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Concept Focus: Lobanov Design's 133m M/Y STAR
The superyacht industry is no stranger to headline-grabbing concept designs. Certain concepts though are so outlandish as to not quite resemble anything that has ever come before them. These designs stand the test of time, testament to their designers’ commitment to lateral thought even years after their release. This is certainly true of Lobanov Design’s fantastical 133m STAR. Released almost seven years ago, we take a look back at the concept that changed the way we think about superyacht shape and form, and is still being discussed today.
Shaped like the top half of a star, Lobanov released the 133m ground-breaking project back in 2014. With BMT Nigel Gee taking on the challenging naval architecture, STAR comprises eight decks, linked together by four elevators, and over 3,500 square metres of interior volume. Some 200+ guests will be catered for on day cruises, while 36 guests will sleep comfortably onboard overnight in 18 staterooms.
Over 60 metres in height, STAR stands as proof that today’s discussions around innovation and sustainability are nothing new - only heightened. Conceived to operate on an all-electric platform, STAR’s boundary-breaking ethos is embodied in features such as her eighth deck viewing platform, which affords guests a visibility range of over 12 miles. The intricate geometric pattern of her superstructure is formed by irregularly-shaped windows, casting a breathtaking image in evening dress.
Will M/Y STAR ever see the light of day? Well, we aren’t holding our breath. But her significance, and Lobanov’s sentiment behind the project, rings true today. Commenting on her conception, the designer stated at the time that after some discussion with Alex Malybaev from FIRMA branding agency, the two came to the conclusion that all yachts look the same to those outside the superyacht industry. STAR stands in stark defiance of this notion.
More than just an artistic statement, the project is a beckoning call to the innovative owner to truly think outside the box.