Molly Bradley
Contents 01 Koshino House 02 Kidosaki House 03 Church of Light 04 Nariwa Museum 05 The Teahouses
“Light is the orgin of all being. Striking the surface of things, light grants them an outline; gathering shadow behind things, it gives them depth. Things are articulated around borders of light and darkness, and obtain their original form, discovering interrelationships, and become infinitely linked� - Tadao Ando
Tadao Ando Tadao Ando is a Japenese architect most known for his manipulation of the relationship between concrete, light, and space. Through the use of concrete and bare minimalistic walls, Ando is able to bring focus to the form of the building. His use of natural elements is meant to have an emotional impact in architecture.
Koshino House
Koshino concept sketch
Koshino section
In the Koshino house, light is being penetrated into the enclosed exterior space by the canopy of trees. openings have been punched through the facades adjacent to the exterior staircase to form a crossing of natural light and shadow through the exterior space.
Koshino Residence. Ashiya, Japan 1981. Living room
Tadao Ando creates light and shadow through gaps in the wall and roof. The wall in the corridor and the living room have vertical slots. This allows for the sunlight to penetrate the house and create a light/shadow pattern, causing a natural feeling in this space. The abstract pattern of light and shadow varies with the movement of the sun.
Koshino living room
The roof of the living room and study has a gap near the edge that lets the sunlight illuminate inside. It gives an effect of serenity when it reflects on the smooth, semi glossy, concrete wall of the house. Ando uses these to express the sequence of space as a drama of light. The large glass windows and doors used in this space enable more light to come in and create the contrast
Koshino residence atelier
Koshino residence passage way
Kidosaki House
Kidosaki axonometric drawing
The kidosaki house is located in a quiet residential district not far from the center of Tokyo, Japan. The house has a sense of ease and elegance. The space is developed around a courtyard with the intention to create complex spaces within a simple composition.
Kidosaki House courtyard
In the Kidosaki House, Tadao Ando uses thick concrete to simulate the lighting by creating high contrast between outside
Kidosaki House exterior concrete view
Kidosaki House interior
Church of Light
Church of Light concept drawing
In the Church of Light, the natural light enters through a cross composed of the two vertical and horizontal slits cut into the east wall, providing light for the rather dark interior. Ando uses dark passageways with an unexpected openings to depict light and nature. The glowing light of the large crosscreates a powerful image facing the seated worshippers.
Church of Light wall opening
Church of Light wall opening
Nariwa Museum
Large opening views
Tadao Ando’s Nariwa Museum is in a natural environemnt, like his other work, allowing for the natural element of sunlight. The museum includes many large opening, allowing for sunlight to penetrate through.
As one walks up the slope to the entrance of the museum they are able to take in the natural landscape where the museum is located. Photos simply can not capture what one sees and feels as they are walking up the slope. The shadow Ando has created over the slope is adding to the overall experience Ando wanted one to have upon entering.
Nariwa Museum walkway
Nariwa Museum Exterior views
The Teahouses
Soseikan Teahouse, axonometric
Soseikan Teahouse, plan
The Teahouse is known as the spiritual fountainhood of Japanese architecture. Tadao Ando creates space through the use of light and shadow in his teahouse designs. The space in a teahouse is quite small, so Ando is able to create a different feel in the space.
Soseikan Teahouse
Soseikan Teahouse
Oyodo Teahouse
Tadao Ando uses light and shadow in his Oyoda Teahouse to give an infinite depth to a minimal space. This allows for one to eperience a number of reversals of expressions when passing through.
Oyodo Teahouse
Oyodo Teahouse
Bibliography
Frampton, Kenneth., et al. Tadao Ando. Museum of Modern Art, 1991.
Andō Tadao, et al. Tadao Ando : the Yale Studio & Current Works. Rizzoli, 1989.
“Tadao Ando.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, March 13, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tadao_Ando.