Two UAE-based artists vie for the 2015 Lexus Design Award Grand Prix title

Dubai, UAE, February 8, 2015: Dubai-based designers Emanuela Corti and Ivan Parati have earned the coveted distinction to be amongst the few artists from around the world whose works have been shortlisted for the chance to win the prestigious Lexus Design Award, currently in its third year.

In a further recognition of the two Italians’ talent, their entry is one of the four to be produced in a prototype to adorn the venue of this year’s Milan Design Week, where Lexus International will announce the winner of the luxury automotive brand’s annual design showcase that aims to support young, upcoming artists. A total of 1,171 entries from 72 countries were judged by a panel of world-renowned designers and creators in November in Tokyo before the final 12 were selected for the Milan showdown in April. 

Titled Sense-Wear, the UAE-based collective entry was selected with three other entries out of the 12 finalists, to produce prototypes of their winning designs with assistance from world-famous engineer and architect Arthur Huang, game designer Robin Hunicke, architects and designers Neri & Hu, and designer Max Lamb.

“We’re pleased to see interest and participation in the Lexus Design Award from the UAE design community,” said Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors – Lexus. “Such initiatives are in line with Lexus’ dedication to craft amazing cars through a seamless connection between leading-edge design and innovative technology.”

Sense-Wear as described by Corti and Parati, is a collection of garments and accessories that emphasize the use of human senses. “We are thrilled to be among the Lexus Design Award finalists. We are glad and excited for the opportunity of displaying our project in Milan during such an important international event,” said Corti.

The four winning prototypes will be exhibited at this year's Milan Design Week in April along with panel presentations of the other eight finalist designs. All 12 finalists will have the opportunity to present their ideas at the Lexus exhibition booth from April 13 (press day and award ceremony) to 19. The Lexus Design Award Grand Prix winner will also be selected from among the four prototype finalists during Milan Design Week.

The judging committee confirms that this year's Lexus Design Award drew a large number of submissions, and a wide variety of wonderfully original ideas. In keeping with the theme of "Senses," many submissions appealed to the five senses or emotional, rather than physical, aspects of the human experience. After extensive discussion the 12 finalist entries were selected for their potential contribution to design innovation.

The finalist entries and judging committee comments can be viewed at LexusDesignAward.com. Those attending Milan Design Week are welcome to visit the Lexus booth at T32 Torneria/Carrozzeria, Via Tortona 32, 20144 (Zona Tortona). Further details regarding the Lexus booth will be announced mid-February.

The Lexus Design Award competition is an international design competition launched in 2013 to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society and to support up-and-coming creators whose work can contribute to shaping a better future. 

Lexus Design Award 2015 Entries Selected for Prototype Development

Title    ANIMAL MASKS

Designer    Keita Ebidzuka (Japan)

Description    
ANIMAL MASKS allow wearers to see the world through animals' eyes evoking a mythical world where symbolism meets reality. 

Mentors    Neri & Hu

Title    Diomedeidae

Designers    
Adriano Alfaro (Italy)
Daiki Nakamori (Japan)
Gaetano Mirko Vatiero (Italy)

Description    
Generating electricity from its own flapping movements, Diomedeidae is a kinetic sculpture whose motion and light appeal to the senses. 

Mentor    Arthur Huang

Title    LUZ

Designer    Marina Mellado Mendieta (Spain)

Description    
LUZ uses emotional lighting technology to create an environment appropriate to any weather or climactic condition.

Mentor    Max Lamb

Title    Sense-Wear

Designers    Emanuela Corti and Ivan Parati (Italy) (Caravan)

Description    
Sense-Wear is a collection of garments and accessories that emphasize use of human senses.

Mentor    Robin Hunicke