{{Short description|Israeli designer}} {{Multiple issues| {{advert|date=November 2022}} {{Resume-like|date=November 2022}} {{Undisclosed paid|date=April 2025}} }}
{{Infobox person | name = Dror Benshetrit | native_name = דרור בן שטרית | native_name_lang = he | image = Dror Benshetrit.jpg | caption = | birth_date = | birth_place = Tel Aviv, Israel | occupation = Designer | years_active = 2002–present | boards = Museum of Arts and Design (New York) | spouse = Davina Benshetrit | website = {{URL|studiodror.com}} }}
'''Dror Benshetrit''' ({{Langx|he|דרור בן שטרית}}) is an Israeli designer based in New York City and Miami. He established Studio Dror, a design practice, in New York in 2002. The studio has worked on projects across product design, interiors, installations, and architecture.
His design for the Cappellini ''Peacock Chair'' is part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/498246|title=Peacock Chair by Dror Benshetrit|website=The Met Museum|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref> Another project is the structural support system Quadror, though details on its applications and independent reception require citation.
In the mid-2000s, Studio Dror contributed a residential masterplan for Nurai Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, which included a series of beachfront villas.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2008/05/28/nurai-by-studio-dror/|title=Nurai by Dror|date=2008-05-28|work=Dezeen|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref><ref name="Speed">{{Cite news |last=Speed |first=Justin Davidson |title=Dror Benshetrit Is Designing Entire Futuristic Communities in Turkey and Abu Dhabi (But He's Not an Architect) |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-30/dror-benshetrit-is-designing-entire-futuristic-communities-in-turkey-and-abu-dhabi-but-he-s-not-an-architect-.html |access-date=2018-03-05 |work=Bloomberg |language=en}}</ref> He was involved in the Galataport masterplan in Istanbul.<ref name="Architectural Digest"/>
In 2018, Benshetrit launched Super Nature Labs, a project aimed at rethinking urbanism and ecological design systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dror Benshetrit – SCADstyle 2023 |url=https://www.scad.edu/scadstyle2023/guests/dror-benshetrit |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=SCAD.edu}}</ref>
== Early life == Benshetrit was born in Tel Aviv, Israel and studied the work of Isamu Noguchi, Achille Castiglioni, and Buckminster Fuller.<ref name="Slevin">{{Cite web |last=Slevin |first=Jacob |date=2011-02-24 |title=Dror Unveils His Space Truss Geometry and A Revolutionary New Way to Build |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-slevin/dror-unveils-quadror-a-ne_b_826374.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226084752/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-slevin/dror-unveils-quadror-a-ne_b_826374.html |archive-date=2011-02-26 |access-date=2018-03-05 |website=Huffington Post |language=en-US}}</ref> At age 25, he moved to New York City and opened his studio.<ref name="Speed" />
== Works == ===Vase of Phases (2005)===
The Vase of Phases was Dror's first commercial product. Manufactured by Rosenthal, it is described as representing a vase at the moment of shattering and reassembly.<ref name="Co.Design-2016">{{Cite news|url=https://www.fastcodesign.com/3064715/how-a-small-studio-went-from-designing-vases-to-designi|title=How A Small Studio Went From Designing Vases To Designing Islands|date=2016-11-03|work=Co.Design|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US}}</ref> It is part of the permanent collections at the State Museum for Applied Arts in Munich, the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv, and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.studiodror.com/for/rosenthal/|title=Dror / for / Rosenthal|website=www.studiodror.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref>
=== QuaDror (2006) === Dror developed a structural support system called QuaDror, which is patented. The system consists of interlocking L-shaped pieces that are stackable, load-bearing, and adaptable to different conditions, scales, and configurations. It has been used in multiple projects by the studio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Design |first=Tank |title=QuaDror / About QuaDror |url=http://www.quadror.com/about-quadror/ |access-date=2018-03-05 |website=www.quadror.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Slevin" />
=== Swarovski (2007) === One application of QuaDror was in a partnership with Swarovski for a floor chandelier. The piece features a QuaDror frame with Swarovski crystal strands and opens into two parabolas of crystals, intended to stand on the floor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dror / for / Swarovski |url=http://www.studiodror.com/for/swarovski/ |access-date=2018-03-05 |website=www.studiodror.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-02-22 |title=Dror's Folding Concrete Block Could Change How We Build [Video] |url=https://www.fastcodesign.com/1663275/drors-folding-concrete-block-could-change-how-we-build-video |access-date=2018-03-05 |work=Co.Design |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Nurai (2008) === The masterplan for Nurai, an island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, includes twelve water villas and twenty-four land villas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dror / for / Nurai |url=http://www.studiodror.com/for/nurai-construction/ |access-date=2018-03-05 |website=www.studiodror.com |language=en}}</ref> The design includes roofs covered with vegetation. According to the designer, this approach was intended to provide privacy while maintaining community spaces.<ref name="Co.Design-2016" />
=== Materialise (2009) === Through a collaboration with the Belgian 3D printing company Materialise, Dror manufactured and tested the QuaDror structure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dror / for / Materialise |url=http://www.studiodror.com/for/materialise/ |access-date=2018-03-05 |website=www.studiodror.com |language=en}}</ref> The collaboration resulted in a kinetic cube called Volume.MGX, created from 1,200 laser-cut QuaDror structures. The assembled cube can expand to accommodate a light source at its center.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2010 |title=3rings {{!}} Square it Off with Volume.MGX by Dror and MGX by Materialise |url=http://media.designerpages.com/3rings/2010/05/square-it-off-with-volume-mgx-by-dror-and-mgx-by-materialise/ |access-date=2018-03-05 |website=media.designerpages.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Peacock Chair (2009) === Dror designed the Peacock Chair, manufactured by Italian furniture brand Cappellini. The chair is constructed of three layers of felt folded and held in place with a metal frame.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.designboom.com/design/dror-peacock-chair-for-cappellini/|title=dror: peacock chair for cappellini|date=2009-07-29|work=designboom {{!}} architecture & design magazine|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US}}</ref> It appeared the music video for "S&M" by Rihanna.<ref name="Co.Design-2016" />
=== Tron Chair (2010) === The Tron Chair, designed by Dror and manufactured by Cappellini, is inspired by the Tron: Legacy film and influenced by the angular terrain depicted in the film.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-12-02 |title=Tron chair by Dror {{!}} Dezeen |url=https://www.dezeen.com/2010/12/02/tron-chair-by-dror/ |access-date=2018-03-05 |work=Dezeen |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Havvada (2012) === Using dirt excavated for a canal between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara in Turkey, Dror proposed building a man-made island off the coast of Istanbul.<ref name="Studiodror" /> Named Havaada, the conceptual island design features six dome-shaped hills surrounding an inverted mound at its center.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/05/studio-dror-benshetrit-interview-dont-need-to-be-an-architect-to-design-buildings/|title=Dror Benshetrit interview about designers as architects|date=2015-10-05|work=Dezeen|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US}}</ref> The proposal includes a 3D urban grid with domes wrapped by residences.<ref name="Studiodror">{{Cite web|url=http://www.studiodror.com/for/havvada/|title=Dror / for / Havvada|website=www.studiodror.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref> Each dome is intended to house a different activity center, connected by cable cars and walkways to each other and to a downtown center.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://archinect.com/news/article/58165480/dror-s-vision-for-havvada|title=Dror's Vision for HavvAda|work=Archinect|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en}}</ref> The concept was described by the designer as addressing social, environmental, and economic issues in contemporary cities.<ref name="Studiodror" />
=== TUMI (2012) === In 2012, Dror collaborated with Tumi to create a collection of travel bags which included an expandable carry-on suitcase functioning as a backpack.<ref name="Cool Hunting">{{Cite news|url=http://www.coolhunting.com/design/dror-for-tumi|title=Dror for Tumi|work=Cool Hunting|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en}}</ref> Dror later collaborated with Tumi to redesign their retail experience.<ref name="Cool Hunting" /> The design for the flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York City has been implemented in over 50 locations worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.studiodror.com/for/tumi-strategy/|title=Dror / for / Tumi|website=www.studiodror.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref>
=== Brancott Estate (2017) === Dror designed a sculptural installation for the New Zealand-based Brancott Estate, a winery established in 1975.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/studio-dror-brancott-estate-new-zealand-10-24-2017/|title=studio dror's volumetric sculpture epitomizes brancott estate's artful winemaking|date=2017-10-24|work=designboom {{!}} architecture & design magazine|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US}}</ref> The installation uses the QuaDror modular system to form a geometric shape reflecting the form of grapevines.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.studiodror.com/for/brancott-estate/|title=Dror / for / Brancott Estate|website=www.studiodror.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref> The design reflects the uniformity of the Marlborough landscape. Dror also created a scaled-down version of the installation functioning as a wine rack.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dezeen.com/2015/10/28/competition-win-one-of-five-wine-racks-designed-by-dror-benshetrit-for-brancott-estate/|title=Win a wine rack designed by Dror Benshetrit for Brancott Estate|date=2015-10-28|work=Dezeen|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Galataport Masterplan (2018) === The team of Dror and Gensler won a competition to redesign Galataport, a site on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/dror-gensler-galataport-masterplan-istanbul-turkey-05-04-2017/|title=dror + gensler's galataport masterplan breaks ground in istanbul|date=2017-05-05|work=designboom {{!}} architecture & design magazine|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US}}</ref> The proposal included an underground cruise-ship terminal. The team developed a 3.5 meter hydraulic boardwalk and gangway system that opens when a ship docks.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://luxurylaunches.com/other_stuff/dror-and-gensler-propose-worlds-first-underground-cruise-operation-for-istanbuls-galataport.php|title=Dror and Gensler propose world's first underground cruise operation for Istanbul's Galataport – Luxurylaunches|date=2017-05-11|work=Luxurylaunches|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US}}</ref> Above ground, the proposal included a multi-layered pedestrian neighborhood with mixed-use buildings connecting the city and sea.<ref name="Architectural Digest">{{Cite news|url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/istanbul-turkey-redesigned-waterfront-courtesy-of-gensler|title=Istanbul, Turkey, Gets a Redesigned Waterfront Courtesy of Dror and Gensler {{!}} Architectural Digest|work=Architectural Digest|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en}}</ref>
== Exhibitions == Selected exhibitions: * 2011 – Metropolitan Museum of Art: Peacock Chair * 2011 – Interni: QuaDror geometry<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dror / news |url=http://www.studiodror.com/at/#exhibitions |access-date=2018-03-05 |website=www.studiodror.com |language=en}}</ref> * 2014 – Museo Poldi Pezzoli Milan: Peacock Chair * 2015 – Wanted Design: QuaDror furniture * 2015 – Guggenheim Helsinki * 2017 – Bozar Centre for Fine Arts: Volume.MGX
== Awards == Awards: Miami Lift Award * 2013: Winner of Miami Landmark idea competition Red Dot Award in Product Design * 2010: QuaDror 03 table in mocha stained ash * 2013: Dror for Tumi International Expandable Carry-On Good Design Award * 2008: Dror for Boffi +/- cabinet * 2010: Dror for Alessi Try it Trivet IF product design award. * 2006: Dror for Rosenthal Vase of Phases<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.studiodror.com/at/#awards|title=Dror / news|website=www.studiodror.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://inspiration-of-the-nation.com/2011/05/rosenthal-vase-of-phases.html|title=Rosenthal Vase of Phases|website=inspiration-of-the-nation.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref>
== Talks == Selected lectures: * 2011: What Design Can Do * 2011: Design Indaba * 2013: India Design Forum * 2014: PennDesign * 2017: C2 Montreal<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.studiodror.com/at/#lectures|title=Dror / news|website=www.studiodror.com|language=en|access-date=2018-03-05}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * [http://www.studiodror.com/ Studio Dror website]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Benshetrit, Dror}} Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Designers from New York City Category:Design Academy Eindhoven alumni Category:Israeli people of Moroccan-Jewish descent Category:Futurist architects Category:Product designers Category:Futurist artists Category:Israeli inventors Category:Israeli designers