TADAO

ANDO

MARÍA FERNANDA BERRIOS

CHIRI
BIOGRAPHY

Tadao Ando was born in Osaka in 1941, considering himself a self-taught architect very
influenced by the work of Le Corbusier, was formed mainly in his travels in the USA, Europe
and Africa between 1962 and 1969. During His travels he visited buildings of Mies van der
Rohe, Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright or Louis Kahn, something that will clearly influence
the shapes and materials of his buildings. In 1968 he returned to his country and founded in
Osaka Tadao Ando Architects & Associates.

His first works show an incipient postmodern style although clearly adapted to Japanese
customs. In 1976 it finishes its first work House Azuma, Tadao Ando divides the house in
two volumes, one private and another common, among them a patio is destined to the "game
of the Wind and the Light". The presence of natural elements in his works will accompany
him throughout his career. During the Eighties, Tadao Ando jumps to the international scene
as the greatest exponent of the new Japanese architecture.

Characteristics of Tadao Ando's architecture:

1. MATERIAL: One of the characteristics of Tadao Ando's work is its use of concrete.
What distinguishes your use of this ordinary material is the smooth and almost
reflective finish you can achieve. Combined with bare and minimalist walls, this
element allows you to concentrate on the shape of the building, for it is there where
the emotional impact of architecture resides.
2. GEOMETRY: He believes that the emotional power of architecture comes from the
way we introduce natural elements into the architectural space. Therefore, instead
of making elaborate shapes, choose the simple geometry to create light games and
delicate but dramatic shadows in space.
3. NATURE: Piensa que la arquitectura no es una individualidad autónoma y existe a
través de su relación con diversos elementos del entorno como el agua, el verde, la
luz o el viento.
4. LIGHT: The Strategic use of natural light is a hallmark of its style. With The scarce
interior decoration, people must reflect on the space and the passage of time through
the dynamics of light in the building.
5. SPACE: The Architect acts as a guide, creating strategic paths through its design
that allow visitors to meditate on the forms without any distraction.
 THE CHICHU -

ART MUSEUM

LOCATION: Southern portion of the island of Naoshima, Japan.

YEAR OF CONSTRUCION: 2004

The site is a place where national forest abounds and was a former salt field. Hence to
preserve the existing atmosphere and beauty of the site the museum is wisely buried
underground. It is possible to create almost any form underground as there are no axes or
directions as exist above ground, on earth.

The outer expression of an underground building is invisible and therefore, the obvious
issues of form were not an issue. Challenge was to achieve a highly complex and varied
sequence of “lightscapes” within a configuration of simple, geometrical forms.

Part of the front lobby and access way are dark, but the exhibition space brings in natural
light creatively throught the courtyards. A series of small concrete openings and geometric
skylights float among the greenery.

There are five galleries altogether of various sizes and characters featuring the works of
three artist, the triangular space connects the galleries of the three artists.