Tadao Ando monograph presents the recent realizations of one of the greatest protagonists of Japanese and international architectural scene. The book opens with a preface by Juhani Pallasmaa and closes with an essay by Tadao Ando. The monograph is organized in four thematic sections which tackle specific topics of Ando’s prolific work: Dwelling – Fundaments of Architecture, Architecture and Nature – Constructing Landscape, Urban Conditions – Strategy of Active Voids and Cross-cultural Dialogues.
Each section, introduced by a short text, includes one featured project or series of projects covered by an extensive essay related to the topic of the section. The author and editor-in-chief is Maroje Mrduljaš and the book features essays by such renowned authors as Juhani Pallasmaa, Karin Šerman, Luka Skansi and Maroje Mrduljaš. The chapters also include several other projects featuring short texts courtesy of Tadao Ando Architect & Associates.
The monograph presents Ando’s seminal works such as Benesse Art Site Naoshima, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, Shanghai Poly Theatre, Punta della Dogana, and others. Instead of focusing exclusively on individual projects the book outlines issues and phenomena central to Ando's work and to the contemporary culture and society. The monograph also includes an extensive interview with Tadao Ando based on discussions conducted in Osaka in 2010 and 2016 that frame the timespan and the topics presented in the monograph.
Monograph design, the work of graphic designer Borjana Katić, is completely inspired by Ando’s poetics. The back and front covers of the book are based on Ando’s landmark signature – concrete with visible traces of formwork – the recorded process of genesis that becomes a shaping quality and reflects Ando’s spirit by a minimalistic and purified form.
Use of tracing paper at the beginning of each chapter gives an impression of airiness and play of light and shadow, which evoke the beam of light at the Chichu Art Museum in Naoshima, as well as the gradual sensory adaptation provided by the design of the architect.
Distinctive typography of the titles of the chapters and topics reflects sequential, authoritative and bold lines of walls that radiate peace and dignity. Subtle typographical play on the title page of the book reveals the name of the architect and is contrasted by effective typography on the spine.
ISBN
9789536888481Title
Transcending Oppositions / Tadao Ando's Recent WorksAuthor
Maroje MrduljašPublisher
OrisPublication year
2018Binding
HardcoverLanguage
Croatian, English
