Simple concrete blocks are perfectly scaled in relation to nature and become a backdrop for the organic world.
One of the most obvious examples of this is Aldos use of sunlight in projects like Church of Light.
In all my works, light is an important controlling factor, explains Aldo.
Left to right: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Benesse House Oval, Church of Light, Garden of Fine Art, Sayamaike Museum, Glass House, 21 21 Design Sight, Hill of the Buddha in Makomanai Takino Cemetery
I create enclosed spaces mainly by means of thick concrete walls.
The primary reason is to create a place for the individual, a zone for oneself within society.
Andos use of natural elements is not limited to the building scale.
Benesse House Oval at Benesse Art Site on Naoshima Island, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Avim Wu/Shutterstock)
Many of his projects seamlessly blur the line between architecture and landscape.
Architectural historian Francesco Dal Co describes Aldos approach as critical regionalism.
His works often have an almost spiritual quality.
The Church of Light in Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom chisanupong Boss/Shutterstock)
Architecture is perfectly at peace with nature, history, and experience.
Read on to see 10 of our favorite projects by legendary Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
These include the Museum, the Oval, the Park, and the Beach.
The Church of Light in Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Sira Anamwong/Shutterstock)
The programs in theBenesse Art Siteare closely related to Andos own views on art and architecture.
They are designed as an integrated zone of art, architecture, nature, and culture.
One of the most iconic pieces of the site is theBenesse House Oval.
Water Temple in Awaji Island, Hyogo, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom isaray/Shutterstock)
I dont believe architecture has to speak too much, says Ando.
It should remain silent and let nature in the guise of sunlight and wind.
In this project, sunlight certainly plays an important role.
Water Temple in Awaji Island, Hyogo, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Jaykhunakorn/Shutterstock)
Ando splits a large concrete wall to allow intense beams of light to pierce the interior.
The beauty of this project lies in its use of simplistic material.
The contrast is indicative of another theme in Andos work: juxtaposition or duality.
Church on the Water in Tomamu, Hokkaido, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Shawn.ccf/Shutterstock)
The light from the cross is brighter in comparison to the otherwise dark room.
The void of the cross is more vivid in comparison to the dense concrete.
InWater Temple, this is almost certainly the case.
Church on the Water in Tomamu, Hokkaido, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom lingling7788/Shutterstock)
The project is defined by a monumental staircase that cuts through a body of water.
The stairs are narrow, creating an even more dramatic procession through the water and downward.
The building is also one of the most desired wedding destinations in Japan for its picturesque design.
Sayamaike Museum in Osakasayama, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom SomLdwn/Shutterstock)
A monumental cross sits on the water, aligned with the churchs central circulation.
This and other great examples of ancient Japanese engineering was discovered during an excavation of the site.
The simple materials used throughout this cool gray project create a perfect backdrop against the water feature.
Sayamaike Museum in Osakasayama, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom SomLdwn/Shutterstock)
The buildings themselves are designed as two simple blocks which border the water.
The art is presented on ceramic backgrounds which are waterproofed for exterior conditions.
Plus, the water features and cool palette of calming materials help to make the visit serene and unforgettable.
Garden of Fine Arts in Kyoto, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom elwynn/Shutterstock)
The building is made up of rectangular volumes covered with a concrete plane that extends past the building boundary.
The concrete roof is supported by Y-shaped columns that are pulled away from the glass facades.
At that point, Japan had no design museum to exhibit the creative projects for the countrys designers.
Garden of Fine Arts in Kyoto, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Patchamol Jensatienwong/Shutterstock)
When Miyake succeeded in his mission, Ando was selected as architect for the project.
The idea was to create not only a museum that shows exhibits, describes Ando.
Andos version is obviously achieved on a much larger scale and is often called A Piece of Iron Sheet.
Modern Art Museum of Forth Worth in Fort Worth, Texas (Photo:Stock Photosfrom T photography/Shutterstock)
It was meant to be a large park.
Green areas are divided into neat gardens connected by simple concrete stairs.
The area creates a modular terrace that cascades down the hillside.
Modern Art Museum of Forth Worth in Fort Worth, Texas (Photo:Stock Photosfrom ShengYing Lin/Shutterstock)
Hidden under a lavender-covered mound in Sapporos Makomanai Takino Cemetery sits a massive stone sculpture of the Buddha.
Ando was hired to create a new way of experiencing the sculpture.
Access to the sculpture is created through a tunnel that cuts through the landmass.
21 21 Design Sight in Minato, Tokyo, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Nattakit Jeerapatmaitree/Shutterstock)
Atmospheric light has a spiritual effect as visitors pass through the tunnel and enter into a circular prayer hall.
Makomanai Takino Cemetary describes that the project perfectly married the land with the sculpture.
It stands in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape in all seasons, says the cemetery.
21 21 Design Sight in Minato, Tokyo, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Sira Anamwong/Shutterstock)
Thus, a new symbol of the cemetery has been established.
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Awaji Yumebutai in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom shan_archi/Shutterstock)
Hill of the Buddha in Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Chaiwat Areeraksa/Shutterstock)
Hill of the Buddha in Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Tanasut Chindasuthi/Shutterstock)
