Architecture is shifting from Star Architects designing astonishing projects, to a new era of socially-based architectural practices. However, this contemporary era will never keep well-known architects such as Tadao Ando aside. The Japanese Architect was able to stand strong and express his architectural vision to be considered a Contemporary Minimal Concrete Architect. Tadao Ando received several architectural awards throughout his career for his consistent aesthetic buildings.
Inspired by Le Corbusier and Traditional Japanese Architecture, Tadao Ando’s Masterpieces showed three interrelated components: Concrete, Light, and the Haiku Effect. These components are widely seen in all his famous projects like Chichu Art Museum, Church of Light, Langen Foundation, Pulitzer Arts Foundation, and Church of Water.
Concrete, Light, and Haiku Effect
Tadao Ando excelled in mixing both concrete and light in a very unique way: The Japanese Architect considers concrete spaces as the canvas and the full experience occurs when sunlight hits the spaces (ArchAdemia, 2024). Unlike the exposed concrete on sites, Ando’s concrete is smooth due to a specific framework technique. Adding to this, he sees this material as a representation of strength and permanence, this is why the buildings of Ando are flawless exposed concrete finishes.
The story of Tadao Ando will never be completed and understood unless the light is treated accordingly. The placement of windows and openings is crucial for Ando in all his projects. Ando said, “The preciseness of opening placement means that sunlight will hit internal spaces all day and in all seasons. This will make the users’ experience ever-changing”.
Ando also emphasised his work on the Haiku Effect. Inspired by the Haiku Japanese Poems, where fewer words are used to deliver a message, Tadao Ando is working on nothingness and emptiness to reflect simplicity as the unique beauty of Architecture (Frew).
Chichu Art Museum – Noshima, Japan
Chichu Art Museum was constructed in 2004 as a link between nature and people through light! According to Benesse Art Site Naoshima, “Despite being underground, Ando designed the Museum letting the maximum natural light go inside”. As a result, the museum offers a changing experience and expression of exhibited artworks over the day as well as over all seasons.
Tadao Ando used a combination of three materials making the project minimal but architectural: Concrete, steel, and wood. This combination was made effective through the geometric openings ensuring maximal light to highlight exhibition areas, pathways, and seatings.
Church of Light – Ibaraki, Japan
The church focuses on the relationship between the environment and sunlight. The mundane and spiritual divisions are created by the contrasts of light and darkness (Metalocus, 2021).
First, visitors are directed towards the church through a linear concrete wall. Once inside, visitors’ experience will immediately change from light to darkness: the altar as well as the whole church is lit by a cross-like piercing in the wall, accompanied by a rectangular window on the side allowing natural light rather than sun rays to go inside. One other challenge besides the design is the promotion of a masterpiece with minimal design and budget. For this achievement, Ando collaborated with the best carpenter in the phase of concrete pouring.
Langen Foundation – Neuss, Germany
The design of the museum features two exhibition areas showcasing the works of Viktor and Marianne Langen, and reflecting Ando’s style favouring light and concrete (Architectuul). Tadao Ando designed the complex with reinforced concrete, glass, and steel creating different experiences made possible by natural lighting. A semicircular concrete path directs users towards the internal space to experience a dual experience: a concrete structure within a glass envelope, and two 6 metres deep wings underground. By this, the experience of users is either directed by light casting within concrete paths, or glass facades connecting users visually from different sides of the museum.
Pulitzer Arts Foundation – Missouri, United States
This museum designed by Tadao Ando features three expansive temporary exhibitions, indoor and outdoor public gathering zones, and three permanent artworks. The two-floor building features a water pool with glazed facades – according to Ando, “The best experience in art exhibitions is maximal through natural lighting and the presence of natural elements such as greenery and water. Moreover, the design allows users not only to experience light penetration with an ever-changing spirit but also the natural experience through the presence of three gardens surrounding the project.
Church of Water – Hokkaido, Japan
Profanity and sacredness create a microcosm in this project – the church. Tadao Ando ensured the use of natural elements: Light, water, and greenery. On the front wall of the church, a vivid representation of nature is taking place, especially its changing layout all over the year. The project consists of two cubes: the bigger one is the chapel and is connected to the smallest cube by a semi-circular spiral stair. Adding to this, these two blocks are separated from the hotel behind through a simple concrete wall – ensuring privacy. The entrance is realised by a glass and steel cube featuring four large concrete crosses.
References:
ArchAdemia. (March 19, 2024). Who Is Tadao Ando | The Master of Concrete, Light, and Minimalism. [Online]. Available at: https://archademia.com/blog/unveiling-the-architectural-brilliance-of-tadao-ando-the-art-of-minimalism-concrete/
Frew, S. Haiku Architecture: Poetic Simplicity Offers An Emotive Alternative To Minimalist Design. [Online]. Available at: https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/haiku-architecture-poetic-simplicity-minimalist-design-alternative/#:~:text=Just%20as%20haiku%20strips%20away,with%20their%20 interpretations%20and%20 emotions.
Benesse Art Site Naoshima. Chichu Art Museum. [Online]. Available at: https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/art/chichu.html
Metalocus. (November 11, 2021). Church of Light By Tadao Ando. [Online]. Available at: https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/shaping-light-church-light-tadao-ando
Architectuul. Museum Langen Foundation. [Online]. Available at: https://architectuul.com/architecture/museum-langen-foundation
Pulitzer Arts Foundation. Museum. [Online]. Available at: https://pulitzerarts.org/location/museum/
Architectuul. Church On The Water. [Online]. Available at: https://architectuul.com/architecture/church-on-the-water
List of Images:
1_Kanno, K. Tadao Ando. [Photograph]. Available at: https://www.arc-magazine.com/tadao-ando/
2_Architecture. [Photograph]. Available at: https://www.dreamideamachine.com/?p=2670
3_Chichu Arts Museum. [Photograph]. Available at: https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/art/chichu.html
4_Church of Light. [Photograph]. Available at: https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/shaping-light-church-light-tadao-ando
5_Langen Museum. [Photograph]. Available at: https://www.visitduesseldorf.de/en/attractions/langen-foundation-ac6458a93c
6_Pulitzer Arts Foundation. [Photograph]. Available at: https://www.visitduesseldorf.de/en/attractions/langen-foundation-ac6458a93c
7_Church of Water. [Photograph]. Available at: https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/nature-image-transcendent-church-water-tadao-ando
