Tadao Ando

Paper Summary:

The paper examines the presence of light, shadow and texture in Tadao Ando's work. The paper discusses how light is one of the most important elements in Japanese art and looks at the use of light and water, light and nature, light and color and light and shadow. The paper shows how, by studying Ando's work, one can explore the use of light in a new way.

Outline:
Ando's Concept of Light and Architecture
Light Environment in Traditional Japanese Architecture
Light Environment in Ando's Religious Buildings
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Art is an expression of the human spirit. It is a way of describing elements, which lie in the sublime, the world that is just out of reach of the present reality. Architecture is a means for humanity to connect with the finite nature of existence. The edifices that we build in our lifetime will stand long after we are gone as a testimony to our very existence. Buildings are more them concrete and walls to serve a functional purpose. Buildings are a reflection of the humans that built them and their search for a place in the universe. It is for this reason that we study architecture and its various forms."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Altsai, A. "The Church on the Water." MIT Department of Architecture. Last Updated December 10, 1999. Accessed January 7, 2007. Available from http://cat2.mit.edu/arc/gallery/4203_final/gal_altsai/andoinfo.html
• Barandon, J. "Tadao Ando". The Architect. Mit Department of Architecture. Last updated November 25, 2001. Accessed January 7, 2007. Available from http://architecture.mit.edu/~barandon/4.203/overview_page.htm
• Bollinger, E. Ando's New Modern. No. 130, 2003.0115, p. 1. Accessed January 7, 2007. Available from http://www.architectureweek.com/2003/0115/today.html
• Department of Asian Art. "Zen Buddhism". In Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. (October 2002). Accessed January 7, 2007. Available from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/zen/hd_zen.htm
• Drew, P. "Church on the Water, Church of the Light:" Tadao Ando, London: Phaidon, 1996.

More papers on Tadao Ando:

• Essay # 60321 : "Buddhist Art"

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