A collaborative endeavor between renowned Dutch solar artisan Marjan van Aubel and Lexus has been unveiled, set to grace the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) sculpture garden. Inspired by the cutting-edge LF-ZC Lexus Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept car, this interactive installation, crafted in partnership with spatial experience design atelier Random Studio, heralds a fusion of design and technology toward a sustainable future. Anticipated for debut in early December, the installation will grace the backdrop of Miami Art & Design Week 2023.
Dubbed “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds,” denoting the duration of sunlight’s journey to Earth, this installation promises a dazzling exposition of carbon-neutral energy harnessing. Serving as a sculptural ode to Lexus’s innovative electrification model, it intricately melds van Aubel’s unique utilization of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, which is prevalent in solar applications. Through van Aubel’s solar acumen, this installation not only reveres the solar trajectory but also amplifies Lexus’s eco-conscious and technologically pioneering electric vehicle.
Lexus’s steadfast commitment to societal responsibility in mobility design and broader contexts propels the brand to challenge conventions and transcend boundaries while upholding a holistic vision for sustainability. The LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) concept epitomizes the forthcoming generation of Lexus BEV offerings, promising enhanced driving dynamics, uncompromised design, and novel exclusive amenities, epitomizing the Lexus ethos of enriching discerning customers’ lives.
This installation marks van Aubel’s inaugural public foray in Miami, representing Lexus’s consecutive year of partnership with ICA Miami. Together, they endeavor to craft experiences that inspire contemplation on the positive impact of creative design.
To achieve this vision, van Aubel’s studio collaborates with Random Studio, a lauded Certified B Corporation® renowned for immersive spatial experiences worldwide. The installation, replicating the LF-ZC at scale, will be fashioned from OPV sheets, casting vibrant shadows under sunlight. Embedded light and motion sensors further enhance the interactive spectacle, enlivening the installation and encapsulating the transformative potential of Lexus’s electric evolution.
Marjan van Aubel’s acclaim stems from her ability to seamlessly integrate solar energy into daily life through aesthetically pleasing solutions. An advocate for sustainability in art and design, her oeuvre spans award-winning furniture, lighting design, and striking public installations. Additionally, she co-founded the world’s premier Solar Biennale, with her works gracing esteemed institutions such as MoMA, Vitra Design Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
“Lexus’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship aligns with the ethos of my practice, where functional design intertwines with sustainability and aesthetic allure. Through this collaboration, we aim to spotlight the notion that sustainable design solutions are veritable works of art,” remarked Marjan van Aubel.
“We are privileged to collaborate with Marjan van Aubel, a luminary in solar design, to infuse her expertise and brilliance into conceptualizing the BEV Concept car. Her steadfast dedication to sustainable, human-centric design mirrors our core values at Lexus. ICA Miami serves as an ideal venue for this unveiling, being a bastion of artistic excellence,” expressed Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing.
“Environmental sustainability constitutes a cornerstone for ICA Miami, as evidenced by our ongoing efforts to minimize and offset our carbon footprint. Marjan van Aubel’s collaboration with Lexus signifies monumental strides in innovative sustainable design, exemplifying how global ecological consciousness informs contemporary solutions. We are privileged to provide a platform for Marjan van Aubel and her impactful work during Miami Art & Design Week,” articulated Alex Gartenfeld, Irma, and Norman Braman, Artistic Director at ICA Miami.
