J.M. Tjibaou Cultural Centre, New Caledonia (1998)
Renzo Piano Building Workshop

Renzo Piano's cultural center in the South Pacific was the first to show that green architecture is as much about culture as technology. The use of local iroko wood and traditional construction methods reflect sustainable principles—both by reducing the distance materials must travel, and drawing on this French island territory's local economy. By riffing on the shapes of the area's traditional Kanak huts, the 10 individual structures dramatically blend into the landscape, while their vertical slats allow the prevailing winds to ventilate the interiors.