Award-winning architect Shigeru Ban has joined the disaster relief effort in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, by personally setting up his Paper Partition System for evacuees of the area. Partnering with the Voluntary Architects' Network, Ban has constructed a set of fabric and paper dividers inside a makeshift shelter for survivors of the torrential rain and flooding. Ban's Paper Partition System is currently being used to house evacuees at Fukuda Elementary School, Hoita Elementary School and Silver Centre Koraku.
The Paper Partition System used at these sites were erected by Ban and volunteers. The materials used consist of only recycled goods, including paper tubes, cardboard panels and fabric to create curtains. The materials are all meant to be used again or recycled when they are no longer required.
Recycled Paper Disaster Shelters
The Paper Partition System is Helping Evacuees of Flooding
Trend Themes
1. Recycled Building Materials - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing sustainable building materials made from recycled goods for disaster relief shelters.
2. Disaster Relief Architecture - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing flexible and modular architectural systems that can be quickly deployed in disaster-stricken areas.
3. Circular Economy Solutions - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing circular economy principles in disaster relief efforts by reusing and recycling materials.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating efficient and sustainable construction practices for disaster relief initiatives.
2. Architecture - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Reimagining architectural designs to provide adaptable and resilient solutions for disaster-affected communities.
3. Sustainable Materials - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing new materials and manufacturing processes that prioritize sustainability and recyclability in multiple industries.