A design challenge is held annually by Lexus with focus on innovation, creativity, and sustainability. The idea is to “Design for a Better Tomorrow” with an emphasis on global impact. Entrants compete for the prestigious award for innovative design excellence.
Finalists will be funded to build their prototypes with world-class mentors, and reach unparalleled exposure to the global design community and media.
The 2021 Grand Prix Winner was a Portable Solar Distiller by Designer Henry Glogau, New Zealand - Austria
SIX Finalists will present their work to a group of judges and one Grand Prix Winner will be selected.
Before the winner is selected Finalists will have a workshop with world class design professionals who act as Mentors to develop their prototypes. Prototype production up to 3 Million JPY (over $25,000 USD) including tax, is covered.
The Six Finalists will have the opportunity to expand their professional horizons by engaging with the judges on-on-one.
For more information about the challenge please click the image below.
Finalists will be funded to build their prototypes with world-class mentors, and reach unparalleled exposure to the global design community and media.
The 2021 Grand Prix Winner was a Portable Solar Distiller by Designer Henry Glogau, New Zealand - Austria
SIX Finalists will present their work to a group of judges and one Grand Prix Winner will be selected.
Before the winner is selected Finalists will have a workshop with world class design professionals who act as Mentors to develop their prototypes. Prototype production up to 3 Million JPY (over $25,000 USD) including tax, is covered.
The Six Finalists will have the opportunity to expand their professional horizons by engaging with the judges on-on-one.
For more information about the challenge please click the image below.
Lexus LV
The Lexus Luxury VTOL is much like a plane. It can glide, tilt, yaw, and through this manuevering achieve maximum efficiency. It moves through the air like a bird. However, unlike a plane, the LV is capable of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and unlike a bird, the shape actually comes from the Manta Ray.
Mantas glide, effortlessly.
So will the LV. It's designed to glide. Boasting a hybrid system utilizing 2 Turbines for forward thrust and 22 Electric Ducted Fans (EDF) for vertical flight, the craft lifts its composite and aluminum body vertically to it's required height, the turbines begin to thrust and forward propulsion commences.
Solar Panel Air Ducts atop the EDFs close and forward flight has achieved optimal aero.
The idea is to use as least fossil fuel as possible in remote areas, while covering the most ground with the most passengers. Gliding seems to be the most effective method to achieve this result.
Upon landing the aircraft slows the turbines to a minimal cruising altitude and lifts the nose. The Solar Panel Air Ducts atop the EDFs open causing drag and reducing speed, the EDF's begin to spool up and effectively catch the craft mid-air.
Simultaneously, the rear turbines spool down to allow vertical thrust from the EDFs to take over.
It can then land as if it were a helicopter.
VTOLs do not require runways.
They can be operated remotetly as well as autonomously.
Perfecting a system of sensors and fail safes while utilizing an existing infrastructure will be far more manageable than beginning from scratch.
With the right system, this craft could propel 6 occupants and some carry on luggage to a remote destination, calmly, efficiently, and with minimal impact to the environment.
If social media has taught us anything, it's that the people of the world want to be connected to one another.
That fact has been reiterated and highlighted by Covid-19.
Will it ever end?
What then?
Now more than ever we need more ways to connect.
A. M. R.
Mantas glide, effortlessly.
So will the LV. It's designed to glide. Boasting a hybrid system utilizing 2 Turbines for forward thrust and 22 Electric Ducted Fans (EDF) for vertical flight, the craft lifts its composite and aluminum body vertically to it's required height, the turbines begin to thrust and forward propulsion commences.
Solar Panel Air Ducts atop the EDFs close and forward flight has achieved optimal aero.
The idea is to use as least fossil fuel as possible in remote areas, while covering the most ground with the most passengers. Gliding seems to be the most effective method to achieve this result.
Upon landing the aircraft slows the turbines to a minimal cruising altitude and lifts the nose. The Solar Panel Air Ducts atop the EDFs open causing drag and reducing speed, the EDF's begin to spool up and effectively catch the craft mid-air.
Simultaneously, the rear turbines spool down to allow vertical thrust from the EDFs to take over.
It can then land as if it were a helicopter.
VTOLs do not require runways.
They can be operated remotetly as well as autonomously.
Perfecting a system of sensors and fail safes while utilizing an existing infrastructure will be far more manageable than beginning from scratch.
With the right system, this craft could propel 6 occupants and some carry on luggage to a remote destination, calmly, efficiently, and with minimal impact to the environment.
If social media has taught us anything, it's that the people of the world want to be connected to one another.
That fact has been reiterated and highlighted by Covid-19.
Will it ever end?
What then?
Now more than ever we need more ways to connect.
A. M. R.
