Inspired by the Lexus LF-Z Electrified Concept, the installation is punctuated by electrification, technology, and bespoke design. It was envisioned as a nod to the Lexus brand’s commitment to luxury that feels personal and engaging, with intuitive technology, passionate enthusiasm, and the thoughtful use of electrification that helps chart a path toward a carbon-neutral future.
Dubai, UAE: Lexus unveiled ON/ at Design Miami/, presenting a vision by Germane Barnes and his team at the University of Miami that is inspired by the power and potential of Lexus’s LF-Z Electrified Concept car, which introduces new electrification principals to the brand’s ethos. The immersive installation embodies the human-centered, future-oriented approach to design and craftsmanship that the automotive brand and Barnes share, its title alluding to an on/off switch as a vision of a carbon-neutral future powered by electric technology. ON/ creates an environment that is designed to engage viewers of all ages, providing an experience that is both visually dynamic and interactive while offering an inviting space to recharge and reflect.
The installation is centered around a precisely-to-scale, three-dimensional sculptural rendition of the LF-Z Electrified Concept car rendered in steel and illuminated with embedded LED lighting; the frame of the car glows and is suspended just above the ground, a vision of a more sustainable future coming into focus. Two swings anchor the display, each suspended within illuminated arches in a nod to the classical architecture that is both foundational to the design of civic infrastructure and central to the University of Miami’s curriculum, alluding to a gateway between our present and the possibilities of the future. This arch is echoed in furniture with embedded LED lighting designed by Barnes and his team specifically for the installation, providing discrete areas for rest, repose, and recharging — reflecting the brand’s commitment to the principle of omotenashi (exceptional hospitality).
The entire installation is unified by a unique lighting scheme, designed to enable engagement from users around the world via an interactive virtual model unveiled online alongside the physical display. Participants are invited to create their own lighting designs for the display, altering the color of various features including the walls, car, swings, and furniture. Barnes and his team will select a series of the user-generated designs to showcase onsite, spotlighting the creative vision of entries from around the world.
“As a global brand with commitment to the Japanese design principles of takumi (expert craftsmanship) and omotenashi (exceptional hospitality) and a mission to build towards a carbon-neutral future, Lexus embodies elements that are essential markers of high-quality design for today, while also echoing my personal values. Designing for a future that is collaborative, sustainable, equitable, and prioritizes the unique experiences of individuals is both a driving force of my practice and my work with students here at the University of Miami. As Design Miami/ opens, we’re excited to see how the public engages with the installation, both in-person and online, and makes our vision for the future their own,” commented Germane Barnes, Assistant Professor at the University of Miami School of Architecture.
This concept reflects a commitment to next-generation design and was developed by Germane Barnes, Principal Architect at Studio Barnes, Assistant Professor at the University of Miami School of Architecture and Director of the CHIL Lab, in close coordination with his team at the University and Studio. The core project team included students Isabella Adelsohn, Mahlia Jenkins, and Andrea Martinez of the School of Architecture at the University of Miami, along with Indrit Alushani, Lecturer and RAD Lab Manager and Rodolphe el-Khoury, Dean of the University of Miami School of Architecture.
“We’re thrilled to bring this incredible project from Germane Barnes and the University of Miami to Design Miami/ in our fourth year of partnership with the fair,” commented Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing. “As we look towards next generation design, this project has given us a chance to highlight Lexus’ commitment to electrification while working closely with the students at UMiami who are incredibly talented and truly represent the future of design and innovation.”
Returning as automotive partner for its fourth year at Design Miami/, Lexus will present another installment of its long standing Lexus Art & Innovation series with Whitewall from November 30-December 1. Speakers include Dror Benshetrit, Harry Nuriev, Thomas Coldefy, Sarah Meyhoas, Gretchen Andrew, Refik Anadol, Lee Quinones, Yves Béhar, Cathy Leff, Rudy el-Khoury, Brian Bolain, Kevin Hunter; alongside moderators Tamara Warren, Alessandro Possati, Katy Donoghue, and Laurent Moïsi, to name a few, in addition to Germane Barnes who will participate on the panels Fertile Ground: Shaping the Next Generation of Designs on Tuesday November 30 at 4:30PM and Electrification and Beyond: How Tech is Shaping What Comes Next on Wednesday December 1 at 11:30AM. Design Miami/ runs from December 1 through December 5 online and in-person at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The press kit includes a documentary behind the scenes, high-res photography, CGI video, which can be accessed here.
About Al-Futtaim – Lexus:
Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a worldwide reputation for high-quality vehicles and exemplary customer service in line with its Japanese ‘omotenashi’ roots – the tradition of anticipatory hospitality. Leader in hybrid technology in the luxury automotive scene, both globally and locally, Lexus offers the largest line-up of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV), which boast a number of advantages over traditional powertrains, such as high performance, unmatched fuel efficiency, substantial emissions saving, noise reduction and instantaneous acceleration.
In the UAE, Lexus is distributed by the Al-Futtaim Automotive Group and enjoys a strong network of showrooms and service centres across all 7 Emirates.
The Lexus sedan line-up includes IS, ES, ES Hybrid, GS, GS Hybrid, LS and LS Hybrid and the SUV range includes UX, NX, RX and RX Hybrid, GX and LX. While the coupe range features the Lexus RC, LC and LC Hybrid, the F marque, home for Lexus performance vehicles, produces RCF and GSF high-performance cars.
Al-Futtaim Lexus is also home for INTERSECT BY LEXUS, a luxury space at DIFC where guests can enjoy hand-crafted food and drinks, while connecting with like-minded people and enjoying the premium Lexus lifestyle.
For more details, please visit http://www.lexus.ae; Facebook: LexusAE; Instagram: lexusuae
About Al-Futtaim Automotive:
Al-Futtaim Automotive, one of the main five operating divisions within the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group of companies, is a conglomerate of motoring-related businesses, franchising some of the world’s most-recognised automotive brands and services.
Operating in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa and empowered by around 9,000 associates, the UAE-headquartered Group’s services span across distribution of new and used vehicles, manufacturing, leasing, and aftersales.
Ranging from passenger cars to SUVs, commercial vehicles, industrial and construction equipment as well as motorbikes and quads, Al-Futtaim Automotive Group offers an integrative customer-centric experience for motorists, fleet operators and contractors alike, and strives to become the leader in tailor-made mobility solutions
About Al-Futtaim:
Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health; employing more than 33,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, we partner with over 200 of the world’s most admired and innovative brands.
Al-Futtaim’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.
By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration, integrity; Al-Futtaim continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.
