Japan: Concrete and Light

Le Corbsuier's Chapel of Notre Dame-du-haut is one of the finest examples of the dramatic use of concrete in architecture. A few decades later, Tadao Ando brought the concept back in style. His most famous include The Church of Light and the Church on the Water, both in Japan. 

The Church of Light by Tadao Ando, Image: http://www.flickr.com/

Japanese architecture is well-known for its minimalism and simplicity. It has been crucial to the evolution of the International Style and the Art & Craft Movements which later led to the evolution of Modern Architecture. 

The Church of Light in Ibaraki, 25 km outside of Osaka in Japan (1989) is a stunning example bringing together nature and architecture to recreate a spiritual power without usage of any symbolic decoration or art. The building structure is simple, composed of rectangular concrete panels cut through with a free-standing wall. 

The Cross, cut out on the Eastern Facade, Image: © Antje Verena

Behind the altar on the eastern facade, a cross is cut out in the free standing panel to let in light. Originally, Tadao Ando intended the cross to stay open to let in the elements. But owing to the freezing conditions in the winter months, it was closed with glazing. 

Image Source: www.buamai.com

A closer look at the glazing within the cross, Image: http://www.archdaily.com/

The light shining through casts reflections on the concrete roof and the blackened cedar floor, creating a meditative place of worship. The powerful effect created eliminates any need of ornamentation or religious art in the interiors. 

The dramatic play on shadows and light, Image: www.milamoo.co.uk

The austere interior comes alive with the ever-changing dramatic play of light and shadow, evoking a sense of spiritual presence.

Every detail in the Church has been laid out with utmost precision. The grooves on the concrete panels, the seams of the concrete form-work, all align perfectly with the cross. Tadao Ando worked with the finest Japanese craftsmen to bring the project to life. The planks and scaffolding used during construction of the building have been re-used in the interiors of the Church.

The Black Cedar Flooring; wood used for the scaffolding has been reused to make the benches
Image: http://architecturalmoleskine.blogspot.in/

Japanese architecture is known for its continuity between interior and exterior spaces; A simple cross resting on grass in the exterior. Image: http://architecturalmoleskine.blogspot.in/