6 Cool Projects from the 2019 Lexus Design Awards

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True to the automaker’s spirit, the Lexus Design Awards are all about the union of beautiful design, innovative technology, and creative solutions. Participating creators were asked to consider how their designs solve a problem and anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s society. As a result, many of the projects feature renewable energy solutions and biodegradable materials, although there are exceptions that tackle human-centric issues. Although only one entry could take home the top prize, every last one of these ideas is a winning solution that can improve lives and protect the environment.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at the coolest projects from the 2019 Lexus Design awards.

Find Your Dream Machine: The Lexus model showroom

Arenophile by Rezzan Hasoglu

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In the immortal words of Anakin Skywalker, sand is coarse, rough, irritating, and it gets everywhere. Luckily, London-based product designer Rezzan Hasoglu came up with a way to make sand into a useful product. By mixing sand with non-toxic binders, the Arenophile project provides new sources of durable composite materials.

Baluto by Jeffrey E. Dela Cruz

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Inspired by indigenous Filipino design and architecture, architect Jeffrey E. Dela Cruz has created a way to protect homes in low-lying, flood-prone areas. His Baluto houses are elevated, and can withstand a sudden rise in flood water level.

Green Blast Jet Energy by Dmitriy Balashov

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There’s a whole lot of energy in the jet blast of an airplane taking off. That’s why Russian industrial designer Dmitriy Balashov created the Green Blast Jet Energy system, which turns all of that wind into electricity for use in other parts of the airport.

Hydrus by Shuzhan Yuan

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While it may look like a series of floating sausage links, there’s nothing greasy about Hydrus. In fact, Chinese product designer Shuzhan Yuan developed these cylindrical pods to contain and clean up offshore oil spills.

Solgami by Ben Berwich

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Using origami-inspired geometry, Australian architect Ben Berwick designed these innovative solar-powered blinds. Users can choose between greater interior illumination and electricity generation.

Algorithmic Lace by Lisa Marks

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The 2019 Grand Prix winner, Algorithmic Lace, uses advanced 3D modeling to create custom bras for women who’ve undergone mastectomies. Lisa Marks’ goal is to create supportive, stylish garments that help breast cancer survivors feel positive about their bodies.

As she accepted her award, Lisa Marks thanked the panel of judges and Lexus, saying, “Lexus doesn’t have to do this. They could be a successful brand without it. But it shows their commitment to design and to a better world.”

Eco-Friendly Luxury: Lexus hybrid performance

Source: Lexus

Kimiko Kidd

Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.