(MENAFN- Mid-East.Info)
Dubai, UAE: Al-Futtaim Lexus announced today that Lexus has revealed the six finalists for the tenth edition of the Lexus Design Award 2022, a global platform to support and nurture the next generation of up-and-coming creators from around the world. Each of the finalists will gain the extraordinary privilege of mentorship by international creative stars as they prototype their ideas with a budget of up to 3,000,000 yen (approximately USD 25,000) per project. The finalists were selected by a distinguished jury from among 1,726 entries submitted by creators in 57 countries.
The Lexus Design Award was established to support fresh design talent and showcase their innovations on a prominent and respected international platform. This year's six finalists were chosen for their original solutions that contribute to a better tomorrow, while articulating the Lexus brand's three core principles―Anticipate, Innovate, and Captivate, while seamlessly enhancing the happiness of all.
Lexus Design Award 2022 Finalists:
- Chitofoam by Charlotte Böhning & Mary Lempres (Dual USA – Germany and Dual USA – Norway / Based in USA)
A biodegradable packaging solution derived from the exoskeletons of mealworms that have digested polystyrene foam waste
- Hammock Wheelchair by Wondaleaf (Malaysia)
A combination wheelchair, forklift, and hammock for reducing the manual lifting of patients by caregivers.
- Ina Vibe by Team Dunamis (Nigeria)
A sustainable cooking, charging, and lighting product.
- Rewind by Poh Yun Ru (Singapore)
A platform that leverages multi-sensory stimulation to prompt meaningful recollection for seniors with dementia
- Sound Eclipse by Kristil & Shamina (Russia)
A noise-canceling device that reduces noise from outside when placed near an open window.
- Tacomotive by Kou Mikuni (Japan)
A tangible driving simulator for children with visual and aural challenges.
Lexus Design Award 2022 judge Anupama Kundoo said ,“I was impressed by the creators' sensitivity to real-life issues faced by individuals with disabilities and the challenges facing society, such as sustainable coexistence with nature. The mentoring process will optimize the impact of the finalists' designs. I greatly enjoyed working with such a diverse jury and finding so much alignment. Where there were different perspectives, those too were complementary and aligned in their core values.”
Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, Middle East & Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation , said:“We are excited to see that the Lexus Design Award, now in its tenth year, is increasingly becoming recognized amongst creatives from around the world. This year's submissions have been exceptional in terms of ideas, with the six finalists demonstrating unparalleled creativity, resourcefulness, and a great capacity for forward-thinking.”
Fujita added:“This competitive platform has always brought some of the best and brightest creators together from around the world, inspiring and empowering them to elevate their ideas and bring them to the world to contribute to a better tomorrow. Supporting the next generation is an essential component of Lexus' drive to push the boundaries of what can be achieved through brave design. I would like to thank everyone involved in the Lexus Design Award's enduring success, along with our customers from all around the world for supporting us on our journey to create amazing experiences.”
In mid-January, the six finalists participated in a five-day workshop with the four Lexus Design Award 2022 mentors: Sam Baron, Joe Doucet, Sabine Marcelis, and Yosuke Hayano. Interacting directly with these leading lights, the finalists received professional guidance to explore the potential of their ideas, and help bring them to life.
Finalists will continue working with mentors to further develop their prototypes throughout the approximately three months leading up to the Grand Prix selection. A judging panel featuring renowned design leaders Paola Antonelli, Anupama Kundoo, Bruce Mau, and Simon Humphries will select the Grand Prix winner in Spring 2022 based on their final prototypes and presentations.
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, 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 the RC F performance car.
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.
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 35,000 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.
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