For another year – and potentially the last – Koichi Takada’s sustainable design structure was reimagined by Melbourne-based interior designer, Brahman Perera, draped in greenery by floral artist September Studio and hosted by The Big Group to celebrate Lexus’ 35 years as a global disruptor and innovator.

When interpreting the theme this year – Future Catalyst 35 – it would be tempting for Perera to defer to obvious futuristic translations with glossy, metallic and brash detailing.

His approach, however, was far more nuanced.

“The only way that things become futuristic is when you hold true important core values – such as Lexus’ incredible Japanese value system, aesthetic and heritage – and reference the past through a reverence to craftmanship,” Perera says.

Perera achieves all of this beautifully, weaving the concepts throughout the three floors of the pavilion. From billowing fabric drapery and curtains on the ground floor to three bespoke artworks by Australian artist Zoe Young (which all sold) on the higher levels – each moment elicits a sense of permanence that feels longer-lasting than the fleeting experience of a design event.

“The idea of the temporary one-week event was contrasted with commissioning an Archibald shortlisted artist in Zoe Young, with the incredible support of Sophie Gannon Gallery, and imbuing the spaces with a sense of permanence,” continues Perera.

For the well-heeled and well-dressed, the pavilion was imbued with hospitality touches synonymous with Perera’s design background, such as strategic mirroring that invited selfies and soft, dimpled metal elements with a gentle reflective effect.

Related: More on this year’s design pavilion

This afforded a further interpretation of the future theme, creating different opportunities to experience the event through the lens of digital platforms and phones as it was broadcast around the world. For example, the LED lighting in the restaurant was set on red bathing black and white Derby Day fashionistas in a bold palette and heightening the experience to be shared on social media in a different way on the day. It switched back to subtle, sunset hues on the other race days.

“The initial concept for the lighting was all white, because I felt that the outfits were really the art piece,” he says.

The ground floor showcased Lexus’ LF-ZC (Future Zero-emission Catalyst) concept vehicle. With next-generation battery-electric vehicle (BEV) architecture, the car was flown exclusively to Melbourne from Lexus’ headquarters in Japan and presented amidst a ‘meadow’ of September Studio’s native botanicals.

With mirroring and reflective surfaces amplifying the people-watching, the staircases ascended to the first floor, designed for fun and entertainment. Here, the sun shone with yellow-coloured drapery and curving gold tables, with an elevated DJ platform and opening to the terrace with full-length lounges for lounging.

Upstairs, the top lounge featured furniture largely reupholstered from previous years with chocolate vibes to reflect the foodie haven, including a menu by Australian chef Charlie Carrington, sweets by Tarts Anon founder Gareth Witton, and a six-metre long Cicchetti Bar.

A highlight here was one of Perera’s most coveted design pieces, the spinning bookcase ‘Albero’ by Poltrona Frau on loan from Mobilia, plus a handful of his own lights throughout the spaces.

“The landscape of furniture is really important to me, so there were a few single step raise or zones to sit down and have a conversation at a table – little nuances and narratives that helped guests use each space correctly,” he says.

Some of the striped swivel chairs and a chocolate leather banquet will find a home in Lexus dealerships around the country, reflecting Lexus’ innovative, environmentally-minded approach that Perera was inspired by.

“I feel very proud in what we’ve achieved – from concept to completion, this was a big moment,” he concludes.

Brahman Perera
brahmanperera.com.au

Photography
Magner Media

Koichi Takada in Burleigh Heads