Projeto Japan House São Paulo - Paper Log House - 14ᵃ Bienal Internacional de Arquitetura de São Paulo

Project development: Brazil

SHIGERU BAN ARCHITECTS
Paper Log House
House made of paper tubes, marine plywood, crates, sand and canvas

Using cardboard, a material that is part of the daily lives of so many people across diverse cultures, Shigeru Ban initially produced temporary structures, such as exhibition sets, and gradually gained recognition for his use of this type of paper, which reached its peak in the "Disaster Relief Design" project. This program, launched in 1995, provides for the construction of temporary shelters in the event of natural disasters or situations of social vulnerability.

Paper Log Houses are innovative temporary shelter solutions for people who have lost their homes in areas affected by natural disasters.

The architect uses paper tubes and wood panels to build an easy-to-assemble structure that can be completed quickly. The foundation is made of crates and sandbags, which facilitates construction and provides stability. This project is adaptable to different geographic and cultural contexts. With a sustainable and efficient approach, it has been implemented in various situations, offering quick and safe shelter. Construction is typically carried out collaboratively by a team of local student volunteers.

The house presented here was developed specifically for the exhibition "Japanese Principles: Design and Resources," at Japan House São Paulo. The chosen model is based on the original design of the first emergency buildings developed during the Kobe Earthquake in Japan (1995).

For the assembly, JHSP prioritized the active participation of architecture professors and students, following the original collective construction format as a fundamental aspect of promoting awareness of the importance of collaborative work toward community reconstruction—another distinctly Japanese characteristic that can be incorporated even more significantly in Brazil. JHSP invited FAUUSP and ETEC Itaquera IIs, who, as an outreach activity for the students, adapted the design by Shigeru Ban Architects, prepared the materials, and built the house. For the final assembly stage, the invitation was extended to the students of Escola da Cidade.

At a full scale, 1:1, the house was adapted to the exhibition context, taking into account the circulation of a larger number of people, and followed the original concept of using local materials and labor. To increase access for a variety of audiences, a ramp and handrail were added to the design.

At the end of the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial, the building will be sent to FAUUSP to be used by its students as a study object.

Participate in the program of debates, workshops and associated activities!

TODAY (10.10)

2:30 pm – table Risk-Free Periphery in the Context of Climate Change

4pm – table Knowing to Transform: Community Climate Risk Reduction and Adaptation Plans

6:30 pm – table Inclusive Adaptation: Nature-Based Solutions in the Peripheries

9am – Drawing Workshop: Oscar Niemeyer's Architecture in Ibirapuera Park and the Climate Challenge

IN THE NEXT DAYS (11 to 14.10)

ATTENTION the table Palmas: For 36 years, the ecological capital of Tocantins which would be held on 10/11 | 7pm was canceled.

11.10 and 12.10 | 9am – workshop Inventa(rio) Fronteiras: Playing for Multispecies Cities

11.10 | 10am – workshop Elémenterre teaching bag

11.10 | 11am – table Learning to inhabit the Anthropocene: the crisis of architecture

11.10 | 2pm – table Architecture for Learning and Civic Use

11.10 | 3pm – table Culture and Public Architecture

11.10 – 15h – workshop Elémenterre teaching bag

11.10 | 4pm – table Reconnecting with Nature & Circular Design

11.10 | 5pm – table Architecture of Belonging: Interpreting Heritage Through Place

12.10 | 10am – table Experience: Climate Refuges and Naturalized Public Spaces, with Eco-Neighborhood

12.10 | 10:30 am – table Childhoods and Climate: Climate Justice in Vulnerable Territories

12.10 | 10:30 am – Windsock Workshop with the Floating Collective

12.10 | 3pm – table Doing a lot with a little: architectures for a planet in transition with Esteban Benavides from Al Borde office

12.10 | 4:30 pm – table Earth – building a sustainable and democratic future

12.10 | 5:45 pm – table French presence at the Biennale and screening of the film AJAP – Albums of Young Architects and Landscape Architects

13.10 – activity Pantanal Action at IABsp

10/14 | 10am – table Urgent Panorama! Space as an act of permanence

14.10 | 6pm – Launch of the “Nature-Based Education” Guide

JOIN! IT'S ALL FREE!

And there's much more until October 19th!

NOTE OF CONDOLENCE

With deep sorrow, the Brazilian Institute of Architects – São Paulo Department (IABsp) mourns the passing of architect and landscape architect Kongjian Yu, a global leader in ecological urbanism, and the members of his team who accompanied him, tragically killed during the filming of a documentary. The institute is honored to have had him as a participant in the 14th São Paulo International Architecture Biennial, where his transformative vision strengthened the dialogue between global challenges and local realities. IABsp emphasizes that Yu's contribution, which transcends borders, will remain an inspiration for generations and expresses its condolences to China, to the families of all the deceased, to his friends, and to all those impacted by his genius and dedication. Read the full note here.

Japan House Project São Paulo – Paper Log House

Shigeru Ban Architects