Paper and cardboard as sustainable building materials are currently the subject of research and testing. They can be produced inexpensively, are made from renewable raw materials and are completely recyclable. The focus of their application is on temporary uses, such as for transitional schools, emergency shelters or "microhomes". Properly protected from moisture and fire, the material proves to be durable. Design and aesthetic qualities are by no means neglected, as case studies by Pritzker Prize winner Shigeru Ban demonstrate: the Chengdu Elementary School, the Paper Concert Hall in Aquila or the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch all provided a sign of hope after devastating earthquakes. This introduction explains the technology of building with cardboard and paper and shows a wide range of examples.

Professor Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Knaack, Professor für Konstruktion und Entwurf an der TU Delft sowie Professor für Fassadentechnik an der TU Darmstadt Dr.-Ing. Rebecca Bach arbeitete als wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin für "Paper Construction and Design" an der TU Darmstadt. Projektleiterin Bauphysik und Nachhaltigkeit bei Kempen Krause Ingenieure Professor Dr.-Ing. Samuel Schabel, Professor für Papiertechnik im Fachbereich Maschinenbau der TU Darmstadt