Origin and Attitude

What is architecture to you?
Architecture is an expression of its time. What do I see? What is a real issue right now? I try to express this through my architecture. The work of artists is an expression of how they see the world and the present time. For me it’s the same, I always look for the problems.

How do you see yourself? Mainly as an architect? Or are there other definitions that you would consider appropriate? 
I see myself more as an activist (laughs).

Where does your fearlessness come from? The specific courage and curiosity to address projects and topics that few other architects intentionally choose to address?
I was disappointed with my own profession, with being an architect. We mainly work for privileged people who have power and money. But I started to look into social issues and began adapting my recycled paper constructions for use as disaster shelters. Before people started talking about ecology and sustainability, I was interested in using everyday materials, materials surrounding us, in an efficient way.

Is this thinking inspired by traditional Japanese architecture and housing types, such as machiya and minka, which quite literally result in a very minimal footprint?
Indirectly, I am certainly influenced by traditional Japanese construction types. But as you know, after finishing high school in Japan, I went to the US to study architecture. Once I was there, I tried to avoid referring to Japanese tradition in any possible way. As a Japanese person, I was expected to suggest an authentic Japanese proposal. I strongly disliked being viewed that way. And I still choose not to refer to any specific Japanese style.

Is there a kind of ritual that you never deviate from, no matter how busy the day might be? 
Sketching … yes, sketching. I even place a small sketch book close to my bed. Sometimes I have a good idea in my dreams. Even when I am asleep, on the train, on the airplane.

Is there a dream project that you haven't had the chance to design yet?
I would like to design a winery. Because I love wine. My projects, and especially the humanitarian ones, such as those we are currently working on in Ukraine, they aren't  something that I can choose. They result from the problems of our time. But a dream project should be something that I can choose. So yes, I would choose the winery (laughter).

Do you dream architecture?
I think so. In my dreams, I sometimes even see incredibly decorated spaces. It seems as if they were designed by myself. In reality, I don’t design decorative spaces. But in my dreams, it seems like I do.

The first part of the interview with Shigeru Ban "Design as Problem Solver" is published in Detail 12.2023 and in our Detail Inspiration database. You can find the third part here.