Motivated by research and experimentation inspired from natural phenomena, London-based product designer Rezzan Hasoglu is seeking ways of translating cultural nuances into tangible objects. Hasoglu’s project, Arenophile, is a testament to that, as she pursues a new purpose for desert sand which is a naturally abundant material in certain parts of the world and has not been widely used in the industry. This project proposes development of new products by creating composite materials using desert sand and non-toxic binders.

A Filipino Architecture graduate of Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines, Jeffrey Dela Cruz was shortlisted because of his project entitled, Baluto. Baluto is designed to be a flood-mitigating solution for low-lying areas. Inspired by indigenous forms, materials, and construction, Dela Cruz shaped this housing strategy to provide a habitable space on land that can withstand a sudden rise in flood water level.

Dmitriy Balashov specializes in Industrial Design. He studied at the Bauman Moscow State Technical University and he is one of the six finalists that made it to the prototype creation stage. Inspired by unique and innovative ideas that offer comfort and rationality, Balashov conceptualised the Green Blast Jet Energy project. This custom-designed turbine makes it possible to collect and convert aircraft jet blast to energy during take-off. 

Shuzhuan Yuan is a product designer and a graduate of Xiamen University of Technology who believes that design is comparable to the study and interpretation of the unknown world. His designs aim to open deep conversations about the meaningful things in life. Hydrus, his Lexus design entry, is an emergency treatment equipment for offshore oil spills and increases work efficiency. It aspires to help eradicate the oil spillage problem and to increase social and environmental consciousness.

Ben Berwick runs Prevalent, an architectural startup focusing on social spaces and spatial technology. He specializes in advanced design, and received a Master’s degree in engineering whilst being a fellow at the University of Tokyo. He has a background in Architecture from the University of Sydney, where he now teaches. His design, Solgami, utilises origami geometry to give apartment residents a closer connection to their external environment. Formed as a window blind, this geometry provides privacy, and puts the user in charge of deciding between greater internal illumination and electricity generation. 

As the workshop progresses, finalists will have ongoing access to world-renowned creators as their mentors, among which are Jessica Rosenkrantz, Shohei Shigematsu, Sebastian Wrong, and Jaime Hayon, as they develop their prototypes during the months leading up to Milan Design Week in April. Their prototypes will then be displayed at the Lexus event space in Milan on 8th of April, and to be judged by four globally-celebrated design leaders to choose the Lexus Design Award 2019 Grand Prix winner.

Further details on the Lexus’ presence at the 2019 Milan Design Week will be announced early March on the Lexus Design Event website. For more information on the Lexus Design Award, visit: LexusDesignAward.com | Official hashtag: #LexusDesignAward | Discover more about the Lexus brand and its products at lexus.com.ph.