Paper Art Museum
Shizuoka, Japan
Shigeru Ban Architects

Innovative materials express a very Japanese aesthetic

© Hiroyuki Hirai

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Shigeru Ban’s work can best be understood through his innovative use of existing natural resources as building materials. He first began experimenting with alternative materials in 1986, when he used paper, instead of wood, to build an exhibition display. He was surprised at the strength of the paper and began to experiment with it on building structures. The Paper Art Museum (PAM) A is the private museum of a paper manufacturer. All facades are composed of Fiberglass Reinforced Panels. The square floor plan is divided into three rows, and in the middle is a three-story atrium. By opening stacking shutters and awnings (shitomido), a spatial continuity of the interior and exterior is achieved.

PAM B is a former laboratory and has been renovated as a gallery for contemporary art. By reversing the rails of the overhead sliding doors, when they are opened, they act as a large shading device and create a comfortable shaded patio space. Both buildings use contemporary materials in an effort to recreate spaces for modern life, while maintaining continuity between interior and exterior in very Japanese fashion.

Formal name of Project:
Paper Art Museum

Location:
Shizuoka, Japan

Gross square footage:
18,000 sq ft

Owner:
Tokushu Paper Mfg. Co., LTD.

Architect:
Shigeru Ban Architects
5-2-4 Matsubara
Setagaya, Tokyo 156-0043
Tel. +81-3-3324-6760
Fax. +81-3-2224-6789