Tadao Ando – picture © CA-Group
Tadao Ando’s style has a “haiku” effect that emphasises space. His designs are renowned for their complex and ordered use of space that translates into the appearance of simplicity. Born in Osaka and self-taught, Ando’s work is characterised materially by its use of concrete. His best known recent works include the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas (2002) and Church of Light (1989). Ando is working on the design of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Museum as part of the emirate’s ambitious Saadiyat Island project.
Christopher Kanal: You were once a boxer. Has that helped you as an architect?
Tadao Ando: Boxing is a lonely fight against oneself and the same goes for architecture. What I learned from boxing is that “I have to fight my own fight without anyone’s help.”
You are a self-taught architect. Did you ever feel like an outsider?
Since I had neither educational background nor connections in the architectural world, I had to do everything on my own. It made me recognise the importance of self-help and drove me to study and act more energetically. My distinctive background also enabled me to design unique buildings which no one else could make.
Many of your projects provoke a spiritual response. Are you religious?
I am an atheist and consider each religion’s style simply as a design condition for projects. The important thing is that the religious buildings including the churches and temples gather people together
I am an atheist and consider each religion’s style simply as a design condition for projects. The important thing is that the religious buildings including the churches and temples gather people together.
You have designed a studio for Damien Hirst and a ranch for Tom Ford. What is your experience of working with them?
It is interesting to work with such creative people since they have their own ideas. It is indeed difficult to deal with them, but repeated communication without compromise usually delivers the best solutions and decisions.
Do you think architects need to think smaller as the world gets more crowded?
Today the environment is the main topic, the control over human’s production activities is a critical theme not only for architecture but for the whole world. What is required for architects is the imagination to cultivate a new sense of values.
Are there any architects you look to for inspiration? I interviewed Mario Botta, who said he admires your work. Is Botta a kindred spirit?
I learned the architectural order from the Parthenon in Greece and the importance of the light from the Pantheon in Rome. I am not the kind of architect who can cleverly change my style according to transient trends. Rather, I always keep a certain distance from the tide and pursue my own architectural themes to look for an answer. That arouses even greater interest in both Japanese and foreign architects of the same age. Botta is of course one of the architects that interests me.
How do you approach design?
First and foremost, I visit the site, talk with the clients and feel the characteristic of the place. My design process always starts with a dialogue. I want to create new relationships between the individual and the city, architecture and nature and interior and exterior.
You were born in Osaka. What is your favourite experience of the city?
Osaka’s climate, temper and culture lie at the foundation of my thoughts and lifestyle. In addition, I have a responsibility to Osaka, which gave me some opportunities when I just started my career as an architect. I will keep repaying this region through my works. My favorite place in Osaka is my office. In the office, I repeatedly check the plans and leave other works to my staff. My office keeps myself in balance.