Tadao Ando: Living with Light

Renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando has left an indelible mark on the world with his distinctive style and innovative approach to design. While he is recognized for his work on museums, housing complexes, and public buildings, it is his residential houses that truly showcase his genius. With a unique blend of concrete, glass, and natural light, Ando creates spaces that are minimalistic, sophisticated, and captivating.

In his recently published book, "Tadao Ando: Living with Lights," Philip Jodidio, former editor-in-chief of Connaissance des Arts, examines Ando's exceptional talent through a collection of previously unpublished residential projects in Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and the United States.

Ando's portfolio boasts over 100 residential projects, with the United States being the country where he has built the most houses outside of Japan. However, his selection process for accepting projects goes beyond mere architectural vision and project scope. Ando seeks clients who possess a genuine passion for living in his houses, individuals who understand the artistry and architectural brilliance that he brings to each project. For Ando, the client's personality and aura are often the determining factors in his decision-making. He believes that the client's emotional connection and passion for the project are crucial indicators of its ultimate success.

One of the standout projects featured in the book is a penthouse located in a 1913 building on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Owned by an anonymous art dealer, this residence exemplifies everything that makes Ando's work so captivating. The seamless harmony between air and light creates a poetic ambiance unlike any other. The interior design, with its minimalist aesthetic and intricate attention to detail, evokes a sense of timeless elegance. A sculptural stairway serves as the centerpiece, leading up to a breathtaking roof terrace. The crowning jewel of the terrace is a magnificent green wall, designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc, known for his groundbreaking work in vertical hydroponics gardens. The combination of Ando's minimalist interior, the lush greenery, and the carefully curated art by Hiroshi Sugimoto and Ellsworth Kelly forms a breathtaking ensemble.

Ando belongs to a group of distinguished architects who draw inspiration from outside of Japan and admire the pioneers of modernism. While he acknowledges the influence of Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, Ando's approach is uniquely site-specific. Rather than creating homogenous living environments driven solely by comfort and rationality, he aims to design architecture that is deeply rooted in its surroundings. As Ando states, "I hope to create an architecture that can only exist in the environment it is placed in. I stray away from purely rational, comfort-driven, and homogeneous living environments and attempt to acknowledge and respect the power of the surrounding environment and site."

Tadao Ando's legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of Japan. His innovative designs continue to inspire architects and captivate individuals worldwide. Through his book, "Tadao Ando: Living with Lights," Philip Jodidio provides a glimpse into the genius of this visionary architect, showcasing the profound impact of Ando's work on the world of architecture.

House in Ashiya, pp. 104, 108-9 (photos by Shigeo Ogawa)