The secret of Tadao Ando!

I still remember how fascinated I was, when I first saw the work of Tadao Ando during my first year in architecture. It seemed so simple, yet somehow magical!

My surprise even doubled when I discovered that this Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect had never received a formal education in architecture! He learned it by observing the buildings of Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, and sketching relentlessly... Today, this almost seems impossible!

Back at university, I also couldn't understand how that absolute simplicity could yield such pleasing architecture. In reality, a lot of sophistication hides behind it. An exquisite work on natural light and forms is the key to all Tadao Ando's buildings.

You see his architecture, and you mistakenly think that you could easily replicate it, be inspired by it. But you soon discover that it's simply not possible. Do you know why? In Arabic, there's a beautiful expression when this rare occurrence happens, we say: "السهل الممتنع" which translates roughly to "Something easy that is not accessible"…

Well, things are never so simple in architecture, aren’t they? If you struggle with many architecture challenges, then you might really like our community! Sign up to our newsletter, and receive weekly architecture tips and tricks!