British-based Israeli-born industrial designer Ron Arad is celebrated across the globe for his innovative products which infuse everyday objects with unusual properties and playful forms through use of technology and unexpected materials. Some of his most noted works include a Swarovski lamp that displays text messages through l.e.d’s embedded in the crystal, a collection of jewellery created entirely from the forms of handwriting rendered in 3-D, his amorphous, organically shaped furniture pieces such as the Three Skin chair, and the Windwand totem pole that swayed soft light across the Canary Wharf night sky during construction in 2000. In A#2, we see conceptual sketches of Arad’s more recent projects, including the unrealised, highly ambitious luxury accommodation concept of the Battersea Power Station hotel, Upperworld [above].

In 2003, Arad joined forces with Yohji Yamamoto to create the Y’s store in Tokyo. This store is a space-age capsule, with polished white floors and hinged oval display units arranged in a column that allow a truly ergonomic and dynamic form to the space. Bold red accents of furniture add further impact to this truly inspiring work [below].

For A#2, Hilde Bouchez spoke with Ron Arad about his life and work, arriving at answers and quotes from both men that provide insight into a bond of mutual respect and good humour.

Ron Arad:

“I showed Yohji the concept of the shop and he asked me “Are you crazy?” I said “Yes”, and asked him “Is this good or is this bad?”
He answered: “Good.” ”

On how it was to work together -

Ron Arad wanted to say: “Yohji was more present in his absence.”

but Yohji answered first : “We didn’t work together. I selected Ron and he did his thing. We were both rewarded.”