Yuki Shinohara (Japan)

SLOW DOOR

SLOW DOOR is conceived as an assembly of cubic components forming a spatial mechanism that delays the transition through a doorway. It allows us to appreciate the time and space created by the experience.

Deepak Jawahar & Irina Bogdan

-Deepak Jawahar (India)

-Irina Bogdan (Romania)

AREA 2: REVEALING THE UNEXPECTED

Lexus brings shape to previously unimagined designs, and does so in unexpected fashion. In the center of a room with walls inspired by Japanese shoji, a dynamic floating three-dimensional image of the LF-FC takes shape in an unexpected way. The design creates a sense of anticipation as the viewer watches the concept assume physical dimensions. The display pays homage to the constant search for perfection demonstrated by the Lexus design team as they anticipate the future of mobility.

AREA 3: SENSING INNOVATION

Lexus continually anticipates the needs of people and the environment as it demonstrates a keen sense for forward thinking and innovation. This includes applications of clean technology, such as the advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that powers the LF-FC. It generates electricity with clear water as its only emission. A similar system lights the installation’s kinetic sculpture.

Clear water then becomes the inspiration for the culinary treats as Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi integrates water’s buoyancy and transparent properties to create a unique taste experience served with the spirit of Japanese hospitality.

CHEF

YOJI TOKUYOSHI

Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi is recognized as one of Milan’s most innovative chefs. During almost a decade at Osteria Francescana under the tutelage of Chef Massimo Bottura, Tokuyoshi rapidly rose to the position of sous chef and helped that celebrated restaurant earn its second and third Michelin stars. Setting out on his own in early 2014 he established arestaurant in Milan featuring uniquely re-interpreted Italian cuisine that Tokuyoshi termed “Cucina Italiana Contaminata”. In just 10 months the new restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. With technique and creativity, Tokuyoshi offers an entirely new dining experience that serves very personal food to each individual diner.

“BUOYANCY”?- THE POWER OF WATER -

Water possesses great energy. Not only does it sustain life, it is also capable of transporting objects over vast distances. The LF-FC anticipates a society that uses hydrogen as an energy source and produces clean water as its only emission. Water here as a motif leads to this awareness in a surprising and delightful manner. “BUOYANCY” presents nasturtium leaves topped with a sweet and sour berry paste floating on a pool of clear water. The two flavors mix in the mouth, delivering an unexpected taste experience.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Nasturtium, prunes, shiso leaves, salt, blueberries, sugar, glucose, xantan gum.

“TRANSPARENT” - TRANSPARENCY SERVED WITH A TWIST –

Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi uses ingredients that serve as a metaphor for something that may be seen or may remain imperceptible, depending on one’s perspective. As the visitor consumes the clear seafood broth, a transparent ball of natural gelatin is revealed, delivering an unanticipated treat as it fills the mouth with a fresh citrus flavor. This echoes the way Lexus envisions the future in delivering an experience that excites and surprises.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Fish broth, agar, mandarine, sugar, glucose.

LEXUS LF-FC FLAGSHIP CONCEPT

The LF-FC flagship concept is a visionary new vehicle designed to bring surprise and evoke emotion, while expressing Lexus’ view of progressive luxury and its high-tech vision for the not so distant future. At the heart of the LF-FC is a high output hydrogen-powered fuel cell system that delivers all-wheel-drive with optimal front-rear weight distribution. Designs inspired by the LF-FC can be seen throughout the Lexus – An Encounter With Anticipation exhibit.

http://www.lexus.com/concept/LFFC/

ARITA PORCELAIN

PRESS DAY ONLY

Dedicated to simplicity and quality, Chef Tokuyoshi chooses to use specially commissioned Arita porcelain in his own restaurant. In recognition of this 400-year history and consistent with Chef Tokuyoshi’s constant pursuit of authenticity and refinement, Lexus has prepared an original set of Arita porcelain to make the tasting experience simply amazing.

Arita, birthplace of Japanese ceramics, will celebrate the 400th anniversary of its porcelain industry in 2016.

In 1616, quality ceramic rocks were found in Arita's Izumiyama mountain, giving birth to Japan’s first locally produced porcelain. From the latter part of the 17th century until the early part of the 18th century, several million pieces of Arita Porcelain were exported to Europe and were highly acclaimed.

LEXUS DESIGN ACTIVITIES IN MILAN 2005 – 2009

2005

Lexus L-finesse ? Japanese art meets automotive design

In collaboration with Junya Ishigami, Hiroshi Senju and Kazuyo Sejima

2006

Tokujin Yoshioka x Lexus L-finesse

In collaboration with Tokujin Yoshioka

2007

Lexus L-finesse – Invisible Garden

In collaboration with Kumiko Inui and Norimichi Hirakawa

2008

Lexus L-finesse ? elastic diamond

In collaboration with nendo

2009

Lexus L-finesse ? crystallized wind

In collaboration with Sosuke Fujimoto

LEXUS DESIGN ACTIVITIES IN MILAN 2013 – 2015

2013

LEXUS DESIGN AMAZING 2013 MILAN

– amazing flow –

In collaboration with Toyo Ito and Akihisa Hirata

2014

LEXUS DESIGN AMAZING 2014 MILAN

In collaboration with

Fabio Novembre – We Dance

Nao Tamura and - Interconnection

MIT Media Lab Tangible Media Group - Transform

2015

LEXUS – A JOURNEY OF THE SENSES

In collaboration with Philippe Nigro and Hajime Yoneda

ABOUT LEXUS

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The grille, dynamic light treatments, and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus.

• Multiple Michelin star-winning chef Yoji Tokuyoshi creates tasting experiences to complement Lexus’s new commission for Milan Design Week
• Unique dishes “Buoyancy” and “Transparent” inspired by the pure water by-product of the hydrogen fuel cell technology used by the Lexus LF-FC luxury concept car, and by the Japanese hospitality traditions of Omotenashi
• Visitors will sample his work within the three-part “An Encounter with Anticipation” work commissioned from the design studio Formafantasma
• The installation and the work of the finalists in this year’s Lexus Design Award will be on public view at the Spazio Lexus – Torneria in Milan from April 12 to 17 (media preview April 11)

Can you capture the spirit of a car’s design and technology in the taste of a dish? That is the challenge being met by internationally acclaimed chef Yoji Tokuyoshi for Lexus’ “An Encounter with Anticipation” presentation at Milan Design Week – the Salone del Mobile – in April.

The culinary skills of the multi-Michelin star-winning restaurateur will complement the physical designs of a specially commissioned installation, crafted by the design studio Formafantasma. Visitors will be able to view the work while sampling Tokuyoshi’s unique creations at the Spazio Lexus – Torneria in Milan from April 12 to 17, with a media preview on April 11.

Both Tokuyoshi and Formafantasma duo Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farrasin have been inspired by the styling and performance of the LF-FC concept car, Lexus’s vision of a future limousine powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Embracing Lexus’s theme of “anticipation” for this year’s show, Tokuyoshi focused on the fact that the only waste product produced by the technology is water. He also sought to capture the spirit of Omotenashi, the finest qualities of Japanese hospitality that Lexus references in the design of its luxury vehicles.

He explained: “Looking at the LF-FC concept car and getting to understand how the fuel cell makes use of hydrogen energy, I came to realise how Lexus envisions this as the right technology for the future. So I decided to make water the motif for my tasting experience to create something amazing that can be integrated into Formafantasma’s installation.”

Tokuyoshi brings impressive experience to bear on the project, as one of Milan’s most celebrated chefs and the creative force at the Ristorante Tokuyoshi, where has pioneered his own interpretation of Italian cuisine, the “Cucina Italiana Contaminata”.

The first tasting experience Lexus’s visitors will enjoy is “Buoyancy”, which expresses the energy water has, both to sustain life and to carry objects over vast distances. The dish uses water and a floating herbal leaf to deliver a surprising taste sensation.

Tokuyoshi’s second creation for Lexus is “Transparency”. Here he uses ingredients to produce a dish that can serve as a metaphor for something that might be seen, or remain imperceptible, depending on the viewer’s perspective. What might appear at first to be a clear soup in fact delivers a unique, delightful and unexpected experience for the palate. The concept echoes the way Lexus envisions how the future might deliver experiences that excite and surprise.

Lexus’ Milan Design Week presentation will also include a showcase for the work of the 12 finalists in this year’s Lexus Design Award, including prototypes produced by the four leading entries, developed with mentorship from world-renowned designers.

More information and pictures can be found on:

Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation: http://www.lexus-int.com/lexus-design/

Lexus Design Award website: www.lexusdesignaward.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexusdesignaward/ @lexusdesignaward

Official hashtags: #MilanDesignWeek; #LDAnticipate; #LexusDesignEvent; #LDEncounters

EXHIBIT OVERVIEW

Title : Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation

Duration : April 12 –April 17 10:00 – 20:00 (Press preview: April 11 10:00 – 18:00)

Venue : Spazio Lexus - Torneria, Via Tortona 32, Milan, Italy

Theme: Anticipation

Exhibits :

Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation created by featured designers

The 12 finalist designs of the Lexus Design Award 2016

Organizer : Lexus International

DESIGNER PROFILES

Formafantasma - Designer

Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, Italian designers based in Amsterdam, are Formafantasma, an innovative design team whose work is characterised by its investigation of experimental materials. Formafantasma explores the relationship between traditional and local culture, critical approaches to sustainability and the significance of objects as cultural conduits.

Bridging craft, industry, object and user, the designers have forged links between their research-based practice and a wider design industry, and have received commissions from a wide range of renowned fashion and retail brands. Their work has also been published internationally and been acquired for the permanent collections of major museums, including the MoMA in New York and London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

Yoji Tokuyoshi - Chef

Yoji Tokuyoshi is recognised as one of Milan’s most innovative chefs. During almost a decade at Osteria Francescana under the tutelage of Chef Massimo Bottura, Tokuyoshi rapidly rose to the position of sous chef and helped the celebrated restaurant earn its second and third Michelin stars. Setting out on his own in early 2014 he established his own restaurant in Milan featuring uniquely re-interpreted Italian cuisine that Tokuyoshi termed “Cucina Italiana Contaminata”. In just 10 months the new restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. With technique and creativity, Tokuyoshi offers an entirely new dining experience that serves very personal food to each individual diner.

ABOUT MILAN DESIGN WEEK

Milan Design Week, the Salone del Mobile, is the world's largest design exhibition. It features numerous events, including furniture, fashion and the work of many world-renowned brands. In 2015 the "Lexus – A Journey of the Senses" exhibit earned high acclaim and received the “Most Entertaining” honour in the Milano Design Awards competition.

ABOUT THE LEXUS DESIGN AWARD

First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides an unique opportunity for four finalists to work with globally recognized designer as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar's most important events.

ABOUT LEXUS

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The signature spindle grille, dynamic light treatments and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus.

Formafantasma creates major new installation as the centrepiece of Lexus’ presentation at the 2016 Milan Design Week (Salone del Mobile)

• “Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation” interprets core elements of the brand’s design philosophy and the craftsmanship processes applied in the manufacture of its luxury models
• Focus on the influence of Omotenashi, the traditions of Japanese hospitality, and the styling and technical qualities of Lexus’ new hydrogen fuel cell limousine concept, the LF-FC
• The experience will include new culinary designs from Michelin-starred chef Yoji Tokuyoshi, inspired by the natural relationship between hydrogen and water in Lexus’ fuel cell system

The internationally acclaimed design studio Formafantasma has taken inspiration from Lexus’ design philosophy, craftsmanship and advanced technologies to produce an immersive exhibit that will form the centrepiece of the luxury car maker’s presentation at Milan Design Week – the Salone del Mobile – in April.

“Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation” will be hosted during the world’s largest design exhibition at the Spazio Lexus – Torneria from April 12 to 17, with a media preview on April 11.

Produced in a unique collaboration with Michelin star-winning chef Yoji Tokuyoshi, it will provide a multi-layered experience capturing the spirit of seamless anticipation that forms a central pillar of Lexus design, and of Omontenashi, the traditions of Japanese hospitality that are intrinsic to the way Lexus creates vehicles that address their owners’ every need. It will also interpret the essence of Lexus’ ground-breaking hydrogen fuel cell technology, as showcased in its new LF-FC limousine concept.

Formafantasma’s Amsterdam-based Italian designers Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farrasin travelled to Japan to witness Lexus’ design and manufacturing techniques first-hand and to learn about the qualities and values that define the brand. Their experiences have directly influenced the design of their exhibit, which is divided into three distinct spaces.

They said: “The wonderful quality of Japanese hospitality is what really impressed us and the part of Japan we love most. Our aim is to express the kindness, hospitality and craftsmanship of Omotenashi in the right way through our installation, and also to capture something of the impressive car production methods which were introduced to.”

The first room in the installation will feature new furniture pieces created by Formafantasma using the same painting and hand-finishing processes Lexus used to achieve the flawless finish of its LF-FC concept car.

“We were greatly inspired by Lexus’ painting process, and the fact the parts of the car you can’t see are treated in just the same way as those you can. The colours are beautiful and their depth is impressive. These might be details, but they are beautiful and highly attractive qualities,” said Formafantasma.

Moving into the second room, visitors will be introduced to an unexpected re-shaping of the LF-FC’s exterior design, conceived as a tribute to the Lexus design team’s constant search for perfection and anticipation of future mobility.

“At first we questioned why a car company would approach us,” said Formafantasma, “because we thought they did things in a very different way from us. But when we were able to see the value they attach to production and design, the more we understood the company and realised the things we have in common.”

The final room in the sequence will contain a new kinetic sculpture, inspired by the hydrogen atom and powered by an application of the fuel cell technology used by Lexus in the LF-FC.

Formafantasma explained: “What we wanted to do was to bring together the forward-looking spirit of anticipation that is central to what design is about and reflect a desire shared with Lexus to create products that are both aesthetically beautiful and sustainable.”

The journey through the installation will be accompanied by new tasting experiences, created by Yoji Tokuyoshi, inspired by the clear water that is the direct by-product of hydrogen fuel cell power generation.

Lexus’ Milan Design Week presentation will also include a showcase for the work of the 12 finalists in this year’s Lexus Design Award, including prototypes produced by the four leading entries, developed with mentorship from world-renowned designers.

More information and pictures can be found on:

Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation: http://www.lexus-int.com/lexus-design/

Lexus Design Award website: www.lexusdesignaward.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexusdesignaward/ @lexusdesignaward

Official hashtags: #MilanDesignWeek; #LDAnticipate; #LexusDesignEvent; #LDEncounters

EXHIBIT OVERVIEW

Title : Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation

Duration :  April 12 –April 17 10:00 – 20:00 (Press preview: April 11 10:00 – 18:00)

Venue : Spazio Lexus - Torneria, Via Tortona 32, Milan, Italy

Theme : Anticipation

Exhibits :

 Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation created by featured designers

 The 12 finalist designs of the Lexus Design Award 2016

Organizer : Lexus International

DESIGNER PROFILES

Formafantasma - Designer

Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, Italian designers based in Amsterdam, are Formafantasma, an innovative design team whose work is characterised by its investigation of experimental materials. Formafantasma explores the relationship between traditional and local culture, critical approaches to sustainability and the significance of objects as cultural conduits.

Bridging craft, industry, object and user, the designers have forged links between their research-based practice and a wider design industry, and have received commissions from a wide range of renowned fashion and retail brands. Their work has also been published internationally and been acquired for the permanent collections of major museums, including the MoMA in New York and London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

Yoji Tokuyoshi - Chef

Yoji Tokuyoshi is recognised as one of Milan’s most innovative chefs. During almost a decade at Osteria Francescana under the tutelage of Chef Massimo Bottura, Tokuyoshi rapidly rose to the position of sous chef and helped the celebrated restaurant earn its second and third Michelin stars. Setting out on his own in early 2014 he established his own restaurant in Milan featuring uniquely re-interpreted Italian cuisine that Tokuyoshi termed “Cucina Italiana Contaminata”. In just 10 months the new restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. With technique and creativity, Tokuyoshi offers an entirely new dining experience that serves very personal food to each individual diner.

ABOUT MILAN DESIGN WEEK

Milan Design Week, the Salone del Mobile, is the world's largest design exhibition. It features numerous events, including furniture, fashion and the work of many world-renowned brands. In 2015 the "Lexus – A Journey of the Senses" exhibit earned high acclaim and received the “Most Entertaining” honour in the Milano Design Awards competition.

ABOUT THE LEXUS DESIGN AWARD

First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides an unique opportunity for four finalists to work with globally recognized designer as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar's most important events.

ABOUT LEXUS

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The signature spindle grille, dynamic light treatments and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus.

Brussels, Belgium - Lexus will present its “Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation” exhibit as part of Milan Design Week 2016, the world’s largest design exhibition, also known as Salone Del Mobile. The exhibit, which will take place at Spazio Lexus - Torneria in Tortona from April 12 to 17, features a unique collaboration between the widely acclaimed design team from Studio Formafantasma and Michelin Star winning chef Yoji Tokuyoshi.

Lexus will offer an unexpected and unmatched encounter that invites visitors to a unique world full of Anticipation. Visitors will discover the essence of Lexus craftsmanship, and behold how Lexus technology and design philosophy translate into an aesthetic and emotional experience. Anticipating societal needs and desires, this exhibit conveys how Lexus imagines what is yet unseen and delivers new forms of surprise and enchantment. Visitors will understand how the brand embraces anticipation to create amazing experiences.

Formafantasma will design and install the exhibit space. The young designers behind the success of this Amsterdam based studio have already earned wide acclaim for their product designs, receiving a nomination for Designer of the Year in the Wallpaper* Design Awards 2014. Similarly, Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi is a rising star in the culinary world, renowned for his creativity and innovation. His new restaurant in Milan, Ristorante Tokuyoshi, was awarded a Michelin star just 10 months after opening. The collaboration of these Europe-based, acclaimed creative geniuses is perfectly paired with the aspirations of the “Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation” exhibit to explore new design possibilities.

Formafantasma spoke of the inspiration found when they visited Lexus in Japan. “We were impressed by how Lexus is committed to excellence in craftsmanship, integrity in its production and responsibility in its use of technology. We felt the openness and honesty of the brand come alive as the foundation of anticipation. This led us to the design concept of transparency. Transparency anticipates a future that is open and honest, and that engages society to reach common goals of sustainable behavior and a progressive lifestyle.”

On the subject of transparency, Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi said the following: “Transparency is not just about being clear and lucent. Being transparent is sometimes an invisible thing and makes you think. This builds anticipation, and increases the joy of the reveal. I would like to express this concept through the tasting experience.”

Anticipation is also the theme for this year’s Lexus Design Award; an international design competition to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society and support up-and-coming creators whose work can contribute to shaping a better future. Creative works by the 12 finalists of the Lexus Design Award 2016 will also be displayed at the same venue during Milan Design Week.

More information and pictures can be found on:

Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation: http://www.lexus-int.com/lexus-design/

Lexus Design Award website: www.lexusdesignaward.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexusdesignaward/ @lexusdesignaward

Official hashtags: #MilanDesignWeek; #LDAnticipate; #LexusDesignEvent; #LDEncounters

EXHIBIT OVERVIEW

Title

Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation

Duration

April 12 –April 17 10:00 – 20:00 (Press preview: April 11 10:00 – 18:00)

Venue

Spazio Lexus - Torneria, Via Tortona 32, Milan, Italy

Theme

Anticipation

Exhibits

Ø Lexus – An Encounter with Anticipation created by featured designers

Ø The 12 finalist designs of the Lexus Design Award 2016

Organizer

Lexus International

DESIGNER PROFILES

Formafantasma - Designer

Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, Italian designers based in Amsterdam, are Formafantasma, an innovative design team with work characterized by experimental materials investigations. Formafantasma explores the relationship between traditional and local culture, critical approaches to sustainability and the significance of objects as cultural conduits.

Bridging craft, industry, object and user, they have forged links between their research-based practice and a wider design industry, and have received commissions from a wide range of renowned fashion and retail brands. Their work has also been published internationally and been acquired to be in the permanent collections in major museums, including the MoMA in New York and London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

Yoji Tokuyoshi - Chef

Chef Yoji Tokuyoshi is recognized as one of Milan’s most innovative chefs. During almost a decade at Osteria Francescana under the tutelage of Chef Massimo Bottura, Tokuyoshi rapidly rose to the position of sous chef and helped that celebrated restaurant earn its second and third Michelin stars. Setting out on his own in early 2014 he established his own restaurant in Milan featuring uniquely re-interpreted Italian cuisine that Tokuyoshi termed “Cucina Italiana Contaminata”. In just 10 months the new restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. With technique and creativity Tokuyoshi offers an entirely new dining experience that serves very personal food to each individual diner.

ABOUT MILAN DESIGN WEEK

The world's largest design exhibition, also known as Salone Del Mobile, with numerous events including furniture, fashion and many world-renowned brands. The "Lexus – A Journey of the Senses" exhibit in 2015 earned high acclaim and won the “Best Entertaining” award at the “Milano Design Award” competition.

ABOUT LEXUS DESIGN AWARD

First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides an unique opportunity for four finalists to work with globally recognized designer as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar's most important events.

ABOUT LEXUS

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service. Lexus is the hybrid leader among luxury brands, offering hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and premier luxury. The evolution of Lexus is reflected in the progressive designs of its new vehicles. The signature spindle grille, dynamic light treatments and sculptured lines create a distinctive look of luxury for Lexus.

Brussels, Belgium - Lexus International today announced the 12 finalists for the Lexus Design Award2016. First launched in 2013 to foster the growth of ideas that can contribute to society, this international design competition aims to support young up-and-coming creators from around the world.

The fourth annual staging of the Lexus Design Award drew 1,232 entries from 73 countries under the theme “Anticipation”.

A panel of world-renowned designers and creators gathered in November to judge the entries. This year, entrants impressed the judges by creating designs as yet unseen or undefined but likely to be realized in the near future. After extensive discussion and after noting the participants’ passion and willingness to explore the unpredictable, 12 finalist entries were selected for their potential contribution to design innovation.

The following four finalists will produce prototypes of their designs under the mentorship of globally recognized creators:

• AGAR PLASTICITY, by AMAM (Japan), is a project exploring how agar, a gelatinous material obtained from the marine algae, can be used as an environmentally friendly packaging materials alternative to plastic.
• DADA, by Myungsik Jang (Korea), is a block toy which can be freely combined using bands, holes, and pegs to create and realize each child’s imagination.
• Shape Shifters, by Angelena Laura Fenuta (Canada-based Italian designer), is a special cut of garment, applying modular principles to textiles, which allows creating different fashions outfits.

Trace, by STUDIO AYASKAN (UK-based Turkish designers), is a clock that uses a liquid with UV rays and discoloration properties allowing us to visualize the passing time.

Architects and interdisciplinary designers Neri & Hu, along with designer Max Lamb will return as mentors, while designer/architect Elena Manferdini and artist/architect Snarkitecture join as the mentors for the first time.

The four completed prototypes will be featured as part of the Lexus exhibition at this year's Milan Design Week, along with panel presentations of the other eight finalists’ designs. The event will run from April 11th through April 17th at T32 Torneria/Carrozzeria, Via Tortona 32, 20144 (Zona Tortona).

The Grand Prix winner of the Lexus Design Award 2016, selected from the four prototype finalists, is going to be announced on April 11th at the award ceremony.

Further details on the Lexus space at the 2016 Milan Design Week will be announced in mid-February.

More information and pictures can be found on:

Lexus Europe newsroom: http://newsroom.lexus.eu

Lexus Design Award website: www.lexusdesignaward.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexusdesignaward/

@lexusdesignaward

Official hashtags:#LexusDesignAward; #MilanDesignWeek, LDAnticipate

LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2016 ENTRIES SELECTED FOR PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT:

Title

AGAR PLASTICITY – A POTENTIAL USEFULNESS OF AGAR FOR PACKAGING AND MORE

Designer

(Nationality)

AMAM

- Kosuke Araki (Japanese)

- Noriaki Maetani (Japanese)

- Akira Muraoka (Japanese)

Resident

Japan

Description

AGAR PLASTICITY is a project exploring how agar, a gelatinous material obtained from the marine algae, can be used as an environmentally friendly packaging materials alternative to plastic.

Mentors

Max Lamb

Title

DADA

Designer

(Nationality)

Myungsik Jang (Korean)

Resident

South Korea

Description

DADA is a block toy which can be freely combined using bands, holes, and pegs to create and realize each child’s imagination.

Mentor

Neri and Hu

Title

Shape Shifters

Designer

(Nationality)

Angelena Laura Fenuta (Canadian/Italian)

Resident

Canada

Description

Shape Shifters is a special cut of garment, applying modular principles to textiles, which allows creating different outfits.

Mentor

Elena Manferdini

Title

TRACE

Designer

(Nationality)

STUDIO AYASKAN

- Begum Ayaskan (Turkish)

- Bike Ayaskan (Turkish)

Resident

United Kingdom

Description

Trace is a clock that uses a liquid with UV rays and discoloration properties allowing us to visualize the passing time.

Mentor

Snarkitecture

LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2016 PANEL EXHIBITS:

Title

aniknown

Designer(Nationality)

Ayami Marugata (Japanese)

Resident

Japan

Description

aniknown is a creation of clothes for six types of animal, choosing the materials according to each one’s feature, behavior and habitat.

Title

Bio-Vide

Designer(Nationality)

Takuma Yamazaki (Japanese)

Resident

Japan

Description

Bio – Vide is a product, such as table and envelope, designed using fallen leaves. It is a visualization of the concept that all things return to earth.

Title

Drop Box

Designer(Nationality)

Ding Dong & Ma Jincai & Peter Luo & Huang Junxi

-Ding Dong(Chinese), Jincai Ma(Chinese),

-Junxi Huang(Chinese), Peter Luo (Chinese)

Resident

China

Description

Drop Box utilizes aerodynamics to allow critical supplies to be airdropped safely in disaster areas without requiring a parachute.

Title

Hexagon

Designer(Nationality)

Chulin Yang (Chinese)

Resident

Australia

Description

Hexagon is an umbrella using magnets which connects with each other to promote human interactions.

Title

PLANTS-SKIN

Designer(Nationality)

Hiroto Yoshizoe (Japanese)

Resident

Japan

Description

PLANTS-SKIN is a planter made of a colored mortar and special ink that visualizes the timing for watering plants.

Title

Project Play

Designer(Nationality)

Oliver Staiano (British)

Resident

United Kingdom

Description

Project Play is a first-of-its-kind lamp powered by wireless technology and realized through the creation of a magnetic rubber.

Title

RESOLUTION OF SOUND LOCATION

Designer(Nationality)

Owls

-Takato Sasaki(Japanese), Yuki Shinohara (Japanese)

Resident

Japan

Description

RESOLUTION OF SOUND LOCATION is a headphone device composed of super directive microphones and speakers that can determine the sound source and adjust volume.

Title

Slow Door

Designer(Nationality)

Deepak Jawahar & Irina Bogdan

-Deepak Jawahar (Indian), Irina Michaela Bogdan (Romanian)

Resident

China

Description

Slow Door is conceived as an assembly of cubic components forming a spatial mechanism that delays the transition through a doorway. It allows us to appreciate the time and space created by the experience.

MENTOR PROFILES:

Neri &Hu / Architects and Interdisciplinary Designers

Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, cofounders of Neri & Hu Design and Research based in Shanghai, have been working on projects around the world which incorporate overlapping design disciplines to create a new paradigm in architecture. In 2014, Wallpaper* announced Neri & Hu as 2014 Designer of The Year. In 2013, they were inducted into the U.S. Interior Design Hall of Fame. Neri & Hu believes strongly that research is a key design tool as each project brings its own unique set of contextual issues. Providing architecture, interior, master planning, graphic and product design services, Neri & Hu recognizes that contemporary problems relating to buildings extend beyond the boundaries of traditional architecture. Rather than starting from a formulaic design, Neri & Hu’s work is anchored in the dynamic interaction of experience, detail, material, form and light.

Max Lamb / Designer

A modern day artificer, Max Lamb is a product and furniture designer whose design sensibility is informed by his extensive knowledge of manufacturing techniques, respect for materials, and skill as a maker. A native of Cornwall, Max has been tinkering with objects and engaging with the physical landscape since he was a small boy; a curiosity that led to an MA in Design Products at the Royal College of Art and subsequently the foundation of his workshop-based design practice. Max explores both traditional and unconventional materials and processes, blending experimentation and rationale to create furniture and products that are both honest and intelligible. Max teaches Design Products at the Royal College of Art and runs regular design workshops for companies and institutions around the world.

Elena Manferdini / Designer , Architect

Elena Manferdini, founder and owner of Atelier Manferdini, with offices in Italy and California, has completed design, art and architectural projects in the United States, Europe and Asia including the Pavilion of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. Her firm has collaborated with such internationally renowned companies as Saworski, Sephora, and BMW and her work has been featured in journals and publications including Elle, Vogue and the New York Times. Currently Graduate Chair at the Southern California Institute of Architecture she exhibits internationally and lectures widely having spoken at MIT, Princeton, Tsinghua University and Bauhaus. She was recently awarded the 2013 COLA Fellowship to support the production of original artwork. In 2011 she received a prestigious annual grant from United States Artists (USA) and her Blossom design for Alessi received the Good Design Award.

Snarkitecture / Artists and Architects

In 2008 Daniel Arsham and Alex Mustonen founded Snarkitecture, a collaborative and experimental practice operating in territories between art and architecture. Sharing a mutual interest in the intersection of art and architecture since their student days together at Cooper Union in New York, their first commission was for Dior Homme. Deriving its name from Lewis Carroll's fanciful poem "The Hunting of the Snark", Snarkitecture designs permanent, architectural scale projects and functional objects with new and imaginative purposes, creating moments of wonder and interaction that allow people to engage directly with the surrounding environment. Transforming the familiar into the extraordinary, Snarkitecture makes architecture perform the unexpected.