The Lexus Design Award Competition for 2017 open

The 2017 Lexus Design Award (LDA) announced its annual theme and call for entry last week. The international design competition targets up-and-coming creators from around the world and seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose innovative works can help shape a better future.

The creative theme for the 2017 LDA is “Yet,” meaning: up to a particular time, or in the time still remaining; before all is done. The competition’s two judging criteria will seek to evaluate first how the project is true to the essence of “Yet” with uniqueness in its interpretation. Second, if it is consistent with the ideas of Lexus design.

“At Lexus, our ‘Yet’ philosophy gives us the courage to combine elements that at first seem incompatible – superior ride comfort yet exhilarating driving dynamics – for example. With ‘Yet,’ we don’t compromise; we harmonize to create synergy that reveals unexpected yet amazing new possibilities. ‘Yet’ is the catalyst that triggers breakthroughs, the spark that ignites an explosion of creative potential. Yet drives Lexus to explore visionary frontiers of design and technology that will shape tomorrow’s mobility,” said Lexus International Executive Vice-President Yoshihiro Sawa.

The competition’s 12 finalists will have the opportunity to exhibit their works at Milan Design Week in April of 2017 (Salone Del Mobile). The remaining four finalists will receive funding and mentorship to produce their prototypes.

Judges and mentors include powerful players such as MoMA curator Paola Antonelli, designer Max Lamb, and design firm Snarkitecture. The contest represents a remarkable opportunity for students and more established designers alike to concretize their projects. Application to participate in the competition can be found here.

Last year’s winner was AGAR PLASTICITY, a project exploring how agar, a gelatinous material obtained from marine algae, can be used as an environmentally friendly packaging material alternative to plastic.

Finalist projects have included RESOLUTION OF SOUND LOCATION, a headphone device composed of super directive microphones and speakers that can determine the sound source and adjust its volume; TRACE, a clock that uses a liquid with UV rays and discoloration properties; PLANTS-SKIN, a container made of a colored mortar and special ink that visualizes the timing for watering plants; and LUZ a lighting concept designed to help people in the Polar Regions who are physically and psychologically affected by lack of sunshine or daylight, its global emotional lighting is based on open source technology and programming.