Built for a paper manufacturer, the PAM houses facilities for the exhibition, development and promotion of paper. PAM is divided between PAM A, an art museum and PAM B which is a gallery. As a museum, PAM A is a simple square plan which is split into thirds: offices on the south side, where a view of the garden can be enjoyed, an exhibition space on the north side and a three story atrium between.
There is a definite structural independence between the south and north wings; opening and closing shutters made of FRP on the east and west side further emphasize this structural independence as well heightening the relationship between the internal and external space. The exterior façade cladding is also made of FRP panels. Furthermore, at the garden side on the south wing the FRP panels open/close as flip up walls.
Source: Shigeru Ban Architects
Photos: Hiroyuki Hirai, Shinkenchiku-Sha, Shigeru Ban Architects
