Tadao Ando’s Church Trilogy: "Church of the Light"

Tadao Ando is one of the foremost names in Japanese architecture, renowned for his mastery of light and shadow, his affinity for concrete, and his respect for empty spaces. In this trilogy, he expresses his vision of sacred spaces — places where architecture connects humanity, nature, and the divine.

The Church of the Light is the most recognizable piece in this trilogy. Closed off from the outside and illuminated from within, it embodies Ando’s belief that light is an essential element of architecture, not merely to illuminate but to transform the space itself.

The church’s most striking feature is the cross-shaped cutout on the eastern facade. During early morning services, light streams through this opening, casting a powerful cross-shaped beam that leaves a lasting impression. If you close your eyes, the image of the cross remains imprinted for some time.

The structure is made from Ando’s signature material — concrete. A wall runs through the main hall at a 15-degree angle, without touching the other walls or ceiling (as seen in the last image). This wall blocks the direct path inside, requiring visitors to take a detour, which "slows down movement" and helps create a contemplative atmosphere for prayer.

Interestingly, the church was originally planned as an extension to a chapel and the house of a Protestant minister, and the construction was funded through donations from the congregation.