Lexus recently announced the six finalists for the tenth edition of the Lexus Design Award 2022, a global platform that supports and nurtures the next generation of up-and-coming creators from around the world. 

 

Each of the finalists will gain the exceptional privilege of mentorship by international creative pioneers as they prototype their ideas - with a budget of up to approximately $25,000 per project. 

 

The finalists were selected by a distinguished jury from among 1,726 entries submitted by creators across 57 countries. 

 

The Lexus Design Award was established to support fresh design talent and showcase their innovations on a prominent global platform. This year’s six finalists were chosen for their original solutions that contribute to a better tomorrow, while articulating the Lexus brand's three core principles - Anticipate, Innovate and Captivate. 

 

The projects presented by the finalists encompassed: ‘Chitofoam’ by Charlotte Böhning and Mary Lempres (dual USA-Germany and dual USA-Norway / based in USA) - a biodegradable packaging solution derived from the exoskeletons of mealworms that have digested polystyrene foam waste; ‘Hammock Wheelchair’ by Wondaleaf (Malaysia) - a combination wheelchair, forklift and hammock for reducing the manual lifting of patients by caregivers; and ‘Ina Vibe’ by Team Dunamis (Nigeria) - a sustainable cooking, charging and lighting product. The projects also included: ‘Rewind’ by Poh Yun Ru (Singapore) - a platform that leverages multi-sensory stimulation to prompt meaningful recollection for seniors with dementia; ‘Sound Eclipse’ by Kristil and Shamina (Russia) - a noise-cancelling device that reduces outside noise when placed near an open window; and ‘Tacomotive’ by Kou Mikuni (Japan) - a tangible driving simulator for children with visual and aural challenges.

 

Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “We are excited to see that the Lexus Design Award, now in its tenth year, is becoming increasingly recognised amongst creatives from around the world. This year’s submissions have been outstanding in terms of ideas, with the six finalists demonstrating unparalleled creativity, resourcefulness and a remarkable capacity for forward-thinking.” 

 

Fujita added: “This competitive platform has always brought together some of the best and brightest creators from across the globe, inspiring and empowering them to elevate their ideas and bring them to the world to contribute to a better tomorrow. Supporting the next generation is an essential component of Lexus’ drive to push the boundaries of what can be achieved through brave design. I would like to thank everyone involved in the enduring success of the Lexus Design Award, along with our customers the world over for empowering us on our journey to create amazing experiences.” 

 

During mid-January, the six finalists participated in a five-day workshop with the four Lexus Design Award 2022 mentors: Sam Baron, Joe Doucet, Sabine Marcelis and Yosuke Hayano. Interacting directly with these leading stars, the finalists received professional guidance to explore the potential of their ideas and help bring them to life.

 

The finalists will continue working with mentors to further develop their prototypes throughout approximately three months before the Grand Prix selection. A judging panel featuring renowned design trailblazers Paola Antonelli, Anupama Kundoo, Bruce Mau and Simon Humphries will select the Grand Prix winner in spring 2022 based on their final prototypes and presentations.-- TradeArabia News Service