Shigeru Ban starts practicing in Tokyo in 1985. Since the early years he studies recyclable but durable materials. Along with these low-cost experiments, he inquiries how innovative architectural solutions may bring interesting outcomes and ideas. His everlasting commitment in integrating structure and material grant Shigeru a prominent role in the architectural panorama, allowing him to produce stunning architectures like Metz’s Centre Pompidou. However, his passion in design is equal to his involvement in humanitarian projects only: Voluntary Architects Network is a group he founded in 1995 to raise the awareness of people on social, political and calamitous issues.