Tadao Ando Concrete Poetry Booklet
Tadao Ando is a Japanese architect renowned for his minimalism, innovative use of light, and profound connection to nature. His structures are more than concrete and light—they embody a philosophy, a dialogue between space, material, and human experience.
Tadao Ando: Concrete Poetry explores his journey and design principles through seven of his most iconic structures. Both educational and deeply evocative, it offers insight into the profound simplicity that defines Ando’s work, inviting readers to experience architecture as art, meditation, and discovery.
The design of this booklet mirrors Ando’s architectural ethos. A restrained yet dynamic use of negative space reflects the atmospheric qualities of his structures, allowing for a sense of stillness and contemplation while ensuring each spread breathes. The layouts are composed with a quiet rhythm, balancing precision with organic flow—echoing Ando’s ability to harmonize rigid geometric forms with natural elements.
Typography plays a poetic role, reinforcing the title Concrete Poetry through an elegant, intentional treatment that embodies both structure and fluidity. Text is arranged with a sense of balance and subtle asymmetry, nodding to Ando’s ability to create tension and harmony within space.
The cover design features a die-cut inspired by the cross-shaped cutout in his Church of the Light, allowing natural light to pass through. This interactive detail bridges nature with the booklet itself, creating an experience that extends beyond the printed page—just as Ando’s architecture invites visitors to engage with light, shadow, and materiality in unexpected ways.