Pablo Diego Pastor and Javier Prado López emerged as the winners of the seventh edition of the Lexus Art Car competition with their design titled “Edo Kiriko,” which pays homage to the traditional Japanese art of cut glass. This year’s contest focused on the LBX model, with six design studios from various Spanish cities including Bilbao, Zamora, Ponferrada, Jaén, Mallorca, Murcia, and Granada vying for the top prize. Organized by the Spanish branch of Lexus, the competition underscores the brand’s longstanding association with culture and art.
Lexus, a steadfast patron of young artists and designers, offers a global platform for emerging talent through initiatives like the Lexus Design Award. The Spanish division of Lexus has been championing this cause by hosting the Lexus Art Car competition for years, where local artists are invited to draw inspiration from the brand’s latest models.
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In 2024, the spotlight was on the Lexus LBX, an urban crossover known for its striking design and brand-specific detailing. The winning design, “Edo Kiriko,” crafted by Pablo Diego Pastor, a prominent young Spanish architect, and Javier Prado López, an engineer with expertise in digital manufacturing and robotics, drew from the traditional Japanese glassmaking art that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868). This art is renowned for its intricate hand-carved patterns and the unique technique of applying vibrant colors to transparent glass.
“We recognize the significance of tradition and sustainability as core values of Lexus, and we aimed to incorporate both by honoring the art of Edo Kiriko in our vision for the Lexus LBX,” the winners explained.
The creation of this unique Lexus LBX required meticulous planning and expert craftsmanship. The vehicle was taken to a glass factory where recycled building glass was selected for the bodywork. To enhance its effect, a layer of silver metallic paint was applied, intensifying the rainbow reflections, followed by an iridescent finish for added luminosity and durability.
The glass panes and details were affixed using a special resin, resembling the assembly of a puzzle. The project utilized tempered glass, which is challenging to recycle, thus giving the material a second life through this innovative design. Large glass panels were precisely cut into smaller pieces, reflecting the aesthetic delicacy of traditional Edo Kiriko glass, and seamlessly integrated into the curves and detailing of the unique Lexus LBX body.
The Lexus Art Car competition continues to be a platform that not only showcases the talents of young designers but also celebrates the fusion of traditional artistry with modern automotive design.
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