The Blue Ocean Dome rises like a seashell unfurling over Yumeshima Island, its curved form framed by a lightweight lattice of bamboo and carbon fibre, glowing softly in the filtered Osaka sunlight.
Standing beneath the Dome at the Osaka Expo, I spoke with its architect, Shigeru Ban, known for his unconventional approach to materials and design. Dressed simply in a black long-sleeved shirt and black loose trousers, Mr Ban responds to my opening question with striking candour. I ask, “What aspects of the ocean did you consider when designing the pavilion?” He replies without hesitation,
“I didn’t.”
While his response was unexpected, Ban’s explanation revealed a deeper philosophy. For him, architecture is not about responding to isolated elements—be it the ocean, land or sky—but about engaging with the planet as a whole. Mountains, rivers, forests, oceans: all are part of a single natural system. And at the heart of Mr Ban’s work is one core principle—sustainability.
AloJapan.com