The Pritzker Prize is the most important award in the field of architecture, awarded to a living architect whose built work "has produced consistent and significant contributions to humanity through the art of architecture." The Prize rewards individuals, not entire offices, as took place in 2000 (when the jury selected Rem Koolhaas instead of his firm OMA) or in 2016 (with Alejandro Aravena selected instead of Elemental); however, the prize can also be awarded to multiple individuals working together, as took place in 2001 (Herzog & de Meuron), 2010 (Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA), and 2017 (Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem, and Ramon Vilalta of RCR Arquitectes).
Shigeru Ban Architects
The Humanitarian Works of Shigeru Ban
2014 Pritzker Laureate Shigeru Ban may be as well known for his innovative use of materials as for his compassionate approach to design. For a little over three decades, Ban, the founder of the Voluntary Architects Network, has applied his extensive knowledge of recyclable materials, particularly paper and cardboard, to constructing high-quality, low-cost shelters for victims of disaster across the world —from Rwanda to Haiti, to Turkey, Japan, and more. We've rounded up 10 projects of his humanitarian work, explained by Shigeru Ban Architects themselves.
La Seine Musicale / Shigeru Ban Architects
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Architects: Shigeru Ban Architects
- Area: 36500 m²
- Year: 2017
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Manufacturers: HASSLACHER NORICA TIMBER, HESS TIMBER, Holcim, Saflex, ALPESA, +1
Aspen Art Museum / Shigeru Ban Architects
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Architects: Shigeru Ban Architects
- Area: 33000 ft²
- Year: 2014
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Manufacturers: Parklex Prodema, Artexture+, Agnora, Spearhead, Valspar
15 Things You Didn't Know About Shigeru Ban
You probably know by now that Shigeru Ban has won this year's Pritzker Prize, but did you know he almost went to university to play rugby? Or that he constructed his home without pulling down a single tree? These and many more fun facts on the 38th Pritzker laureate, after the break.
Tamedia Office Building / Shigeru Ban Architects
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Architects: Shigeru Ban Architects
- Area: 10120 m²
- Year: 2013
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Manufacturers: Blumer Lehmann, Wilkhahn, Wb form
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Professionals: 3-Plan Haustechnik AG, Creation Holz, HRS Real Estate AG