Dutch designer Marjan van Aubel works in collaboration with car brand Lexus to create the 8 Minutes and 20 seconds installation. It is a solar-powered immersive experience as a part of Milan Design Week this year. The namesake references the exact amount of time that it takes sunlight to reach the earth. The show highlights a full silhouette of the Future Zero-Emission Catalyst concept car by Lexus made from organic photovoltaic sheets.
The installation has a wide range of colors and the concept car takes center stage as it rests on a platform that is decorated with mirrored acrylic accents as a celebration of Lexus' use of this tech advancement. There are motion sensors that activate sounds when visitors approach the car. Four sculptural trees also surround the car made from steel and acrylic panels.
Marjan van Aubel speaks to Dezeen about the design concept behind the installation, stating "In my ideal future, the future is solar-powered. Where we can generate energy on the location where we need it in a beautiful way, not only aesthetically, but also done in a way that's thinking about [a] materials impact on our world. Design week is about showing new things, working with colours and giving this optimistic hope [and] joyful experience."
Immersive Solar-Powered Installations
Marjan van Aubel & Lexus Unveil the 8 Minutes and 20 Seconds
Trend Themes
1. Solar-powered Immersive Experiences - Opportunities lie in creating immersive solar-powered installations that blend technology and design aesthetics for engaging experiences.
2. Organic Photovoltaic Innovations - Innovative applications of organic photovoltaic sheets present new possibilities for sustainable energy solutions beyond traditional solar panels.
3. Interactive Sustainable Showrooms - Interactive installations that combine sustainable materials, technology, and design elements offer engaging and educational experiences for visitors.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry can explore incorporating solar-powered and organic photovoltaic technologies in concept cars and showroom designs.
2. Renewable Energy - Renewable energy companies have the opportunity to collaborate with designers to create innovative solar-powered installations that blend functionality and aesthetics.
3. Design & Technology - Design and technology sectors can intersect to develop interactive sustainable showrooms that demonstrate the viability of renewable energy solutions in a visually compelling way.