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Tadao Andō was born in Ōsaka, Japan in 1941 and grew up in the aftermath of World War II. Ando is 2021 guest editor at Domus, a publication which he cites as an influence in his early career when, unable to afford both food and books, he would opt to skip meals to savor the world of architecture.

On the surface one might characterize Ando’s work as minimalist concrete structures, but closer examination finds that his chosen medium is a means to an end, giving space to appreciate the natural surroundings, the light, wind, and water.

This purpose is elegantly exemplified in the Langen Foundation building, located in Neuss in western Germany, at the site of a former NATO rocket base. The site-specific museum was created to showcase Viktor and Marianne Langen’s collection of traditional Japanese art, along with works of classical modern art and contemporary art from the West. The building is a stage for the visitor to experience the art and the landscape in a harmonious balance.

“Architecture is something to be experienced with all five senses – not just the eyes."

TADAO ANDO

This month we’ve paired with Stua Nube, designed by Stua Principal Designer Jesús Gasca with his son and Art Director Jon Gasca. The Nube echoes Ando's pure geometry with the warmth of Kvadrat Divina Melange felted wool upholstery. The shape was designed to bridge the space between architecture and the shape of the human body. It is striking as a single armchair or linked together in group settings.