Even though it is very hard to choose because of many thoughtful philosophies and inspiring visions, one of my favorite architects is Tadao Ando. I’m intrigued by his expression of Brutalist architecture and how it makes me feel. It strips away all the non-essentials. The focus is on the light, the flow of space, experience, and above all – the simplicity.
Church of the Light
It is worth traveling across the world to see it – Tadao Ando’s Church of the Light. I wanted to see it for a long time, and I had planned my visit well in advance. For architecture lovers, it is challenging to visit, as its core purpose is to serve the spiritual needs of the parishioners. It is not open to the public, though the interest of architecture lovers is high. Once a month, there are a few precious hours when you can enjoy it as an architectural gem. I sincerely appreciated the generosity of the staff for opening the Church of the Light for us. For a precious, treasured few hours, we could experience this unique space. Its utmost simplicity speaks volumes. The minimalist design makes it achingly profound.
All at once, I felt an immense sense of calm and peace. Even though it is on a small plot of land, densely surrounded by tiny streets and houses, once inside, the space creates its own universe. The architecture made me feel elated.
As all things artificial, buildings are destined to weather and someday disappear. One might even say that the history of architecture represents humanity’s will to resist this fate. Personally, however, what I wish to create are buildings that will live on internally, not in substance or form, but as memories within people’s hearts.
Tadao Ando
The Architect, Tadao Ando
Tadao Ando is a Japanese self-taught architect. Back in 1995, he won the Pritzker Prize for architecture. Ando worked as a boxer before becoming an architect. He has achieved phenomenal work despite never having formal training in the field. During his adolescence, he was struck by the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Imperial Hotel and decided to end his boxing career to pursue architecture.
My response to the building was a purely emotional one as I had no knowledge of the technical and cultural complexities of architecture. I was shocked yet intrigued to know that architecture could induce a feeling akin to exploring a whole new world.
Ando’s response on Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
Ando’s architectural style emphasizes nothingness to represent the beauty of simplicity. The simplicity of his architecture focuses on the sensation of physical experiences. This concept is mainly influenced by Japanese culture. Ando’s buildings are primarily constructed with concrete in order to enact the idea of simplicity. I read somewhere that Ando believes that light gains true power and dignity only when contrasted with deep darkness. It made me pause in this place. The contrast of rough concrete and natural light coming and spilling through the glass cross and simple benches inside, made from wood planks previously used for the building’s concrete construction scaffolding, invited me into the mesmerizing mind of Tadao Ando. I was thinking about it for years. The Church of the Light is studied in architectural schools globally as a masterclass in spatial emotion achieved through subtraction and structural restraint.
NOTE: Please remember that when you go, you need to reserve a visiting time months in advance. Check their website for all the information.
Where is It?
Ibaraki, 大阪府, Japan