In architecture, the selection and utilization of materials play an important role in crafting the identity of a design. Architects harness the potential of various construction materials to strengthen their brand and design philosophies. Using materials to create a brand identity is elevated by master architects because of their expertise and experience in architecture, with Kengo Kuma, Shigeru Ban, and Tadao Ando serving as prime examples. Each of them have their roots in Japan but still have distinct styles of designing.
Kengo Kuma
Known for his sensitivity towards nature, Kuma attempts to connect the users with nature through the medium of architecture. Even when dealing with heavy material like stone he is known to utilize technological advancements into providing the same lightness as glass or wood. Staying true to his Japanese roots he uses natural materials to achieve a sense of transparency. His experiments with wood though various design elements is evident through his projects. In the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Centre in Tokyo he has seamlessly integrated locally sourced wooden louvers. They create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow reminiscent of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. In the Tottori Takahama Cafe however, cross laminated timber is used extensively with reinforced concrete. Envisioned as ‘a staircase to the sky’, the timber exterior blends in with surrounding sand dunes. Kuma crafts spaces that evoke tranquility and a connection to the environment by carefully selecting and manipulating stone and wood. This defines a distinct brand rooted in nature-inspired minimalism and material authenticity.
Tadao Ando
Tadao Ando’s architecture style revolves around the raw beauty and expressive potential of exposed concrete. Renowned for his minimalist aesthetics and attention to detail, Ando creates monumental structures that exude a sense of timelessness. The Japanese lifestyle and Zen Buddhism has influence Ando’s architecture and design. His designs emphasize the concepts of sensation and physical experience. His iconic project, the Church of the Light in Osaka, utilizes concrete as a medium for spiritual expression. The play of light and shadow against the textured concrete creates a profound spatial experience. The UNESCO Meditation Space in Paris is another such example. The structure is a cylinder of reinforced concrete. The flooring is made from repurposed granite which had been exposed to the bombing of Hiroshima to serve as a subtle reminder of the disaster. In Spite of being a small structure the space exudes a sense of solemnity and serenity. Ando’s expertise with concrete enables him to shape spaces imbued with a feeling of lasting tranquility, establishing a brand marked by simple elegance and architectural integrity.
Shigeru Ban
Shigeru Ban challenged the conventional notion of materiality and decided to use paper and cardboard as construction materials. The cardboard cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand is an excellent example, showcasing the potential of cardboard as a construction material. The building rises 21 meters above the altar marking its vertical presence in the surroundings. Cardboard tubes of a 60-centimeter diameter, along with timber and steel, form the primary structural elements of the construction. The cardboard tubes were reinforced with laminated wood beams to ensure structural integrity. The innovative roof, made of polycarbonate material, offers both durability and translucency to the interior space. Eight shipping containers repurposed as walls contribute to the building’s industrial aesthetic and sustainable design approach.
After working for Japanese architect Isozaki Arata for two years, Ban received a degree in architecture in 1984. He developed a style known for its blend of Japanese architecture and American modernism. Ban has experimented with various non-traditional materials in his projects. Many of his structures are temporary, prefabricated to cater to the earthquake prone regions in Japan.
The three Japanese architects have taken inspiration from their homeland, yet each interprets it uniquely. While Kuma and Ando both prioritize light in their designs, a core element of traditional Japanese architecture, their material choices diverge significantly. Kuma, driven by a deep connection to nature, sees architecture as a conduit for fostering transparency between inhabitants and their natural surroundings. Meanwhile, Ando, influenced by Zen Buddhism, aims to create timeless and spiritual spaces through his use of exposed concrete. Similarly, Ban’s exploration of unconventional materials stems from his desire to aid communities in disaster-prone areas, reflecting his commitment to humanitarian efforts.
The architectural legacies of Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando, and Shigeru Ban underscore the potential of materials in shaping the identity of the architect and his designs. Through their distinct interpretations, these visionary architects have demonstrated how ideologies can be expressed through materials. From Kuma’s organic fusion of stone and wood and Ando’s minimalist mastery of exposed concrete to Ban’s pioneering use of paper and other unconventional materials, each architect has left a notable mark on the built environment. Their works serve as a case study for crafting design personalities through materials. Not only did the materials become a part of the architect’s persona, but also contributed to a significant change in society. Naturally the effect each architect had on society is different, Ban’s work catered to the physical needs of the user group while Kuma and Anto focused on intangible aspects of human needs. The most crucial part of architectural practice is branding and defining one’s persona. It can be through consistent use of a single material or certain construction techniques. These examples along with many more become testaments to the future generation of architects.
References:
Ban shigeru (no date) Encyclopædia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ban-Shigeru (Accessed: 27 March 2024).
Cardboard cathedral (2024) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardboard_Cathedral (Accessed: 27 March 2024).
Shigeru Ban (2024) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shigeru_Ban#Design_approach (Accessed: 27 March 2024).
thuroczy, maria (ed.) (2013) UNESCO meditation space, Architectuul. Available at: https://architectuul.com/architecture/unesco-meditation-space (Accessed: 27 March 2024).
Tottori Takahama Café (no date) Kengo Kuma and Associates. Available at: https://kkaa.co.jp/en/project/tottori-takahama-cafe/ (Accessed: 27 March 2024).
Works (2024) Shigeru Ban. Available at: https://shigerubanarchitects.com/works/ (Accessed: 27 March 2024).
安藤忠雄建築研究所 Tadao ando｜projects (no date) Tadao Ando and Associates. Available at: http://www.tadao-ando.com/projects/ (Accessed: 27 March 2024).
