Design / Events
December, 2024
Photo by Steve Benisty

The experiential exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) embodies Lexus’ beliefs in material innovation, responsive technology, and personalization.

Photo by Steve Benisty

Lexus’ embrace of avant-garde design first materialized in the late 1980s. Since then, for over thirty years, the kinship has flourished, and along with it, an intense appreciation of materials, their quality, quantity, production, and how they coexist with human users and nature. In an embodiment of these values, Lexus presents a collaboration with Slovakia-based research and design studio, Crafting Plastics, to create an experiential expression called Liminal Cycles. The exhibit resides within the sculpture garden of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) and is on display through December 15, 2024.

Liminal Cycles guides experiencers on a sensorial storytelling design journey using seamless mixtures of reactive software and natural materials to mirror the expected personalization, adaptation, and responsiveness of future software defined vehicles (SDV) such as the Lexus LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) concept.

The fragmented 3D-printed central sculpture draws inspiration from LF-ZC’s sleek spindle body. Like the concept car, the artistic rendition incorporates innovative materials throughout; it’s made primarily from an entirely renewable and bio-based bioplastic called Nuatan. The bioplastic’s UV-responsive skin coating reacts to UV radiation and a viewer’s proximity to create a simulated pulsation akin to that of living beings’ inhaling and exhaling.

Three additional satellite works, as well as a Lexus in Design capsule collection, coexist with the main installation. The artworks evoke distinct sensorial reactions from interacting guests.

Sculpted in the vein of LF-ZC’s steering wheel, the flower-like shape responds to a user’s touch by fluctuating the volume of its unique sound signature.

LEXUS IN DESIGN CAPSULE COLLECTION

Photo by Chris Coe

A collection of limited-edition objects created by premier designers Germane Barnes, Michael Bennett (Studio Kër), Suchi Reddy, and Tara Sakhi accompanies Liminal Cycles at ICA Miami. Produced alongside Crafting Plastics, the objects represent Lexus’ brand ethos, which encompasses personalization, sustainability, materiality, technology, and performance. In addition, a custom-scented candle conceived by notable designer and manufacturer, dilo, joins the collection of original objects. The limited-edition design objects and Lexus in Design candle can be purchased at HBX.com, with sale profits supporting ICA Miami’s sustainability initiatives.


“We are honored to collaborate with some of the world’s leading designers to bring Lexus’ vision of holistic luxury and personalized experience to life through this year’s installation and launch of our capsule collection,” says Heather Updegraff, ​​General Manager of Lexus International Strategic Communications. “These works embody the potential of responsive technology, sustainable materials, and sensory-driven design, offering a tangible glimpse into the future while inspiring viewers to contemplate these concepts in their everyday lives.”

Share this article