There are many famous buildings (opens in new tab) in the world worth seeing. But none are quite like the ones created by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban (opens in new tab). 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.
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 (opens in new tab) 2014.
The Pritzker Architect Prize jury citation (opens in new tab) 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.
