Report: Japanese Pavilion at the Expo 2000 in Hanover
Shigeru Ban, the Japanese architect known for his structures made from recycled paper (see Detail 8/96), is creating what will be the largest building in the world in this material: the Japanese pavilion for the Expo 2000. This membrane structure curved in two directions consists of cardboard tubes 12.5 cm in diameter and up to 40 m long. Tied together with polyester strips, the structure is braced by timber ladder elements. The roof skin comprises a specially impregnated textile and paper fabric. The 16-metre-high pavilion provides an exhibition area of 3,600 m². Low energy consumption and environmental sustainability were central to the concept, which foresees the recycling of all materials after the building is dismantled.
