Interview with Lexus LS Interior Designer Junko Itou


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
Comments
Anyone know if there is ambient lighting like the ES in the LS?
Anyone know if there is ambient lighting like the ES in the LS?
M
meth.ix
Anyone know if there is ambient lighting like the ES in the LS?
Is that not a basic requirement on most luxury vehicles nowadays? I would expect that to be a standard on all LS models.
M
meth.ix
Anyone know if there is ambient lighting like the ES in the LS?
Is that not a basic requirement on most luxury vehicles nowadays? I would expect that to be a standard on all LS models.
Mohammed Taha
Is that not a basic requirement on most luxury vehicles nowadays? I would expect that to be a standard on all LS models.
Yeah, it is on most of its competitors, but no mention of it on the LS. The ambient lighting on the ES is not nearly as good as the S-Class as it is only in certain parts of the interior and in only one colour.
Mohammed Taha
Is that not a basic requirement on most luxury vehicles nowadays? I would expect that to be a standard on all LS models.
Yeah, it is on most of its competitors, but no mention of it on the LS. The ambient lighting on the ES is not nearly as good as the S-Class as it is only in certain parts of the interior and in only one colour.
M
meth.ix
Yeah, it is on most of its competitors, but no mention of it on the LS. The ambient lighting on the ES is not nearly as good as the S-Class as it is only in certain parts of the interior and in only one colour.
I would assume it's not mentioned because it's not a selling point. They never mention interior lights so why would they suddenly mention adjustable ambient lighting?

Also, the luxury market doesn't show off simple things or expected luxuries. For example, they stopped mentioning air conditioning a long time ago as that would be expected. Same goes for automatic windows, automatic side mirrors, etc...

The day Lexus starts showing off features like Ford, KIA, etc.. is the day I never return to this site.

Let the car speak for itself. You can show a vehicle with never before seen technology but not something like ambient lighting. MB already killed that one years ago with the launch of the S class. BMW did it with the HUD etc...

If you're going to show it off, you better be the first to have done it or the first to market with a huge upgrade to that feature like the huge infotainment system.
M
meth.ix
Yeah, it is on most of its competitors, but no mention of it on the LS. The ambient lighting on the ES is not nearly as good as the S-Class as it is only in certain parts of the interior and in only one colour.
I would assume it's not mentioned because it's not a selling point. They never mention interior lights so why would they suddenly mention adjustable ambient lighting?

Also, the luxury market doesn't show off simple things or expected luxuries. For example, they stopped mentioning air conditioning a long time ago as that would be expected. Same goes for automatic windows, automatic side mirrors, etc...

The day Lexus starts showing off features like Ford, KIA, etc.. is the day I never return to this site.

Let the car speak for itself. You can show a vehicle with never before seen technology but not something like ambient lighting. MB already killed that one years ago with the launch of the S class. BMW did it with the HUD etc...

If you're going to show it off, you better be the first to have done it or the first to market with a huge upgrade to that feature like the huge infotainment system.
Mohammed Taha
I would assume it's not mentioned because it's not a selling point. They never mention interior lights so why would they suddenly mention adjustable ambient lighting?

Also, the luxury market doesn't show off simple things or expected luxuries. For example, they stopped mentioning air conditioning a long time ago as that would be expected. Same goes for automatic windows, automatic side mirrors, etc...

The day Lexus starts showing off features like Ford, KIA, etc.. is the day I never return to this site.

Let the car speak for itself. You can show a vehicle with never before seen technology but not something like ambient lighting. MB already killed that one years ago with the launch of the S class. BMW did it with the HUD etc...

If you're going to show it off, you better be the first to have done it or the first to market with a huge upgrade to that feature like the huge infotainment system.
Well, I didn’t really expect them to announce it or anything, but I haven’t seen any pictures or videos of it anywhere, that’s why I was asking.
Mohammed Taha
I would assume it's not mentioned because it's not a selling point. They never mention interior lights so why would they suddenly mention adjustable ambient lighting?

Also, the luxury market doesn't show off simple things or expected luxuries. For example, they stopped mentioning air conditioning a long time ago as that would be expected. Same goes for automatic windows, automatic side mirrors, etc...

The day Lexus starts showing off features like Ford, KIA, etc.. is the day I never return to this site.

Let the car speak for itself. You can show a vehicle with never before seen technology but not something like ambient lighting. MB already killed that one years ago with the launch of the S class. BMW did it with the HUD etc...

If you're going to show it off, you better be the first to have done it or the first to market with a huge upgrade to that feature like the huge infotainment system.
Well, I didn’t really expect them to announce it or anything, but I haven’t seen any pictures or videos of it anywhere, that’s why I was asking.
M
meth.ix
Well, I didn’t really expect them to announce it or anything, but I haven’t seen any pictures or videos of it anywhere, that’s why I was asking.
I'm sure we'll get to see all the exciting features when the car is closer to production. I don't believe there are any interior videos at the moment as that has probably not yet been finalized.
M
meth.ix
Well, I didn’t really expect them to announce it or anything, but I haven’t seen any pictures or videos of it anywhere, that’s why I was asking.
I'm sure we'll get to see all the exciting features when the car is closer to production. I don't believe there are any interior videos at the moment as that has probably not yet been finalized.
meth.ix
Well, I didn’t really expect them to announce it or anything, but I haven’t seen any pictures or videos of it anywhere, that’s why I was asking.
From Krew previous posts :D

" Lighting and attention to detail express a unique aesthetic in the LS. A new approach to creating trim elements again turned to Japanese culture, combining traditional Japanese aesthetic with advanced manufacturing techniques. This is reflected in signature touches, such as beautiful interior ambient lighting inspired by Japanese lanterns and armrests that appear to float next to the door panel."
meth.ix
Well, I didn’t really expect them to announce it or anything, but I haven’t seen any pictures or videos of it anywhere, that’s why I was asking.
From Krew previous posts :D

" Lighting and attention to detail express a unique aesthetic in the LS. A new approach to creating trim elements again turned to Japanese culture, combining traditional Japanese aesthetic with advanced manufacturing techniques. This is reflected in signature touches, such as beautiful interior ambient lighting inspired by Japanese lanterns and armrests that appear to float next to the door panel."
Madi
From Krew previous posts :D

" Lighting and attention to detail express a unique aesthetic in the LS. A new approach to creating trim elements again turned to Japanese culture, combining traditional Japanese aesthetic with advanced manufacturing techniques. This is reflected in signature touches, such as beautiful interior ambient lighting inspired by Japanese lanterns and armrests that appear to float next to the door panel."
Oh, I completely missed that! Thank you!
Madi
From Krew previous posts :D

" Lighting and attention to detail express a unique aesthetic in the LS. A new approach to creating trim elements again turned to Japanese culture, combining traditional Japanese aesthetic with advanced manufacturing techniques. This is reflected in signature touches, such as beautiful interior ambient lighting inspired by Japanese lanterns and armrests that appear to float next to the door panel."
Oh, I completely missed that! Thank you!
Hopefully there's a delete option for it. I don't care how much Mercedes tarted it up, it was originally a Scion feature and not upscale or luxurious in any way.
Hopefully there's a delete option for it. I don't care how much Mercedes tarted it up, it was originally a Scion feature and not upscale or luxurious in any way.
Ian Schmidt
Hopefully there's a delete option for it. I don't care how much Mercedes tarted it up, it was originally a Scion feature and not upscale or luxurious in any way.
To each his own opinion, but I personally feel when driving at night, ambient lighting looks quite nice, and even has a psychological impact. Kind of reminds me of when I was a kid and there were glow in the dark stickers on the wall lol.
Ian Schmidt
Hopefully there's a delete option for it. I don't care how much Mercedes tarted it up, it was originally a Scion feature and not upscale or luxurious in any way.
To each his own opinion, but I personally feel when driving at night, ambient lighting looks quite nice, and even has a psychological impact. Kind of reminds me of when I was a kid and there were glow in the dark stickers on the wall lol.
M
Ian Schmidt
Hopefully there's a delete option for it. I don't care how much Mercedes tarted it up, it was originally a Scion feature and not upscale or luxurious in any way.
If you don't like ambient light - disable it. It's a choice.

It's not there as a gimmick, it's to illuminate areas of the car that are usually dark at night as well as probably make the glass and origami silk door trim look even better at night.
M
Ian Schmidt
Hopefully there's a delete option for it. I don't care how much Mercedes tarted it up, it was originally a Scion feature and not upscale or luxurious in any way.
If you don't like ambient light - disable it. It's a choice.

It's not there as a gimmick, it's to illuminate areas of the car that are usually dark at night as well as probably make the glass and origami silk door trim look even better at night.
A bunch of pals and current LS owners were not super impressed with the 2018. That is until they saw it at the Atlanta Auto Show.

I truly feel it is something you have to see in person.
A bunch of pals and current LS owners were not super impressed with the 2018. That is until they saw it at the Atlanta Auto Show.

I truly feel it is something you have to see in person.
mikeavelli
A bunch of pals and current LS owners were not super impressed with the 2018. That is until they saw it at the Atlanta Auto Show.

I truly feel it is something you have to see in person.
I totally agree I didn't like it that much until I saw it at NAIS.
mikeavelli
A bunch of pals and current LS owners were not super impressed with the 2018. That is until they saw it at the Atlanta Auto Show.

I truly feel it is something you have to see in person.
I totally agree I didn't like it that much until I saw it at NAIS.
mikeavelli
A bunch of pals and current LS owners were not super impressed with the 2018. That is until they saw it at the Atlanta Auto Show.

I truly feel it is something you have to see in person.

I concur... Just got back from the Atlanta show. It's gorgeous! I apologize for the low quality zoom on some of the pictures.. tried to show the intricate details of the new LS. Truly something to behold.View attachment 2196 View attachment 2197 View attachment 2198 View attachment 2199 View attachment 2200 View attachment 2201 View attachment 2202

View attachment 2196
mikeavelli
A bunch of pals and current LS owners were not super impressed with the 2018. That is until they saw it at the Atlanta Auto Show.

I truly feel it is something you have to see in person.

I concur... Just got back from the Atlanta show. It's gorgeous! I apologize for the low quality zoom on some of the pictures.. tried to show the intricate details of the new LS. Truly something to behold.View attachment 2196 View attachment 2197 View attachment 2198 View attachment 2199 View attachment 2200 View attachment 2201 View attachment 2202

View attachment 2196
mikeavelli
A bunch of pals and current LS owners were not super impressed with the 2018. That is until they saw it at the Atlanta Auto Show.

I truly feel it is something you have to see in person.
Unfortunately many 'grown adults' don't understand the concept that perception from a screen is not the same as perception in real life.

As well as the difference in how basic car modeling photos are taken from angles that common adult sized human beings do not view from. Cars are not designed to look good in photos, they're designed to look good in person.

Is it too much to ask for people to think for themselves 2 steps ahead instead of 1? :oops::oops::oops:


I'm curious, do you guys prefer the cut glass trim on the hybrid or the traditional on the TT?
mikeavelli
A bunch of pals and current LS owners were not super impressed with the 2018. That is until they saw it at the Atlanta Auto Show.

I truly feel it is something you have to see in person.
Unfortunately many 'grown adults' don't understand the concept that perception from a screen is not the same as perception in real life.

As well as the difference in how basic car modeling photos are taken from angles that common adult sized human beings do not view from. Cars are not designed to look good in photos, they're designed to look good in person.

Is it too much to ask for people to think for themselves 2 steps ahead instead of 1? :oops::oops::oops:


I'm curious, do you guys prefer the cut glass trim on the hybrid or the traditional on the TT?

Z