Shigeru Ban

From innovative emergency shelters to a unique cardboard cathedral and creative exhibition spaces utilizing shipping containers, the Pritzker Prize–winning architect Shigeru Ban has carved a niche for himself through his dynamic approach to materials and situational context, coupled with his humanitarian efforts in both natural and man-made disaster zones. Scholar Riichi Miyake phrases Ban’s work as a reflection of the architectural equivalent to Doctors Without Borders. In line with the idea of three-dimensional poetry, Ban prioritizes the use of materials that serve as a critical element of his architectural designs. He chooses these materials not for their high-tech qualities but for their expressive power and their ability to communicate the essence of the building’s concept. Notably, Ban frequently employs paper tubing in diverse projects, ranging from the Japanese Pavilion at Expo 2000 in Hanover to the construction of Paper Log Houses in the Philippines following the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. This comprehensive introduction, assembled with Ban himself, showcases his most significant works to date and highlights the extensive influence and impact of this “committed teacher”—as described by the Pritzker Prize jury—who serves as a role model and source of inspiration for future generations.