Events / Design
December, 2023

Lexus, dedicated to exploring new horizons in design and sustainability, recently introduced “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds”, an interactive solar installation, in collaboration with Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel and Random Studio. Set within the tranquil sculpture garden at the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami (ICA Miami), this installation offers a visually arresting representation of the Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst (LF-ZC) concept car, merging the realms of art and advanced solar cell technology.

8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” exhibit at Institute of Contemporary Art Miami.

The installation’s name, “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds”, signifies the duration sunlight takes to travel to Earth, reflecting the essence of this solar-powered creation. It incorporates Organic Photovoltaics (OPV) - cutting-edge, color-rich solar cells - to present a life-sized, vibrant pattern design of the LF-ZC concept car. This piece is not merely a visual exhibit but a dynamic, sensory experience, responding to the movements of onlookers with light effects that mimic the fluidity of water, symbolizing the car’s electric vehicle platform.

As the day progresses, the sculpture transforms, mirroring the journey from dawn to dusk through a spectrum of colors on the OPV sheets. Embedded batteries within the installation’s base harness this solar energy, powering the sculpture's light displays and immersive features. The piece also features an ambient melody that weaves natural and technological elements, including bamboo notes as a nod to the car's interior, blending the essence of Lexus into the auditory experience.

Marjan van Aubel, designer and Lexus Design Award mentor.

Marjan van Aubel's involvement with Lexus extends beyond this installation. As a mentor in the 2023 Lexus Design Award, she has guided emerging designers in creating future-forward, sustainable products. Her acclaimed work in furniture, lighting design, and public installations, which integrate solar technology with aesthetic design, aligns seamlessly with Lexus's philosophy of innovation and sustainability.

Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing, remarked on the unique collaboration, "We are honored to work with a solar design pioneer as esteemed as Marjan van Aubel. Her singular vision and expertise have built a remarkable installation that illuminates the design essence of the LF-ZC concept and her dedication to human-first sustainable design is something we share and value dearly. It’s thrilling to see this sculpture come alive in the garden at ICA Miami."

“8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” is more than an installation; it's a journey into the possibilities of sustainable design, a confluence of art, technology, and ecological awareness. It invites visitors to engage with light and color, envisioning a sustainable, positive future. This Lexus exhibition, a testament to innovative, environment-friendly design, is on view at ICA Miami until December 17th, 2023​​.

Share this article
Next StoryInside the Lexus Experience