Shigeru Ban is an architect of unique character; a soldier whose great resolve continues to tackle today’s world issues. Over the past quarter of a century he has brought architecture closer to human beings, by challenging the ‘supremacy’ of the architect. In contrast to modernists who had been spreading futuristic ideologies, he believes that it is an architect’s duty to face disaster with strong intent. Ban responds to the multitude of disasters that afflict humanity with purposeful design. He is a man of action and strong intent, with an ability to take action like no one else. That is why he is often referred to as the ‘architect who acts’ or the ‘architect who does not know fatigue.’

If architecture is determined by history, Ban’s work is a continuum of this history yet simultaneously forward-thinking in his pioneering approach. Modern architecture which was born at the beginning of the 20th century rebelled against the class society of the 19th century, emphasizing the importance of social housing and public institutions, insisting that architecture be measured by the ethical values of society, not by a stylistic aesthetic. Gropius, who is said to have connected Europe and America through modernism, emphasized the importance of democratic architecture, trying to assimilate this idea within American society through the architectural language of the Bauhaus. Behind this attitude hides his own sense of value for the design of cities, yearning release from the behemoth-like dictatorial system, and aiming to establish a civil society. Habraken developed the Planning Theory through trial and error, focusing on civic life in post-war Europe. He dared to abolish the idea of a unifying design, and instead created the Planning Theory in which citizens participate...[+]