Origins & Early Life

Shigeru Ban (坂 茂, Ban Shigeru; born 5 August 1957) is a Japanese architect, known for his innovative work with paper, particularly recycled cardboard tubes used to quickly and efficiently house disaster victims. Many of his notable designs are structures which are temporary, prefabricated, or incorporate inexpensive and unconventional materials in innovative ways. He was profiled by Time magazine in their projection of 21st-century innovators in the field of architecture and design. In 2014, Ban was named the 37th recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the most prestigious prize in modern architecture.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Pritzker Jury cited Ban for his innovative use of material and his dedication to humanitarian efforts around the world, calling him "a committed teacher who is not only a role model for younger generation, but also an inspiration." Ban was born in Tokyo. He studied at the Southern California Institute of Architecture. Later he went to Cooper Union's School of Architecture, where he studied under John Hejduk and graduated in 1984. From Hejduk (who was a part of the New York Five), Ban gained an interest in "architectonic poetics" or the creation...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aliko Dangote — Contemporary (Born in 1957) (1957): Nigerian billionaire founder of Dangote Group, a major industrial conglomerate.
• Arturo Toscanini — Contemporary (Died in 1957) (1957): Intense Italian conductor, master of orchestral detail, and pivotal figure in 20th-century music.
• Constantin Brâncuși — Contemporary (Died in 1957) (1957): Pioneer of modern sculpture, Brâncuși emphasized clean lines and elemental forms.
• Adam Yauch — Shared historical date (08-05 · Born) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Alec Guinness — Shared historical date (08-05 · Died) (2000): Iconic English actor celebrated for stage mastery and cinematic versatility.
• Dedan Kimathi — Historical peer (Died in 1957) (1957): Iconic leader of the Mau Mau Uprising against British colonial rule in Kenya.
• Diego Rivera — Historical peer (Died in 1957) (1957): Pioneering Mexican muralist whose frescoes defined modern Mexican art.
• 2014 League of Legends World Championship — Historical peer (Born in 2014) (2014): The 4th League of Legends World Championship, held in Asia in 2014.
• Alain Resnais — Historical peer (Died in 2014) (2014): Pioneering French filmmaker exploring memory, consciousness, and narrative structure.
• AB de Villiers — Historical peer (Born in 1984) (1984): Legendary South African cricketer, celebrated for his all-around batting genius.
• 1957 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1957
• August 5 (08-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 5