The paper architect
Challenging the system with inventive repurposing of everyday materials is just the beginning of his genius
Limited to 200 numbered copies, delivered in a clamshell box and each signed by the architect, this Art Edition features a special cover custom made by Shigeru Ban, with a hand-crafted mesh of polished African Samba wood (Triplochiton scleroxylon), inspired by the roof design of the new Centre Pompidou-Metz.
Shigeru Ban (b. Tokyo, 1957) attended SciArc in California and earned his degree at the Cooper Union School of Architecture in New York. Based in Tokyo and Paris, Ban consistently challenges accepted notions of architecture, designing a house without walls, or an exhibition space made from paper tubes and shipping containers. This monograph, compiled with the architect’s collaboration, traces his career and features every built work of Shigeru Ban, showing clearly why he is one of the world’s most innovative and significant architects. Unlike many of his peers, Ban can create remarkable residences and still find time to design emergency relief housing for disaster areas from Kobe to New Orleans. Often using paper or cardboard tubes as a structural element, his designs give new meaning to the term "Paper Architect."
Shigeru Ban (b. Tokyo, 1957) attended SciArc in California and earned his degree at the Cooper Union School of Architecture in New York. Based in Tokyo and Paris, Ban consistently challenges accepted notions of architecture, designing a house without walls, or an exhibition space made from paper tubes and shipping containers. This monograph, compiled with the architect’s collaboration, traces his career and features every built work of Shigeru Ban, showing clearly why he is one of the world’s most innovative and significant architects. Unlike many of his peers, Ban can create remarkable residences and still find time to design emergency relief housing for disaster areas from Kobe to New Orleans. Often using paper or cardboard tubes as a structural element, his designs give new meaning to the term "Paper Architect."
The author:
Philip Jodidio (born 1954) studied art history and economics at Harvard, and edited Connaissance des Arts for over 20 years. His books include TASCHEN’s Architecture Now! series, and monographs on Tadao Ando, Norman Foster, Richard Meier, Jean Nouvel, and Zaha Hadid. He is internationally renowned as one of the most popular writers on the subject of architecture.
Philip Jodidio (born 1954) studied art history and economics at Harvard, and edited Connaissance des Arts for over 20 years. His books include TASCHEN’s Architecture Now! series, and monographs on Tadao Ando, Norman Foster, Richard Meier, Jean Nouvel, and Zaha Hadid. He is internationally renowned as one of the most popular writers on the subject of architecture.


