Shigeru Ban's Take on Japan's Rebuilding

Today's New York Times has an encouraging article about architect Shigeru Ban and his use of paper as a construction material for housing victims of natural disasters. Mr. Ban has been doing this work internationally since 1995, and his work spans locations such as Kobe and Chengdu after earthquakes.

In addition to the "poetic" (to quote the Times) quality of his materials and ideas, I liked what he had to say generally about what needs to be done to help homeless Japanese, particularly the elderly. In a response to a question about "innovative" solution for shelters, Mr. Ban says, "We don't need innovative ideas. We just need to build normal things that can be made quickly and easily." Nicely said. There's no need for commissions, multi-year studies, and comprehensive national housing plans...just get rebuilding. He also believes that private initiatives can help in the Japanese context. Let's see if the Japanese government can get going; there are plenty of creative people with experience, who can help. Here's one of them.