【Book Description】
Tadao Ando is one of the most iconic names in contemporary architecture. Renowned for his unique design language, he masterfully employs concrete, water, light, and space to create minimalist yet powerful architectural works. His style reflects the quiet spirituality of Eastern philosophy while drawing from the geometric rigor of Western modernism, resulting in a spatial aesthetic that is both pure and profound.
In the history of architecture, Ando holds an unparalleled distinction—he is the only architect to have received all four of the field’s most prestigious honors: the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the Carlsberg Architectural Prize, the Praemium Imperiale, and the Kyoto Prize. His work has earned praise from critics and designers around the world. French designer Philippe Starck described him as “a mystic in a country which is no longer mystic,” while architectural critic Philip Drew compared his buildings to “land art” that seems to “struggle to emerge from the earth.” Yet for Ando himself, architecture is not simply about poetic form—it is about creating space that conveys physical wisdom and touches human experience.
This newly expanded monograph, presented in an XXL-format, traces the full arc of Ando’s prolific career and includes several of his most recent landmark projects, such as the transformation of the Bourse de Commerce in Paris into a contemporary art museum, and the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest in Osaka, which seamlessly blends nature and reading into a unified spatial experience. With rich, high-resolution photography, original architectural drawings, and in-depth textual commentary, the book offers a detailed exploration of how Ando distills complexity into simplicity, weaving together materials, light, and structure into spaces of striking emotional impact.
Featured projects span a wide range—from private residences and religious spaces to public buildings and cultural institutions—across Japan, South Korea, France, Italy, Germany, Mexico, and the United States. Each project reflects Ando’s keen sensitivity to cultural and environmental context, and his unwavering respect for site-specific design. More than a collection of works, this monograph is a deep dive into the essence of Ando’s architectural philosophy, offering readers a rare opportunity to connect with the spirit behind the form.
Also available is a special limited Art Edition of just 100 copies worldwide, which includes an original signed sketch by Tadao Ando and a custom-designed Natural Oak collector’s box. A true collector’s item, it is an essential treasure for architecture enthusiasts and design professionals alike.
【Publication Details】
Author: Philip Jodidio (Author), Tadao Ando (Illustrator)
Publisher: Taschen
Year: 2023
Dimensions: 39 × 30 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 740 pages
