Japanese architect, Shigeru Ban, designs temporary housing for disaster victims

Famous for his works in paper and cardboard, innovative architect Shigeru Ban has designed temporary housing for the people of Onagawa, Japan, in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami which hit the country in March.

By using existing shipping containers, the three-storey structure can be built quickly by simply stacking the units on top of one another forming a checkerboard pattern.

When completed, the Onagawa housing project will provide 188 homes for local residents. The structures have been designed to withstand future earthquakes which may encourage residents to stay in the houses permanently.

This project is the second phase of earthquake and tsunami disaster relief offered to the people of Japan by Shigeru Ban Architects. During the time immediately following the disaster, the firm designed simple canvas and paper partitions to separate families living in evacuation shelters.

Follow the link to dezeen.com for more on Shigeru Ban Architect's multi-storey temporary housing project.