Portrait of Tadao Ando by Photo Kazumi KurigamiTadao Ando Architect & Associates
Born in 1941 in Osaka, Japan, Tadao Ando is often cited as one of the greatest living architects. Here are 5 things you should know.
Tadao Ando at age 18, making his debut as a professional boxer. (1958) by Tadao AndoOriginal Source: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
1: At the age of 17 he was a professional boxer
Boxing helped him develop his quiet fighting spirit and stoic perseverance that later became his strengths as an architect.
He Art Museum (2020) by Tadao AndoOriginal Source: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
2: He is known for his geometric shapes and light
The character of the concrete, the simple geometric compositions, the presence of nature and light. These are aspects that can be seen widely in his works functioning as a blank canvas to portray the characteristics nature under the theme "eternity".
The He Art Museum
Rokko Housing Ⅰ (1983) by Tadao AndoOriginal Source: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
Church of the Water (1988) by Tadao AndoOriginal Source: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
3: Builds with nature
Ando is also known for expansive public facilities that extend out into the landscapes. Ando referred to his Church of the Water as “a device for becoming one with nature”. Elements of nature play a key role in Ando's projects.
Water Temple (1989) by Tadao AndoOriginal Source: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
Chichu Art Museum (2004) by Tadao AndoOriginal Source: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
4: Destinations for art, around the globe
Tadao Ando has designed many museums throughout the world. He even designed one underground which is located in Naoshima, Japan.
Chichu Art Museum, Naoshima, Japan
Bourse de Commerce / Pinault Collection (2021) by Tadao AndoOriginal Source: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
Bourse de Commerce
The ornamental 19th-century ceiling mural and Ando’s reticent concrete wall. Ando's aim was to create “a building that connects the past with the present and the future”.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (2002) by Tadao AndoOriginal Source: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The completed building with its simple rectangular volumes not only displays the traits of Ando’s architecture that skillfully combines clean geometries; it also establishes a sense of continuity with the adjacent museum by Luis Kahn.
The Heisei-Era Alley of Cherry Blossoms (2004) by Tadao AndoOriginal Source: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
5: He's more than just an architect
Ando is known for many projects for the future generation. Ando's project in Osaka which started in 2004, resulted in 3,000 cherry blossom trees newly planted.
