Algorithmic Lace by Lisa Marks Wins Top 2019 Lexus Design Award at 'Leading With Light' Exhibition in Milan

The prototype showcases the Lexus brand’s desire to leverage design that contributes to a better tomorrow and aligns well with Lexus’ passion for human-centricity in the midst of evolution and innovation.

Lexus Design Award 2019’s elite judging panel has selected the Grand Prix winner from 1,548 entries from 65 countries, in an exciting culmination of this prestigious international event which supports the next generation of designers.
Prototypes of the six finalists’ ideas created with the support of world-class creators through mentorship are on display at the Lexus Milan Design Week venue.
The competition called for innovative ideas and transformative solutions, leveraging technology to build a better tomorrow.

MILAN (April 8, 2019) Lexus International announced today the Grand Prix winner of Lexus Design Award 2019. Lisa Marks won the prestigious award for her design of “Algorithmic Lace” from a total of 1,548 idea submissions from 65 countries across the globe.

Through this program, and since its inception in 2013, Lexus puts into practice its commitment to support and nurture the next generation of designers who share Lexus’ belief in the power of design and innovation to shape a brighter future. The prototypes from all o this year’s finalists make creative use of technology to design practical solutions that have the power to change lives.

Joining the judging panel for the first time, internationally recognized designer and technologist John Maeda had this to say: “When we think of algorithms, we usually think of computers and the high-tech industry. But the textile industry is where algorithms were first deployed as a means to realize new aesthetic choices in fabrics during the 19th century.

Lisa Marks “Algorithmic Lace” project not only feeds on that rich history, but goes even further back in time to incorporate a 16th century technique for weaving complex lace patterns. Marks uses this ancient process together with advanced three-dimensional modeling to handcraft bespoke bras for breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomy surgery. The result is a combination of function and beauty that positively impacts the survivor’s body aesthetic while also providing fully customized structural comfort.”

Grand Prix winner Lisa Marks said, as she accepted her award, “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.”
The Grand Prix winning prototype along with prototypes created by the other five Lexus Design Award 2019 finalists will be on display at the Lexus exhibition entitled “Leading with Light,” from 09 – 13 April 2019 at Milan Design Week’s Superstudio Più in the Tortuna district, the hub of Milan’s international design event.

The “LEADING WITH LIGHT” exhibition, inspired by Lexus’ latest illumination technology and produced in collaboration with new media design studio, Rhizomatiks, is an immersive and emotional experience. By combining playful and dynamic lighting with human dance and advanced robotics, this highly choreographed exhibition uses countless beams of light as robots interact with the movements of a single performer. Within the exhibition, an area called “LEXUS LIGHTS TOMORROW” showcases Lexus’ human-centered approach through cutting-edge vehicle lighting technology that can help shape a better and brighter future.

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ABOUT LEXUS
Lexus launched in 1989 with a flagship sedan and a guest experience that helped define the premium automotive industry. In 1998, Lexus introduced the luxury crossover category with the launch of the Lexus RX. The luxury hybrid sales leader, Lexus delivered the world’s first luxury hybrid and has since sold over 1 million hybrid vehicles.*

A global luxury automotive brand with an unwavering commitment to bold, uncompromising design, exceptional craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of the next generation of global luxury guests and is currently available in over 90 countries worldwide.

Lexus associates/team members across the world are dedicated to crafting amazing experiences that are uniquely Lexus, and that excite and change the world.

*(1,464,275 units as of January 2019)

ABOUT LEXUS DESIGN AWARD
First launched in 2013, in cooperation with designboom, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world. The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides a unique opportunity for six finalists to work with a world-class team of established design and innovation talent as mentors to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar’s most important events.