Tadao Ando is an architect who has mastered the art of blending traditional and modern architectural ideas. What sets him apart is his ability to incorporate design influences from around the world seamlessly. By combining cutting-edge technologies with timeless principles, Ando creates designs that strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Although some may see him as ” Western” for Japan or “too Japanese” for the West, Ando has a unique talent for harmonizing contrasting elements, showcasing his remarkable skill. This self-educated architect has a deep love of pure, serene, and Zen spaces. He brings out the value of the materials of each place where he creates projects. In examining Ando’s body of work, it becomes evident that he respects not only architectural traditions and materiality but also reforms traditional Japanese architecture using 20th-century tools. Despite this modernization, he remains rooted in preserving heritage and family lineage by continuing to build on the grounds. Ando’s creations in Japan, such as the monumental lavender-covered temple enveloping a giant statue of Buddha at the Makomanai Takino Cemetery in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo, showcase a wholly redesigned and dramatic style deviating from traditional norms by embracing a geometrical and circular composition.
Ando’s architectural fame stems from his ability to seamlessly blend traditional and modern elements, resulting in an aesthetically balanced outcome. This unique talent is demonstrated in his designs.
Understanding Traditional Japanese Architecture
As the historian Daniel Boorstin aptly said, “While Western architects would battle against the elements, the Japanese admiring their power have sought ways to embrace their allure.” Japanese culture deeply values nature, innovation, goodwill, and righteousness. These principles are reflected in every aspect of their lifestyle, including architecture. That’s why traditional Japanese architecture captures the essence of materiality, authenticity, and simplicity in its design. Design, simple construction techniques, and the use of materials such as wood, bamboo, straw, and paper characterize it. Considering the susceptibility of buildings to seismic forces, they exhibit a distinct emphasis on horizontal design. These structures often feature elevated floors that promote airflow and provide stability during earthquakes.
Additionally Japanese architecture is known for its allocation of spaces. The utilization of flexible floor plans achieved through screens and doors is another defining aspect of this architectural style. Interestingly, Japanese architecture is ruted with spatial concepts such as “ma” and “engawa. The engawa serves as a space, a ground between the surroundings and the building itself, bridging the gap between the exterior and interior. This unique intermediate zone plays a role in allowing these two contrasting elements to coexist harmoniously.
Tadao Ando’s Designs
Church of Light
Located in Ibaraki, Japan, The Church of Light, a masterpiece by Tadao Ando, is an excellent example of how a building can meld traditional and modern architectural elements. Built in 1989, Ando has utilized conventional elements in his design and application, including the sun, timber, and water, which are prevalent throughout Japan’s rich architectural history. These influences have resulted in a Church that respectfully accommodates previous architectural ideations while still meeting the documentation’s inherent church-like necessities. Because of this, the Church of Light is a structure that provides for a discourse between its many different architectural elements; however, more importantly, the Church of Light’s structural adaptations are of discernible use to religious/church structures. Ando is, therefore, confirming essential, traditional architectonic elements that are required not only to have interminable architecture but also the documentation to have been built in the first instance. The Church of Light presents Ando’s capability to ease these traditional elements into contemporary church requirements very effectively and inexpensively.
Chichu Art Museum
Tadao Ando has genuinely transformed the Chichu Art Museum into a representation of Japanese architecture. By incorporating elements and influences from architectural styles, Ando has created a museum that stands out as one of the most stunning art institutions in the world. Ando brilliantly captures the essence of architecture at the Chichu Art Museum by incorporating various aspects commonly found in traditional Japanese architecture. Despite being located underground, the museum skillfully embraces light, which significantly impacts how visitors perceive and experience the artworks within its concrete space throughout all seasons. When observing the museum from above, one can notice another important architectural feature: courtyards. It becomes clear that these courtyards, designed in shapes and sizes, not only enhance aesthetics but also ensure a harmonious infusion of natural light throughout the museum. Lastly, Tadao Ando successfully portrays the Chichu Art Museum as an embodiment of simplicity in art, truly capturing the essence of philosophy. His innovative perception and understanding have resulted in a masterpiece—a testament to his brilliance. All art should always strive to be uncomplicated and speak for itself.
Emerging as a stronghold of the traditions of Japan while fusing modernity, Tadao Ando introduces native heritage as a guiding influence towards anticipating the future. Providing a veritable time capsule for the alliance between custom and change, which always shall remain harmoniously attuned, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural world.
References:
Lynch, P. (2017) Tadao Ando envelops giant Buddha statue in Lavender-Planted Hill Temple. https://www.archdaily.com/877329/tadao-ando-envelops-giant-buddha-statue-in-lavender-planted-hill-temple.
The Master of Light: Tadao Ando (no date). http://journeyforevermag.com/tadaoando.
Sharma, P. (2023) Japanese Architecture: Evolution, features, and examples. https://parametric-architecture.com/japanese-architecture-evolution-features-and-examples/.
KISHO KUROKAWA (no date). https://www.kisho.co.jp/page/305.html#:~:text=The%20engawa%20is%20a%20space,elements%20to%20exist%20in%20symbiosis.
Kroll, A. (2020) AD Classics: Church of the Light / Tadao Ando Architect & Associates. https://www.archdaily.com/101260/ad-classics-church-of-the-light-tadao-ando.
Dogan, R. (2023) Simplicity in Concrete: A look at 8 notable projects by Tadao Ando. https://parametric-architecture.com/simplicity-in-concrete-a-look-at-8-notable-projects-by-tadao-ando/.
