Tadao Ando

http://www.andotadao.org/

My background in education is architecture and I spent time at university learning how to design buildings. I loved creating new built environments with a creative edge. Sometimes too creative, but it did not take the enjoyment away from imagining what a certain type of building would look like and how it would be put together. If only I had could of used AutoCAD in those days or created my work using Photoshop and I think may be I might have done a little better. Working hard was never in my nature back then. 

We as a year group were exposed to many different types of architects past and present and it was through these architects that we found our language in design. One particular architect that I took great interest in was a Japanese architect named Tadao Ando and 6 years on from that time, I still am fascinated with his work. One particular goal of mine is to take a camera to Japan to visit the prefectures Hyogo and Hokkaido to photograph many of the 150 projects that exist there by Tadao Ando and decorate my abode with the results. 

My interest came from observing the simplicity in which he chose to work when creating these fabulous buildings and also, the finish of the materials in which he designed. Normally in pre-cast concrete, Ando creates sculpture like buildings that often play with natural light in displaying the internal environments and these environments change as the day progresses casting new senses for the users as they move within the building. The image at the top, is of the Church of Light and is set as two components. An oblong box with an angular wall that juts out of it creating an impressive and dramatic entrance to the Church. What is the recognised feature of this building is the front of the church and how it is set. Four concrete slabs are offset from each other leaving a gap in between that denotes the crucifix that we normally associate with church spaces. 

The church design is developed in many ways by Ando and this is seen with the example of the Church on the Water where the alter is effectively in the middle of the lake, that is situated at the front of the building. This is one of the features of Ando's design language that made me so enthusiastic about his work. The little differences that were contained within that made it stand out from the rest. A pure creativity that I once argued was true art architecture (please see my publication, only a short one, called "The Poetics of Prefectures") http://www.portobellarain.co.uk/The%20Poetics%20of%20Prefectures.pdf

I have to say that my progression through my time at university was one that might be a bit maverick-ish. I say "ish" as I have to say that I took the belief that architectural language was an inherited skill that came from being creative, however with this mentality, you would think that I was succeeding, not the case- hense "ish". Since then and thanks to a very informative year in practice, I can now say that this is not a good way of learning. Books are needed and understanding of structure and spacing is imperative- so budding architects, please get the work done, you probably are so just keep doing what your doing. 

Maverick was the nature and this was grown from studying rarities like Ando, with 150 projects to his name and awards such as The Alvar Aalto Medal, Pritzer Prize and RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 1997 to name but a few, Ando did not spend one day at university and has received not one day of formal training. Quite amazing really considering the types of building he creates and the amount he has created. He learnt about architecture as a boy sat in his front yard and has said that he watched the shadows change during the day that was cast off a tree that was situated in the space. Looking at the way he plays with light, this is clearly evident.

I have a great admiration for people like Ando, finding something so important and complex, so easy. It is people like Ando that inspire me to keep developing my own work finding my own language, but nowadays with the thanks of a good book and manual. 

I implore you to read on about Ando and the work he has done as it to me, it is true art architecture, even 6 years on and writing this particular blog, I stand by this statement.

Reading List: 

• Francesco Dal Co. Tadao Ando: Complete Works. Phaidon Press, 1997. 
• Kenneth Frampton. Tadao Ando: Buildings, Projects, Writings. Rizzoli International Publications, 1984. 
• Randall J. Van Vynckt. International Dictionary of Architects and Architecture. St. James Press, 1993. 

External Links: 

• Tadao Ando official website
• Tadao Ando unofficial website created and maintained by fans
• Tadao Ando page at greatbuildingsonline.com
• Architectural Record Magazine | Interviews | Tadao Ando
• Tadao Ando unofficial website(cyber-squatting)
• Tadao Ando page at greatbuildings.com
• Tadao Ando at the archINFORM database
• Tadao Japanese Pavillion in 1992 Expo
• Tadao Ando buildings on Flickr