Tadao Ando: Spirit: Places of Meditation and Worship

Tadao Ando is a renowned architect who uses concrete to create spiritual spaces that blend simplicity with nature. His work includes thirteen places, such as the Hill of the Buddha in Sapporo and the Meditation Space in Paris, which feature geometric forms and natural elements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

Tadao Ando, a renowned and influential architect of the contemporary era, is celebrated for his distinctly spiritual approach to architecture. Despite his non-belief, his work exudes a profound sense of spirituality. Drawing heavily from Japanese traditions, Ando's primary focus lies in the utilization of concrete as a building material. By employing simplicity, he aims to facilitate an immersive experience for individuals, allowing them to connect with the essence and beauty of nature. In his pursuit of simplicity, Ando eschews ornamentation, instead emphasizing the surrounding environment and integrating his structures seamlessly with the natural world. To Ando, sunlight, wind, and rain are manifestations of the natural world, and geometry plays a fundamental role in understanding the underlying reality of life.

Philip Jodidio, in his insightful commentary, sheds light on Ando's unique vision for creating spiritual spaces. These spaces intertwine elements of simplicity, mystery, rationality, and the untamed nature. The book showcases thirteen remarkable locations, ranging from the serene Hill of the Buddha in Sapporo, Japan, adorned with thousands of lavender plants, to the tranquil Meditation Space in Paris, offering a moment of quiet reflection. The Church of the Light stands out with its cruciform opening, inviting the spectator to contemplate the interplay of form, light, and space. At the Water Temple, an elliptical lotus pond emerges behind a curved wall, creating a captivating visual spectacle.

Through his architectural masterpieces, Tadao Ando has left an indelible mark on the world of architecture, inspiring both believers and non-believers alike with his profound connection to the spiritual realm. His work serves as a testament to the power of simplicity and the ability to create spaces that transcend the boundaries of materiality, inviting individuals to connect with the divine and embrace the beauty of the natural world.

Weight: 1966g
Dimension: 290 x 290 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847872985