Born: 1951
Education: Bezalel Academy of Art, Jerusalem. Architectural Association, London.
Career: Founded One Off in 1981 and Ron Arad Association, 1989, in London, and Ron Arad Studio, Como, 1994. Professor of Product Design at the Royal College of Art, London, since 1997. Designs produced by many companies including Cappelini, Cassina, Driade, Fiam, Guzzini, Kartell, Moroso, Swarovski and Vitra.
Notable designs: Rover chair, 1981. Bookworm bookshelf, 1995. Tom Vac chair, 1997. Bouncing vase series, 2000. Lolita chandelier, 2004.
Significance: Arad's work is characterised by a fascination with materials, including found objects, metal and extruded plastic, and with manufacturing techniques, from traditional hand building methods to computer rapid prototyping. His originality lies in the combining of unconventional forms and/or materials with unexpected functions. Often produced in limited editions and even as unique pieces, increasingly his designs are moving into the realm of sculpture.
