Shigeru Ban

Ban caught the attention of the architectural world through his innovative use of cardboard tubes in construction in creating temporary structures that can be quickly and cheaply built – ideal in the aftermath of natural disasters. His minimalist and ecological approach is apparent in his more permanent designs, which include: Centre Pomidou-MetzFrance, Nomadic Museum; Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand; Aspen Art Museum in Colorado; Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center in Fujinomiya, Japan; and Swatch Headquarters in Biel, Switzerland. In Oita Ban has created OPAM in Oita City, YUFUiNFO tourist information centre adjacent to Arata Isozaki’s Yufuin Station, and Kur Park Nagayu, a residential wellness facility centred around on Nagayu’s onsen hot spring waters. Amongst his accolades he has received the National Order of Merit from France, and the Pritzker Prize.