Interview with Lexus LS Interior Designer Junko Itou

Posted by Kevin on January 31st, 2018

Design Milk has an insightful interview with Lexus LS interior designer Junko Itou on the need to balance tradition with innovation inside the flagship sedan:

Design Milk: Is there any friction in the process of bridging tradition with the necessity of innovation?

Junko Itou: No. While I admit there is difficulty in simultaneously working between tradition and progress, I find the conflicting elements can ultimately create harmony. We believe that we are the brand who always overcomes these difficulties. It is Lexus. We believe the definition of luxury changes over time, and it is our mission to balance traditional and visionary luxury.

Design Milk: There seems to be a material narrative across every panel and surface inside your design – distinct yet coexisting harmoniously. What was the process in determining which materials to use and how to coordinate their coexistence without creating visual/tactile disharmony?

Junko Itou: We’ve been thinking how we can make things seem conflicting, yet compatible at a high level when choosing each material. Also, choosing materials in line with interior designer’s intention is paramount. To coordinate the coexistence of several materials, we began by formulating three concepts: Superior, Emotional, and Timeless.

Based on each of those themes, we selected color, material and finish as our focus. As the idea of the LS interior world became clear, we were able to coordinate the appropriate color, material and finish, even if it seemed difficult. Additionally, Takumi craftsmanship was necessary to complete it.

Lexus LS: Fourth Generation
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Comments
Carmaker1
Levi
Always interesting to have true industry insight from you (unlike some PR marketing guy from the Bavarian car brand).


But IMHO carmakers (not meant at you Carmaker1) are often too meticulous about tiny things (not bad per se) while neglecting the elephant in the room.
LOL thanks! I know exactly who you're talking about though and I get your point! ;)
Carmaker1
Levi
Always interesting to have true industry insight from you (unlike some PR marketing guy from the Bavarian car brand).


But IMHO carmakers (not meant at you Carmaker1) are often too meticulous about tiny things (not bad per se) while neglecting the elephant in the room.
LOL thanks! I know exactly who you're talking about though and I get your point! ;)
M
Carmaker1
The LC seemingly ditching F-Sport made me start to think Lexus was moving away from that for the flagship products, but as many people have said here, the LC was probably just the exception.
F-Sport was pushed to embrace the spindle as it was intended. It was always more visually striking package but Lexus had to tone down the base trim spindle with illogical horizontal bars and splitter to keep the conservative ground covered. You could tell they were really scared to push the spindle as an idea across the range, for such a progressive, striking defining detail they were very cautions and conservative in the roll out. Spindle on pre facelifted IS looks so shy compared to RC , no need to comment on original 4GS spindle, it was not the spindle, it was like a setup for what is coming :)

Even though every single Lexus car carries the spindle right now there is a major difference between RC, 5LS, LC and the rest of the line up. These three were designed with final design spindle evolution in mind from the get go. All others got the tack on spindle or were used as transition to the final spindle displayed on the three models mentioned above.

What you see on 5LS is final/intended spindle design and extreme evolution of mesh weave pattern. It took them a while but they got there. Those weaves are extremely hard to pull off, it requires a lot of pattern experience and some surfacing skills as well. You could lay out the flat pattern on your screen, introduce 3D sculpting on it and even have math inside the app fix all the deformations for you so you don't get ugly size deviations due to bending and stretching but that's only half of the story. Team that designed the weave on 5LS did a such a great job and I can vouch you the amount of time they spent on it, refining it probably exceeds the glass and door L leather pattern research and development time combined. That's unless they got lucky and got it right for the very first few times, it can happen, or Toyota has developed some crazy automated pattern process that does it for them.

From now on F-Sports most distinctive feature will not be a mesh weave but something else. F-Sport of the past has accomplished what it was intended to accomplish so now its time to evolve. BTW I could be wrong here, maybe F-Sport introduces even crazier mesh design, some hybrid of Mercedes AMG studded mesh with 5LS weave :)
M
Carmaker1
The LC seemingly ditching F-Sport made me start to think Lexus was moving away from that for the flagship products, but as many people have said here, the LC was probably just the exception.
F-Sport was pushed to embrace the spindle as it was intended. It was always more visually striking package but Lexus had to tone down the base trim spindle with illogical horizontal bars and splitter to keep the conservative ground covered. You could tell they were really scared to push the spindle as an idea across the range, for such a progressive, striking defining detail they were very cautions and conservative in the roll out. Spindle on pre facelifted IS looks so shy compared to RC , no need to comment on original 4GS spindle, it was not the spindle, it was like a setup for what is coming :)

Even though every single Lexus car carries the spindle right now there is a major difference between RC, 5LS, LC and the rest of the line up. These three were designed with final design spindle evolution in mind from the get go. All others got the tack on spindle or were used as transition to the final spindle displayed on the three models mentioned above.

What you see on 5LS is final/intended spindle design and extreme evolution of mesh weave pattern. It took them a while but they got there. Those weaves are extremely hard to pull off, it requires a lot of pattern experience and some surfacing skills as well. You could lay out the flat pattern on your screen, introduce 3D sculpting on it and even have math inside the app fix all the deformations for you so you don't get ugly size deviations due to bending and stretching but that's only half of the story. Team that designed the weave on 5LS did a such a great job and I can vouch you the amount of time they spent on it, refining it probably exceeds the glass and door L leather pattern research and development time combined. That's unless they got lucky and got it right for the very first few times, it can happen, or Toyota has developed some crazy automated pattern process that does it for them.

From now on F-Sports most distinctive feature will not be a mesh weave but something else. F-Sport of the past has accomplished what it was intended to accomplish so now its time to evolve. BTW I could be wrong here, maybe F-Sport introduces even crazier mesh design, some hybrid of Mercedes AMG studded mesh with 5LS weave :)
Joaquin Ruhi
mediumhot
From now on F-Sports most distinctive feature will not be a mesh weave but something else. F-Sport of the past has accomplished what it was intended to accomplish so now its time to evolve. BTW I could be wrong here, maybe F-Sport introduces even crazier mesh design, some hybrid of Mercedes AMG studded mesh with 5LS weave :)
You've definitely piqued my curiosity. I can't wait to see what grille mesh patterns they come up with next.
Joaquin Ruhi
mediumhot
From now on F-Sports most distinctive feature will not be a mesh weave but something else. F-Sport of the past has accomplished what it was intended to accomplish so now its time to evolve. BTW I could be wrong here, maybe F-Sport introduces even crazier mesh design, some hybrid of Mercedes AMG studded mesh with 5LS weave :)
You've definitely piqued my curiosity. I can't wait to see what grille mesh patterns they come up with next.
Madi
Carmaker1
Yes it is the 4-seat option. There is a major difference in the placement of the bucket seats, compared to the 5-seater. There is no built in headrest at the front of the centre armest. In fact, this is what the LF-FC previewed. The production LS interior, but took it to further heights in an effort to obscure the actual interior design (too early to show it in 2015).

What we haven't seen, is the base bench seat rear. This is a $100k USD+ LS500h and that has been the case with all of the LS prototypes shown so far. In fact, none of them have been $85k USD examples, that will be the basic offering.
I really enjoying reading this thread especially your posts so thank you so much.

I have a question, you stated that, this is the 4-seats version, but look to this video at 10:53 :



The middle part is not fixed, he folded it up and became 5-seats, are you were referring to upcoming model other than that ?
Madi
Carmaker1
Yes it is the 4-seat option. There is a major difference in the placement of the bucket seats, compared to the 5-seater. There is no built in headrest at the front of the centre armest. In fact, this is what the LF-FC previewed. The production LS interior, but took it to further heights in an effort to obscure the actual interior design (too early to show it in 2015).

What we haven't seen, is the base bench seat rear. This is a $100k USD+ LS500h and that has been the case with all of the LS prototypes shown so far. In fact, none of them have been $85k USD examples, that will be the basic offering.
I really enjoying reading this thread especially your posts so thank you so much.

I have a question, you stated that, this is the 4-seats version, but look to this video at 10:53 :



The middle part is not fixed, he folded it up and became 5-seats, are you were referring to upcoming model other than that ?
meth.ix
just found this o_O

Apparently the LS 600hL Landaulet was a one-off for a wedding of some royal couple, but it reminded me that an LS 500 Landaulet would be super dope lol.
meth.ix
just found this o_O

Apparently the LS 600hL Landaulet was a one-off for a wedding of some royal couple, but it reminded me that an LS 500 Landaulet would be super dope lol.
Joaquin Ruhi
meth.ix
just found this o_O

Apparently the LS 600hL Landaulet was a one-off for a wedding of some royal couple, but it reminded me that an LS 500 Landaulet would be super dope lol.
Yes, this was used in the wedding of Prince Albert II, current ruler of Monaco, to Charlene Wittstock of South Africa.

Also agreed that a Lexus LS Landauet would be cool, but a real, rear-half convertible Landauet. I think this one was more a bizarre rear transparent, possibly bulletproof canopy.
Joaquin Ruhi
meth.ix
just found this o_O

Apparently the LS 600hL Landaulet was a one-off for a wedding of some royal couple, but it reminded me that an LS 500 Landaulet would be super dope lol.
Yes, this was used in the wedding of Prince Albert II, current ruler of Monaco, to Charlene Wittstock of South Africa.

Also agreed that a Lexus LS Landauet would be cool, but a real, rear-half convertible Landauet. I think this one was more a bizarre rear transparent, possibly bulletproof canopy.
krew
krew [​IMG]

A look back at the Geneva debut of the LS 500h.
View the original article post
krew
krew [​IMG]

A look back at the Geneva debut of the LS 500h.
View the original article post
meth.ix
How is it that Lexus can make regular colours like black and white look so unique?:heart_eyes:
meth.ix
How is it that Lexus can make regular colours like black and white look so unique?:heart_eyes:
R
  • R
    RAL
  • March 14, 2017
meth.ix
How is it that Lexus can make regular colours like black and white look so unique?:heart_eyes:
It's LEXUS ... need more be said ;) ha!
R
  • R
    RAL
  • March 14, 2017
meth.ix
How is it that Lexus can make regular colours like black and white look so unique?:heart_eyes:
It's LEXUS ... need more be said ;) ha!
GuoxJason
I like the LS 500h (possibly European-spec) taillights more. The LS 500's has one-too many L's that is not in sync with the L's on the outside.
GuoxJason
I like the LS 500h (possibly European-spec) taillights more. The LS 500's has one-too many L's that is not in sync with the L's on the outside.
krew
krew [​IMG]

A short preview of the new flagship sedan driving experience.
View the original article post
krew
krew [​IMG]

A short preview of the new flagship sedan driving experience.
View the original article post
DOC4Lex
GuoxJason
I like the LS 500h (possibly European-spec) taillights more. The LS 500's has one-too many L's that is not in sync with the L's on the outside.
i was just thinking the same thing too honeslty the LS500h is more beautiful to me than the LS500, i know its bit weird but i see the same thing in the LC500 and LC500h.

Sublime:
DOC4Lex
GuoxJason
I like the LS 500h (possibly European-spec) taillights more. The LS 500's has one-too many L's that is not in sync with the L's on the outside.
i was just thinking the same thing too honeslty the LS500h is more beautiful to me than the LS500, i know its bit weird but i see the same thing in the LC500 and LC500h.

Sublime:
M
GuoxJason
I like the LS 500h (possibly European-spec) taillights more. The LS 500's has one-too many L's that is not in sync with the L's on the outside.
Can you show a photo to show the difference? I didn't notice a different set of tailights
M
GuoxJason
I like the LS 500h (possibly European-spec) taillights more. The LS 500's has one-too many L's that is not in sync with the L's on the outside.
Can you show a photo to show the difference? I didn't notice a different set of tailights
GuoxJason
mordecai
Can you show a photo to show the difference? I didn't notice a different set of tailights
The most inner L-shapes on the left and right taillight seem to have been replaced by four, individual LEDs that are probably rear foglights, which are not required in the US. I am so glad that the LS will have rear foglights (and probably reversing lights) on both sides.

See the attached image. The US-spec LS 500 is on the left, and the Euro-spec LS 500h is on the right (both photos).
GuoxJason
mordecai
Can you show a photo to show the difference? I didn't notice a different set of tailights
The most inner L-shapes on the left and right taillight seem to have been replaced by four, individual LEDs that are probably rear foglights, which are not required in the US. I am so glad that the LS will have rear foglights (and probably reversing lights) on both sides.

See the attached image. The US-spec LS 500 is on the left, and the Euro-spec LS 500h is on the right (both photos).
M
GuoxJason
The most inner L-shapes on the left and right taillight seem to have been replaced by four, individual LEDs that are probably rear foglights, which are not required in the US. I am so glad that the LS will have rear foglights (and probably reversing lights) on both sides.

See the attached image. The US-spec LS 500 is on the left, and the Euro-spec LS 500h is on the right (both photos).
These are rear fog lights. The reversing lights are in the lower section and they're quite obviously LEDs.

You know what's more interesting? The rear signal lights.
M
GuoxJason
The most inner L-shapes on the left and right taillight seem to have been replaced by four, individual LEDs that are probably rear foglights, which are not required in the US. I am so glad that the LS will have rear foglights (and probably reversing lights) on both sides.

See the attached image. The US-spec LS 500 is on the left, and the Euro-spec LS 500h is on the right (both photos).
These are rear fog lights. The reversing lights are in the lower section and they're quite obviously LEDs.

You know what's more interesting? The rear signal lights.

M