Lexus: Sparks of Tomorrow Unveiled

Last month, Lexus unveiled the brand’s new design philosophy exemplifying Lexus’ commitment to sustainability during the 2022 Milan Design Week. Lexus: Sparks of Tomorrow presents a trio of explorations inspired by a new human-centered and future-oriented design. It includes an immersive installation by award-winning architect and designer Germane Barnes with lighting studio Aqua Creations, new prototypes from LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2022 finalists and work by students at London’s Royal College of art envisioning a more sustainable future.

The ON/ installation gives a vision for an electrified, carbon-neutral and human-centered future. The display showcases Lexus’s first-ever RZ EV rendered in a wire frame that is suspended just above the ground to embody a more sustainable future and embracing of electrification, technology and bespoke design. The RZ is illuminated by Aqua Creations’ Code 130° silk collection of colorful pendant lights, which add a material quality to the immersive installation reflecting Lexus’ vision for a carbon-neutral future becoming a reality. 

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the work of the six finalists of the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2022 who were chosen for their original solutions contributing to a better tomorrow, while articulating the Lexus brand’s three core principles – Anticipate, Innovate and Captivate. It took roughly three months of original proposals and prototypes plus mentoring by the world’s leading creators for these creations to be completed. 

“It is thrilling to revisit the ON/ installation with Lexus and bring the display to Milan,” said Germane Barnes, principal of Studio Barnes. “The original ON/ exhibit featured the LF-Z, a concept car that signaled a move toward carbon neutrality.  Now, with the RZ, we explored the evolution from concept to reality, partnering with Aqua Creations to create an environment that is infused with heightened sense of materiality.  Designing for a future that is collaborative, sustainable, equitable and prioritizes the unique experiences of individuals is both a driving force of my practice and an exciting synergy with the designers showcased across Sparks of Tomorrow.”