Imagine stepping into a space where every detail whispers luxury, innovation, and a deep respect for human connection. That’s exactly what Brahman Perera has crafted in his second year designing the Lexus Cup Pavilion, now reimagined as LANDMARK by Lexus. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can technology truly enhance the soul of design, or does it risk overshadowing the very human touch that makes it meaningful? Perera’s answer is a resounding yes—when balanced with intention.
Perera’s approach to design is nothing short of poetic. He sees it as a quiet choreography, a dance between materials and light, where the grain of timber, the coolness of stone, and the softness of fabrics ground us in the present. Light, he believes, is a storyteller, shifting moods and infusing spaces with character. “Technology is a powerful tool,” he notes, “but emotion and intuition? Those are uniquely human.” It’s this human touch, he argues, that gives design its soul, its memory, and its imperfection—qualities no machine can replicate.
Returning as a trusted collaborator for Lexus, Perera brings his tactile philosophy to the three-storey hospitality pavilion at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. This year’s theme, ‘synthesis,’ is more than a buzzword—it’s a manifesto. The pavilion seamlessly blends human craftsmanship with technological precision, reflecting Lexus’s dedication to the Takumi spirit of Japanese master artisans. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about luxury; it’s about personalized luxury, where every touchpoint is designed to spark comfort, curiosity, and delight.
“Synthesis is about balance,” Perera explains. Bespoke textiles coexist with intelligent systems like responsive lighting, interactive surfaces, and AI-driven installations. “This isn’t a clash of worlds,” he clarifies, “but a harmony where the warmth of the human hand is amplified by innovation.” But here’s the question: Does this fusion truly elevate the experience, or does it risk feeling cold and overly engineered? We’ll let you decide.
The pavilion experience is rooted in omotenashi, the Japanese art of anticipating needs before they arise. Guests are guided through a carefully curated journey. Level one welcomes them with a gifting suite and a mini bar offering coffee and champagne, while walnut floors set a warm, inviting tone. From there, they step into a restaurant helmed by chef Josh Raine. As they ascend, the atmosphere shifts from intimate dining to expansive entertainment, culminating in a lounge with breathtaking views of the track. But here’s where it gets interesting: The architecture doesn’t treat dining as an afterthought—it’s the star of the show. Tables inspired by Donald Judd’s minimalist geometry are softened by lighting that responds to movement, creating a rhythm that evolves with the room’s energy.
“Food and design become inseparable,” Perera says. “The plate, the table, the room—they all work together to heighten the experience. Each dish is a moment of theater.” But is this fusion of food and design too ambitious, or does it strike the perfect chord? Let us know in the comments.
The pavilion’s richness is a testament to collaboration. Florist Simone Gooch’s ikebana-inspired arrangements add pops of color and form, while collage artist Simone Esterhuizen’s works come alive as animations on digital screens. Every texture and finish tells a story of sustainability, from the warmth of walnut and sisal flooring to the eco-conscious Kvadrat textiles and fabric light fixtures that cast a soft, organic glow. The result? A space that feels ethereal, futuristic, and elemental all at once.
For Perera, emotional resonance is non-negotiable. “I want people to feel inspired by the beauty of connection—between tradition and innovation, between human touch and technological potential,” he says. “More than anything, I want them to feel cared for, as though every detail was designed with their comfort in mind.” But here’s the bold question: In a world increasingly dominated by technology, can spaces like this truly foster genuine human connection, or do they risk feeling too curated?
LANDMARK by Lexus 2025 is more than a pavilion—it’s an experience where craftsmanship, innovation, and hospitality converge. It’s a space that lingers in your memory long after race day ends. But we want to hear from you: Does this blend of tradition and technology inspire you, or does it leave you longing for something simpler? Let the debate begin.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Lexus. LANDMARK by Lexus returns to Flemington Racecourse for the Melbourne Cup Carnival on November 1, 4, 6, and 8. Learn more about partner content on Broadsheet here.
