Architect Shigeru Ban is renowned for involving himself in unusual projects, and he has become particularly well-known for his experiments with paper as a cheap and sustainable building material.
In response to the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, Ban designed paper temporary shelters for victims. He also created a divider system out of paper tubes and canvas sheets for evacuees having to share shelter space after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
In relation to this exhibition, Art Tower Mito will also hold a symposium on March 3, at which Ban and a number of other professionals from various fields will discuss how the March 11 disaster shed new light on the importance of architecture and its contribution to disaster preparedness; March 2-May 12.
Contemporary Art Gallery, Art Tower Mito; (029) 227-8120; 1-6-8 Gokencho, Mito, Ibaraki; Mito Station, Joban Line. 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ¥800. Closed Mon. (except April 29, May 6), April 30, May 7. arttowermito.or.jp/index_en.html.
