While it has a simple rectangular shape of 18 x 6 x 6 meters, its significance rests in the way natural light enters through a cross comprised of the two slits – vertical and horizontal – cut into the east wall. The entire building is one symbolic device that augments the strength of light and the power of prayer.

  • Design: Tadao Ando Architect & Associates
  • Year: Finished in 1999
  • Location: Ibaraki City, Osaka
  • 1.175 square feet
  • The towering concrete walls in the main building can reflect noises from outside and remain a calm atmosphere inside.
  • Emphasizes nothingness and empty space to represent the beauty of simplicity. The cross-cut into the east wall increase the power of light by shaping the light into a huge cross with harsh edges, as well as enhancing the sense of the serenity of sunshine. The strong contrast between darkness and brightness of the space, as well as the contrast of hardness and softness of materiality easily formed a sacred atmosphere and lead people to stay absolutely quiet.

Light & Shadow

Light study by digital model-What if we move the building to UK?

A hypothesis to explore the characteristics of ‘site specific’ of daylight and sunlight

9:00AM, 1.1.2022

12:00AM, 1.1.2022

14:00AM, 1.1.2022

There won’t be any strong light effect, it will just be completely dark due to the difference of solar zenith angle in these two countries. The thick concrete wall is can not function as an object to strengthen the impact, instead, it becomes an obstacle for sunlight to pass through.

Draw the shadows

Draw the light

 

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