The dwellings in Onagawa differ from traditional temporary shelters in their “multi-storey” structure, but due to the difficult terrain, the dwelling blocks will be installed in just three rows in the form of a long house with 188 apartments.
This configuration is distinguished by seismic resistance, but it is likely that in other conditions it is possible to increase the level of the building. The blocks are arranged in a checkerboard pattern, alternating with "voids" designed as loggias.
A similar house is designed for a long stay; the layout of the individual blocks and their connections can be coordinated with the needs of the residents.
The cathedral in Christchurch will replace the Anglican neo-Gothic cathedral, which was badly damaged by an earthquake earlier this year: its tower was destroyed and its supporting structure was damaged, so the option of demolition is even being considered, although we are talking about an architectural monument and a symbol of the city.
The new temple will be built from Shigeru Bana's favorite material - cardboard tubes. They will be anchored on a 6-meter shipping container foundation to form a huge gable roof. At its end, the architect plans to install a stained glass window according to the sketches of local artists. The interior space of this fire and moisture resistant structure can accommodate 700 people and can be used not only for religious ceremonies, but also for concerts and meetings. The new cathedral is planned to be erected in three months and to be opened on the anniversary of the disaster - February 22, 2012. Its "temporality" is rather conditional: it is designed for 15 years of operation and, after the termination of use as an Anglican cathedral, can be disassembled and assembled in another part of the city a concert hall or church for another community. The construction budget is NZ $ 4 million.
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