Shigeru Ban: Architectural Genius

I spoke about Shigeru Ban, the world-renowned Japanese architect known for designing eye- catching structures using paper, in an earlier blog entry. To say the least, this man and his amazing gift amazed me. So, I’ve decided to give you some more information on this architectural genius. 

Before I begin, I’d like to give you some background information on Shigeru Ban. He was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1957, but now lives in Paris where he has his own architecture school and studio. He himself attended the Southern California Institute of Architecture. Ban’s claim to fame is using paper to design and build some of the most amazing buildings I’ve ever seen— everything from shelters for disaster victims to massive cathedrals. Here are just of few of the projects he was involved with. His style is both futuristic and “open to the elements”.

The Centre Pompidou-Metz is probably one of his most famous projects. Modeled after a Chinese bamboo hat, this structure houses the new Pomidou Museum in Metz, France. The buildings oddly- shaped roof was made using sixteen kilometers of laminated wood fiber.

Shigeru Ban is also the driving force behind The Aspen Art Museum located in Aspen, Colorado. The majority of this 30,000-square-foot environmentally- friendly building will be constructed using its architect’s favorite material— paper. The project will end up costing almost 30 million dollars and will capture the beauty of the surrounding area.

Click the following link for a slideshow of some of Shigeru Ban projects: slideshow

Centre Pompidou- Metz

The Aspen Art Museum