Spiritual space is lost in gaining convenience. I saw the need to create a mixture of Japanese spiritual culture and modern western architecture.

The quote by Tadao Ando, “Spiritual space is lost in gaining convenience. I saw the need to create a mixture of Japanese spiritual culture and modern western architecture,” expresses his concern over the diminishing spiritual dimension in contemporary architectural design. Ando suggests that as societies increasingly prioritize efficiency, technology, and convenience, they often sacrifice the creation of spaces that foster contemplation, emotional depth, and a connection to nature or self. He sees this as a troubling trend in modern architecture, which tends to overlook spiritual resonance in favor of practicality.

By proposing a fusion of Japanese spiritual culture and modern Western architecture, Ando highlights his personal mission to reintroduce meaning and serenity into built environments. Japanese traditions—especially those rooted in Zen Buddhism and Shinto—place great emphasis on simplicity, emptiness, natural light, and the relationship between the individual and space. Ando’s goal is to incorporate these principles into modern architectural language, resulting in buildings that not only serve functional needs but also nourish the human spirit.

This philosophy is evident in Ando’s work, such as the Church of the Light and the Water Temple, where he uses natural materials, geometric clarity, and light to evoke a sense of tranquility and reflection. His minimalist yet poetic style seeks to restore a sense of awe and inner peace, often inviting users to slow down and become more aware of their surroundings. His architecture becomes a bridge between East and West, tradition and modernity, soul and structure.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Ando’s interviews and writings where he frequently discusses his design philosophy. A self-taught architect, Ando developed a unique worldview shaped by Japanese cultural heritage and the influence of Western modernists like Le Corbusier. Through this quote, he articulates a vision of architecture that transcends utility, aiming instead to create spaces of spiritual experience, especially relevant in an age of increasing disconnection and over-automation.