We can call him one of Japan's greatest architects without fear of contradiction. Tadao Ando, born in Osaka during the Second World War, he is a self-taught talent. Yes, because his skill is not the result of intensive university studies but of life and work experiences.
From 1962 to 1969, Ando travelled the world, to Europe, South Africa, Madagascar, India and the United States, learning about various styles that would later influence his own.
Returning to his home country, after collaborating with various studios of architecture, Ando opened his own studio through which he initially approached residential projects with a calm, introverted style.
His subsequent approach to the nature and the environment so influenced his style that the concepts of light, glass and wall became pillars of his architecture. In fact, it is founded on three principles: 'Geometry'which materialises in the realisation of pure forms and volumes; ´´Nature´, which manifests itself in the creative use of natural light, water, wind, and in the shrewdness to find environmentally friendly solutions; ´Substance´, which means building materials such as fair-faced concrete, glass, wood and stone.
Thus, large concrete walls were created for the church on the water (1988), the chapel on Mount Rokko (1989) and Buddha Hill (2015), all surfaces
used to observe the surrounding nature.
The main feature of these works is the perfection of the cement, which, thanks to a special technique for pouring it, is totally smooth, free of imperfections.
The calmness typical of his character is also reflected in his works, which are also dominated by a spiritual aspect.
Large concrete surfaces are flanked by water mirrors and large windows to lighten the building's elevation. His art has led him to receive major awards in the
world of architecture: the "Pritzker Architecture Prize' (1995), the 'Royale Gold Medal' (1997) and the 'Hague Gold Medal' (2002).
, il “Royale Gold Medal” (1997) e la “Aia Gold Medal” (2002).){kind=link}