Lexus Commissions LF-Z Light-Up Sculpture For Miami Art Show

Lexus partnered with Germane Barnes, an American architect, designer and assistant professor of Architecture at the University of Miami to design a sculpture based on the LF-Z Electrified concept.

Working together with his students at the University of Miami, Barnes created a three-dimensional sculptural rendition of the LF-Z Electrified concept rendered in steel and illuminated with embedded LED lighting. The whole piece is suspended and joined by two swings that are anchored within illuminated arches in a nod to classical architecture.

“Lexus embodies elements that are essential markers of high-quality design for today, while also echoing my personal values,” said Barnes. “Designing for a future that is collaborative, sustainable, equitable, and prioritizes the unique experiences of individuals is both a driving force of my practice and my work with students here at the University of Miami.”

Called “ON/,” the name is a reference to the On/Off switch as a vision of a carbon-neutral future. The entire installation is unified by a lighting system that is designed to allow users around the world to participate in the piece via an interactive virtual model.

The digital version of the installation can have its lighting altered in order to highlight different aspects of the space. The best versions will be selected by Barnes and displayed live at Design Miami/ 2021, where the display currently resides.

“We’re thrilled to bring this incredible project from Germane Barnes and the University of Miami to Design Miami/ in our fourth year of partnership with the fair,” commented Brian Bolain, Lexus’ global head of marketing. “As we look towards next-generation design, this project has given us a chance to highlight Lexus’ commitment to electrification while working closely with the students at UMiami who are incredibly talented and truly represent the future of design and innovation.”

Along with Barnes, the project was made possible thanks to students Isabella Adelsohn, Mahlia Jenkins, and Andrea Martinez of the School of Architecture at the University of Miami, along with Indrit Alushani, lecturer and RAD Lab manager, and Rodolphe el-Khoury, dean of the University of Miami School of Architecture.

Lexus returns as the automotive partner for the Design Miami/ 2021, which is open through December 5, for the fourth year in a row.