Imagine a space where luxury isn't just about what you see, but how it makes you feel. That's the essence of the new Lexus Cup Pavilion, a collaboration with Brahman Perera, returning for its second year at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Perera views design as a subtle dance, carefully considering how materials like wood, stone, and fabric connect us to the space around us. But what makes this year's pavilion truly special?
Perera believes that while technology is powerful, human emotion and intuition are irreplaceable. He emphasizes that the human touch infuses design with soul, memory, and a touch of imperfection. This philosophy is at the heart of LANDMARK by Lexus, a three-story hospitality pavilion. It embodies this year's theme of 'synthesis', reflecting Lexus's dedication to craftsmanship, inspired by the Japanese master artisans known as Takumi, and its focus on personalized luxury, where every detail is designed to bring comfort, curiosity, and delight.
Perera describes 'synthesis' as a balance between human craftsmanship and technological precision. The pavilion beautifully blends bespoke textiles with smart systems like responsive lighting, interactive surfaces, and AI-driven installations. But here's where it gets controversial: It's not about a clash of worlds, but a harmonious blend where the warmth of the human hand is amplified by the possibilities of innovation.
The pavilion experience is rooted in omotenashi, the Japanese concept of anticipating every need. Guests journey through carefully designed spaces. The first level welcomes visitors with a gifting suite and a mini-bar offering coffee and champagne. Walnut floors create a sense of warmth before entering the restaurant, led by chef Josh Raine. As guests move upwards, the atmosphere transitions from intimate dining to expansive entertainment areas, culminating in a lounge with stunning track views. The architecture puts dining at the forefront, ensuring it is a key part of the experience. Tables inspired by Donald Judd's minimalist designs are softened by lighting that responds to movement, creating a dynamic rhythm in the room.
Perera believes food and design are inseparable, with the plate, table, and room working together to enhance the experience. Each dish is presented as a moment of theatre. The richness of each floor is a result of collaboration, with various creatives contributing to the pavilion's character. Simone Gooch's ikebana-inspired arrangements add color and form, while Simone Esterhuizen's collages are translated into digital animations.
Every texture and finish tells a story of sustainability, carefully chosen for their environmental impact and tactile qualities. Walnut and sisal flooring provide warmth, Kvadrat textiles offer refinement and eco-consciousness, and fabric light fixtures create a soft, organic glow. This combination makes the entire space feel ethereal, futuristic, and elemental.
For Perera, the emotional impact of a space is as important as its visual appeal. He wants people to be inspired by the beauty of connection: between tradition and innovation, human touch and technological potential. Ultimately, he wants guests to feel cared for, with every detail anticipating their comfort, curiosity, and delight. This is the spirit of LANDMARK by Lexus 2025: a pavilion where craftsmanship, innovation, and hospitality converge, creating an experience that lingers long after race day.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Lexus. LANDMARK by Lexus is making its return to Flemington Racecourse for the Melbourne Cup Carnival on November 1, 4, 6 and 8.
What do you think? Does the blend of technology and human touch resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
