Architects Shigeru Ban to build Cardboard cathedral in New Zealand

Since it was controversially declared that St John’s church – damaged during the largest of the earthquakes in New Zealand last year –would not be repaired, a replacement has now been announced. The “transitional church” – not expected to stand for more than 30 years – has been designed by architects Shigeru Ban who proposed a cathedral made of cardboard. It’s a technology the Japanese firm are confident using, with paper projects reaching back to 1989 including a library, theatre, emergency shelter environments and even a bridge. In Christchurch, the vast cardboard tubes, 20 feet at their apex, with wooden beams, concrete floor and geometric stain glass reflecting the triangular form of the building, will create an economic and acoustic space for worship, concerts and events.