Tadao Ando Church of the Light, Osaka, Japan
Style and Themes
Tadao Ando often uses Zen philosophies when designing his structures and spaces. A common theme he expresses in this work is the dual nature of existence. The space of the chapel is defined by light, the strong contrast between light and solid. In the chapel light enters from behind the altar from a cross cut in the concrete wall that extends vertically from floor to ceiling and horizontally from wall to wall, aligning perfectly with the joints in the concrete. At this intersection of light and solid the occupant is meant to become aware of the deep division between the spiritual and the secular within him or herself.
One feature of the Ando’s interior spaces is its profound emptiness. Many who enter the church say they find it disturbing. The distinct void space and absolute silence amounts to a sense of serenity. For Ando the concept of 'emptiness' is very different. To him, emptiness is what transitions one into the spiritual realm.
The walls of Ando
The one element carried through Tadao Ando's structures is his idolization of the reinforced concrete wall. The importance given to walls is a distinct departure from Modernist architecture. These massive solid walls are 15 inches in thickness. It allows complete control in lighting, and face finish.
How this relates to tatami mats:
In a typical traditional Japanese house, Sunlight gently filters into the interior space through a shoji screens into and on the floor covered with tatami mats. In Japan, proper etiquette insists on removing all footwear when entering a house. Feeling the soft but firm texture of tatami evokes the sensation of walking barefoot on the grass. Traditionally, this is made entirely from rice straw, which offers the perfect degree of firmness, while allowing the air to pass right through it. This allows the air to adopt the natural fragrance of the straw material, and give the sensorial and nostalgic experience of walking through a straw field.
A simple but sophisticated concept of material selection, and conceptual naturalness. The natures of the materials selected carry a spiritual and nostalgic second meaning, allowing one to engage the material at a personal level.
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