Based in Japan and one of an emerging generation of young, world-class architects, Shigeru Ban designs and builds graceful, serene structures using modest materials such as cardboard, paper tubes, bamboo, and prefabricated wood. His buildings are sometimes soaring and birdlike, sometimes simple, grounded, and evocative of the Japanese aesthetic, but always they are integrated with and respectful of their surrounding environment. His humanitarian efforts and his interest in recyclable, affordable, natural m
