Designs built with everyday materials help those affected by natural disasters.
There are many famous buildings in the world worth seeing. But none are quite like the ones created by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. Not only does each look astonishing, they all have an equally incredible story behind them. Using everyday materials such as paper tubes, packaging design materials and shipping containers, Ban has spent much of his career creating stunning architectural designs for those in need.
Among his creations is a beautiful cardboard cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand, designed by Ban following the 2011 earthquake which claimed 185 lives. And a row of paper log houses, designed as temporary accommodation following the Kobe earthquake in 1995.
Among Ban's creations is a beautiful cardboard cathedral in New Zealand
Outstanding contribution
It's this contribution to both humanity and the design world, with his innovative use of everyday materials, that recently lead him to win the prestigious Pritzker Architect Prize 2014.
Ban designed these paper log houses, used as temporary accommodation following the Kobe earthquake in 1995
The Pritzker Architect Prize jury citation states: "Shigeru Ban, the 2014 laureate, reflects this spirit of the prize to the fullest. He is an outstanding architect who, for 20 years, has been responding with creativity and high quality design to extreme situations caused by devastating natural disasters.
"His buildings provide shelter, community centers, and spiritual places for those who have suffered tremendous loss and destruction. When tragedy strikes, he is often there from the beginning, as in Rwanda, Turkey, India, China, Italy, and Haiti, and his home country of Japan, among others."
Have you seen any inspirational architecture recently? Let us know in the comments.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Kerrie Hughes is a frequent contributor to Creative Bloq, and was once its editor. One of the original CB crew, Kerrie joined the team back in 2013 after moving from her role as staff writer on 3D World. Since then she's written regularly for other creative publications such as ImagineFX, Computer Arts and Digital Camera World. After a stint working for the police, Kerrie is back reviewing creative tech for creative professionals.
