Tadao Ando

"The creation of space in architecture is simply the condensation and purification of the power of light." - Tadao Ando

Tadao Ando is a leading figure in international architecture and design, disciplines he has perfected over the course of his impressive career. Ando was initiated into the profession in the early 1960s, and has since developed his skills independently as his contemporary work has become increasingly sought after.

Highly regarded as an expert in his field, he has been responsible for over 150 construction projects of various sizes in Japan and internationally, including the Azuma building and Church of Light in Osaka, Chichu Art Museum in Naoshima, the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts in St. Louis, and the Teatro Armani in Milan.

Today, Tadao Ando has influenced countless future generations with his innovative approach to design. The autodidactic architect is renowned for uniting Japanese design traditions with modern Western expression and combining pure, simple lines with geometric shapes and organic expression.

His innovative, functional designs have been a good match for the simple Scandinavian style. The two have been intertwined over the years as Ando has used design classics from Danish furniture masters to accentuate his buildings and rooms. He expresses great respect for the design approach of Hans J. Wegner in particular, and recently created the sculptural Dream Chair in collaboration with Carl Hansen & Son as a tribute to Wegner.

Tadao Ando founded Tadao Ando Architects & Associates in 1969, where his ideas on architectural design really took root. He has since achieved international acclaim and his original works have received prestigious awards such as the Carlsberg Prize in 1992, the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1995, Premium Imperiale award in 1996, and the Royal Institute of British Architects Gold Medal in 1997.