Preciosa adorns Škoda Superb Black Crystal concept car

The renowned Czech company, PRECIOSA, which is world‘s leading producer of crystal with long tradition, are significantly involved with the studio installation of a ŠKODA Superb Black from ŠKODA AUTO, which will have its world premiere presented at the 17th annual famous event Designblok in the Czech Republic capital Prague. The extraordinary elements of the Superb Black Crystal concept car are the “crystal” rims decorated with StarDust technology, which was developed and applied by Preciosa. On the basis of the recommendations from the head designer of Skoda auto, JozefKabaň, Czech glassmakers inserted the innovative Star Dust from Preciosa stone after stone into the rims of the Superb. The Black Crystal concept is additionally adorned with shining crystal Škoda logos on the hood, the rear, and on the wheel of the automobile maker’s flagship car.

Moreover, Preciosa is significantly participating in two installations for Škoda Design. In the interior of the main hall of the exhibition, and mainly the highlighted mirror elements of the Škoda Superb Black Crystal. In front of the main entrance a white “sculpture” of a Superb welcomes visitors to Designblok in artistic dialogue with a sculpture installation of two historic lighting fixtures of the Marie Terezie-style.

In fact, the main installation of the Škoda Superb Black Crystal combines the unique technology of Preciosa’s StarDust®, which was firstly used in a trophy for the Tour de France, and has now brought a new dimension to the wheels of the Škoda Superb. The application involved two technicians and two specialists from the Preciosa Company’slaboratory. Cut crystal stones of various sizes not only reflect light, but break it down along individual spectral lines, which create a marked effect like fire. The overall impression is enhanced by a specialized exhibition space where black molded glass is placed over a car whose interior is lined with a dark mirror coating. Each levitating piece hovers above the heads of visitors, shattering the visuals into little pieces reminiscent of the Big Bang. The logos are on the hood, the rear, and on the wheel, and are made of highly polished cut and sandblasted crystal, created under the hands of the best experts of the glass-working arts.

Whereas, the second installation is located in the exterior before the entrance to the Holešovice Exhibition Grounds. The stellar white Škoda Superb, or the so-called “Sculpture” invites comparisons to glass gems in the form of the historic lighting fixtures in the Marie Terezie style, and creates a dialogue between lighting fixtures, the public, and architecture. The chandeliers are specially mounted with a suspension system which emphasizes the individual structural properties of the work itself in order to withstand weather conditions.

As Jaroslav Bejvl, chief designer for Preciosa Lighting and the creative vision of the installation, who suggested solutions for Skoda auto, says, “The idea for the installation Black Crystal was born six months ago. In both executions, which we have co-realized at Designblok with Skoda auto, Black Crystal reflects past and present. The mirror coating on hand-blown glass elements draws the public into the area of a game.”