"Tadao Ando: Challenge," an exhibition exploring the architect Tadao Ando's half-century career, is running from September 27th to December 18th at the National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi, Tokyo. A preview for the press and a gallery talk by Ando himself were held on the 26th.

Ando, with his unusual background as a former boxer, is self-taught and established his own architectural firm at the age of 28. To date, Ando has consistently presented innovative architectural works that break down conventional thinking. This largest-ever exhibition features 89 projects from approximately 270 models, drawings, and design documents spanning his half-century career. The exhibition is divided into six sections: "Origin/Home," "Light," "White Space," "Reading the Place," "Making Use of What Exists and Creating What Doesn't," and "Nurturing."

The prologue features sketches Ando made while traveling around the world before becoming an architect, his career history, and a recreation of part of his current studio, giving visitors a glimpse into Ando's personal side.



Section.1 "Origins/Homes"
Getting closer to the origins of architecture - "a place for humans to live"

Introducing over 100 residential projects that embody Ando's style, including exposed concrete, geometric forms, and symbiosis with nature.

One of his early representative works, "Sumiyoshi Row House," is a tiny building in which one of three row houses was converted into a concrete house. The work has won various awards, and Ando shared an anecdote about the residence, saying, "There is a courtyard in the middle of the building, so when it rains, I have to go outside from my room on the second floor and use an umbrella to go to the toilet," which drew laughter from those around me.


Section 2 "Light"
A space filled with light, wind, and nature




The Church of the Light, a chapel built on the outskirts of Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, has been recreated at full size at the National Art Center, Tokyo. Amazingly, this is no mere installation; a construction application was submitted to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to create an extension. True to Ando's words that he wants people to "experience the architecture," this exhibition allows visitors to actually enter the church's chapel. The soft "light" shining from the concrete cross, and the "light" of the cross reflected on the black painted floor, are a sight to behold.


Section 3 "White Space"
Creating white space to create places where people can gather

These models showcase everything from early small-scale commercial buildings to familiar structures in our daily lives, such as Shibuya Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Omotesando Hills. By incorporating plazas into the buildings, opportunities for people to gather are created.


Section 4   "Reading the Place"
Architecture that can only be created in that place


Naoshima, an island of around 2,500 people, is visited by 450,000 tourists every year in search of unique art that breathes life into nature. This section focuses on the spatial installations of the "Naoshima Project." Benesse House and the Chichu Art Museum are depicted from a bird's-eye view on an island piled with wood chips. Experience the island's atmosphere through the video.


Section.5 "Using what we have to create what we don't have"
Revitalization of Historic Buildings


A space where old and new buildings are nested within each other. Presenting actual works from Japan, as well as works centered on the historic Punta della Dogana in Venice. Furthermore, the exhibition also includes a project currently underway in Paris, all on display at once. During the gallery talk, Ando made an impressive statement: "Compared to other countries, Japan (Tokyo) often demolishes old things. Buildings are like the human body; with maintenance they can be restored to their original state. Old things must be preserved."


Section 6 "Nurturing"
Social activism, architectural creation, environmental regeneration
A documentary video introduces Ando's belief that architectural creation = environmental creation.