Lexus continues to push the boundaries of automotive design and sustainability with an exciting new initiative for Miami Art & Design Week 2024. In collaboration with the innovative design studio Crafting Plastics, Lexus will present an interactive, multi-sensory installation titled Liminal Cycles. This remarkable exhibition, set to be showcased in the sculpture garden of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) from December 4 through the end of the week, promises to redefine the experience of art and design within the context of automotive innovation.
A Fusion of Art and Technology
At the heart of Liminal Cycles lies a central sculpture inspired by the groundbreaking Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Lexus LF-ZC concept car. This striking piece is crafted from environmentally responsive bioplastic materials, exemplifying Lexus’s commitment to sustainable luxury. The installation invites visitors to engage with the evolving concept of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs), which offer unprecedented levels of personalisation and adaptability through software integration.
Lexus’s pursuit of responsible luxury shines through this installation, which allows viewers to explore the dynamic interplay between sustainable materials and reactive technologies. Heather Updegraff, General Manager of Lexus International Strategic Communications, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Crafting Plastics is pushing the boundaries of technological and material capabilities, and we are honoured to collaborate with them in creating an immersive work that represents some of the most exciting concepts being developed at Lexus today.”
Engaging the Senses
Liminal Cycles is designed to be an all-encompassing sensory experience. Visitors will be greeted with an array of interactive and sensory-responsive sculptures that engage sight, sound, smell, and touch. The central sculpture features UV-responsive materials that react in real-time to environmental stimuli, creating an evolving visual display influenced by the viewer’s proximity and changes in light and temperature.
Complementing this are two additional satellite installations that reinterpret elements of the LF-ZC’s interior. The steering wheel and headrest have been transformed into interactive sculptures that utilize environmentally responsive technology to trigger a range of sensory responses, enhancing the viewer’s experience. A third sculpture, which harnesses wind-activated technology, offers a unique optical experience by revealing the Lexus logo through a captivating bioplastic lattice design.
Collaborative Spirit
The installation is not merely an exhibition but also includes a new product extension developed in partnership with DILO, a clean fragrance brand. This collaboration features contributions from four distinguished designers—Germane Barnes, Suchi Reddy, T. Sakhi, and Michael Bennet (Studio Kër)—who will produce a limited-edition capsule collection of 26 collectible design objects. Each piece embodies Lexus’s brand ethos of personalisation, sustainability, and innovative craftsmanship.
Accompanying the installation will be a custom fragrance developed by DILO, inspired by the collection, which will also be available as a limited-edition candle. This emphasis on multi-sensory experiences is a testament to Lexus’s dedication to crafting memorable encounters that go beyond the visual.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Crafting Plastics, founded by Vlasta Kubušová and Miroslav Král, has emerged as a leader in sustainable design, advocating for the adoption of bioplastics across various industries. Their pioneering work with biopolymer materials aligns seamlessly with Lexus’s goals, making this partnership particularly meaningful. “Through this collaboration, we have fully integrated sustainable material innovation into a luxury context to showcase the potential of bio-based materials that are durable, scalable, and responsive,” stated Kubušová.
This collaboration marks the third year that Lexus has partnered with ICA Miami to present Lexus in Design, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to promoting sustainable design practices. Alex Gartenfeld, the Irma and Norman Braman Artistic Director of ICA Miami, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of sustainability in the museum’s practices and its partnership with Lexus.
Looking Ahead
Lexus’s participation in Miami Art & Design Week 2024 is not just about showcasing design; it is an invitation to explore the intersection of art, technology, and sustainability. The Liminal Cycles installation, along with the accompanying limited-edition capsule collection, offers a glimpse into a future where automotive innovation harmoniously coexists with responsible design practices.
As the installation opens to the public on December 4, attendees can anticipate a transformative experience that challenges perceptions of luxury and sustainability, encapsulating Lexus’s ongoing journey toward a more personalized and sustainable automotive future.
