Japanese architect wins Pritzker
- Shigeru Ban, became the 7th Japanese architect when he won the 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize. He is well known for his inexpensive, creative designs for disaster relief shelters.
- Achievements/Profile of Shigeru Ban :
- builds inexpensive & easy-to-construct-and- dismantle structures
- in Rwanda, he used recyclable cardboard tube frames, along with plastic sheets, to create temporary shelters
- in Onagawa, Japan, he deployed shipping containers, along with paper frames, to house earthquake victims
- in post-tsunami housing project in Kirinda, Sri Lanka, he chose bricks and rubber wood
- in 2001, he participated in Bhuj earthquake relief work
- his designs are characterised by “experimental approach,” “inspired freshness,” “elegant simplicity” &“apparent effortlessness.”
- The Pritzker Award:
- first time gave it in this area of ‘housing disaster victims’, a deviation from its usual awards to monumental, novel & expensive building architects
- considered the most prestigious architecture prize in the world
- given to designers who have “significantly contributed to humanity” and for “excellence in built work.”
- instituted by Hyatt Foundation
- carries $100,000 grant, a citation and a bronze medallion
Exams Perspective:
- Pritzker Architecture Prize
- Shigeru Ban