Japanese architect Tadao Ando’s newest book is a comprehensive collection of drawings and models created throughout his career. In this feature, Ando highlights nine of his personal favorites included in the publication.
Published in partnership with Taschen, the book—titled Tadao Ando. Sketches, Drawings & Architecture—brings together 750 of Ando’s drawings, models, and plans.
The content is presented in chronological order, taking readers on a visual journey through Ando’s evolution as an architect from the 1970s to the present. Alongside the visuals, Ando provides written commentary, offering context and insights into what he refers to as each project’s unique “architectural story.”
“Every work has its own context, and therefore its own process, its own story,” Ando told Dezeen.
“With this book, my focus was not simply on the finished buildings, but on the richness and depth of each architectural narrative,” he continued. “Because of this, the selection and emphasis differ from those of a typical monograph, and I feel it results in a refreshing volume.”
For Ando, drawing is an essential practice for architects. He believes the effectiveness of a building’s final form is closely tied to how clearly an architect can illustrate their vision.
“We often talk about creating architecture, but in reality, we merely propose a vision of what we want to build—while it is the builders on site who give it physical form,” he said.
“That’s why everything relies on how clearly and directly an architect can communicate their vision and intentions. For architects, drawing is the only language truly capable of expressing this.”
Ando explained that sketching is a habitual activity for him—one he does without much conscious thought. Yet, when designing, he finds drawing is a powerful way to “capture the invisible depth behind architecture.”
“I draw almost unconsciously. I’ve never given much thought to sketching, but if I were to describe its essence, it’s the embodiment of free thought. On that sheet of paper, there are no constraints,” he said.
