Bengaluru, July 31, 2017 — Continuing its commitment to a better world through design, Lexus International announced today its call for entries to the Lexus Design Award 2018 for the first time in India. Launched in 2013, the award is an international platform to identify and recognize the next generation of global creators and designers. Every year, thousands of young creative talent from around the world aspire to be selected for the final round. Those twelve finalists and their works will be introduced to the design community and beyond at Milan Design Week 2018*, four of which will be mentored by established global designers and given a production budget of three million JPY (over $25K USD) to create actual prototypes.
In addition to the unique mentorship opportunity and global exposure, young designers are drawn to the Lexus Design Award by the inspiring theme that provides endless possibilities from a design perspective. This year’s creative theme for the Lexus Design Award 2018 is “CO-,” a Latin prefix meaning with or together in harmony. Lexus believes that great design can ensure the harmonious coexistence of nature and society. In that sense, “CO-” is an approach that allows the brand to explore its true potential and that of the environment by creating new possibilities through collaboration, coordination and connection. Now, young designers get their turn for “CO-” to inspire them to conceive a better world.
“Lexus believes in creating amazing experiences that influences the individual and shapes society. Our design, technology and platforms ignite our creative potential and push us to explore new frontiers. India is a country with latent potential that is waiting to be explored. Lexus is proud to provide a platform to Indian designers and creators be recognized at a global stage.” said Akitoshi Takemura – Senior Vice President, Lexus India.
The Judges who assess the designs are globally recognized illustrious creators active in diverse design genres. Additionally, mentorship is provided by esteemed designers who share their know-how and provide hands-on support. They guide the selected candidates to express their full potential through the development of working prototypes of their innovative ideas.
The Judges and Mentors for the Lexus Design Award 2018 will be announced in August. As in previous years, Lexus will be partnering with a select group of renowned professionals who embody design excellence at the front lines of creativity around the world and who share the brand’s belief that great design can make the world a better place.
During Milan Design Week*, all the finalists’ works will be displayed at the Lexus experiential space. Judges will then assess the four prototypes to choose the Grand Prix winner for 2018. Previous winners have gone on to enjoy success and further develop their ideas into viable products.
Entries to the Lexus Design Award 2018 competition will be accepted from July 24 through October 08. For more information on the application process, please visit LexusDesignAward.com. The twelve finalists will be announced in early 2018.
* The world’s largest design exhibition, also known as Salone Del Mobile, presents events and exhibits by brands and designers in many
categories including furniture, fashion and textiles.
Call for Entries to the Lexus Design Award 2018 Competition
| Title | Lexus Design Award 2018 |
| Application period | July 24 – October 8, 2017 |
| Theme | “CO-” |
| Judging criteria
|
o True to the essence of “CO-” with uniqueness in its interpretation.
o Consistent with the Lexus Design goal of making the world a better place. |
| Judges
|
To be announced in August |
| Mentors
|
To be announced in August |
| Award categories
|
Lexus Design Award 2018 – Twelve finalists
· One Grand Prix winner (selected from the four prototype winners) · Four prototype winners (selected from the twelve finalists) · Eight panel finalists |
| Prizes/benefits
|
· Twelve finalists will be invited to Milan Design Week 2018. *
· Four winners among the twelve finalists will receive up to three million yen each to cover prototype production costs. The four winners will create prototypes between January and March 2018, through sessions with their assigned mentors. · The four prototypes and eight panels will be exhibited at a Lexus exhibition space during Milan Design Week 2018. · Each of the twelve finalists will be asked to give a presentation at Milan Design Week 2018, after which a single Grand Prix winner will be named from among the four prototypes through final review by the judges.
*Note: Only one person per entry will be invited, regardless of whether the winning works are submitted by an individual or a group. |
| Organizer | Lexus International |
| In cooperation with | Designboom |
| Application Process | For more information, visit LexusDesignAward.com |
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 designers and creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides a 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
Lexus’ passion for brave design, superior quality, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. Lexus vehicles in India are distributed exclusively through Toyota Kirloskar Motors.
