Excess Marquees the Spot

November 13th, 2012

The Lexus Design Pavilion paved the way as part of its new global design initiative. Boasting status as the only three-level marquee, the luxury car manufacturer showcased its two new concept cars and the design objects of 24 Australian designers.

Lexus Design Pavilion

Highlights included Blue sofa by Keith Melbourne, 101 chair by Helen Kontouris, Oak pendant lights by Ross Gardem and Phasmida pendant light by Christopher Boots.

Lexus Design Pavilion

The pavilion itself was designed by Studio at Large, commissioned by The Design Depot, with the ground floor and skydeck by Jamie Durie.

Lexus Design Pavilion

With contrasting shades of black and white downstairs, and a muted warmth upstairs, the palette showcased the design pieces, complemented by vertical, linear elements.

Lexus Design Pavilion

The design team also used simple materials innovatively – such as 4km of rope – to achieve a high-end finish.

“The beauty of using a material like rope is particularly evident in a temporary structure, because when it’s all pulled down, you’re left with the full 4km of rope, which can be re-used,” Studio at Large’s director, Sam Allen says.

Lavazza

At the brighter end of the colour spectrum was Lavazza’s fluorescent marquee. Following in fashion’s neon footsteps, the marquee was designed by Lavazza’s business manager, Trent Knox, who employed pink, yellow, orange, lime, pink and blue neon against a stark white background.

Lavazza

Highlights included the Plumm Reda glassware installation by Jean Pierre Biasol, a bright pink media wall with Lavazza cups and saucers, and neon-framed windows featuring images from Lavazza’s calendars.

“Most years we are traditionally Italian, but this year we took the opportunity to use pop colours,” Knox says.

Myer Marquee

At the Myer marquee, spring had sprung. Gloss Creative’s Amanda Henderson was engaged again for the ’Springtime’ themed flowery fit out, which favoured a modern florist shop design.

Myer

Light-filled with louvres, limed floors and bleached woods, the space featured mint green trolleys and carts, brimming with brightly coloured flowers.